Blood clots claim lives of young athletes, families advocate for awareness
The Brief
Gov. Brian Kemp declared March as Blood Clot Awareness Month in Georgia.
It comes after two families who lost their sons to blood clots brought up the idea to educate others about clotting risk factors.
Their goal is to raise awareness about blood clots, especially in kids and athletes.
ATLANTA - Up to 100,000 people die each year from blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 25% of those who experience initial symptoms will die suddenly.
What we know
Twenty-one-year-old Bryce Stanfield, a Harrison High graduate and defensive tackle at Furman University, died last February.
Seventeen-year-old Denmark High School football star Finley Krutchen died in October.
Both athletes died from massive pulmonary embolisms where a blood clot blocks arteries in the lungs. They both had the clotting disorder Factor V Leiden.
What they're saying
"Finley didn't show any of the signs and symptoms that you would typically think, but he had pneumonia, and they thought maybe asthma and he saw a couple of different doctors...was cleared by cardiology a week before he went into cardiac arrest," Finley's mom, Veronica Krutchen said.
"Bryce was a 21-year-old athletic football player. He was diagnosed with muscle strains and an upper respiratory infection, maybe a touch of asthma. No one suspected that his symptoms would be related to a blood clot," Bryce's mom, Teri Stanfield, explained.
Both of the athletes' parents plan to head to Washington D.C. in March to continue to push for blood clot awareness on a national level.
"It just helps us know that our boys' voices will be heard," Krutchen added.
SEE ALSO:
Mother champions awareness of pulmonary embolisms in young athletes
Forsyth County teen football star suffers embolism; to be honored at game
The Source
FOX 5's Kim Leoffler spoke to the family of Bryce Stanfield and Finley Krutchen, who both died from blood clots.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
RFK Jr. ousts every member of CDC vaccine advisory committee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sensationally ousted every member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Biden-appointed group that made recommendations on the necessity and use of vaccines, in the first of a series of sweeping changes. The decision to remove all 17 members of the scientific committee, which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and replace them with his own picks, was described as 'a clean sweep' by President Trump's Health Secretary in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece published Monday. President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak at a MAHA event on May 22, 2025. Francis Chung – Pool Via Cnp/CNP via ZUMA / Advertisement 'Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028,' RFK Jr. wrote. 'A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science.' Kennedy Jr., one of the leading anti-vaccine activists in the US, did not say who he would appoint to the panel, but said the committee would meet in Atlanta in two weeks time. The move has been slammed by a number of major physicians and public health groups.
Buzz Feed
11 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
The 1 Thing That Food Experts Never Eat Or Drink While Traveling Abroad
When you're traveling abroad, you probably have a long list of must-sees and must-dos. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps most definitely aren't on that list, but these digestive problems can be all too common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 30% to 70% of vacationers get traveler's diarrhea, depending on where and when they go. The illness can often (but not always) be prevented by paying close attention to what you eat or drink, and by following the 'boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it' rule. 'Foodborne infections can strike at any time,' Leah Silberman, a registered dietitian with Medical Offices of Manhattan, told HuffPost. 'Traveling exposes you to new food sources, local food handling procedures, and different cleanliness standards. This raises your chances of coming into contact with infections or pollutants, against which your body may not have built protection.' Foods may also be contaminated with unsafe drinking water, or when handwashing isn't the norm or isn't done properly, said Mitzi Baum, CEO of the nonprofit Stop Foodborne Illness. Before traveling, it's a good idea to check the CDC's list of destinations, which highlights food or water safety issues, Baum said. Keep in mind, though, that you can get sick anywhere, including the US. About one in six Americans contract foodborne illness each year, which results in 3,000 deaths and 128,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC. Travel enhances your risk of getting digestive issues, however. Along with not being acclimated to the foods or encountering different food-handling processes, jet lag and changes in climate can weaken your immune system, Silberman explained. Next time you travel, follow these tips for protecting yourself from traveler's diarrhea. Dietitians and food safety experts explain which foods are more likely to put you at risk for foodborne illness. What Is Traveler's Sickness? Traveler's diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, and you get it by consuming tainted foods or drinks, according to the CDC. E. coli bacteria is the main culprit, Baum said, but travelers can also get sick from salmonella, shigella, or campylobacter. Viruses, like astrovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus, can also be to blame, as well as the parasite giardia. It often happens in instances of poor food handling, a lack of sanitation, or contaminated drinking water, Silberman said. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever are the most common symptoms of traveler's diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of viral or bacterial infections typically show up within six to 24 hours, but parasites can take a few weeks to show signs. The highest-risk destinations are Asia (except for Japan and South Korea), the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America, according to the CDC. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can reduce your risk, Baum said. Foods And Drinks To Avoid When Traveling Abroad You can actually get foodborne illness from any food or beverage. But some might be riskier than others, depending on where you travel. Food safety measures, sanitary standards, and culinary habits vary in different parts of the world, Silberman said. Your best bet is to research food safety and health risks for your destination. But here are some foods and drinks to consider avoiding. Raw fish and meat Raw meat and seafood are a 'big no-no,' according to Vanessa Rissetto, a registered dietitian and co-founder and CEO of Culina Health. 'We can't source where they came from, how long they've been out, and how they've been handled.' Rare steaks, tartare, sushi, ceviche or raw seafood, or inadequately prepared meat, fish, or seafood can increase your risk for consuming bacteria, parasites, or viruses, Silberman said. Fresh fruits and vegetables Fresh fruits and vegetables that seem to have been sitting out for a while could attract germs that might make you sick, Rissetto said. Opt for cooked produce when you can, which will ensure that it reaches temperatures high enough to kill pathogens. 