Former Football Players With C.T.E. Have Turned to Violence
C.T.E., a degenerative disease associated with repeated hits to the head, was first identified almost a century ago in boxers, and it has since been found in soldiers and other athletes in full-contact sports like rugby and hockey.
For the moment, though, it is unclear whether Mr. Tamura, 27, had the disease because it can definitively be diagnosed only after an autopsy. Some people later found to have C.T.E. are known to have experienced symptoms including impulsive behavior, depression and suicidal thoughts, and athletes have claimed the disease caused their neurological and cognitive problems.
In a three-page note found in his wallet found by the police, Mr. Tamura referred to C.T.E. as the cause of his problems and asked for his brain to be studied, law enforcement sources said.
The note, from which the police released excerpts, also inveighed against the N.F.L., which has offices at 345 Park Avenue, where the shooting took place, saying it had concealed the danger of the sport in favor of profits. The note also referred to Terry Long, the former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman who died in 2005 after drinking antifreeze.
The police said Mr. Tamura carried an AR-15-style rifle into the skyscraper and began firing, killing a New York City police officer and three other people, and critically wounding a fifth person before shooting himself in the chest, rather than the head.
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Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
The One Thing to Do Every Single Day to Lower Inflammation In Your Arteries, According to Cardiologists
The One Thing to Do Every Single Day to Lower Inflammation In Your Arteries, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade. "Inflammation" is making the rounds on social media—and cardiologists aren't upset that there's an increase in awareness about it. "Artery inflammation—also known as atherosclerosis—is more than just a medical buzzword," says Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein. "It's a key contributor to heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions." However, Dr. Kee and other cardiologists emphasize that it's crucial to have the most accurate information on artery inflammation, including how to lower it—because yes, that's possible and important. Yet, taking the reins of your health can feel overwhelming, especially in today's age of information overload. Cardiologists suggest starting with this one daily habit to lower inflammation in your arteries. 🩺 💊 What Is Artery Inflammation, Anyway? "Artery inflammation is the process that leads to the buildup of plaque inside your arteries," Dr. Kee reports. "This plaque is made up of fats, cholesterol and inflammatory cells, and it can narrow or block blood flow." High cholesterol is commonly linked to inflammation in the arteries, but it's not the only risk culprit. "It can be caused by many factors such as high cholesterol—especially elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high blood pressure, smoking, as well as infection and autoimmune diseases," says , a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and a contributor. Dr. Kee notes that even a diet high in processed foods can raise your odds of excess inflammation (bookmark that point). "When you have risk immune system gets activated," Dr. Kee shares. "This can cause damage to the inner lining of your arteries, allowing bad cholesterol to sneak in. 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Related: What To Do Every Day To Lower Artery Inflammation Cardiologists reveal that consistently following a Mediterranean-style diet is one of the best things you can do to lower inflammation in your arteries. "The Mediterranean diet isn't just a trend—it's a time-tested, science-backed way to protect your heart and reduce inflammation," Dr. Kee raves. "With its colorful foods, healthy fats and lifestyle focus, it's a delicious path to better cardiovascular health." Dr. Kee reports that the eating plan—which U.S. News & World Report named the No. 1 diet for the eighth consecutive year in 2025—is inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries like Greece, Italy and Spain. Backing up, Dr. Kee mentioned the Mediterranean eating plan is "delicious." "Diet" and "delicious" don't often go together. However, this diet doesn't focus on another D word (deprivation), nor is it rigid. "It emphasizes foods you should consume in higher quantities in your daily meals like vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes, good fats like olive oil and good protein," Dr. Suppogu notes. "It stresses limiting red meats and processed food." Dr. Gould says that examples of foods you'll load up on while following a Mediterranean diet and lowering artery inflammation in the process include: Whole wheat bread Whole wheat pasta Brown rice Beans Lentils Olive oil Nuts Seeds Salmon Low-fat dairy products, like Greek yogurt The eating plan doesn't just focus on what you put on your plate, but also on the whole vibe of your meal. "It also emphasizes not just focusing on your meals and enjoying them without distractions, but to enjoy meals together with family and friends in social settings," Dr. Suppogu says. Related: Why The Mediterranean Diet Lowers Artery Inflammation Cardiologists note that the nutritional components of the Mediterranean diet have numerous benefits, including the potential to lower harmful cholesterol and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as promote beneficial gut bacteria. "The Mediterranean diet works as a natural medicine for our arteries because it is rich in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats," explains Dr. Joseph Lodato, MD, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Washington, D.C. and Maryland Cardiologists dug into more specifics about why the Mediterranean diet lowers inflammation in the arteries. 1. It helps you with cholesterol control Elevated cholesterol raises your risk of higher inflammation in the arteries. However, chowing down on foods in the Mediterranean diet can help keep cholesterol levels in check. "Polyphenols, which are found in extra-virgin olive oil and other plant-based foods, stop harmful cholesterol (LDL) from oxidizing and thus prevent it from forming dangerous, inflamed plaques in your arteries," Dr. Lodato says. A 2023 meta-analysis in Advances in Nutrition supported the idea that Polyphenol consumption could improve total cholesterol. 