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The Independent
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
It's finally beach weather across the US. Are you applying enough sunscreen?
As temperatures start to climb across the U.S., more and more of us across the country will head towards the beach. But as we enjoy all that the summer months have to offer, it's important that we stay protected with the right amount of sunscreen. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. Without sunscreen, your skin's DNA can be damaged and you can be exposed to melanoma, which is the most common kind of the cancer. 'Ultraviolet radiation may result in short-term and long-term skin damage, including sunburn, signs of aging, and even skin cancer. Approximately one out of five people in the United States may develop skin cancer in their lifetimes,' Dr. Dominic Wu, a resident physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, explained. But, what are the best practices and what do beachgoers, hikers, and anyone need to know to keep themselves safe this season? How much do I need to apply and when? Physicians recommend people use at least enough to fill a shot glass to cover exposed areas. An ounce should cover the whole body, but you may need to tweak based on your size. People should apply the sunscreen to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, giving it time to be absorbed. Don't forget to reapply every two hours or more often after swimming or sweating, and that the sun's UV rays can still penetrate clouds. Sunscreens are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and should be worn year-round. Sunscreens do have expiration dates, and if it is not visible on the bottle, you should stop using it three years after purchase, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Does the SPF matter? Makeup with a sun protection factor — or 'SPF' — of 30 provides some protection. But, it's much less than traditional sunscreen and those with a higher factor. Although, people often apply makeup just to their face. An SPF of 50 or higher provides greater shielding from 'lobster' sunburns. 'To get the most protection out of sunscreen, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15,' the FDA says. Make sure you look for 'broad spectrum,' which are sunscreens that shield from both UVA and UVB rays. What about the method of application? A stick or spray sunscreen will work, if applied effectively, as they have the same active ingredients as lotions. But, make sure to rub the sprays in! Uneven application could mess with the protection it offers. 'The best sunscreen is the one that you will actually use,' Dr. David Kim, a cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, told The New York Times. What about the type? Many sunscreens contain similar active ingredients. However, what you're putting on your body can depend on the type: mineral or chemical. The only FDA-approved mineral sunscreen ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Some people recommend avoiding sunscreens with oxybenzone, which has caused allergic reactions. While chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the rays, according to Florida Oncology and Hematology. Mineral sunscreens work well for sensitive skin and are less likely to cause irritation, Dr. Steve Daveluy, an associate professor in dermatology at Wayne State University, told VeryWell Health. They're also effective immediately after application. A recent survey from the American Academy of Dermatology found Gen Z adults are less informed about how to protect themselves from the sun, as well as more susceptible to myths and misconceptions. Only 56 percent of a survey of more than 1,000 adults use sunscreen regularly. Make sure to avoid being outside when the sun is directly overhead. Remember that everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of skin color. People should also seek shade and wear appropriate clothing. Also, there's no such thing as a 'safe' tan. The tan signals skin cells in trauma. 'I often hear, 'I need to get a base tan before I go to the Caribbean for a holiday,' and I always respond, 'would you smoke a pack of cigarettes to protect you from lung cancer?'' Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board, said. 'In 2024, one in six Americans felt it was worth looking great now even if it means looking worse later in life with two-thirds of Americans preferring how their skin looks with a tan,' Academy President Dr. Susan Taylor said. 'Many people don't realize that the steps they take now to protect themselves from the sun can make a huge difference down the road — do your future self a favor and take action today.'
