Struggling With Fatigue and Frequent Urination? TCM Tips for Kidney Wellness
Feeling constantly drained, unfocused, or needing to urinate often? These persistent symptoms may not just be signs of aging or stress—they could be your kidneys signaling a need for care.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the kidneys are revered as the 'root of innate vitality.' Beyond their essential roles in detoxification and metabolism, kidneys are intricately linked to reproduction, emotional stability, energy, and longevity, explains Professor Jonathan Liu, a TCM expert at a Canadian public college.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Wall of dust': See impacts of Saharan dust, smoke from Canadian wildfires in Florida
A "wall of dust" is heading toward Florida and could hang around until the weekend. Saharan dust helps prevent hurricanes from developing or strengthening and provides some vivid sunrises and sunsets. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic from Africa isn't unusual. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to subside after mid-August. Dust isn't the only threat out there, especially for those with respiratory problems. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is moving south into the U.S., although it is not expected to last as long or be as bad in Florida as it was almost two years ago. Here's what you should know. "We're currently seeing a massive plume of dust moving east through the Caribbean," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, said in an email Monday afternoon. "It's about 2,000 miles wide from east to west, stretching from Jamaica all the way past Barbados. North to south, it's about 750 miles, spanning from Trinidad and Tobago in the south to north of Puerto Rico. "That gives you a sense of the scale; it's essentially a wall of dust. While it's not uncommon for dust to cross the Atlantic, this is one of the larger plumes we've seen so far this season. It's not necessarily unusual, but definitely on the stronger side." "We expect it to arrive in the U.S. late in the week. Florida could see enhanced sunsets as early as Thursday, and the dust could spread into parts of the northern Gulf Coast — places like Houston, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge — by Friday into Saturday," DaSilva said. "While it's not rare for this dust to travel across the Atlantic and affect the southern U.S., it usually only happens a couple of times a year. This appears to be the largest plume we've seen in 2025 so far." "It's an expansive plume, something that is typical for this time of year," said Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said via email Monday. "It doesn't look as deep of a layer as the models had predicted last week, but it's still should be enough for Floridians to notice a haze in the air. Sunrises and sets should feature more of a darker red hue as well, stating Wednesday and peaking Friday/Saturday. The heaviest concentration of dust looks like Central Florida at this point. This will be the biggest push of Saharan dust into Florida so far this year.' Since most of the dust typically is high in the atmosphere, "it rarely causes significant air quality issues for breathing," DaSilva said. "If the dust is really thick, it can impact surface air quality, but that's uncommon. "Interestingly, rain showers are expected (this week) as well. When that happens, the dust can get caught in raindrops and settle on the ground. Once it dries, it might leave a residue — brown dust on cars." Tallahassee, central Panhandle: "If things remain on track, the Saharan dust will arrive late this week," said Felecia Bowser, meteorologist in charge with the National Weather Service Tallahassee in an email Monday. "The showers and thunderstorms anticipated for mid to late week this week could result in seeing some cars have dust residue on them due to rain pushing the dust down to the earth. It is a bit too early to tell how thick the dust will be, but we could see hazy skies/hazy sunsets thus reducing visibility a bit." North, Northeast Florida: The Saharan dust isn't expected to impact North and Northeast Florida. "It looks like it'll stay south of us at this point," said Jason Hess, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville, in a phone interview Monday afternoon. East, Central Florida: "The Saharan dust is expected to roll in mid week, becoming noticeable Tuesday or Wednesday. It'll probably linger over us for a few days, possible into the weekend," said Robert Haley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne in a phone interview Monday afternoon. South Florida: "The front draped over South Florida causing all the storms right now (Monday afternoon) is expected to dissipate through Tuesday. The dust is forecast to move over us toward the middle to end of the week, reducing thunderstorm chances but not eliminating them. Expect murky skies and nice sunsets when the dust arrives Wednesday morning before departing Thursday evening and into Friday morning," said Barry Baxter, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Miami, in a phone interview Monday afternoon. West coast, Southwest Florida: Tuesday morning, the highest concentration of Saharan dust is located over Puerto Rico, said Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay in a phone interview. "It'll be heading our way over the next couple of days, but a factor for us is an upper-level low in the Gulf of America bringing tropical moisture over us. So we'll see a lot of showers and cloud cover. The dust may be over us but it won't be as noticeable unless there's a break in the clouds. Early in the weekend, while there may be less dust over Southwest Florida, it may be more noticeable as the upper-level low moves out." Phone lines at the National Weather Service office in Mobile are down. We've reached out via email and will update this story once we hear from them. The same weather conditions bringing the Saharan dust into Florida is helping push smoke from the Canadian wildfires away from the Sunshine State. "The Canadian wildfire smoke is definitely into north central Florida and the Panhandle," Van Dillen said. "All the storms Monday afternoon in South Florida has essentially 'washed' it out of the air, no worries there for smoke. It looks like the smoke hangs out through Tuesday morning until it rushes north and out; that wind shift will actually usher in the Saharan dust. "Smoke is noticeable in north Florida now (late Monday, June 2) but not as thick as neighbors to the north in Georgia and South Carolina. Air quality alerts were posted for the poor air resulting from the smoke and ozone combining from the warm air." Tallahassee, central Panhandle: The smoke "is pretty high up in the atmosphere and thus at this