2. It reduces your inflammation biomarkers "The diet lowers inflammatory markers in your blood, like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is often used to gauge artery inflammation," Dr. Kee explains. Dr. Lodato attributes the fiber and healthy fats in a Mediterranean diet as a primary reason why people who consume Mediterranean-style diets experience less inflammation. "The healthy fats and fiber in this diet work to reduce inflammation to protect your arteries and your metabolic system," Dr. Lodato says. 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They shared other practical tips for managing inflammation. 1. Get plenty of exercise Dr. Suppogu suggests getting daily physical activity, such as adding a 30-minute cardio workout five times per week to your routine. "Daily physical to burn the fat, decrease bad cholesterol LDL levels and promote good cholesterol HDL levels," Dr. Suppogu reports. "It decreases inflammation by promoting healthy endothelial function by decreasing oxidative stress at the cellular level and decreasing bad cardiac outcomes." Log a half-hour workout at a moderate intensity five times per week, and you'll meet the American Heart Association's recommendations for physical activity. 2. Attend regular check-ups with your PCP Knowledge is power. "Attend regular physical check-ups with your primary care physician so you know what your numbers are—cholesterol, blood pressure and weight," Dr. Suppogu advises. 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Dr. Joseph Lodato, MD, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Washington, D.C. and Maryland Efficacy of Dietary Polyphenols from Whole Foods and Purified Food Polyphenol Extracts in Optimizing Cardiometabolic Health: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Advances in Nutrition. The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health: A Critical Review. Circulation. Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Human Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview. International Journal of Environmental and Public Health. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. American Heart Association. Broken sleep predicts hardened blood vessels. PLOS Biology. The One Thing to Do Every Single Day to Lower Inflammation In Your Arteries, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Aug 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
National Geographic
21 hours ago
- National Geographic
This is what happens to your body if your shoes don't fit right
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'Having improper footwear, or shoes that are not supporting you, is going to have an impact on the rest of your body, whether it's from the standpoint of fatigue or creating imbalance in anatomical alignment.' Understanding what's behind these changes is the first step to preventing pain that can spread beyond your feet. How your shoes cause pain To move efficiently and without pain, your feet need footwear that supports their natural motion. 'Every time we walk, our feet need to be able to change shape,' says Otto Lam, a physical therapist at Good Reps Therapy. The heel should strike first, the foot should roll forward, and the toes should spread before pushing off—but the wrong shoe can disrupt this sequence. 'If someone with wider feet is in a narrow shoe, perhaps they won't be able to get their foot to fully conform to the ground, or, as we call it, pronate,' Lam says. That restriction can shorten steps and force the hips and lower back to work harder to move forward. Over time, these small compensations can lead to persistent pain, throw off your gait, strain your joints, and exacerbate balance issues. Colored MRI-style X-ray shows a stiletto shoe elevating the heel and forcing the foot into a downward angle. This altered position shifts body weight forward, changing gait mechanics and increasing strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Photograph By Nick Veasey, Science Photo Library Certain shoe styles create their own problems. Flip-flops, for instance, 'can cause us to grip or claw our toes to keep [the shoes] on,' Lam says. The gripping prevents the toes from relaxing or spreading out, which is necessary for standard walking mechanics. Not only can it create tension in the arches, but it may also cause pain in the calf muscles. Flatter or worn shoes with little arch support can also cause inner knee pain. High heels shift body weight forward, straining the forefoot and lower back. Slip-ons, minimalist shoes, and platforms can limit stability or natural motion, causing muscles to overwork. (Why walking barefoot can actually help your feet.) Even a single uncomfortable shoe can change how you walk. 'Let's say my right foot is uncomfortable and not my left in that shoe that I choose for whatever reason,' Lam says. 'I'm going to shorten my stride and put more weight on the other leg putting more stress on that side's knee, hip, and lower back.' Whether it's a bad fit, worn-out cushioning, or a mismatch between shoe design and foot shape, the wrong footwear can quietly set off a chain reaction of discomfort throughout the body. How to identify shoe-related pain One of the first things Cunha asks his patients to do is place their shoes on the exam table—because the wear patterns tell a story. 'We all pronate when we walk, which is when our arch collapses. But if you overpronate then, you're obviously going to have more wear and tear on the inside of the shoe and on the heel.' This causes your foot to roll inward, followed by your leg, which can lead to various issues, including plantar fasciitis on the foot, Achilles tendonitis in the ankle, inner knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. (The overlooked key to fitness? Strengthening your joints and tendons.) To pinpoint the cause, Cunha often performs a gait analysis. Sometimes it's done in the office, but even a simple video of a patient walking toward and away from the camera can reveal abnormalities in stride or posture. These clues help determine whether pain stems from the body's mechanics or from footwear that doesn't match the wearer's needs. 