Latest news with #EmoryUniversitySchoolofMedicine
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Elizabeth Walker Wadsworth, MD, MSCR, Joins Advanced ENT & Allergy, Bringing Expert ENT and Inspire® Sleep Apnea Care to Atlanta
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced ENT & Allergy is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Walker Wadsworth, MD, MSCR, a highly trained otolaryngologist from Atlanta's Buckhead community. Dr. Wadsworth provides comprehensive care for adults and children with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, with special expertise in chronic sinusitis, hearing loss, and innovative treatments for sleep apnea, including the Inspire® implantable device. Dr. Wadsworth returning to Atlanta to treat the community she grew up in. Share Dr. Wadsworth earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), a top-ten residency program nationally. She is board-eligible in otolaryngology and is committed to delivering individualized, evidence-based care that improves breathing, hearing, and sleep health. 'As someone who grew up in Buckhead, it's a privilege to return home to care for patients in the city that shaped me,' said Dr. Wadsworth. 'Whether I'm helping a patient breathe easier, hear better, or finally sleep soundly, I strive to combine the best available treatments with genuine compassion and clear communication.' During her residency, Dr. Wadsworth gained extensive experience in advanced sinus surgery, ENT allergy management, pediatric and adult hearing loss, and the surgical implantation of the Inspire® upper airway stimulation system — an effective alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Dr. Wadsworth is now accepting new patients at Advanced ENT & Allergy, located at 960 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30342. About Advanced ENT & Allergy Advanced ENT & Allergy is a leading provider of comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care in the Atlanta area. Our board-certified providers emphasize advanced treatment options, patient education, and individualized service in a welcoming, service-oriented environment.
Scientific American
05-08-2025
- Health
- Scientific American
Bird Flu on Dairy Farms May Be Airborne After All
The H5N1 avian influenza virus can now be found not only in milk and on milking equipment but also in farm wastewater and in the air, say researchers who have been trying to figure out how the virus spreads on dairy farms. The researchers identified the virus in both large and small aerosol particles in the air on farms affected by bird flu in California, according to a new preprint paper posted on the biology server bioRxiv. 'There is a lot of H5N1 virus on these farms,' says Seema Lakdawala, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Emory University School of Medicine and senior author of the new study, which has yet to go through scientific peer review. 'It is everywhere. We need to be expanding biosafety measures, biosecurity measures and trying to control where the virus is.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. The finding—that the virus is 'everywhere'—fits with what has been seen in previously published work, says Richard Webby, who studies host-microbe interactions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 'It's a ridiculously contaminated environment,' Webby says. The high concentrations of H5N1 in the environment may explain why the virus transmits so readily among cattle on dairy farms, as well as why a study from last fall found that 7 percent of tested dairy farm workers had antibody evidence of a previous bird flu infection. H5N1-infected cattle were first reported in March 2024. Since then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found 41 human cases directly stemming from contact with milking cows. And the disease has spread readily within herds. But exactly how it's spreading has been oddly difficult to pin down. Another recent preprint study by the Ohio State University veterinary medicine professor Andrew Bowman and his colleagues found that, when liquid containing the virus was put into cows' teats, only a very low dose was necessary to cause an infection. But strangely, when the researchers milked the well cows with contaminated equipment—the way the virus was assumed to be spreading on farms—the healthy cows did not fall ill. 'It seems like it shouldn't be that hard to make transmission happen, given the way we see it spread through dairy farms in the field,' said Bowman in an interview with Scientific American in June. Lakdawala and her team wanted to figure out how the virus moves between cows in hopes of finding a way to slow or stop the spread. They began testing affected dairy farms in California in the winter of 2024 and ended up assessing a total of 14 farms by early 2025, a period representing the peak of the dairy cattle outbreak. The researchers used aerosol sampling devices to test both cow exhalations and the ambient air in milking parlors and barns. They also tested milk and the entire wastewater system, from the drains in milking parlors to the manure lagoons outdoors. The team found plenty of opportunities for the virus to transmit, given that viral particles were found all over. 