Livestock operations tied to worsened air pollution, study finds
The study published Tuesday in the journal Communications Earth & Environment offers what the authors describe as a first-ever rundown of the distribution of almost 16,000 animal feeding operations (AFOs) across the United States.
They found that about one-quarter of those operations are clustered in just 30 counties in states like California, Texas and Nebraska. To varying degrees, nearby residents are more likely to be Latino and lack high school diplomas or health insurance.
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Levels of fine particulate matter pollution were 28 percent higher in census tracts around cattle AFOs and 11 percent higher in areas near hog farms compared with places lacking those operations.
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CNN
29 minutes ago
- CNN
The hookup talk everyone wishes they'd heard earlier
Women's health Student lifeFacebookTweetLink Follow Dr. Jill Grimes is the author of 'The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything From Hangovers to Homesickness.' With more than 30 years in private practice and academic medicine, she shares her medical wisdom as The College Doc. I know that casual sex and the hookup culture are often considered the norm in college, and many students don't consider negative consequences beyond pregnancy. Unfortunately, nearly half (48.2%) of the 2.4 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis (all stages) in the United States in the most recent year surveyed were among adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24 years, according to the Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2023 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What I've seen in my clinical experience is that teens and young adults often overlook the need for protection against infections, especially when they are using birth control pills or IUDs to prevent pregnancy. In fact, the Spring 2024 National College Health Assessment data shows that only half (50.2%) of the students who used any method of contraception reported using a male condom the last time they had vaginal intercourse. As a college health doctor, I'm aware that many college students are having sex, and that is clearly their choice. But I've seen firsthand how emotionally and physically devastating these diagnoses can be, with tears flooding the exam room from students diagnosed with herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts or HIV. Whether the disease is curable or chronic, the emotional toll is often greater than the physical symptoms — especially since many of these sexually transmitted infections could have been prevented. That's why I want you to know what's really going on in college and what you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy. This is the no-judgment, real-world talk that everyone deserves to hear before swiping right in college — or anywhere. First, don't believe everything you hear in your dorm, at the dining hall or at keg-fueled parties. While students will hear that 'everyone' is hooking up, that's not true. Nearly 52% percent of college students reported having vaginal intercourse within the last year, according to the 2024 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment. That means 48% did not. And it's not all consensual sex. True consent is clear, enthusiastic, ongoing, verbalized, freely given and able to be withdrawn at any time. Students often feel pressured to be more physically intimate to fit in. Thirteen percent of undergrads report 'nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force or inability to consent,' according to the Association of American Universities. Intoxicated or high individuals cannot give consent, yet many hookups happen under the influence. Many students have tearfully shared that they 'just wanted to get it over with' or chose oral or anal sex to stay a 'technical virgin.' Some feel guilt or regret, while others are fully comfortable with their physical intimacy but are shocked by an STI or pregnancy diagnosis. When a student comes in concerned about a genital rash, blisters, discharge or pain with urination, STI testing is part of the workup. Students often are selective about which STI tests they want; they're often fine with checking for chlamydia and gonorrhea but decline HIV testing, because their partner is 'not that kind of person.' While the myth persists that these diseases are passed around in other communities (not yours), sexually transmitted infections don't discriminate. Your risk of an STI comes from behavioral choices, not anyone's appearance, skin color, culture, religion, values, wealth, sexual orientation or political persuasion. Yes, some STIs are more common in certain populations. But check your bias anyway, especially with HIV. Heterosexual contact accounted for 22% of new HIV infections in the United States in 2022, and 13- to 24-year-olds made up 20% of new HIV diagnoses, according to a federal website with information and resources related to HIV/AIDS from the US government. Additionally, young adults are increasingly more fluid in their sexuality, which includes having more bisexual experiences, whether or not they identify as gay or bisexual. If you test positive for one STI, you need more testing. Sexually transmitted infections are mostly spread through body fluids, and some are simply shared through direct contact. If you've contracted one infection, you may have another, so you should be tested for them. Unfortunately, we frequently diagnose more than one at a time. Did you know your partner's cold sore can become your genital herpes? Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, which is easily transmitted by direct contact from one person's oral area to another person's genitals. While herpes is probably the most common disease we see passed via oral sex, it's not the only one. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and less commonly, HIV, can all be spread bidirectionally from oral-genital intimacy. That means STIs can also cause throat, genital and anal infections. Barriers such as condoms or dental dams can significantly reduce your risk. (This is why flavored condoms exist.) Most STIs are silent, causing no, fleeting or minimal symptoms, yet capable of causing significant disease in you or your partner. Screening tests are critical to detect asymptomatic bacterial infections early while they can still be easily treated. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the world, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Chlamydia is also the most common bacterial STI in the United States, with more than 1.5 million reported cases per year, and yet chlamydia causes no obvious symptoms in most women (75% of females and 50% of males, according to Scripps Health). Left untreated, 10% to 15% of women will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, and roughly 10% of those women with PID develop infertility, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial STI, with more than 600.000 cases in the United States in 2023, according to the National Overview of STIs in 2023. Although gonorrhea can also cause PID, very often there is a coinfection with chlamydia, ranging from 10% to 40% in some National Institutes of Health studies. Gonorrhea's biggest challenge is its growing resistance to antibiotics, making it increasingly difficult to treat. PID is the most common preventable cause of female infertility in the United States, affecting an estimated 100,000 women per year, the Cleveland Clinic noted. Sexually active young women should proactively get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year to protect their future fertility. Human papillomavirus is the most common STI overall. Although most HPV infections will resolve spontaneously without problems, persistent infections can quickly cause genital warts or, years later, lead to cancer. Because HPV may be transmitted to a person performing oral sex, HPV also causes 60% to 70% of the roughly 60,000 oropharyngeal cancers (twice as common in men versus women) diagnosed annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Human papillomavirus genital warts are not lethal, but they will make you miserable. The treatment is painful, with repeated procedures and a high risk of recurrence. Patients are often scared, embarrassed and emotionally distraught, terrified that this incurable disease will make them undesirable to any future potential partners. I cannot emphasize enough how this emotional burden (which we see with herpes and HIV as well) critically affects students' self-image, confidence and mental health. Since the HPV vaccine rollout, HPV high-risk infections (including genital warts) have fallen by up to 88% among teen girls and young women, thanks to both direct immunization and herd immunity, according to the CDC. Patients with genital warts used to fill our college clinics, and now thankfully are significantly less common. The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project shows that cervical precancers dropped roughly 80% in women ages 20 to 24, and researchers predict HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of all HPV-related cancers from ever developing, according to the CDC. If you're going to have sex, be prepared before you have sex. Birth control pills are extremely effective when used correctly, but college life is filled with irregular schedules, late nights, road trip weekends and, for some people — vomiting. If pills are delayed, forgotten, missed or thrown up, the efficacy plummets. Adding condoms not only decreases your risk of conception but also adds protection against STIs. Do not, however, double up on condoms. This myth is still perpetuated, but using two condoms at once can increase your risk of breakage and failure. Numbers also matter. If you never drive or ride in a car, you'll never have a car accident. The more you drive, the higher your cumulative risk. It's math, not morality. Teens and young adults deserve more than outdated, awkward and judgmental sex talks. They need to learn how to protect their health, their future fertility and their emotional well-being while learning to live life as adults. If more students knew this information, far fewer would end up blindsided in their college medical center's exam rooms. Hookups may be part of college culture for many students, but let's normalize being open, prepared and honest about the risks. Check with your university health center to learn more about prevention, screening and treatment. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Dentists Reveal The Right Time To Brush Your Teeth In The Morning—And It's Not When You Think
Yes, you brush your teeth every morning, but could you be brushing at the wrong time? It turns out there is a correct time to brush, according to dentists. 'Brushing your teeth in the morning is not just about fresh breath — it is a crucial part of protecting your oral and overall health,' says Anjali Rajpal, DMD, the founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts. In fact, there's a growing amount of research that shows your dental health goes beyond your teeth and gums. 'Good oral health is intricately tied into good overall health and wellness,' says Steven J Katz, DDS, MS, the president of the American Association of Endodontists. 'Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits protect not just your mouth, but your heart, lungs, brain and more.' Before you get out your toothbrush, use the following tips to maximize your dental routine and time your tooth-brushing perfectly. Should you brush before or after breakfast? Both dentists we talked to agreed that if you only brush once in the morning, it's best to do it right after you wake up — before you have anything to eat. 'In addition to getting rid of that horrible morning breath, it is important to brush your teeth in the morning to remove the plaque and bacteria that developed overnight,' says Dr. Katz. That's because when you're sleeping, your body doesn't produce as much saliva as it does when you're awake so there's no liquid in your mouth to rinse off bacteria throughout the night. 'If left on your teeth, it will lead to tooth decay and gum disease,' adds Dr. Katz. 'And if you breathe with your mouth open while you sleep — as opposed to breathing through your nose — brushing first thing in the morning is even more important, because breathing through your mouth dries out the oral tissues, reduces salivary flow and increases plaque build-up.' Brushing beforehand also 'coats your teeth with protective fluoride, hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate or other minerals that may be in your preferred toothpaste,' says Dr. Rajpal. This 'protects your teeth from acid attacks when you eat breakfast, especially if it is something sugary or acidic, says Dr. Rajpal. Should you brush again after breakfast? Probably, but there are a few things to keep in mind so it's best to double-check with your dentist. 