Latest news with #IcahnSchoolofMedicine
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Using non-stick cookware at home? Here's why it could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers reveals a significant link between exposure to PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Analyzing data from over 70,000 participants, the study found that higher PFAS levels correlate with a 31% increase in diabetes risk, potentially due to metabolic irregularities. Forever chemicals are everywhere. From the water we drink to the food we eat, and even in human cells, this class of synthetic chemicals is everywhere. But can they cause illnesses? A recent study has looked at the association between forever chemicals and type 2 diabetes. A new study led by Mount Sinai researchers found a close link between forever chemicals and diabetes. The findings are published in eBioMedicine . What are forever chemicals Forever chemicals, which were developed in the 1940s, have become a part of our lives now. Also known as PFAs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, are a class of synthetic chemicals. Known for their durability (resistance to heat, oil, and water), PFAs are used in products ranging from Teflon pans to cosmetics, dental floss, and fast-food wrappers. Yes, from nonstick cookware to stain-resistant furniture to waterproof clothing, PFAs are everywhere PFAs and type 2 diabetes The researchers have now found a link between PFAs and type 2 diabetes. They found that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They found that these associations could be due to metabolic irregularities in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism, which may help explain how PFAS affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. To understand the impact of PFAs on human health, the researchers conducted a study. They looked at the data of more than 70,000 study participants who have sought care at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City since 2007. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo by Taboola by Taboola Based on available data, the researchers analyzed 180 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and compared them to 180 similar individuals without diabetes. The researchers then looked at their blood samples to analyze PFAS levels. They found that higher levels of PFAS were associated with a significantly greater risk of developing T2D in the future. Each increase in range of PFAS exposure was linked to a 31% increase in risk. They also found that these associations could be due to metabolic irregularities in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism, which may help explain how PFAS affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. What are the experts saying Vishal Midya, PhD, MStat, corresponding author and assistant Professor, Environmental Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said, 'PFAS are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water, and stains, and are found in countless everyday consumer products. Because they don't break down easily, PFAS accumulate in the environment—and in human bodies. Our study is one of the first to examine how these chemicals may disrupt the body's metabolism in ways that increase diabetes risk—particularly in diverse US populations. ' Supreme Court Pushes Central Govt to Finalise FOPL: What It Means & Why It Matters? | Explained The study emphasizes the importance of preventing PFAS exposures to promote public health. 'This research leverages an exposomics framework to characterize environmental impacts and associated metabolic alterations contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes in vulnerable US populations. Findings can help us design more effective interventions for the early prevention of type 2 diabetes in the future, taking into account individuals' exposures to environmental chemicals along with other well-known genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors implicated in diabetes development. Mounting research suggests that PFAS are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes,' Damaskini Valvi, MD, PhD, MPH, senior author and associate professor, Public Health and Environmental Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, added.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Forever chemicals in household objects linked to type 2 diabetes, scientists warn
Common 'forever chemicals' found in everyday items like non-stick cookware, food packaging and waterproof clothing could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has found. The study adds to a growing body of research pointing to a role of plastic-related 'forever chemicals', also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), in disrupting human metabolism. Researchers in New York analysed health records and blood samples from 360 people, comparing individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to those without. They found that people with higher levels of PFAs in their blood were up to 31 per cent more likely to develop diabetes. PFAS are a class of thousands of human-made chemicals used since the 1940s in stain-resistant furniture, greaseproof food packaging, cosmetics and firefighting foams. They are known for persisting in the environment and the bloodstream, earning them the name 'forever chemicals.' The study showed these chemicals appear to interfere with amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism – processes that are critical to the body's blood sugar regulation. 'PFAS are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water, and stains, and are found in countless everyday consumer products,' said Dr Vishal Midya, senior author of the study and assistant professor of environmental medicine at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine. 'Because they don't break down easily, PFAS accumulate in the environment – and in human bodies.' The researchers said their findings point to a need to factor in environmental exposure, not just genetics or lifestyle, when trying to prevent type 2 diabetes. 'Mounting research suggests that PFAS are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes,' said Dr Damaskini Valvi, associate professor of public health and environmental medicine at Mount Sinai. A runner grabs a bottle of water at the athlete's village prior to the start of the 116th running of the Boston Marathon, in Hopkinton (AP) PFAS have already been linked to several health problems, including cancers, reproductive harm, and immune system suppression. These substances are so widespread that a long-term US government study found 98 per cent of Americans had some amount of PFAs in their blood. While earlier research, including a Harvard study, has linked PFAS to diabetes risk, the Mount Sinai researchers say their study is among the first to explore how these chemicals may disrupt metabolic pathways in diverse, urban populations. The findings come amid global talks on whether limiting PFAS should be included in a forthcoming UN plastics treaty. A growing number of countries, including many in the European Union, have already announced or implemented their own restrictions on PFAs in consumer products.