New York Post
10-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Vanity Fair claims America's ‘obsession' with protein is tied to MAGA movement
Is the desire to eat a high-protein diet and the MAGA movement correlated? According to a report from Vanity Fair, it is. The May 1 article titled 'Why Are Americans So Obsessed With Protein? 'Blame MAGA,' attempts to compare Americans eating a diet aimed at promoting muscle growth and longevity to MAGA, and the so-called 'manosphere.' Advertisement The piece claims that American 'protein mania' has been building over the last few decades. Right off the bat, this is considered to be a part of the 'manosphere,' an umbrella term for sites and influencers that promote masculinity and anti-feminism. The article begins with the claim of more men being interested in increasing protein in their diets. 'I don't have a good sense on what's driving that right now, other than if it's just the usual manosphere—or manomania, here in the United States,' Pieter Cohen, an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance and associate professor, mentioned in the piece. Cohen made this claim because he said he had more male patients bring up the interest of increasing protein than women patients. 5 A Vanity Fair article claimed that a high-protein diet correlates with supporting the MAGA movement. niloo – Advertisement 5 Trump supporters at a campaign rally on Oct. 27, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. Stephen Yang He went on to claim that 'everyone's letting their testosterone out these days.' The article describes this interest in high-protein diets as a 'lust for protein,' and claims that men view certain food choices that have more protein as more masculine, citing a 2023 study. Additionally, the claim is made that men have used eating meat as a part of their 'identity' in addition to feeling more masculine. From there, the article attempts to explain how MAGA is related to this interest in protein. The article states that President Donald Trump is at the 'helm' of the manosphere, and notes his love of burgers and locker room talk. Advertisement 5 The article states that President Donald Trump is at the 'helm' of the manosphere. REUTERS 5 Trump pumps his fist as he steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport on April 26. AFP via Getty Images Additionally, in the piece, podcasters Theo Von and Joe Rogan were described as 'playing a major part' in the election of Trump, who was a guest on their shows during the campaign. Rogan was mentioned for his support of eating red meat, during a conversation about the carnivore diet. The article mentions a study that makes the drastic claim that young men's appeal to protein powders and other supplements could lead to or be a 'pipeline' to the use of anabolic steroids. Advertisement Neuroscientist, professor and podcast host Dr. Andrew Huberman is also mentioned in the article for his support of consuming a high-protein diet. Huberman has encouraged his listeners to approach protein and diet goals with a 'balanced and comprehensive' approach to nutrition and obtain quality sources of protein. 5 Dr. Andrew Huberman suggests approaching protein and diet goals in a 'balanced and comprehensive' manner to get nutrition and obtain quality sources of protein in the article. Syda Productions – Fox News contributor Mary Katharine Ham reacted to this article on 'The Will Cain Show' Tuesday. 'If wanting a steak and prominent delts (deltoid muscles) is wrong, I don't want to be right.' Ham said the left is 'giving over' many things to the right, such as eating high-protein and lifting weights. Ham said the article 'misses the story' and said eating protein is very good for you and argues that women are shifting their views to embrace the desire to eat more protein and lift weights to maintain muscle mass and support bone density. 'It is not gendered, it is just good for you,' she said.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vanity Fair claims America's ‘obsession' with protein is tied to MAGA movement
Is the desire to eat a high-protein diet and the MAGA movement correlated? According to a report from Vanity Fair, it is. The May 1 article titled "Why Are Americans So Obsessed With Protein? "Blame MAGA," attempts to compare Americans eating a diet aimed at promoting muscle growth and longevity to MAGA, and the so-called "manosphere." The piece claims that American "protein mania" has been building over the last few decades. Right off the bat, this is considered to be a part of the "manosphere," an umbrella term for sites and influencers that promote masculinity and anti-feminism. The article begins with the claim of more men being interested in increasing protein in their diets. "I don't have a good sense on what's driving that right now, other than if it's just the usual manosphere—or manomania, here in the United States," Pieter Cohen, an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance and associate professor, mentioned in the piece. Cohen made this claim because he said he had more male patients bring up the interest of increasing protein than women patients. Is Protein Making You Fat? Health Experts Weigh In On Today's Food Focus Read On The Fox News App He went on to claim that "everyone's letting their testosterone out these days." The article describes this interest in high-protein diets as a "lust for protein," and claims that men view certain food choices that have more