RFK Jr. Gets Crap For Taking Grandkids Swimming In Sewage-Tainted Waters
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grossed out a lot of people on Sunday after he posted a photo of himself swimming with his grandkids in waters known to be teeming with sewage.
The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services wrote that he was on a 'Mother's Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park with Amaryllis, Bobby, Kick, and Jackson, and a swim with my grandchildren, Bobcat and Cassius in Rock Creek.' The park is located in Washington, D.C.
Kennedy left out the fact that (other) health officials don't recommend swimming in Rock Creek, since that's where a lot of sewage from the capital flows ― even during dry spells,the Washingtonian noted on Monday.
The National Park Service website alsowarns against swimming in Rock Creek, saying the 'high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens 'make swimming, wading, and other contact with the water a hazard to human (and pet) health.'
HuffPost reached out to Kennedy's office for comment about the swim, but no one immediately responded.
This is far from the most unsanitary and ill-advised thing Kennedy has done. He notoriously sawed off a dead whale's head and transported it on top of the family's minivan, and also dumped a dead bear in Central Park.
So people on social media were shocked, but not surprised, that he took his grandkids swimming in crap.
If RFK Jr. Actually Gave An F About Health, Here's What He'd Focus On Instead
RFK Jr.'s Daughter Recalls His Disgusting Whale Stunt In Resurfaced Interview
RFK Jr. Admits In Video That He Dumped Bear Cub In Central Park
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San Francisco Chronicle
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- San Francisco Chronicle
Measles outbreaks in Michigan and Pennsylvania end, while Texas logs just 4 new cases
The U.S. logged 122 more cases of measles last week — but only four of them in Texas — while the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan officially ended. There were 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring, said they'll now post case counts only once a week — yet another sign the outbreak is slowing. There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 2,009 cases from mid-October through June 3. The province logged its first death Thursday in a baby that got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions. Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 761 as of Thursday. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry. Other U.S. states with active outbreaks — which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma. In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children in the epicenter in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000. There were a total of 742 cases across 35 counties, most of them in West Texas, state health officials said Friday. Throughout the outbreak, 94 people have been hospitalized. State health officials estimated less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county's residents. The April 3 death in Texas was an 8-year-old child, according to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of 'what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.' A unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6. How many measles cases are there in New Mexico? New Mexico added two cases in the last week for a total of 81. Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each. An unvaccinated adult died of measles-related illness March 6. The person did not seek medical care. How many cases are there in Oklahoma? 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How many cases are there in Kansas? Kansas has a total of 71 cases across 11 counties in the southwestern part of the state, with three hospitalizations. All but two of the cases are connected, and most are in Gray County. How many cases are there in Montana? Montana had 17 measles cases as of Thursday. Ten were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana's first in 35 years. Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had three case. There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. How many cases are there in North Dakota? North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of Friday. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated. There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. 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But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash. The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC. How can you treat measles? 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New York Post
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- New York Post
What is TRT? Experts weigh in on male ‘Manopause' and how to treat low testosterone, safely
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. There's no denying it. RJK Jr. has explored a few controversial ideas, particularly in the health and wellness sector. But, regardless of where you stand on his views, one thing is hard to deny. Looking back at those viral videos of him pumping weights at Gold's Gym back in 2023, he was in phenomenal shape for a man his age — biceps bulging, chest chiseled, pecks defined. He could have been an amateur bodybuilder. For a nearly 70-year-old, he was ripped. Shortly after the videos surfaced, rumors began buzzing that Kennedy was on steroids. He promptly denied it, instead crediting his disciplined 35-minute workout routine. There was one other thing he mentioned. 'I take testosterone replacement, which are appropriate to my age, and then I take a big fistful of nutrients,' he explained in an interview with Newsmax. Hormonal changes associated with menopause are not so secret. Women are warned about hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased periods — all of which have been studied and scrutinized for as long as most of us can remember. But Man-opause? Until recently, it has remained a blind spot in the scientific community. The age-related decline in testosterone levels, sometimes called Andropause — or 'Manopause' colloquially — has often been met with more questions than answers. Emerging research has begun to spark conversations around male aging and hormonal health. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology revealed that testosterone levels in American men have dropped about 1% per year since the 1980s. The decline can not be attributed to aging alone. Find Out About Our Top TRT Pick Ulo Ulo Feeling low on energy? Ulo offers a personalized approach to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), starting with an at-home lab test and virtual consultation with a licensed provider. 