Giant plume of Saharan dust to hit US. What does it mean for tropical storm development?
A plume of dust from the Saharan Desert is expected to sweep across the Gulf Coast this week, bringing hazy skies and reduced air quality to millions from Texas to Florida.
While the heaviest concentrations are forecast for the southeastern U.S., the eastern half of Texas, particularly the stretch from Houston to Dallas, will still see dust-laden skies beginning this weekend.
Fortunately for Texans, the dust isn't expected to be as dense as in other states, though it may still pose discomfort for those with respiratory issues.
It's also fortunate for residents of Florida and other Gulf Coast states — where the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical system that has the potential to develop — as the dust could suppress and weaken the system that's right off the southeastern United States coastline.
This refers to the dust carried by winds across the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert. Thunderstorms in the Sahara region stir up dust and push it into the atmosphere. The dust is then transported across the Atlantic and deposited in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. While it primarily affects Puerto Rico, it can also reach states such as Florida and Texas.
According to the CDC, Saharan dust transported to the United States is a normal occurrence, especially from late June to mid-August.
While Saharan dust can lead to hazy skies and poor air quality across parts of the Gulf Coast, it also plays a significant role in shaping tropical weather patterns, often for the better, at least in terms of storm suppression.
Alex DaSilva, hurricane expert for AccuWeather, previously told USA TODAY that Saharan dust can act as a natural deterrent to tropical storm development.
'It basically can choke off these systems because, again, they want plenty of moisture, and when you're taking the moisture away, it makes it harder for thunderstorms to develop," DaSilva previously told USA TODAY.
In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation.
Although Saharan dust was crossing the Atlantic during the intensification of Hurricane Beryl, the storm was able to strengthen because it developed ahead of the densest plume of dust. This placed it in a pocket of relatively moist, unstable air — the kind of environment tropical systems need to grow.
A light layer of Saharan dust is expected to settle over South Texas on Monday, drifting north into the Dallas-Fort Worth area by Tuesday. Conditions should clear briefly on Wednesday before a thicker wave moves in Thursday and Friday. Another round is possible over the weekend or early next week.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is Saharan dust? How it may impact tropical system near Florida
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Scientific American
40 minutes ago
- Scientific American
Inside the Collapse of the America's Overdose Prevention Program
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(When approached for an interview by Scientific American, a CDC spokesperson said, 'Honestly, the new administration has changed how things normally work' and did not make anyone available for questions.) What Gets Measured Gets Managed Provisional data suggest that deaths from drug use declined by almost 25 percent in 2024, though overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44. Cuts to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health will make it difficult to measure similar statistics in the future. Because substance use is highly stigmatized, Banta-Green says it's important to have diverse, localized and timely data from multiple agencies to accurately capture the need for services—and the ways they're actually used. 'You can't design public health or policy responses if you don't know the scale of the need,' he says. 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Working with others who understood that many people need help minimizing risks gave Martínez a chance to make progress toward recovery in a way that he says abstinence-only treatment programs couldn't. 'I don't agree that somebody should be sober in order for them to do things different,' he says. Over the past six years working for the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Martínez started a national support network for other peer program workers and community members—people who share their experiences and are a trusted source of education and support for others using drugs. 'There's never no time limit,' he says. 'Everybody works on their own pace.' Though Martínez's program doesn't take federal funding, the Trump administration is cutting similar kinds of peer programs. Martínez says doing this peer work gives many users a sense of purpose and stability—and helps them avoid previous behaviors. 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While national overdose deaths declined in white populations from 2021 to 2023, for example, they continued to rise among people of color. Black and Latino communities often face barriers when accessing health services, many of which have been shaped by predominantly white institutions. Waldon says it's essential for people from diverse backgrounds to participate in policy decisions and necessary to ensure that opioid abatement funds —legal funds used toward treatment and prevention—are distributed fairly. Without adequate federal funding, Waldon predicts treatment programs in Kentucky will become backlogged—potentially pushing more people into crisis situations that lead to emergency services or incarceration rather than to recovery. These financial and political pressures are not only making it harder to find support for people in crisis; they also reduce opportunities to discuss community needs. 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Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
12 Causes of High Blood Pressure (and How to Prevent It)
Key takeaways Most cases of hypertension are primary (essential), meaning there's no specific cause but rather multiple factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and diet. Only about 5% to 10% of cases are secondary hypertension with a specific identifiable cause. Key modifiable risk factors include having overweight or obesity (which accounts for 65% to 78% of primary hypertension cases), lack of physical activity, high sodium intake, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, taking certain medications, and not getting enough high quality sleep. Your blood pressure is a gauge of how much pressure your blood flow creates in your arteries. If it's too high, it can damage your cardiovascular system. Hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) can also increase your risk of certain complications, such as heart attack or stroke. Nearly 50% of adults in the United States have hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many more have it and don't know it. So how do you know if you have high blood pressure? Per the American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines, your blood pressure is in the normal range when it's less than 120/80 mm Hg. Doctors consider anything above that as elevated. Anything above 130/80 mm Hg falls into one of two stages of hypertension. Hypertension can be primary or secondary. Most cases of hypertension are primary (essential). That means there's no specific cause for your hypertension, and it's likely due to several factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and diet. About 5% to 10% of people with high blood pressure have secondary hypertension. It's attributable to a specific cause, such as hypothyroidism. You can often reverse secondary hypertension if you effectively treat the underlying condition. 