protein as more masculine, citing a 2023 study. Additionally, the claim is made that men have used eating meat as a part of their "identity" in addition to feeling more masculine. From there, the article attempts to explain how MAGA is related to this interest in protein. The article states that President Donald Trump is at the "helm" of the manosphere, and notes his love of burgers and locker room talk. Additionally, in the piece, podcasters Theo Von and Joe Rogan were described as "playing a major part" in the election of Trump, who was a guest on their shows during the campaign. Rogan was mentioned for his support of eating red meat, during a conversation about the carnivore diet. The article mentions a study that makes the drastic claim that young men's appeal to protein powders and other supplements could lead to or be a "pipeline" to the use of anabolic steroids. 5 Excellent Protein Sources That Aren't Meat, According To Nutritionists Neuroscientist, professor and podcast host Dr. Andrew Huberman is also mentioned in the article for his support of consuming a high-protein diet. Huberman has encouraged his listeners to approach protein and diet goals with a "balanced and comprehensive" approach to nutrition and obtain quality sources of protein. Fox News contributor Mary Katharine Ham reacted to this article on "The Will Cain Show" Tuesday. "If wanting a steak and prominent delts (deltoid muscles) is wrong, I don't want to be right." Ham said the left is "giving over" many things to the right, such as eating high-protein and lifting weights. Ham said the article "misses the story" and said eating protein is very good for you and argues that women are shifting their views to embrace the desire to eat more protein and lift weights to maintain muscle mass and support bone density. "It is not gendered, it is just good for you," she article source: Vanity Fair claims America's 'obsession' with protein is tied to MAGA movement
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Top reasons Ozempic users visit the ER — and when you should go
Though popular weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been deemed safe and effective by the FDA, concerning side effects are sending some users to the ER. A staggering one in eight adults in the US have used a GLP-1, and a study published last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed how often these users develop complications that require a trip to the hospital. The study outlined the top reasons people are seeking medical attention — and one doctor is warning about a 'Wild West' factor that could be at the root of an unexpected issue. 3 A staggering one in eight adults in the US has tried GLP-1 mbruxelle – Using a national surveillance network, a team of researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance tracked emergency room visits linked to semaglutide in 82 different hospitals over a two-year period. In total, semaglutide side effects resulted in 551 emergency room visits, though less than 18% led to hospitalization. Statistically speaking, this amounts to four ER visits and less than one hospitalization for every 1,000 semaglutide patients. Of these ER visits, 70% cited gastrointestinal distress, with common complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. GLP-1 medications are notorious for triggering digestive discomfort. Shrinking tummy, uncomfortable tummy A recent report found that more than 30% of GLP-1 patients drop the meds after just four weeks because they suffer early side effects like nausea or other digestive problems. These medications slow down the passage of food through the stomach, allowing people to feel fuller, longer. However, issues arise if the drugs slow down the stomach too much and, in some cases, can lead to severe gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. The Post previously reported that about 30% of Wegovy users have experienced diarrhea, including some who claim they've woken up in the middle of the night to discover that they've defecated in their sleep. Of the 70% of ER visits related to GI issues, 15% required hospitalization. 'We found that it's very infrequent that semaglutide leads to very serious adverse events that would land a patient in the hospital, but that they do occur,' study author Pieter Cohen, MD, internist at Cambridge Health Alliance and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told Health. A surprising twist Low blood sugar resulted in a further 16.5% of ER visits, with nearly 38% of those cases requiring hospitalization. That one comes as a bit of surprise, since GLP-1s play a role in regulating blood sugar. At least one doctor thinks off-brand, compounded drugs — which are typically prepared by a pharmacist and dispensed in vials, allowing patients to administer their own dosages — could be to blame. Compounded drugs aren't regulated by the FDA and don't undergo the same level of scrutiny as FDA-approved drugs. 'It's kind of like the Wild West when it comes to medications [that] are compounded because there is no standardization,' Dr. Peminda Cabandugama, endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic and spokesperson for The Obesity Society, told Health. 