time, does not appear it will be of a high concern," Bowser said. "We do not suspect people will experience a significant smokey smell. A very slight haze may be seen with this, but due to how high up in the atmosphere it is, we are not expecting much in the way of significant visibility restrictions. At this time, the smoke is located across Georgia/Alabama." North, Northeast Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires was high over Northeast Florida, not at ground level, during the weekend, bringing hazy skies, Hess said. A front that moved through the area has since pulled the smoke back north. East, Central Florida: The smoke is expected to hold just north of us, Haley said. "We may get a little smoke Monday and Tuesday in the upper levels, several thousand feet up, but the winds moving the dust over us are keeping the smoke away." South Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires aren't expected at this time to affect South Florida, Baxter said. West coast, Southwest Florida: Meteorologists were watching the Canadian smoke over the weekend as winds brought it into North Florida. "We don't think we'll see the smoke down here at least in the next week," Shiveley said. Known officially as the Saharan Air Layer, Saharan dust is dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, according to the National Weather Service. As it moves off the west coast of Africa, it can travel across the North Atlantic reaching Florida and the United States. The Saharan Air Layer can be 2 to 2.5 miles thick, starting about one mile above the surface. ➤ Interactive map: Check air quality in Brevard County The Saharan Air Layer forms over the Sahara Desert during late spring, summer, and early fall, moving over the tropical North Atlantic every three to five days, the National Weather Service said. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to rapidly subside after mid-August. "During the peak period, individual Saharan Air Layer outbreaks reach farther to the west — as far west as Florida, Central America and even Texas — and cover vast areas of the Atlantic." Three factors associated with Saharan dust help prevent tropical cyclones from developing and, with storms already present, inhibit strengthening: Warm temperatures: The Saharan Air Layer's warmth acts to stabilize the atmosphere, which can suppress the formation of clouds. Dry air: Tropical cyclones need moisture so the dry, dusty air associated with the Saharan Air Layer can weaken a tropical cyclone. Strong winds: Strong winds in the Saharan Air Layer increase vertical wind shear in and around a storm. While Saharan dust can make the sky look hazy it can bring some stunning sunrises and sunsets. Where there is a lot of dust — or smoke — in the atmosphere, sunrises and sunsets can appear even more yellow, orange and red than normal, according to the National Weather Service. "A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can enhance ... leads to longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunsets and sunrises." "Saharan dust lowers air quality by increasing the concentration of mineral dust, things like silica and quartz," Dr. Samuel Gurevich, a pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic in Florida said in an email. "These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and cause significant inflammation." The dust also tends to make the air drier, which can further irritate airways, Gurevich said. This might mean a runny nose or itchy eyes. "But, for people with respiratory conditions, it can cause more serious symptoms or flare ups," he said. Can't see the map? Air quality alerts are indicators the air is unsafe to breathe for certain people. Alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution, which can irritate the lungs. We will provide tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Saharan dust, Canadian smoke: Expected impacts in Florida
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to create hazy skies in Pittsburgh area Tuesday
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will continue to give us a hazy sky over the next couple of days. No air quality alert has been issued; however, those who are unusually sensitive to respiratory ailments should limit overexertion outside this afternoon and evening. The air quality is considered 'moderate,' but not bad enough for an alert. Northwest flow well above the surface is pulling smoke down into our area. The afternoon and evening sky should be particularly hazy, which should help to provide a spectacular sunset. A change in wind pattern should clear any smoke out for the second half of the week. Temperatures will be in the 80s the next couple of days, with the best chance for cooling showers and thunderstorms to come Friday and Saturday. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
American doctors are moving to Canada to escape the Trump administration
Earlier this year, as President Donald Trump was beginning to reshape the American government, Michael, an emergency room doctor who was born, raised and trained in the United States, packed up his family and got out. Michael now works in a small-town hospital in Canada. KFF Health News and NPR granted him anonymity because of fears he might face reprisal from the Trump administration if he returns to the U.S. He said he feels some guilt that he did not stay to resist the Trump agenda but is assured in his decision to leave. Too much of America has simply grown too comfortable with violence and cruelty, he said. "Part of being a physician is being kind to people who are in their weakest place," Michael said. "And I feel like our country is devolving to really step on people who are weak and vulnerable." Michael is among a new wave of doctors who are leaving the United States to escape the Trump administration. In the months since Trump was reelected and returned to the White House, American doctors have shown skyrocketing interest in becoming licensed in Canada, where dozens more than normal have already been cleared to practice, according to Canadian licensing officials and recruiting businesses. The Medical Council of Canada said in an email statement that the number of American doctors creating accounts on which is "typically the first step" to being licensed in Canada, has increased more than 750% over the past seven months compared with the same time period last year - from 71 applicants to 615. Separately, medical licensing organizations in Canada's most populous provinces reported a rise in Americans either applying for or receiving Canadian licenses, with at least some doctors disclosing they were moving specifically because of Trump. "The doctors that we are talking to are embarrassed to say they're Americans," said John Philpott, CEO of CanAm Physician Recruiting, which recruits doctors into Canada. "They state that right out of the gate: 'I have to leave this country. It is not what it used to be.'" Canada, which has universal publicly funded health care, has long been an option for U.S.