'It's not a single event or a single thing that drives transmission,' Lakdawala says. 'The likelihood is: overbombardment of viruses in the environment is leading to efficient transmission. They're inhaling it; they're probably also finding it on their bodies; they're licking it; they're finding it on the milking equipment—all of it together.' The researchers found one sample with mutations in an area on the H5N1 genome that's known to change when avian viruses become more adept at spreading between humans. It's not clear whether that particular mutation would have helped the virus infect humans more effectively. Luckily, that version of the pathogen did not go on to reproduce: it seems to have emerged and, just as quickly, to have died out. Another recent paper, published by Webby and his team in the journal Nature Communications in July, found that, so far, the virus circulating in cattle still looks very much like the virus circulating in birds. That research also found that the bovine virus couldn't spread through the air between ferrets, which are used because they transmit flu viruses much like humans do. 'We've dodged a little bit of a bullet so far with cows and this virus,' Webby says. But with so much virus on affected farms, there's a chance that future human-oriented mutations could arise, Lakdawala warns. She suspects the virus becomes aerosolized during both milking and cleaning. Also, workers often spray down floors and other farm surfaces with wastewater that they now know can contain infected milk. Face shields that can block large droplets and large aerosols without the discomfort of masks might be one way to reduce cow-to-human infections among workers. Rapid 'at-barn' H5N1 tests, not unlike the at-home flu or COVID tests people can purchase at drug stores, would help farmers identify and isolate sick cows before they could infect others, she says. And treating infectious milk before it's dumped—perhaps with a weak acid such as vinegar or lemon juice to inactivate the virus, Lakdawala says—could keep H5N1 out of wastewater. 'This is highlighting to me that we really need to work harder to get this entire outbreak under control,' she says.
Buzz Feed
17-06-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
12 Things Doctors Do When Traveling To Avoid Getting Sick
When travelers return home from a vacation, they typically bring cool souvenirs, cherished memories and a broadened perspective on the world. But sometimes they also come home with a terrible cold, digestive problems or other health issues. It's common to get sick when you travel, whether you come down with symptoms during the trip or start feeling bad after the return. But this outcome doesn't have to be inevitable. 'You can assume that travel will increase the risk of getting sick, and none of us wants to get sick while traveling, said Dr. Henry M. Wu, an associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Emory TravelWell Center. 'It makes sense to take extra precautions we don't do on a daily basis.' Below, Wu and other doctors share the things they always do when they travel to avoid getting sick. 1. Masking In The Airport And On The Plane 'Although COVID is no longer as large of an issue as it was, given that I am in close quarters with the same circulating air on an airplane, I still wear a mask on all flights and in the airport,' said Dr. Barbara Bawer, a family medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Depending on where you are going, wearing a mask in crowded places is also important.' She suggested packing at least a couple of masks in case one gets soiled or ruined. High-quality masks like N95s are your best bet for reducing germ transmission in crowded indoor situations. 'I still lament the time I sat on an overnight train in France across from a couple that coughed and sneezed the entire trip — only to get a horrible cold a day later and miss the 48-hour French countryside wedding extravaganza I had traveled so far to attend,' said Dr. Sarah Battistich, an emergency medicine specialist with NYU Langone Health's Virtual Urgent Care. 'Now I routinely wear masks in transit, whether or not there are identifiably ill persons around me.' Face coverings can also offer protection in multiple ways. 'The mask will keep you from touching your nose and mouth with your hands,' said Dr. Heather Viola, a primary care physician at Mount Sinai Doctors-Ansonia. 'First and foremost, I constantly wash my hands, always carrying with me hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to prevent the spread of germs,' Viola said. 'Many airlines are giving out alcohol-based disinfectant wipes when you board. I use these to clean my seat, headrest, armrests, tray table, and entertainment screen — basically, anything you may touch while sitting in your seat.' Packing your own alcohol-based disinfecting wipes can also be useful. 