'Even if you don't have foot problems, if you have back problems, I'd recommend custom orthotics,' Cunha says. While over-the-counter inserts can help in mild cases, custom orthotics are molded to your foot's unique shape and movement pattern, making them more effective for correcting imbalances that lead to chronic pain. How to find the proper footwear for you Once you know what's causing the pain, focus on finding shoes that match your foot shape and movement. Flat feet may benefit from stability shoes with firm midsoles, while high arches often need extra cushioning to absorb shock. Wide feet require shoes with a roomier toe box, while narrow feet may need a snugger fit to avoid slipping. Both Cunha and Lam recommend shopping for shoes in person. Not only can you test the fit for yourself, but you can also get your foot measured with a Brannock Device by someone who knows how to interpret the measurements. The device measures length, width, and arch length to determine the best shoe size. 'I always tell patients to buy their shoes at the end of the day when their feet are most swollen and they're in their worst shape due to the cumulative effect of effects of gravity,' Cunha says. Putting on a shoe that fits properly should provide some relief to your body. 'You can feel it in your back. You'll feel lighter. Even walking around the store, you'll feel your back pain ease up a little bit.' For durability and anatomical support, Cunha recommends choosing shoes approved by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. 'The shoe brands I recommend are Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and ASICS,' he says. 'They're fit over fashion.' (The definitive list of running shoes for every kind of runner, according to pros.) It's also important to remember that even the best shoes have a lifespan. Walking or running shoes often last 300–500 miles, or about 6–12 months of regular wear. Everyday sneakers may last longer, but should be replaced when the tread wears down, the midsole feels flat, or new aches develop. Inspect them regularly for worn soles, compressed cushioning, or changes in support, and pay attention to any new aches in your feet or ankles that a shift in activity can't explain, Lam says. Ultimately, the right shoe is the one that feels good on both feet and supports the way you naturally move. 'Our bodies are interconnected,' Cunha says. 'You have to treat the whole body and treat its individual components.'
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
A protein researcher shares his easy go-to breakfast for strong muscles and good health
If nutrition expert Stuart Phillips could pinpoint just one time in your day when you could amp up the protein, he suspects it might be at the breakfast table. As one of the world's leading experts on protein and a nutrition scientist who's been studying this macronutrient for decades, he says the protein craze has gone a little overboard lately, with products like protein water and protein ice cream becoming trendy. "Protein's appearing in places where I don't think it has any business," Phillips, a professor of human physiology and nutrition science at McMaster University, recently told the Zoe nutrition podcast. "Nobody's truly — in our societies — deficient in protein." Instead, he says, some people might be "just a little bit under what I think is the recommended intake" of protein — a problem that can be easily solved without adding any new pricey supplements or ultra-processed products to your day. His own protein-rich go-to breakfast is cheap, sustaining, and flexible. Greek yogurt has more protein and fewer carbs than regular yogurt Phillips is part of a growing chorus of researchers and nutrition buffs who acknowledge that our current recommended dietary allowances of protein are a little bit low for most people. "A meal where people — I don't say under-consume protein — but that tends to be carbohydrate-heavy is breakfast," he said. For decades, our morning meals have been too often steered by ultraprocessed carbs like cereals, pancake mix, muffins, and toast. "Carbohydrates and fats, they're fuel," he says, but "protein is the structural component of everything." For him, the easiest way to make breakfast a more protein-rich meal is to begin with a bed of yogurt, instead of bread. "My superfood at breakfast is Greek-style yogurt," he said. It's a little higher in protein than regular yogurt, and pairs easily with other healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast staples. "Throw some nuts, throw some seeds, throw some fruit in there — it's probably my go-to breakfast just about every day." If you have a cup of whole, plain Greek yogurt (20g) for breakfast, topped with a quarter cup of mixed nuts (5.5g), a teaspoon of chia seeds (1g), and half a cup of mixed berries (0.5g), that's already about 27 grams of protein. No matter who you are or what your muscle-building goals may be, you're well on your way to meeting your daily requirements that way. How much protein do you really need? A quick and dirty formula Nutrition experts don't quite agree on how much protein is too much, but Phillips says that many people have been overdoing it lately, overreacting to the idea that our recommended guidelines lowball us. "The pendulum becomes 'well we need to get protein because we're not getting enough' but that's not the message," he said. "Actually, a lot of people are getting more than enough." His current recommendation? Consume about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of your body weight each day. If you know your weight in pounds, divide that number by 2.2 to find your rough protein target, in grams. For example, someone who weighs 150 lbs should consume around 68 grams of protein. Older people should strive to get a bit more, maybe around 1.2 grams per kilo of body weight, Phillips said. Lots of influencers and wellness gurus are recommending way more than that. Dr. Peter Attia, a popular longevity physician, recommends more than double what Phillips does, at about 2.2 grams per kilo. We've been through this charade with other macronutrients before. First, carbs were touted as the health foods of the 1980s and 90s, then fat had its heyday in the 2000s. Now, it's protein's turn to be the rockstar macronutrient. Don't get caught up in this hype cycle. Researchers generally agree that anything more than 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram each day is overkill. "I do think that the benefits of protein probably stop a lot sooner than a lot of people are making out," Phillips said.