-trained doctors seeking an alternative to the American health care system. While it was once more difficult for American doctors to practice in Canada due to discrepancies in medical education standards, Canadian provinces have relaxed some licensing regulations in recent years, and some are expediting licensing for U.S.-trained physicians. In mere months, the Trump administration has jeopardized the economy with tariffs, ignored court orders and due process, and threatened the sovereignty of U.S. allies, including Canada. The administration has also taken steps that may unnerve doctors specifically, including appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead federal health agencies, shifting money away from pandemic preparedness, discouraging gender-affirming care, demonizing fluoride, and supporting deep cuts to Medicaid. The Trump administration did not provide any comment for this article. When asked to respond to doctors' leaving the U.S. for Canada, White House spokesperson Kush Desai asked whether KFF Health News knew the precise number of doctors and their "citizenship status," then provided no further comment. KFF Health News did not have or provide this information. Philpott, who founded CanAm Physician Recruiting in the 1990s, said the cross-border movement of American and Canadian doctors has for decades ebbed and flowed in reaction to political and economic fluctuations, but that the pull toward Canada has never been as strong as now. Philpott said CanAm had seen a 65% increase in American doctors looking for Canadian jobs from January to April, and that the company has been contacted by as many as 15 American doctors a day. Rohini Patel, a CanAm recruiter and doctor, said some consider pay cuts to move quickly. "They're ready to move to Canada tomorrow," she said. "They are not concerned about what their income is." The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which handles licensing in Canada's most populous province, said in a statement that it registered 116 U.S.-trained doctors in the first quarter of 2025 - an increase of at least 50% over the prior two quarters. Ontario also received license applications from about 260 U.S.-trained doctors in the first quarter of this year, the organization said. British Columbia, another populous province, saw a surge of licensure applications from U.S.-trained doctors after Election Day, according to an email statement from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. The statement also said the organization licensed 28 such doctors in the fiscal year that ended in February - triple the total of the prior year. Quebec's College of Physicians said applications from U.S.-trained doctors have increased, along with the number of Canadian doctors returning from America to practice within the province, but it did not provide specifics. In a statement, the organization said some applicants were trying to get permitted to practice in Canada "specifically because of the actual presidential administration." Michael, the physician who moved to Canada this year, said he had long been wary of what he described as escalating right-ring political rhetoric and unchecked gun violence in the United States, the latter of which he witnessed firsthand during a decade working in American emergency rooms. Michael said he began considering the move as Trump was running for reelection in 2020. His breaking point came on Jan. 6, 2021, when a violent mob of Trump supporters besieged the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the election of Joe Biden as president. "Civil discourse was falling apart," he said. "I had a conversation with my family about how Biden was going to be a one-term president and we were still headed in a direction of being increasingly radicalized toward the right and an acceptance of vigilantism." It then took about a year for Michael to become licensed in Canada, then longer for him to finalize his job and move, he said. While the licensing process was "not difficult," he said, it did require him to obtain certified documents from his medical school and residency program. "The process wasn't any harder than getting your first license in the United States, which is also very bureaucratic," Michael said. "The difference is, I think most people practicing in the U.S. have got so much administrative fatigue that they don't want to go through that process again." Michael said he now receives near-daily emails or texts from American doctors who are seeking advice about moving to Canada. This desire to leave has also been striking to Hippocratic Adventures, a small business that helps American doctors practice medicine in other countries. The company was co-founded by Ashwini Bapat, a Yale-educated doctor who moved to Portugal in 2020 in part because she was "terrified that Trump would win again." For years, Hippocratic Adventures catered to physicians with wanderlust, guiding them through the bureaucracy of getting licensed in foreign nations or conducting telemedicine from afar, Bapat said. But after Trump was reelected, customers were no longer seeking grand travels across the globe, Bapat said. Now they were searching for the nearest emergency exit, she said. "Previously it had been about adventure," Bapat said. "But the biggest spike that we saw, for sure, hands down, was when Trump won reelection in November. And then Inauguration Day. And basically every single day since then." At least one Canadian province is actively marketing itself to American doctors. Doctors Manitoba, which represents physicians in the rural province that struggles with one of Canada's worst doctor shortages, launched a recruiting campaign after the election to capitalize on Trump and the rise of far-right politics in the U.S. The campaign focuses on Florida and North and South Dakota and advertises "zero political interference in physician patient relationship" as a selling point. Alison Carleton, a family medicine doctor who moved from Iowa to Manitoba in 2017, said she left to escape the daily grind of America's for-profit health care system and because she was appalled that Trump was elected the first time. Carleton said she now runs a small-town clinic with low stress, less paperwork, and no fear of burying her patients in medical debt. She dropped her American citizenship last year. "People I know have said, 'You left just in time,'" Carleton said. "I tell people, 'I know. When are you going to move?'" Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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