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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Doctors warn at-risk groups as Canadian wildfires bring haze to Chicago
The Brief Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada is drifting south, bringing hazy skies and worsening air quality to the Chicago area. Healthy individuals without pre-existing conditions may not notice any breathing issues, but the elderly, babies, and those with lung and heart conditions should take extra steps to prepare. Doctors recommend sensitive groups, such as those with asthma or COPD, should stay indoors, in a room with clean, filtered air. CHICAGO - Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada is drifting south, bringing hazy skies and worsening air quality to Chicagoland — a concern for sensitive groups and those preparing for outdoor events this weekend. What we know As thick haze from the north drifts into our region and air quality continues to decline, health experts are urging caution, particularly for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. "The best way to handle the heavy or smoky condition is to avoid it if you can and stay inside," said Steve Mosakowski, director, Respiratory Care Services, Rush University Medical Center. Levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) were on the rise Friday and are expected to continue climbing throughout the weekend. That means sensitive groups will have a harder time breathing. "If you're inside, go to your clean room that you have set up in your house, run your air conditioner, keep your windows closed, your door closed, let that air conditioner run and cool things off and also filter some of that air. If you have an air filter, run that in that room so it keeps that room nice and clean," Mosakowski explained. Medical officials say it's important to understand the risks before lacing up and heading outdoors. Between Friday afternoon and evening, the air quality, according to shifted from 'good' to 'moderate'—and is expected to get worse. Most at risk of breathing difficulties are those with lung conditions like asthma and COPD, heart disease, the elderly, and babies. "If people are going to go outside and they have asthma or COPD, bring that inhaler with you and your spacer so that you can treat yourself should you need to," said Mosakowski. "But anybody who feels like they are struggling to breathe should seek immediate emergency help so that they can get the help they need." Mosakowski, who is also an assistant professor at Rush University's Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences shares that you'll start to notice worsening air quality simply by looking outside. "It can give it that brown-ish or orange-ish reflection that we're going to see there. And that means that there's a lot more particles that are in the air that are reflecting that light," Mosakowski said. Healthy individuals without pre-existing conditions may not notice any breathing susceptible to breathing difficulties should also not burn candles or incense, which will further aggravate symptoms. What they're saying As the wind changed on Friday evening, haze hung over the Garfield Park Conservatory, where runners will take off for the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 (Half-Marathon) on Sunday."I've always been into humidity and even air quality and learning how it affects my running," said Jasmine Redmond-Winston, who is running in the race. "I am a little concerned but if it does clear up, that would be great." On Friday, race crews were hard at work preparing the course, which starts and ends in Garfield Park, while also extending into Douglass Park and Humboldt Park. "It's really cool to be on another side of the city that we don't really get a lot of exposure to, so that's really nice," Redmond-Winston said. Many runners and event organizers are keeping an eye on the sky—hopeful the haze won't cast a shadow on race day. "I'm excited to get back into it, you know the mix of emotions, the nerves and everything, the excitement, it's all kicking in," said Julian Rincon, who is running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1. What's next As the haze grows, local health officials and race organizers urge runners and residents to monitor air quality and adjust their activities as needed. The Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon kicks off at 6:50 a.m. Sunday with the Wheelchair Division, followed by the Open Division at 7 a.m. Packet pick-up will resume from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roosevelt Collection on Saturday.
CBS News
26-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Is pollution from the steel industry behind cancer rates in Gary, Indiana?