'I am a big proponent obviously of hand washing,' Battistich said. 'But also trying to limit touching of shared surfaces and therefore limit the risk of coming into contact with bacteria and viruses. I make a game out of it with my daughter to not touch any surface in public bathrooms, including doors and toilet seats.' 3. Staying Hydrated 'If I'm taking a long flight, try to start out well hydrated and avoid alcohol on the plane,' Battistich said. Maintaining a healthy water intake was a priority for all the doctors who spoke to HuffPost. 'I always travel with electrolytes ― packets of dissolvable electrolytes ― for water or vitamin water,' Viola said. 'This is a good way to keep hydrated with more than just water and help prevent in-flight nausea or dehydration.' 4. Taking Immune System Boosters Viola is also a fan of nasal mists and vitamin C tablets prior to boarding. 'The plane cabin is dry, and microorganisms are free to circulate in the air, so before I go on a plane, I take a few vitamin C tablets to boost my immune system and help give my body the ability to fight off airborne germs,' she said. 'Nasal saline spray or nasal mists can also help fight germs as they keep your nasal passages moist, which enhances your body's own germ-flushing activity. You can even apply a small amount of Neosporin or petroleum jelly just inside the nostrils — using a Q-tip if your hands aren't washed — to create a barrier between you and the airborne germs.' 5. Avoiding Peak Travel Times 'If possible, try to travel during non-peak times, which often is the middle of the week and mid-morning or midday, instead of very early or in the evening,' Bawer said. 'This may depend on your city, though, so do some research ahead of time.' Avoiding the biggest crowds and sense of stress is a good way to cut down on your potential exposure to germs, and traveling in the middle of the day typically allows for a full night's sleep the night before or after your flight. 6. Prioritizing Rest 'Make sure to get adequate rest before your flight and if able, try to sleep while traveling when appropriate,' Bawer said. 'When returning home, give yourself some time to re-adjust back to your daily schedule and environment. Try not to return home at 11 p.m. or midnight and then have to head straight to work the next day. Give yourself a few hours or, if able, an entire day at least to recover, get caught up on laundry or grocery shopping or other needed chores, and get plenty of rest.' Fatigue can impair your immune system, as well as decrease your endurance and negatively impact your mood. 'I'm a big fan of those flat packable travel pillows which support your neck, and I've found bringing ear plugs and an eye mask or scarf to keep out the lights is super helpful for getting that extra bit of rest — like that hour at the end of a night flight where you still want to sleep but the flight crew turns the bright overheads on,' Battistich said. 7. Not Overscheduling Just as you should prioritize rest to help your immune system, you should also try to reduce stress where possible. 'Don't overschedule your trip to allow time to enjoy yourself and give some flexibility in the itinerary,' Bawer advised. 'Stress can induce sickness, especially in a new environment.' 8. Eating A Well-Balanced Diet 'Eat a well-balanced diet leading up to the trip to get your body and immune system ready to fight anything it comes into contact with and on the day of travel as well,' Bawer said. 'Most people don't eat as healthy while on vacation but try to incorporate fruits and vegetables with all meals to keep your immune system at the highest level.' She always packs healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs during her travels. 'Often we don't have time to eat, especially with flights being delayed or late, and we either skip meals or grab something quick, which is rarely healthy,' Bawer noted. 'I make sure I am up-to-date on vaccines before travel,' Wu said. 'Flu and COVID-19 are so common among travelers, and even a mild case can ruin a trip. Also, for international travel, there are additional vaccines that might be recommended or required, or even malaria prophylaxis for some areas. I suggest travelers check the CDC [Centers for Disease Control Prevention] travel website or see a travel medicine specialist for advice.' In addition to getting the necessary travel vaccines ahead of time, you may want to procure special medications in advance. 'Consider getting a prescription for diarrhea medicine if traveling to another country where traveler's diarrhea may be an issue,' Bawer advised. 'If traveling to another country, avoid drinking their water — this includes anything washed with local water like salad and fruit. Focus on eating foods that have a shell and don't need washing and drink bottled water. Also, use this to brush your teeth. This can help to avoid traveler's diarrhea from developing.' Packing an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal like Imodium is another good idea, especially when traveling internationally. 