1. Underlying health conditions While most cases of hypertension are primary (many-faceted), several underlying health conditions can contribute to or cause secondary hypertension. Treating these conditions can often reverse hypertension. They include: elevated blood pressure overweight or obesity diabetes chronic kidney disease pregnancy certain heart irregularities »MORE: Get a refill for your high blood pressure medication in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Perks Online Care. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. 2. Overweight or obesity Although obesity is an underlying health condition, it warrants its own spot on this list. A 2020 literature review estimated that obesity accounted for 65% to 78% of cases of primary hypertension. Being overweight or having obesity can cause you to develop high blood pressure. It can also worsen hypertension if you already have it. That's because having more fat tissue causes changes in your body. Those changes include hormonal and physical shifts in your kidneys and how they function. Carrying too much weight could also alter how your body uses insulin. This could lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes —another risk factor for hypertension. If you're overweight or have obesity, losing 2% to 3% of your body weight could reduce your risk for heart disease and hypertension. But a healthcare professional may recommend aiming for 5% to 10%. They'll usually recommend a mix of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, or other interventions. 3. Lack of physical activity Getting too little physical exercise can negatively impact you in many ways. It could aggravate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and lead to being overweight. Exercising can help you maintain a moderate weight or lose weight if necessary. That can positively affect your blood pressure and give you more energy and a sense of well-being. The AHA suggests the following, based on guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise. Perform moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening resistance training at least 2 days per week. Spend less time sitting. Work up to more activity — at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week. Gradually increase the amount and intensity of your exercise. Learn more about the benefits of regular physical activity. 4. Salt intake Eating less sodium can help you lower your blood pressure. Sodium is a component of table salt, aka sodium chloride. It's also a common addition to many packaged and processed foods to enhance taste. A 2019 study found that moderately reducing your sodium intake could lower your blood pressure, whether you have hypertension. Most people in the United States consume too much sodium. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the average daily intake for adults is 3,400 milligrams (mg) — 48% higher than the recommended limit. The FDA suggests a limit of 2,300 mg per day, or about one teaspoon, for people ages 14 and up. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests an even lower limit of 2,000 mg. The AHA recommends lower still — no more than 1,500 mg daily, especially if you have hypertension. Learn more about a low sodium diet. 5. Alcohol Heavy alcohol consumption can harm your overall health, including your cardiovascular health. It can contribute to or worsen hypertension. It can also increase your risk of diabetes and several cancers. The AHA recommends limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day for males and one for females. A drink is: 12 ounces of beer 4 ounces of wine 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits But even moderate alcohol consumption has its drawbacks. A 2019 study of more than 17,000 people suggests that moderate consumption (7 to 13 drinks a week) can substantially raise your risk of hypertension. A 2020 study also found a link between moderate alcohol consumption and high blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Learn more about how you can reduce your alcohol consumption. 6. Caffeine Up to 90% of people in the United States consume some form of caffeine each day. According to the AHA, caffeine isn't terrible for blood pressure unless you have too much. The AHA also acknowledges a possible link between drinking coffee and a lower risk of chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day is safe for most people with high blood pressure, according to a 2017 review of studies and a 2021 study. But drinking much beyond that can lead to anxiety and heart palpitations. The FDA suggests a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults. For reference: An 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 100 mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of tea has 30 to 50 mg. An 8-ounce energy drink has 40 to 250 mg. A 12-ounce can of soda has 30 to 40 mg. If you're concerned about your caffeine intake, it's best to check in with a healthcare professional. As caffeine is known to elevate blood pressure, wait 30 minutes before taking a blood pressure reading. An inaccurate reading can impact your care, according to a 2022 study. 7. Smoking Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking can contribute to many life threatening conditions, including heart attack, stroke, lung disease, and several cancers. That said, the relationship between hypertension and smoking isn't yet clear. But smoking does lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, the hardening of your arteries. Stiff arteries cause an increase in blood pressure. 8. Medication Some medications can increase your blood pressure. A 2021 study of 27,599 adults found that 18.5% of people with high blood pressure take medication that could raise their blood pressure further. Medications that might increase your blood pressure include: steroids nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decongestants antipsychotics birth control pills If you have high blood pressure, it's best to discuss all medications you're taking, including any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, with a healthcare professional. 