3 Of the documented ER visits, 70% cited gastrointestinal distress, with common complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. zigres – Other GLP-1 issues Less common complications that resulted in hospital visits included allergic reactions, pancreatitis, and bile duct disease. GLP-1 users have also reported experiencing vision changes, erectile dysfunction, personality changes, increased reckless behavior, and the infamous 'Ozempic butt' and 'Ozempic boobs' (sagging in all the wrong places). Doctors have also seen other unusual complications, such as allodynia, a type of nerve pain where things that shouldn't hurt — like brushing your hair or wearing a shirt — suddenly do. Researchers contributing to this recent study predicted that the vast majority of ER visits would be driven by GI distress; however, they were surprised at the number of cases connected to low blood sugar, as Ozempic and Wegovy have not been previously linked to hypoglycemia. 3 A number of Ozempic users have also reported to the emergency room with gallbladder inflammation — a side effect that stems from the body failing to adapt quickly enough to rapid weight loss. nilsversemann – Experts note that this latest study has limitations, specifically that the data is based on documentation from ER physicians who did not differentiate between patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide. Despite the FDA's warning against using off-brand semaglutide compounds due to their potential 'adverse effects,' a shortage of brand-name drugs and their hefty $1,300-a-month price tag is motivating people to seek cheaper, more accessible options. When should you go to the doctor? While severe side effects related to GLP-1 are rare, experts suggest seeking emergency medical attention if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, and diarrhea that lasts longer than a few hours, or constipation that lasts several days and is accompanied by vomiting. In addition, severe pain that radiates from the abdomen through the back could be a symptom of pancreatitis, which can require hospitalization. According to Cabandugama, clinicians should ensure that patients do not have a history of pancreatitis before prescribing Ozempic or Wegovy. 'It's very important to mention that patients go to the right trained providers for weight loss, especially with all the rise of the Instagram clinics and online clinics,' explained Cabandugama. A number of Ozempic users have also reported to the emergency room with gallbladder inflammation — a side effect that stems from the body failing to adapt quickly enough to rapid weight loss. 'Rapid weight loss causes the liver to pump out more bile and more cholesterol, both of which can lead to the formation of gallstones within the gallbladder,' pharmacist Dr. Dan explained in a viral TikTok video. Gallbladder inflammation is characterized by enduring pain that originates in the right upper abdomen and radiates around the sides. This inflammation can be life-threatening and patients who experience these symptoms are urged to seek medical care. For those who find themselves in the ER, it is imperative to tell providers that they are taking GLP-1 drugs. Experts also note that side effects tend to flare up in GLP-1 patients after eating. Consuming smaller, lighter, fiber-rich meals and avoiding fatty, fried of processed foods can help mitigate these effects.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Flu deaths rise around U.S. as anti-vaccine disinformation takes root
A woman receives a flu vaccination at a recent clinic in Cambridge, Mass., conducted by health care providers from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Flu-related deaths are at a seven-year high as vaccination levels fall, according to a Stateline analysis. (Courtesy of the City of Cambridge) As vaccine skepticism gains a greater foothold in the Trump administration and some statehouses, some Americans may already be paying the price, with deaths from influenza on the rise. Flu-related deaths hit a seven-year high in January and February, the two months that usually account for the height of flu season, according to a Stateline analysis of preliminary federal statistics. There were about 9,800 deaths across the country, up from 5,000 in the same period last year and the most since 2018, when there were about 10,800. Despite that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled or postponed meetings to prepare for next fall's flu vaccine, when experts talk about what influenza strains they expect they'll be battling. The cancellations raised protests from medical professionals and state and federal officials. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, said in a statement that her state is having its worst flu season in at least 15 years, with more deaths from flu and other causes as the state's health care system struggles under the strain of flu patients. Some experts say putting off vaccine planning will only feed false narratives that discourage lifesaving vaccinations. 'These delays not only weaken pandemic preparedness but also undermine public confidence in vaccination efforts,' said Dr. Akram Khan, an Oregon pulmonologist and associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University who has studied attitudes toward vaccines. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has expressed doubt about the need for vaccines, including flu vaccines, despite evidence that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations. Deaths fluctuate naturally from year to year depending on the severity of current flu strains and the effectiveness of that year's vaccines. But some see a hesitancy to use any vaccine, fed by misinformation and political mistrust of government, already taking a toll on lives. 