'If I'm uncertain about particular meals, I try to stick to foods that have been fully cooked and are served hot, avoiding raw and undercooked foods,' Viola added. 10. Keeping Up With Sun Protection 'Wear sunscreen daily,' Bawer urged. Whether at home or on vacation, you should apply (and reapply) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Keeping up with your sun protection regimen is especially important if you'll spend a lot of time outside during your travels. 'Sunburn and heat-related illnesses are some of the most easily preventable causes of a ruined vacation,' Battistich said. 'Don't forget sunscreen, long sleeve shirts ― linen is great for hot climates ― and hats. The bigger and more packable the hat, the better.' 11. Buying Insect Repellent 'If it's an outdoorsy trip or I'm going to tropical areas, I make sure to pack bug repellent,' Wu said. 'Mosquitoes, ticks and other biting bugs can transmit many infections.' Ensure your sunscreen complies with local regulations and check the CDC's recommendations for effective products. 'It isn't always easy to find these things on the fly, so preparing in advance will eliminate the chance I am caught off guard,' Wu added. 12. Packing Medication 'I also bring over-the-counter medications that I will have on hand in case I start to feel unwell,' Viola said. She packs acetaminophen for pain or fever, ibuprofen for pain, an antihistamine like Benadryl and Pepto-Bismol in case of stomach upset. 'My doctor's travel kit included some preventatives and some emergency rescue meds,' Battistich said, listing many of the same medications, as well as anti-nausea medications and remedies like SeaBands, ginger packets, and aromatherapy sticks. 'There is evidence that taking Pepto-Bismol tablets before and during travel can help reduce in the risk of traveler's diarrhea,' she added. 'I also back very basic wound kits with Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, and if going to a hot and humid climate, or when hiking and backpacking, I will also often bring an antifungal cream.'
San Francisco Chronicle
04-06-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Want to stay healthy when you fly? Here's the plane truth
Whether your vacation plans involve a romantic getaway to a faraway locale or just a summer visit with the grandkids, odds are an airplane will be involved. For the most part, planes are a great way to go, health experts say. "Overall, it's a very safe mode of transportation," said Dr. Leigh Speicher, an aerospace medicine specialist who is president of the Civil Aviation Medical Association. But commercial air travel does come with some health baggage. Issues range from simple stress to "complex physiologic changes occurring in the setting of air travel that can affect the heart, the blood vessels and the brain-heart axis," said Dr. Laurence Sperling, the Katz Professor in Preventive Cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Here's what the doctors say you can do to stay grounded in health before you're cleared for departure. Beware of the air? In the jet-travel anthem "Come Fly With Me," Frank Sinatra sang that once you're up there, where the air is rarefied, you can just glide, starry-eyed. But that rarefied air can pose a health challenge for some. On commercial flights, cabin air is usually pressurized to the equivalent of around 6,000 to 8,000 feet in altitude, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's roughly the elevation of Estes Park, Colorado, or Mount Olympus in Washington, and it means passengers are inhaling less oxygen than they might normally. That pressurized air can also be dry – around 5% to 25% relative humidity, according to a research review published in Clinical Cardiology in 2017 about air travel's cardiovascular effects. Sperling, a preventive cardiologist who founded the Emory Center for Heart Disease Prevention, was senior author of that review. Speicher, who started piloting planes as a teenager, said most healthy people will be fine breathing the cabin air. But the CDC says the lower pressure can exacerbate problems for people with anemia, underlying lung issues, cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, or other conditions that require supplemental oxygen. The Clinical Cardiology review adds heart disease and heart failure, where the heart can't pump efficiently. If you have any concerns about whether it's safe for you to fly, ask a doctor, Speicher said. "Your best resource to talk to is your own primary care provider. Or, if you've had a recent heart attack or a stroke, it might be the specialist who's cared for you." The lower air pressure in the cabin also causes gas trapped inside the body to expand. That can affect someone who has had bypass surgery within the past 10 days, the Clinical Cardiology review said. Expanding air inside the body also can lead to abdominal pain, sinus pain or "airplane ear," Speicher said. The CDC says decongestants can help with ear and sinus symptoms. But because decongestants can raise blood