'If you're going to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, they are safest when washed with potable water and peeled by the person who eats them,' Baum added. Also, choose fruits and vegetables with thick skins — like bananas, oranges or avocados — that can be peeled, Silberman said. 'Peel them yourself to reduce the possibility of eating pathogens.' Dairy Pasteurized milk and dairy products from sealed containers are usually safe to consume, according to the CDC. But unpasteurized items, including cheese, yogurt, or ice cream, are more likely to contain hazardous germs, like listeria, salmonella, or E. coli, Silberman said. It's also a good idea to avoid dairy that's been stored at room temperature or left out, such as cream for coffee. Tap water Alberto Masnovo / Getty Images Contaminated water is a big cause of traveler's diarrhea. 'Since pathogens aren't visible to the naked eye, it's hard to tell if the water is safe to drink,' Baum said. To learn about the safety of tap water in your destination, visit the CDC's travelers' health website, where you can search by country. Whenever you're not sure about the safety of water, drink factory-sealed bottled water and remove ice from your drinks, Baum said. You can also boil water for at least a minute. Be careful not to swallow any water in the shower if you're visiting a place where the water isn't safe to drink, and use bottled water to brush your teeth, Rissetto said. Certain types of street food DigiPub / Getty Images Sampling food from street vendors is a fun way to sample local cuisine, but the CDC warns that some may not adhere to the same safety practices — like hand-washing and checking food temperatures — as restaurants. It's always best to avoid foods and drinks that seem to be sitting around for a while. Items that come straight off a grill, for instance, that are piping hot and cooked are likely safer. What If You Get Sick While Traveling? If, despite your best efforts, you do get a case of traveler's diarrhea, it's usually not serious. But it can persist for a few days or a week (longer if it's caused by a parasite), ruining your trip. Silberman offered these tips for taking care of yourself if that happens: Stay hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting can be dehydrating, so drink lots of bottled water or other safe fluids. Take an over-the-counter medication. Antidiarrheals, like loperamide (Imodium), or anti-nausea drugs, like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), help relieve symptoms. Talk to a healthcare expert first, though, especially if you're taking other medications. See a doctor. If your symptoms aren't going away, they're severe, or you also have a fever, bloody stool, or dehydration, seek medical attention. Call your doctor when you get home if you still have symptoms or if you have an underlying medical condition. No one wants to get sick while traveling, of course. But remember that foodborne illness can happen anywhere, Rissetto noted. 'If we go on vacation overly worried about every single thing we're eating, we might not be able to truly enjoy the experience,' she said. 'You can determine what's right for you in the moment.'
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine panel
The Brief Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee. He claimed the committee had too many conflicts of interest and plans to appoint new members. The panel's work has been in limbo since Kennedy took office, including a delayed February meeting. WASHINGTON - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday announced he had removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to use vaccines and pledged to replace them with his own picks. What they're saying Kennedy, who was one of the nation's leading anti-vaccine activists before becoming the nation's top health official, has not said who he would appoint to the panel, but said it would convene in just two weeks in Atlanta. Although it's typically not viewed as a partisan board, the Biden administration had installed the entire committee. "Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028," Kennedy wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece. "A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science. " Kennedy said the committee members had too many conflicts of interest. Committee members routinely disclose any possible conflicts at the start of public meetings. The other side Major physicians and public health groups criticized the move to oust all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, called Kennedy's mass ouster "a coup." "It's not how democracies work. It's not good for the health of the nation," Benjamin told The Associated Press. Benjamin said the move raises real concerns about whether future committee members will be viewed as impartial. He added that Kennedy is going against what he told lawmakers and the public, and the public health association plans to watch Kennedy "like a hawk." "He is breaking a promise," Benjamin said. "He said he wasn't going to do this." Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, called the committee a trusted source of science- and data-driven advice and said Kennedy's move, coupled with declining vaccination rates across the country, will help drive an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases. "Today's action to remove the 17 sitting members of ACIP undermines that trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives," Scott said in a statement. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor who had expressed reservations about Kennedy's nomination but voted to install him as the nation's health secretary nonetheless, said he had spoken with Kennedy moments after the announcement. "Of course, now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion," Cassidy said in a social media post. "I've just spoken with Secretary Kennedy, and I'll continue to talk with him to ensure this is not the case. Dig deeper The 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had been in a state of flux since Kennedy took over. Its first meeting this year had been delayed when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services abruptly postponed its February meeting. RELATED: RFK Jr. orders review of baby formula: What to know The backstory Kennedy, who was one of the nation's leading anti-vaccine activists before becoming the nation's top health official, recently took the unusual step of changing COVID-19 recommendations without first consulting the panel. The committee had been in a state of flux since Kennedy took over. Its first meeting this year had been delayed when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services abruptly postponed its February meeting. During Kennedy's confirmation, Cassidy had expressed concerns about preserving the committee, saying he had sought assurances that Kennedy would keep the panel's current vaccine recommendations. Kennedy did not stick to that. He recently took the unusual step of changing COVID-19 recommendations without first consulting the advisers. The webpage that featured the committee's members was deleted Monday evening, shortly after Kennedy's announcement. The Source The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes from a Wall Street Journal opinion piece written by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as official records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