'It's been a bad winter for viral respiratory infections, not just in the United States but across the Northern Hemisphere,' said Mark Doherty, a vaccine scholar and former manager for GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, a vaccine manufacturer. 'The U.S. does appear to be hit a bit harder, and it's possible lower vaccination coverage is contributing to that,' Doherty said. Flu vaccine distribution in the United States has been declining in recent years, and as of the first week of 2025 was down 16% from 2022, according to federal statistics. The flu was a factor in 9,800 deaths in January and February, according to the analysis, using provisional data collected by states and compiled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The highest death rates were in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Kentucky, all at about four deaths per 100,000 population so far this year. Some counties in Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Oklahoma and Kentucky, were even higher — at about six deaths per 100,000. The highest rates have been among older people. Statistics show the deaths hit white people and American Indians especially hard. Tragedies are happening across the country to people of all ages and races, however. A 43-year-old Indiana father died after a brief bout of the flu, according to family members. After two 10-year-olds died in Prince George's County, Maryland, area schools drew crowds to vaccine clinics. Doug Sides, a pastor at Yulee Baptist Church in northern Florida, has held funerals for three congregation members who died from flu — all within one month, all of them over 70 years old. That compares with only one victim of COVID-19 from his congregation during the pandemic, he said. 'Flu death is a reality,' Sides told Stateline on a phone call from a Jacksonville hospital, where he was visiting another 84-year-old congregation member who was rescued from her home with severe pneumonia from an unknown cause. 'I encourage my church members to keep their hands clean, use hand sanitizer and to stay home if they're feeling sick,' he said. He said he hasn't personally gotten a flu vaccine recently because he gets conflicting advice about it — some doctors tell him to avoid them because he and some family members have cancer, while another 'rides me all the time about getting a flu shot.' 'We're all getting conflicting advice. We're living in strange-o times,' he said. (The American Cancer Society says vaccination for people with cancer may or may not be recommended depending on individual circumstances.) Many states are relaxing vaccine requirements as public skepticism rises. But many are taking action to warn residents and reassure them that vaccinations are safe and can help prevent deaths, despite misinformation to the contrary. Burlington County, New Jersey, has had the highest flu-associated death rate of any county this year, according to the analysis, with 31 deaths among fewer than 500,000 people. The county held 30 free vaccine clinics from September to January, then extended them into February because of the severity of the flu season, said Dave Levinsky, a spokesperson for the county health department. In Oklahoma, death rates are highest in the eastern part of the state where the Cherokee Nation is centered. A state publicity campaign stresses that flu shots are safe, effective and free at many community health centers. However, vaccination rates in the state are low compared with other states as of December, according to federal statistics: Only about 16% of Oklahoma residents had gotten flu vaccinations by then. Rates were even lower in Louisiana (just under 16%), Mississippi (12%) and Texas (10%). States with the highest flu vaccination rates by December were Maine (37%), Connecticut and Vermont (33%), and Wisconsin and Minnesota (31%). But even those were down since 2022. People have become less likely to get vaccinated in recent years, a phenomenon researchers call 'vaccine hesitancy.' A report published last year in the medical journal Cureus found three-quarters of patients in a rural New York state community refused flu vaccine with comments such as 'I do not trust vaccines' or 'I do not believe in vaccines.' The most common reasons cited were that earlier vaccinations made them feel sick, that they got the flu anyway, or that they thought they shouldn't need a new shot every year. (Doctors recommend flu vaccinations annually and note that even vaccinated patients who get the flu usually face less severe forms.) And in a paper published in February in the journal Vaccine, researchers found that people refuse flu vaccinations for many of the same reasons they refused COVID-19 shots: a feeling of 'social vulnerability' that leads to distrust of government and medical guidance. One hopeful sign, the report noted, is that vaccine recommendations from trusted health care professionals can turn around such attitudes. 'Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is deeply entangled with misinformation, political rhetoric and public distrust,' said Khan, the Oregon pulmonologist and the study's author. 'Scientific data alone may not be enough to shift public perceptions, as many vaccine decisions are driven by gut feelings and external influences rather than evidence.' This article was first published by Stateline, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@