The Independent
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Forever chemicals in household objects linked to type 2 diabetes, scientists warn
Common 'forever chemicals' found in everyday items like non-stick cookware, food packaging and waterproof clothing could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has found. The study adds to a growing body of research pointing to a role of plastic-related 'forever chemicals', also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), in disrupting human metabolism. Researchers in New York analysed health records and blood samples from 360 people, comparing individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to those without. They found that people with higher levels of PFAs in their blood were up to 31 per cent more likely to develop diabetes. PFAS are a class of thousands of human-made chemicals used since the 1940s in stain-resistant furniture, greaseproof food packaging, cosmetics and firefighting foams. They are known for persisting in the environment and the bloodstream, earning them the name 'forever chemicals.' The study showed these chemicals appear to interfere with amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism – processes that are critical to the body's blood sugar regulation. 'PFAS are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water, and stains, and are found in countless everyday consumer products,' said Dr Vishal Midya, senior author of the study and assistant professor of environmental medicine at Mount Sinai 's Icahn School of Medicine. 'Because they don't break down easily, PFAS accumulate in the environment – and in human bodies.' The researchers said their findings point to a need to factor in environmental exposure, not just genetics or lifestyle, when trying to prevent type 2 diabetes. 'Mounting research suggests that PFAS are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes,' said Dr Damaskini Valvi, associate professor of public health and environmental medicine at Mount Sinai. PFAS have already been linked to several health problems, including cancers, reproductive harm, and immune system suppression. These substances are so widespread that a long-term US government study found 98 per cent of Americans had some amount of PFAs in their blood. While earlier research, including a Harvard study, has linked PFAS to diabetes risk, the Mount Sinai researchers say their study is among the first to explore how these chemicals may disrupt metabolic pathways in diverse, urban populations. The findings come amid global talks on whether limiting PFAS should be included in a forthcoming UN plastics treaty. A growing number of countries, including many in the European Union, have already announced or implemented their own restrictions on PFAs in consumer products.
CNA
04-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
Do regular facials actually improve your skin over time or are results just temporary?
Smoother skin, smaller pores, better hydration – these are just a few of the many benefits facials can offer. And who isn't relaxed after being horizontal for an hour while someone massages your face and tends to your pores? Glowing skin is a major and immediate benefit of getting a facial. But that perk tends to fade after a few days or weeks. And aestheticians will often say that if you want longer-term improvements, like fewer wrinkles, less acne or an even skin tone, you'll need to get facials regularly. Is that true? We asked three dermatologists to weigh in. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Facials come in many forms, said Dr Susan Massick, a dermatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Standard ones incorporate some type of deep cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, massaging and sometimes 'extraction,' or squeezing the gunk out of your pores, she said. They're also often tailored to address specific skin issues like acne, dullness or discoloration, she added. You can get facials at medical spas or salons, and at dermatology offices. When your skin is cleansed, massaged and exfoliated, dead skin cells are removed from the outermost layer of your skin called the epidermis, said Dr Helen He, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. This speeds up the skin's cell turnover rate, which may help brighten your complexion, smooth its texture and shrink your pores, she said. The skin is also typically massaged during the cleansing, moisturising and serum application steps. This can boost circulation and lymphatic drainage, Dr He said, which may minimise puffiness. Beyond skin care, regular facials can help you to unwind and de-stress, said Dr Basia Michalski-McNeely, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. 'It's an hour where you don't have any interruptions, and it's just focused on wellness and taking care of yourself,' she said. WILL REGULAR FACIALS EXTEND THOSE EFFECTS? Generally, the benefits of a single facial are short-lived, lasting a few days to a couple of weeks, Dr Michalski-McNeely said. This is because the epidermis naturally renews about every month, Dr He said. When this happens, dead skin cells build up and can clog your pores, potentially leading to acne and dull skin, she explained. A good skin care routine can address this buildup, but getting facials regularly – every four to eight weeks, for instance – can continuously support healthy skin cell turnover, which may enhance collagen production, leading to more firmness and elasticity in the long-term, Dr He said. Regular facials that are 'tailored to you and your skin' may also offer extended benefits, Dr Massick said. If you're acne prone, you might get one that incorporates extraction; if you have dry skin, you might seek extra moisturising steps. Still, there are some skin qualities that regular facials may not improve. People with deep wrinkles or skin sagging, for instance, may not get as many skin-smoothing or tightening benefits from facials alone, Dr He said. Sometimes, facials incorporate treatments like chemical peels or LED light therapy, which, when done regularly, can bring more 'lasting results' than traditional facials, such as lightening dark spots or treating acne, Dr Massick said. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CONSIDER? Regular facials are safe for most people, Dr Massick said, though she recommended avoiding them if you have an active skin infection (like cold sores or shingles) or facial wounds that are still healing. She also recommended being cautious of facials (or consulting a doctor first) if you have rosacea, psoriasis, eczema or sensitive skin. Facials can also be pricey, costing around US$100 or more in some areas. Dr Michalski-McNeely said she doesn't discourage people from getting facials, but she also doesn't think they're necessary for those with a good, consistent skin care routine. A basic one includes cleansing, moisturising and wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily, Dr Massick said. Dr Michalski-McNeely also suggested incorporating an over-the-counter retinol or a prescription retinoid – it's a more effective and longer-lasting option for increasing skin cell turnover, improving collagen production and brightening the skin. This, along with a good skin care regimen, is far more effective for anti-ageing than facials alone, Dr Massick said. But facials can complement these habits, she added. Cosmetic procedures like Botox, microneedling or laser resurfacing treatments can also offer longer-term benefits than facials, such as boosting collagen, smoothing fine lines and minimising the appearance of acne scars and dark spots, Dr Michalski-McNeely added. But these can be expensive, too, and might require a visit to a dermatologist, which Dr Michalski-McNeely recommended. If you get a facial at a medical spa or salon, Dr Massick suggested seeking out a licensed and experienced aesthetician – and asking about the products they use, the procedure and what to expect afterward. Always tell your aesthetician if you're allergic to fragrances or other ingredients that may be in skin care products. Facials can be 'a fun and relaxing treat,' Dr Massick said, just make sure you set 'appropriate expectations' – and don't rely on them as your sole source of skin care.
UPI
27-06-2025
- Health
- UPI
Most kids don't need overnight care after allergic reactions
Researchers said most children with allergic reactions can be safely treated with an epinephrine injection and discharged. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News Many kids are spending a lot of unnecessary time under observation in a hospital following a sudden allergic emergency, a new study concludes. About 17% of kids are admitted for overnight observation following a scary allergic reaction to food, medicine or insect bites, researchers reported. But 95% of children treated for allergic reactions can be safely discharged within two hours after receiving a dose of epinephrine, according to results published in The Lancet: Child and Adolescent Health. That number rises to 98% if doctors err on the side of caution and keep kids under observation for four hours, researchers found. "For most patients, we are probably observing them too long," said researcher Dr. Kenneth Michelson, a pediatric emergency specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. "This might sound minor, but if you brought your toddler in for a scary allergic reaction, it's the difference between going home at 11 p.m. versus going home at 1 a.m. or 3 a.m.," he said in a news release. "Our finding gives us more confidence that after a couple of hours, if symptoms are improving in specific ways, we can probably send the child home." Most kids who'd had an allergic reaction can be routinely treated with an epinephrine jab and sent home, researchers said in background notes. However, about 5% experience a "biphasic reaction," meaning their symptoms can return despite that first dose of epinephrine, researchers said. For this study, researchers gathered data from more than 5,600 ER visits at 31 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada where allergic reactions were treated with an epinephrine injection. About 90% of the kids had experienced an allergic reaction to foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, sesame, gluten or soy, researchers said. Another 6% reacted to medication and 3% to insect stings. Only about 5% of the kids needed a second dose of epinephrine within two hours of their initial injection, researchers found. Likewise, only 2% needed the second jab after four hours. Most kids admitted to hospital beds never needed a second epinephrine shot or intensive care, the study concluded. This means these kids and their parents are undergoing additional hassle for no real benefit, researchers said. "We have seen patients and their families avoid or delay going to the emergency department because they didn't want to sit there for hours of observation," researcher Dr. Hugh Sampson, an allergist at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said in a news release. "Such delays can prove dangerous. This study's findings support discharging patients more expeditiously, which will likely reduce patient reluctance to seek necessary help." Holding kids needlessly also ties up crucial hospital resources, the team added. "Pediatric emergency departments can get crowded quite quickly, especially during winter infection season. We need to ensure efficient throughput to allow us to provide access to as many patients as we can," senior researcher Dr. David Schnadower, director of emergency medicine at Cincinnati Children's, said in a news release. "An important value of this study is that it was large enough that the results can give clinicians confidence that discharging patients showing no concerning symptoms in less than two hours is going to be safe for most children," he added. More information Johns Hopkins Medicine has more on allergic reactions in children. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