pressure, they should be used for the shortest duration possible or avoided altogether in people with severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, according to guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. Flying dry The low humidity inside a plane can lead to problems such as dry eye or a cough, Speicher said. To combat dehydration, she recommends traveling with your own water bottle, which you can fill once you clear airport security. Be careful with caffeine and alcohol, she said, both of which can be dehydrating. The air aboard modern planes is filtered and "cleaner than most of our homes and buildings that we're in," Speicher said. So when it comes to airborne viruses and bacteria, "it's not like you're being exposed to everyone in the whole plane." But you can still be exposed to germs from the people around you, she said, and if you're sick, you can expose them as well. "I'm not at the point where I would say, 'Everyone needs to wear a mask for every flight,'" she said. But in case you end up next to somebody who is coughing and not wearing a mask themselves, "I think it's lovely to have one on hand." Blood clot risks The long periods of immobility that come with air travel can elevate the risk for deep vein thrombosis – clots that begin in large veins, often in a leg. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can be fatal. Such clots are rare, but Speicher and Sperling both recommend using compression socks on longer flights. Stay well-hydrated, Sperling said, and keep blood flowing by not crossing your legs and by flexing your leg muscles while seated, or "get up and walk in the aisle." But don't loiter. Turbulence can strike without warning, Speicher said. So when you're seated, buckle up, she said. "It'll save you from injury." Stressful? Yes Air travel can be frustrating, to put it mildly. "It's a very stressful time for some people," Speicher said. And that can affect mental health. So "pack your patience," she said. Try to be understanding of your fellow passengers, and listen to the instructions you're given. "The cabin crew and the pilots are trying to do their job. They're trying to get everyone there safely." Nervous fliers should "do the things that help you stay calm in regular life," such as deep breathing, meditation or listening to music, Speicher said. "Travel with someone who centers you and helps you feel safe." Also avoid alcohol, she said. In addition to being dehydrating, it "can compound all the issues going on, instead of calming things down." Pre-flight prep Sperling, who has been on the receiving end of several "Is there a doctor on board?" calls to help people when he's flown, emphasized the importance of checking with your health care team to make sure you're ready to fly. "The physical stress of air travel should not be underestimated," he said. "For many people, it can be the most significant stress test they've had in days, weeks, months or that year." It takes effort to haul luggage through the airport or even just wait in line. "So it's not uncommon for people to unmask some underlying health conditions as they're navigating the stress of air travel." If you're cleared to fly, Sperling said, make plans for keeping up with your regular medications. Keep them in your carry-on luggage. "It's really helpful for a person to have a list of their medications, just to be able to share with whoever is trying to help," he said. People with heart rhythm disorders should carry a copy of a baseline electrocardiogram reading – you can take a photo and store it on your phone, Sperling said. People with implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators should carry the device's card with them. Overseas travelers should make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. Many hospitals have travel specialists who can help. Keep in mind basic needs as well, Speicher said. "I recommend having some snacks or food with you in case there are delays." Don't skimp on sleep Travel can interfere with sleep, which is considered essential for heart health. Adjusting to a new time zone is trickiest when traveling east, Speicher said. "You just stay up a bit later when you travel west." Her simplest advice is to get exposure to mid-morning light to reset your body's internal clock when you travel east. "It's great to get sleep where you can," she said. But be careful with alcohol, which might make you sleepy but can interfere with staying asleep. Sperling cautioned against taking any type of sleep aid or anti-anxiety medication that you don't take regularly. "Stick to your routine," he suggested. If your normal bedtime routine involves reading a book, try the same while you travel. Have fun "Air travel is important for people to see the people they love, their families, their friends, to experience new places and new beauty on this planet," Sperling said. So while putting in the work required by flying, don't lose sight of its rewards. "We should be aware of the risks," Sperling said. "We should be equally aware of the joy."
