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San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- 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."
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Emotional abuse is more concerning than you may realize. Experts explain why.
Emotional abuse is more concerning than you may realize. Experts explain 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. When you hear the word "abuse," some form of physical abuse, verbal abuse or sexual abuse may come to mind. But people may not think about emotional abuse. This kind of abuse can be more subtle to recognize and often has different motivations driving it such as control, jealousy or shame. "The goal of emotional abuse is to make another person feel bad about themselves or guilty about a situation," says Joanne Broder, a New Jersey-based practicing psychologist and fellow of the American Psychological Association. Here's what emotional abuse looks like, the harms associated with it and what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing it. What is emotional abuse? Emotional abuse is a form of psychological abuse and is a "non-physical way to hurt, frighten or isolate another person in an effort to exert power or control over them," says Juanita Guerra, a clinical psychologist in New Rochelle, New York. It can cause a range of harms resulting in both short- and long-term problems such as impaired social and emotional development, low self-esteem, emotional regulation issues, poor work or school performance and difficulties forming and maintaining positive, healthy relationships. Victims of emotional abuse are also more prone to experience mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, substance misuse and suicidal thoughts, says Nadine Kaslow, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. Sometimes emotional abuse can even cause physical symptoms such as "headaches, stomach ulcers or insomnia," says Lisa Elliott, a licensed psychologist and clinic manager at Cook Children's Behavioral Health Clinic in Denton, Texas. This form of abuse can occur in any relationship, says Kaslow, including between peers and teachers/students in school settings, in friendships, in romantic relationships, in work settings between colleagues or from a person of authority, in social media interactions and in families between parents and children, partners or siblings. While emotional abuse can harm anyone, "it is particularly insidious when inflicted upon vulnerable populations like children, the elderly or individuals (who) have a history of trauma," says Guerra. "These people are already fragile and therefore ill-equipped to protect themselves." Did you know? There are more than 300 headache causes. These are the most common ones. What does emotional abuse look like? Emotional abuse can sometimes be difficult to notice on the surface but can be recognized in less-obvious ways such as belittling others, talking down to someone, frequently giving dirty looks or eye-rolling, withholding affection or approval or deliberately ignoring someone by giving them the "silent treatment," says Guerra. Kaslow adds that constant criticism, name-calling, demonstrating intimidation through tone or threats and manipulating through blame, shame, guilt, gaslighting, humiliation or scapegoating can all also be forms of emotional abuse. In school or social media settings, examples of emotional abuse could include "deliberately excluding a peer from a social group, not allowing a peer to sit at your lunch table at school, talking badly about someone or telling lies with the intent of ruining friendships or reputations," says Elliott. Sometimes emotional abuse is so subtle it's not even identified by the person who is receiving it "until there is considerable distress," says Guerra. What does gaslighting mean? Here's how you can respond to the abusive behavior. What to do if you experience emotional abuse The first thing they should know is that "they do not deserve that treatment," says Broder. Healthy boundaries also need to be established with the instigator, when possible. "'Please do not call me those names,' or 'do not talk to me like that,'" are different messages that could be communicated, she suggests. Parents, teachers, school counselors, human resource representatives and clergy members can all be great places to seek initial support, depending on where the emotional abuse is taking place and how severe it is. When parents are approached by a child with abuse-related concerns, "they are encouraged to seek consultation with their physician or pediatrician, who can provide guidance with obtaining therapy services," advises Elliott. Someone who is experiencing emotional abuse can also "contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788, which is confidential and available 24/7/365," says Kaslow. And "emotional abuse can also be treated therapeutically with the help of a skilled professional," adds Guerra. Kaslow also recommends focusing on healing and recovery, creating self-care routines and leaving or distancing yourself from the person causing the emotional trauma, when possible. "Also, recognize that you cannot fix or change the perpetrator, that change is only possible if the perpetrator chooses to change and gets help for themself," she adds. "Healing from emotional abuse requires a large dose of self-care and surrounding yourself with people, things and experiences that bring you joy and help you feel validated and valued," says Broder. "With the right tools and support, you can heal from emotional abuse and move past the trauma of the abusive experience."
Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Exposure to Common Chemical in Plastics Tied to Heart Disease Deaths
Daily exposure to a type of phthalate—chemicals commonly used in polyvinyl chloride products like piping, medical tubes and bags, and cling films—may be linked to more than 13 percent of deaths from heart disease globally in 2018, according to a new study. The Although the study authors note in a 'The fact that phthalates are so pervasive and can affect multiple organ systems makes them a serious public health concern,' said Janetta Bryksin, director of clinical chemistry and toxicology at Emory University School of Medicine, in an interview with The Epoch Times. Hidden Killer The study, conducted by NYU Langone researchers and recently published in Lancet eBiomedicine, used health and environmental data from various population surveys worldwide to assess DEHP exposure across 200 countries. These data were then linked to global mortality trends. Developing regions bore the heaviest burden of deaths linked to DEHP exposures. South Asia and the Middle East together accounted for about 42 percent of DEHP-linked heart disease deaths, while East Asia and the Pacific contributed nearly 32 percent. Together, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific experienced a disproportionately high share of these deaths—about three-fourths of the total. Related Stories 5/21/2022 1/28/2025 People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, the study found The authors noted that these regions likely face greater exposure to phthalates due to rising plastic production and less stringent manufacturing regulations. DEHP exposure is linked to increased inflammation in the heart's arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes over time, the researchers stated. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of population health at NYU Langone Health and senior study author, emphasized the urgent need for regulations to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals, particularly in areas experiencing rapid industrial growth. 'Countries with rapid industrial growth and fewer safety regulations—like India, China, and Indonesia, shoulder the greatest burden of phthalate-related heart disease,' Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine, told The Epoch Times. 'That should be a call to action. Whether you live in a major city or a rural town, you have the right to clean food, safe products, and a toxin-free environment.' Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate how reducing phthalate exposure might influence mortality rates over time and to examine other health issues linked to these chemicals, including preterm birth. The researchers estimated the economic implications of deaths linked to DEHP exposure to be as high as $3.74 trillion. A the same team found that phthalates were responsible for more than 90,000 premature deaths each year in the United States, many linked to heart disease. Health Risks Beyond Cardiovascular Disease Phthalates, classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, carry broad health effects because they interfere with the body's hormonal systems, Bryksin said. In children, phthalates have been associated with developmental and behavioral issues, including reduced cognitive function and attention disorders, she noted. In adults, they've been linked to reproductive problems, such as lower sperm quality and disrupted menstrual cycles, as well as increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer. Mercola said that one of the most alarming effects involves children's brain development. 'If you're pregnant, exposure to phthalates may harm your child's cognitive abilities before birth,' he said. 'The damage appears to be especially pronounced when exposure occurs during key developmental windows like the second trimester.' 'There is also concern about their role in thyroid disruption and early puberty,' Bryksin added. She said there are meaningful ways to reduce phthalate exposure, but noted that the responsibility currently falls more on individuals than on regulatory systems. To reduce personal exposure, Bryksin recommended the following steps: Limit use of plastic products, especially those labeled with recycling code no. 3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Opt for glass, stainless steel, or phthalate-free alternatives for food storage and children's toys. Choose personal care products labeled 'phthalate-free,' and avoid those with generic 'fragrance' listed as an ingredient. Reduce consumption of processed and packaged foods in favor of fresh, whole foods. Clean frequently to minimize household dust, where phthalates can accumulate. She said that, 'ultimately, reducing population-wide exposure will depend on policy changes that restrict phthalate use and mandate clearer labeling, efforts that are still catching up with the science.'
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Dr. Howard Sobel Talks Hair Restoration And Alma TED Technology
Hair loss has long been framed as a male concern—cue the receding hairline jokes, drugstore minoxidil, and late-night infomercials. But let's be real: women are quietly carrying the weight, too. In fact, female hair thinning is one of the most common yet least openly discussed cosmetic concerns today. Blame it on postpartum shifts, stress, hormone imbalances, or the brutal effects of a too-tight ponytail—whatever the cause, the result is often the same: hair that's noticeably less full, less dense, and less cooperative. Dr. Howard Sobel Dr. Howard Sobel Enter Alma TED, the ultrasound-powered hair restoration treatment generating buzz not just for what it does (stimulate regrowth without needles or downtime), but for who it's helping—women, increasingly and enthusiastically. We sat down with Dr. Howard Sobel, pioneer in cosmetic dermatologic surgery, to talk about what makes Alma TED different, why it's a game-changer for women's hair health, and how science is finally catching up with what many women have known for years: hair loss isn't just about vanity, it's about identity. 'The idea that hair loss is purely hereditary and hormone-based is outdated,' says Dr. Sobel. 'There are countless contributing factors—and we're finally treating them with the nuance they deserve.' Here, Dr. Sobel breaks down the myths, the method, and the magic behind Alma TED—and why it might just be the most game-changing advancement in hair health yet. I completed my residency in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. At that time, I had an extreme interest in male and female pattern baldness. Most dermatologists believed that 90% of hair loss was hereditary and that the hormone testosterone was the cause once it was converted to its active form DHT. There are of course other causes of hair loss. Additionally, during my residency, I worked with a biochemist to develop a compound to block the hormone DHT. At that time we only had minoxidil, which increased blood flow to the hair follicle and caused the hair follicle to stay in a growing stage for longer. The quest continued, but it soon became apparent that hair loss was multifactorial and not just caused by DHT. Several years ago multiple medications in both oral and topical applications became popular to block DHT along with the use of minoxidil. What common hair loss concerns do your patients come to you with, and what are the most common causes? The most common causes include genetics, age, stress, anemia, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormonal, cancer medications, nutritional deficiency, pregnancy and traction alopecia. Male pattern baldness the main cause affects men that are genetically predisposed usually after the age of 20 and females 30-35 years of age. A before and after look at Alma TED Dr. Howard Sobel Alma TED uses acoustic sound waves and air pressure to create small micro-channels in the scalp, which allows for better penetration of the applied topical. The results are short of remarkable with a 20-60% increase in hair regrowth with almost everyone noticing less shedding only 3-4 weeks after starting treatment. Additionally, three to four weeks out, patients will notice an increase in the density of each individual hair. The Alma Ted company supplies the doctor with a topical solution of growth factors and peptides. In my own practice, I have added exosomes to the treatment, which I get from the umbilical cord (derived from umbilical cord blood). The exosomes contain billions of growth factors. The growth factors stimulate the hair follicle, which decrease hair loss, increase hair growth and the density of each hair. PRP is another minimal invasive treatment for hair loss. You must first have your blood drawn then spin down where the plasma is then injected into the scalp with the growth factors, but not nearly as many growth factors as the exosomes from the umbilical cord. The acoustic sound waves and air pressure deliver any topical down into the hair follicle to improve hair growth. It also increases blood flow to the hair follicle. It's pain free unlike PRP. Alma TED also works for all types of hair loss and is probably best for androgenic alopecia in either males or females. To achieve success with Alma TED, it's most important that they still have an active hair follicle or else it will not work. Three sessions a month apart, then I analyze the degree of patients' hair loss, their age and genetic factors and adjust the sessions to about every two to four months. The Alma TED can be combined with vitamin supplements, amino acids, and conditioners that are healthy for the hair follicle as the Alma Ted will increase absorption. Absolutely. It can also be used on the face using exosomes to increase collagen and elastin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