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The normal range is considered to be anywhere between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. For men outside the normal range, some Doctors recommend trying TRT, the routine that RFK Jr. and millions of others have embraced as part of their anti-aging and health protocols. On TikTok, the tag 'TRT Before and After' has amassed thousands of videos and millions of views showcasing brawny men flexing their quads and joking about their sudden burst of energy and newfound sex drives. Unlike Kennedy, many of these men are still young, in their twenties and thirties. TRT has become more accessible through providers and online TRT companies like Ulo, but it's essential to recognize that it's only FDA-approved for specific conditions, such as hypogonadism or diminished functional activity of the gonads. TRT is not FDA-approved for men with low levels due to aging or other non-medical reasons. Medical experts still have varying opinions on treatment. 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Azis explained that it is important to look at each patient individually in order to determine whether their levels are considered normal. 'If testosterone levels are checked, the lab reference is wrong, as it groups all men. Lab levels are 300-1000 nanograms per deciliter, so men in their twenties who are supposed to have a testosterone of 1,000 are placed in the same category as 80-year-old men with levels of 300,' he stated. As a result, Azis explained that some young people with low levels are told that their results are normal when, in reality, they could be ideal candidates for TRT. 'Many men suffer as doctors treat those men with drugs for depression or ED pills, versus looking at testosterone levels,' Azis warned. What is TRT, and how is TRT used to treat low testosterone? Mostafa Abu-Hijlih, a nurse practitioner practicing at Grand Central Men's Health in NYC, says that TRT has been a game-changer for her patients. She always felt there was a gap in clinical spaces for men to discuss issues that have been historically stigmatized, but TRT opened up the conversation. 'Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a medical treatment used to optimize testosterone levels in men and women when indicated, ' Abu-Hijlih explained. 'Testosterone is responsible for energy levels, libido, muscle mass, and bone density, and has been shown to improve REM sleep time when optimized.' TRT works by replenishing the lost testosterone that the body is not producing naturally. It's not about taking extra testosterone but rather restoring the body to a healthy, normal level. Abu-Hijlih pointed out that the dosage depends on what is needed for each patient, and testosterone levels should be continuously monitored to determine the appropriate dose. How is TRT administered? 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Abu-Hijlih described how many patients begin to feel young again, with more motivation to participate in all the activities they used to love, but no longer had the energy for. 'The improvement in overall quality of life is always incredibly gratifying to witness,' she shared. 'They walk in standing taller, [with] higher levels of confidence, regained energy levels to work out at the gym again, and have a bounce in their step that makes it a very gratifying experience for both the patients and the provider.' Research has also revealed that TRT is an effective option for addressing psychological and sexual symptoms associated with hypogonadism. A 2019 study on prescription testosterone found that 52% of men claimed testosterone improved their energy, 42% saw improvements in their libido, and 29% reported muscle growth. Who can benefit from TRT? Deep Patel is not a physician, but he has built his career around solving real-world problems that men deal with every day. His telehealth company, Ulo, has been working to make TRT more accessible to men than ever before, and he says that their services are not bound to men over 50. Younger men can benefit from TRT, too. 'More and more men in their twenties, thirties, and forties are dealing with low T,' Patel shared. 'About 40% of men over 45 have clinically low testosterone, but we're seeing younger guys affected too. If that sounds like you, it's worth getting your levels checked.' How to get TRT Many providers and telehealth sites offer TRT services. In many cases, the first step is taking a TRT test and speaking with a doctor about symptoms. Companies like Ulo treat patients holistically, considering their specific needs and tailoring the treatment to their individual symptoms. 'The biggest mistake people make is doing TRT without medical guidance or buying unregulated testosterone products online,' Patel said. 'At Ulo, we monitor every guy's complete bloodwork regularly, not just testosterone, but also things like hematocrit, estradiol, and lipid profiles — and adjust treatment accordingly to catch issues before they become problems.' Patel explained that the best way to minimize risk is to work with a legitimate provider who actually looks at your bloodwork and adjusts your protocol based on how your body specifically responds. How long does it take to see results from TRT? Patel explained that symptom relief can look different in everyone, but you shouldn't have to wait long to see the results. gn8 – 'As for results, most guys feel a difference within four to six weeks,' he noted. 'More energy, better mood, stronger libido. The body composition changes, like more muscle and less fat, usually take a bit longer, around two to three months.' Patel cited one TRT patient who knew the treatment was working when he woke up one morning and actually wanted to go to the gym for the first time in years. Is TRT safe? What are TRT risks? When properly monitored, research indicates that TRT can be safe long-term for most men. That said, every patient needs regular blood work to ensure their levels stay within a healthy range, according to Patel. 'TRT does come with risks that need to be taken seriously. The most common side effects include acne, water retention, or elevated red blood cell counts, which can thicken your blood,' he shared. 'Some men experience testicular shrinkage or reduced fertility. There are also concerns about cardiovascular risks in certain populations, particularly men with existing heart conditions.' Can TRT affect fertility? Yes, TRT can affect fertility, especially if you're not using anything to counteract it. TRT significantly suppresses natural testosterone production, which can also reduce sperm production. 