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Verbal abuse can cause lasting harm. Here's why.
Verbal abuse can cause lasting harm. Here's why. Show Caption Hide Caption Dating expert reveals signs a relationship is toxic Dr. Ramani explains how certain behaviors and conversations can indicate that your relationship is becoming toxic. While it's true that words don't leave a physical mark on the body the way physical abuse does, the things we say can absolutely be weaponized to cause real and measurable harm to others. "The effects of verbal abuse can be long-lasting and can lead to a host of physical and mental health struggles," says Juanita Guerra, a clinical psychologist in New Rochelle, New York. Here's what verbal abuse is, how it's worrisome and why it's more common than many realize. What is verbal abuse? Verbal abuse doesn't have one definition alone but "involves using words – either spoken or written – with the intention of hurting, humiliating, controlling, demeaning or frightening another person," says Nadine Kaslow, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. In addition to weaponizing words, forms of verbal abuse can also include especially harsh tones, yelling, employing the silent treatment or behaviors that are "used to manipulate, intimidate and maintain power and control over someone," says Elizabeth Dowdell, a professor of pediatrics at the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. In either case, verbal abuse can cause lasting harms. These include feelings of helplessness and powerlessness, Kaslow says, and "mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, substance misuse, personality disorders and even suicidality." Sometimes victims of verbal abuse will also develop physical symptoms such as "stomach aches, headaches and chronic pain," says Guerra. "Verbal abuse also undermines one's confidence levels and can negatively impact a person's relationships and work and school performance," says Mary Alvord, a Maryland-based psychologist who helps patients who have experienced verbal abuse. 'Pseudomutuality': Why it takes so long to spot narcissistic abuse What does verbal abuse look like? Verbal abuse isn't as apparent as forms of physical abuse can be. But Dowdell says that some of its tell-tale signs include intimidation, belittling, berating, bad-mouthing, mocking, yelling or cursing at someone, humiliation, name-calling, constant criticisms and threatening. The latter may include threats of physical violence or even manipulative promises "to leave or to take away a home, car, children or pets," she says. Verbal abuse can be perpetuated by anyone, anywhere, including on social media, at school, at work, on sports teams, among peers and in the home. "And it may occur by itself or in conjunction with other forms of abuse such as emotional abuse, physical abuse or sexual abuse," adds Kaslow. Verbal abuse may also look different when aimed at one person over another and may affect some groups of people especially. "Verbal abuse is particularly damaging to children given how impressionable they are and to individuals that have been traumatized in the past," says Guerra. 'I felt as if I was dead to her': The psychological cost of the silent treatment What to do if you experience verbal abuse Recognizing verbal abuse is the first step toward stopping it, Dowdell says, but that can be easier said than done. Once you recognize what's happening, "finding support and getting to safety are important actions," she says. Support may sometimes include getting away from the person perpetuating the verbal abuse or avoiding them as often as possible. It may also include confrontation. "As with any bully, the abuser often will not stop until confronted," says Guerra. "So it's important to set clear boundaries regarding what is acceptable behavior and what is not and if the verbal abuse persists it may be necessary to gather evidence such as recordings or witnesses in or to take legal action such as obtaining a restraining order." Of course, where the verbal abuse is taking place matters as well. If it's happening in school settings, "kids and teens can talk with their school counselor or nurse," advises Alvord. If the verbal abuse is occurring in the workplace, "it must be reported to the Human Resources department," says Guerra. "And if it is occurring on social media, then it must be reported through the proper channels so the perpetrator can be blocked, at a minimum." Hotlines can also be helpful resources, Alvord says, "and professional help should be sought when patterns of sleep, eating and everyday functions are being affected." "Reach out to a trusted friend, colleague, therapist or support group for help," adds Kaslow, "and practice self-care and give yourself plenty of grace on your road to recovery."
