Latest news with #MichaelOkun
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What! Living near this type of playground can cause Parkinson's disease?
A new study has raised serious concerns about a hidden health risk lurking in some of the country's most scenic neighborhoods, golf courses. According to research published in JAMA Network Open, living within a mile of a golf course could increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease by a staggering 126%. The culprit behind this troubling connection? Pesticides. The 24-year study, conducted by researchers at the Barrow Neurological Institute, analyzed Parkinson's disease cases in Olmsted County, Minnesota. By mapping patient addresses alongside 139 golf courses in the area, the researchers discovered a clear trend: the closer someone lived to a golf course, the higher their chances of being diagnosed with the disease. But the danger isn't limited to airborne pesticide exposure. The study also found that people who rely on groundwater near golf courses for their tap water are at significantly greater risk. Residents in 'vulnerable groundwater regions' where porous bedrock allows rainwater to carry chemicals into water sources face nearly double the risk of developing Parkinson's. 'This isn't about golf,' said Dr. Michael Okun, national medical adviser for the Parkinson's Foundation . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 90s Icon: A Look at Her Today I Am Famous Undo 'It's about pesticides, environmental exposures, and preventable risks hiding in plain sight.' Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, speech, and cognition. It currently impacts over one million Americans and nearly 12 million people worldwide, and the numbers are rising fast. As Dr. Okun pointed out, 'Parkinson's cases are exploding. Despite this, only 2 to 3 cents of every Parkinson's dollar is spent on prevention. That has to change.' Environmental exposure to pesticides like paraquat and rotenone, commonly used to maintain the pristine lawns of golf courses is becoming an increasingly recognized risk factor for Parkinson's. These chemicals have already been shown in animal studies to induce symptoms similar to the disease. Compared to European countries, golf courses in the U.S. are estimated to use up to 15 times more pesticides. The study's findings are especially concerning given how many people live near golf courses, often drawn by the tranquil atmosphere and green surroundings. But these 'green' spaces may be masking toxic hazards. While genetics plays a role in Parkinson's, growing evidence points to environmental triggers like pesticide exposure as significant contributors to the disease's spread. Although the study doesn't suggest people move away from golf courses, it underscores the urgent need for policy changes. Experts recommend that cities and states implement stricter regulations on chemical usage near residential zones and invest in better water treatment systems in vulnerable areas. Residents living near golf courses are encouraged to contact local environmental health agencies to learn more about pesticide use transparency and groundwater safety measures. As Dr. Okun emphasized, this research should serve as a serious wake-up call: 'Prevention has to be part of the plan.' Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Study makes concerning connection between risk for Parkinson's disease and living near golf courses: 'Cases are exploding'
A startling new study is drawing attention to a hidden hazard lurking in some of the nation's greenest neighborhoods: golf courses. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, people who live within a mile of a golf course may face a 126% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease — a condition affecting over a million Americans. The culprit? Pesticides. What's happening? Researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute tracked Parkinson's diagnoses in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over a 24-year span, cross-referencing patient addresses with the locations of 139 nearby golf courses. The analysis revealed a clear pattern: the closer someone lived to a golf course, the higher their odds of developing Parkinson's. And it's not just air exposure. Residents whose tap water came from groundwater sources near a golf course had nearly double the risk of developing the disease. Those living in "vulnerable groundwater regions" — where rainwater can carry chemicals through porous bedrock more easily — faced even greater odds. "This isn't about golf," said Dr. Michael Okun, national medical adviser for the Parkinson's Foundation. "It's about pesticides, environmental exposures, and preventable risks hiding in plain sight." Why is this concerning? Parkinson's disease is a serious progressive condition that impacts movement, speech, and cognitive function. There's no cure — and cases are on the rise. As Newsweek covered, Dr. Okun recently posted to X, formerly Twitter, saying, "Parkinson's cases are exploding. We now face 11.8 million cases globally, and the numbers are climbing fast. Despite this reality, we still spend just 2 to 3 cents of every Parkinson's dollar on prevention. That has to change." While genetics do play a role, environmental factors like pesticide exposure are increasingly being linked to the disease. Chemicals such as paraquat and rotenone — often used to maintain lush greens — have been shown to trigger Parkinson-like symptoms in animal studies. And the U.S. has pesticide risks up to 15 times higher on golf courses than European countries do, according to Beyond Pesticides. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting our outdoor environments, especially in urban and suburban areas, may not be as safe as they seem — especially when aesthetics are prioritized over health. What's being done about it? While the study doesn't explicitly call for people to move away from golf courses, experts say there's a clear need to reevaluate how pesticides are used in public spaces. Cities and states can take action by tightening regulations on chemical applications near residential areas and upgrading municipal water treatment in high-risk zones. For those living near golf courses, consider reaching out to local environmental health agencies to learn about pesticide transparency laws and groundwater safety initiatives. As Dr. Okun noted, "This is a warning we can't ignore. Prevention has to be part of the plan." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