'But if fertility matters to you, there are medications like HCG or enclomiphene that can be taken alongside TRT to preserve it,' Patel pointed out. In a 2021 study, over 90% of men maintained normal sperm counts when using these fertility-preserving medications with TRT. Patel stressed the importance of telling providers that fertility is a priority before they begin treatment. How much does TRT cost? Does insurance cover TRT? The cost of TRT varies depending on factors such as your insurance coverage, provider, treatment needs, and the location of the clinic. Some insurance providers do cover TRT, but patients must meet specific thresholds. Most providers require TRT candidates to have medical documentation that indicates their testosterone has fallen below the normal levels, as well as recorded symptoms like fatigue or low libido. If you're paying out of pocket, the cost of TRT will depend on the type of treatment. Most testosterone injections cost between $50 and $150, oral tablets around $300, and patches can reach $400. Some telehealth companies offer a range of treatments for a monthly subscription cost, which can range from $100 to $300 per month. Should you try TRT? Is it worth it? Patel has seen many men suffer from low testosterone firsthand. It's not uncommon for him to hear them say things like 'I can't focus like I used to,' 'I feel flat mentally, physically, sexually,' 'I've lost my drive,' or 'I just don't feel like me anymore.' Even after optimizing for sleep, diet, and everything else, their low testosterone was still impacting their everyday lives. Once they received treatment, things began to shift. 'They're not looking for shortcuts. They're looking to feel normal again,' Patel said. 'And, often they've tried everything else — better sleep, different diets, supplements, lifestyle changes. TRT is rarely the first thing they try, but for many with genuinely low levels, it's the solution that finally works.' TRT could be right for you, but, as with any new health treatment, it's important to consult your physician and explain your symptoms prior to making any changes to your regimen. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette. 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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Measles outbreaks in Michigan and Pennsylvania end, while Texas logs just 4 new cases
The U.S. logged 122 more cases of measles last week — but only four of them in Texas — while the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan officially ended. There were 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring, said they'll now post case counts only once a week — yet another sign the outbreak is slowing. There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 2,009 cases from mid-October through June 3. The province logged its first death Thursday in a baby that got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions. Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 761 as of Thursday. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry. Other U.S. states with active outbreaks — which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma. In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children in the epicenter in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000. How many measles cases are there in Texas? There were a total of 742 cases across 35 counties, most of them in West Texas, state health officials said Friday. Throughout the outbreak, 94 people have been hospitalized. State health officials estimated less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county's residents. The April 3 death in Texas was an 8-year-old child, according to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of 'what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.' A unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6. How many measles cases are there in New Mexico? New Mexico added two cases in the last week for a total of 81. Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each. An unvaccinated adult died of measles-related illness March 6. The person did not seek medical care. How many cases are there in Oklahoma? Oklahoma added one case last week for a total of 15 confirmed and three probable cases. The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases. How many cases are there in Colorado? Colorado has seen a total of 12 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of seven related cases. The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes three cases each in Arapahoe and El Paso counties and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado. Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo. How many cases are there in Illinois? Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state, and it's grown to eight cases as of June 6, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state's other two cases so far this year were in Cook County, and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak. How many cases are there in Kansas? Kansas has a total of 71 cases across 11 counties in the southwestern part of the state, with three hospitalizations. All but two of the cases are connected, and most are in Gray County. How many cases are there in Montana? Montana had 17 measles cases as of Thursday. Ten were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana's first in 35 years. Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had three case. There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. How many cases are there in North Dakota? North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of Friday. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated. There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state on the Minnesota border, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case. How many cases are there in Ohio? Ohio remained steady for a third week at 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents. The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 20 — 14 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors. Allen, Cuyahoga, Holmes and Defiance counties have one case each. How many cases are there in Tennessee? Tennessee has had six measles cases since early May, but no change since. Tennessee's outbreak appears to be over, as health officials say there have not been any new cases in six weeks. Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.? Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases. Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine? The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don't need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from 'killed' virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don't need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have 'presumptive immunity." Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — due to 'herd immunity.' But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash. The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death. How can you treat measles? There's no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