'It is not recommended if you have exposed roots, thin enamel or tooth sensitivity because frequent brushing could aggravate it,' says Dr. Rajpal. Research suggests it's also best to wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking, especially if you've had acidic coffee or juice. 'Brushing too soon after acid exposure can actually damage your enamel, which becomes temporarily softened,' says Dr. Rajpal. Lastly, you need to consider how you brush your teeth. 'The appropriate technique is crucial,' says Dr. Katz. 'Brushing too aggressively can lead to gum recession, erosion of the enamel and sensitivity. Speak to your dentist and/or hygienist about the appropriate brushing technique.' They may recommend using a soft-bristled brush with light pressure and avoiding abrasive toothpaste like some that contain baking soda, charcoal or whitening agents, according to Dr. Rajpal. If over-brushing is a concern for you and 'if you really want a clean, fresh mouth after breakfast or coffee but have already brushed before, try just rinsing instead with a refreshing natural or alcohol-free mouthwash,' says Dr. Rajpal. Should you also brush after lunch? 'For most people, brushing twice a day, morning and night, is enough to maintain good oral health,' says Dr. Rajpal. 'However, brushing after lunch can be a smart move if you are prone to cavities or gum disease; you have eaten something sticky, sugary or acidic; you are wearing braces, aligners, or other appliances that trap food; or you will not be able to brush again for many hours possibly due to a long work shift or travel.' How to do a better job of brushing your teeth Take your oral health care to the next level with these tips for brushing your teeth: Floss first. Dr. Katz recommends flossing before you brush your teeth. Research has found that people who floss first remove more plaque from between their teeth and have higher concentrations of fluoride in the plaque. Don't rush it. 'Most people brush for 30 to 45 seconds, but you need a full 2 minutes to properly clean all surfaces of every tooth,' says Dr. Rajpal. 'Try using a timer or a song to pace yourself.' Angle your toothbrush. 'Always hold your brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline — not flat against your teeth,' says Dr. Rajpal. 'This helps clean where plaque starts, right where the teeth and gums meet.' While you're at it, make sure you brush your tongue, too. If you go electric, buy the right one. 'A $3 manual toothbrush can outperform a $200 electric one if you are using proper technique, brushing long enough and being thorough,' says Dr. Rajpal. 'However, if you prefer, a good electric toothbrush often includes timers and pressure sensors to protect your gums.' Skip the rinse. 'After brushing, spit but don't rinse with water right away,' says Dr. Rajpal. 'This leaves fluoride or other toothpaste minerals on your teeth longer, allowing it to strengthen enamel more effectively.' Toss old brushes. 'Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every 3 months — or sooner if the bristles are frayed,' says Dr. Rajpal. Store your current brush upright in open air and not enclosed in a case where bacteria can thrive, she adds. The bottom line Brush your teeth right before bed and right when you wake up and floss daily. See your dentist for regular checkups and don't ignore pain or sensitivity in your mouth. 'Nothing looks, functions or feels like our own teeth,' says Dr. Katz. 'Teeth are essential for speech, eating and our all-important smiles. In addition, maintaining healthy teeth leads to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of diabetes and enables better cognitive function. In short, keeping your natural teeth isn't just about comfort or cosmetics, it's an investment in your long-term well-being.' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Cowboys' Jerry Jones reveals 2010 cancer diagnosis, overcame stage 4 melanoma
Netflix's eight-part documentary on the Dallas Cowboys drops next week and mostly examines the team's glory days in the 1990s. There is, however, a reference to a battle that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones won more recently. Jones made a passing reference in the documentary to undergoing cancer treatments 'about a dozen years ago.' Jones confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in June of 2010 and underwent treatment over the following decade. Advertisement Jones said he received 'fabulous' treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and overcame the cancer thanks to an experimental drug called PD-1, or Programmed Cell Death Protein 1, per the Dallas Morning News. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis means melanoma has spread to other places throughout the body, such as the brain, lungs, liver or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and it may have spread to distant points in the skin, per the Melanoma Research Alliance. According to the National Library of Medicine, research showed that PD-1 'acted as a 'brake' role in immune function, and suggested that immune checkpoint inhibition may reactivate T cells and eliminate cancer cells more effectively.' T cells are part of the immune system and help protect the body from infection. Jones said he had two lung surgeries and two lymph node surgeries in the decade after his cancer diagnosis. He confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that he is tumor-free. Jones, 82, has held the title of Cowboys owner and general manager since he bought the franchise in 1989. After winning three Super Bowls in four years during the mid-90s with coach Jimmy Johnson, the team has struggled to find postseason success since. Dallas is in a 29-year championship drought and is the only NFC team to fail to reach a conference championship game over that span. The Cowboys have compiled a 319-261 record under Jones. Their last playoff appearance came in 2023, when they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