9. Not enough sleep According to the CDC, most people older than 18 years need at least 7 hours of sleep a night for optimum health. But many people don't get enough. That can affect your health, especially if you have high blood pressure. That's because when you sleep normally, your blood pressure goes down. That gives your body a break. Having insomnia or other sleep problems, or regularly getting too little sleep, means your body doesn't get as much of a break. You can get enough rest by practicing good sleep hygiene. The CDC offers the following tips: Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. Get enough natural light, especially earlier in the day. Get enough physical activity during the day. Try not to exercise within a few hours of bedtime. Avoid artificial light, especially within a few hours of bedtime. Use a blue light filter on your computer or smartphone. Don't eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime; avoid alcohol and foods high in fat or sugar. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. 10. Pregnancy Hypertension that develops during pregnancy is called gestational hypertension. If you have it, it's imperative to manage it to avoid harm to you and your baby. Doctors generally define it as blood pressure at or over 140/90 mm Hg. There are several possible causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy. They include: being overweight or obese not getting enough physical activity smoking drinking alcohol having a first-time pregnancy having a family history of pregnancy-related hypertension carrying more than one child being 35 years or older having assistive reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) having diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases You can help prevent high blood pressure in pregnancy by managing risk factors you can change — those that are related to lifestyle, such as being overweight, smoking, and alcohol use. Talk with a healthcare professional as soon as you think it may be a concern. 11. Age High blood pressure typically becomes more of a concern as you age. The CDC reports that from 2017 to 2018, hypertension was more common in older adults. Age range (years) Prevalence of hypertension 18–39 22.4% 40–59 54.5% 60+ 74.5% All adults 45.4% The National Institute on Aging (NIA) states that high blood pressure risk increases with age because your body's vascular system, or network of blood vessels, changes as you age. Your arteries can get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. That's true even for people with healthy habits. The NIA recommends the same practices for older adults as younger ones, including modifying essential lifestyle factors like smoking (if you smoke), drinking (if you drink), exercise, and a balanced diet. They also recommend you take prescribed medications if needed and check in with a doctor regularly. Learn more about managing your blood pressure as you age. 12. Genetics If your parents have high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it. Hypertension tends to run in families. This may be due to family members sharing similar habits, like exercise and diet. But there appears to be a genetic component as well. Genetic factors may contribute to 30% to 60% of cases of irregular blood pressure. Some genetic variants can lead to syndromes that feature high blood pressure, including: hyperaldosteronism Gordon syndrome Liddle syndrome Other genes or combinations of genes might lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure. Research from 2019 suggests that a variation in the ARMC5 gene may explain the increased prevalence of hypertension in Blacks and African Americans. Still, it's not yet known how much having a family history of the condition increases your risk. More research is needed in this area. How can I prevent high blood pressure? According to the AHA, the ways to manage blood pressure are also ways you can help prevent it: Get regular physical activity. Don't smoke, or quit smoking if you do. Limit alcohol consumption. Maintain a moderate weight. Eat a balanced diet that's low in sodium. Manage your stress. Work with a healthcare professional. Takeaway Many factors contribute to your likelihood of developing hypertension. Some of them are within your control, such as your exercise habits, diet, and whether you drink alcohol or smoke. Others are not, such as genetics and age. If you already have hypertension, you're not alone. Nearly half of all adults do. You can lower your blood pressure by changing your habits and seeing your healthcare professional for appropriate medication if necessary. If you don't have hypertension, check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Many people, including those with healthy habits, don't know they have it. You can lower your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Boston Globe
What's going on with measles, bird flu, and COVID? Here's a guide to the latest.
Write to us at . To subscribe, . TODAY'S STARTING POINT Measles outbreaks. A canceled effort to develop a bird flu vaccine. An infectious new COVID variant and changing federal guidance about who should get boosted. In recent weeks, drama in D.C. has buried several vaccine-related developments. Today's newsletter explains what's new and what it means. COVID What's changed: Last month, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. What it means: The administration has tried to narrow the pool of people it says should get boosted. But where some of the changes reflect reasonable readings of the science, others do not. Advertisement Dr. Nirav Shah, a top CDC official during the Biden administration, said experts debate whether younger children should get boosted. When Shah was in government, he recommended it. But many other countries don't, noting that most young children have a low risk of serious illness. The mRNA technology used in some COVID shots can also have side effects, including a condition called myocarditis that mostly affects boys and young men. Advertisement But Shah, who previously led Maine's CDC and is now at Colby College, says the evidence is much less debatable in the case of pregnant women. Not only are boosters safe and effective for them, but getting them protects babies in utero and up to 6 months old The way Kennedy made the changes has also troubled experts. Normally, health agencies gather outside advisers' input before making new recommendations. But Kennedy seems to have acted unilaterally. His announcement, made in a minutelong social media video, 🎁 ). 'What it suggests is that some of the conclusions are foregone,' Shah said. Kennedy argues that health experts made mistakes that undermined public trust during the pandemic. Shah acknowledges that, to a point. Some experts, he said, tried to squelch dissenting views or didn't effectively communicate that scientists' understanding of COVID would evolve, causing confusion when public health guidance changed. Other experts overstated 🎁 ). But the administration's approach risks sowing further confusion. Kennedy's announcement conflicts with an article that two Trump-appointed FDA officials published days earlier, which listed pregnancy as one factor that puts women ' 'What worries me is that when we get into another emergency situation, if trust in federal health authorities has waned, that's a problem,' Shah said. Advertisement Meanwhile, COVID keeps evolving. A variant called NB.1.8.1 has recently driven up cases in China and elsewhere. But for now, Shah isn't hugely concerned. NB.1.8.1 descended from Omicron, a variant that swept the United States in late 2021 and early 2022. 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