Doctors, environmental groups and residents are trying to figure out if there is a causal connection between pollutants from the steel industry and rates of cancer in Gary, Indiana. Pollutants you can see, and tiny particulates you can't, come from different types of industry in the Gary region. But according to Environmental Protection Agency records, steel production plants release the most toxins of all the industries in the region. Beryl Fitzpatrick is one of the residents affected. You can hear the cancer as she speaks. "I was having trouble swallowing," she recalled. Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with Stage 3 tongue cancer. She didn't know if she would ever speak again after doctors removed part of her tongue while removing a cancerous tumor, but she fought to keep her voice. "I had to learn phonics. I had to learn, I had to learn words and sounds," she said. "It was humbling." And she knows the very air in her own backyard could be playing a role in her disease. "It's almost certain that her place of residence, with the high pollution and other industrial output contributed to her cancer," said Dr. Kerstin Stenson, lead of the head and neck cancer program at Rush University Medical Center who's been treating Fitzpatrick. The City of Gary was built by the steel industry, but when families like Fitzpatrick's moved to the region in droves from the South during the Great Migration for jobs and opportunities, they didn't know as much as we do now about the health risks linked to industrial production. "A lot of the teachers would talk about students that had asthma," Fitzpatrick said. Seven major coal-powered steel production plants operate in the United States. Three plants are clustered in the Gary region: Burns Harbor, Gary Works and Indiana Harbor. CBS News Chicago Investigators dug into state and federal data from the Environmental Protection Agency to see how these facilities impact the community. Our investigation found that in 2023, the latest data available, the three mills emitted 25 million pounds of toxins, more industrial pollution than the combined toxic release of the four similar mills in other states. "We do not need to sacrifice health and communities to make steel," said Hilary Lewis, a director of Industrial Labs. Industrial Labs, a nonprofit environmental organization, released a report in October 2024 detailing its findings on the steel industry's impact on the community. "The people in Northwest Indiana are bearing the brunt of the coal-based steel industry today," she said. The study found people living near one steel production facility have a 12% to 26% higher risk of getting cancer. People in Gary live near three. And cancer isn't the only health risk associated with this kind of industrial exposure. Industrial Labs' study found people living in Gary are in the top 10% of the nation at risk for developing asthma. Even Gary Mayor Eddie Melton grew up with asthma, and the irony of the steel industry that built the city now being the thing making people sick is not lost on him. "I mean, that's a stark reality that a lot of folks have to deal with," Melton said. The mayor wants this dealt with, in part, by toughening toxic emissions standards. But that may not happen; in March, the federal EPA announced it's considering lowering some standards polluters must meet. "What we're seeing from a federal and state government concerns me, in terms of rolling back the regulations on industries such as the steel industry, and other industries," Mayor Melton said. Gary already fails to meet federal air quality standards. Lake County, Indiana has more toxic releases than 99% of all other counties across the country, and the state ranks second in the nation for the most industrial pollution released per square mile. So what is the EPA doing for the people of Gary? "They're responsible for protecting clean air," Lewis said. "And right now, they're not doing that." CBS News Chicago Investigatiors dug into EPA records dating back to 1977 and found that since then the EPA took 152 formal actions against the steel production facilities. Nearly half of those actions were for violating the Clean Air Act. For those air pollution violations, regulators issued more than $23 million in penalties paid by the parent companies. "If you're a multi-billion-dollar corporation, fees and fines probably are just a drop in the bucket for you," Melton said. Both the state and federal EPA declined interviews but sent statements saying they act when facilities are out of compliance, and those actions have reduced air emissions. Fitzpatrick lives about 43 blocks from the largest steel mill in the nation, and we found they released more pollutants than any other steel or iron mill tracked by the EPA across the country. More than half the industrial pollution in Lake County comes from Gary Works, which is owned by U.S Steel. U.S. Steel declined an interview, but responded to questions by email, saying the EPA's data includes byproducts "legally emitted," and said they have systems in place to comply with environmental regulations. In regards to the Industrial Labs report, U.S. Steel said it was "designed to create media attention rather than reach any scientific conclusions." Fitzpatrick has lived in Gary for 60 of her 71 years, never fully knowing what she was exposed to. "I didn't think I was living a lifestyle that was polluting my body," she said. She wasn't. Dr. Stenson said Fitzpatrick doesn't have the typical risk factors for her cancer. And she's not alone. "There are many patients that have come from that industrial area that would present with head and neck cancer without risk factors," Stenson said. Gary has been notorious for its pollution for decades. Dr. Mihir Bhayani, also at Rush University Medical Center, is getting closer to directly linking air pollution and some cancers. The new research he is working on could force change. "What we are working on currently is, again, a direct causal link between air pollution and head and neck cancer," he said. He believes steel mills are making people sick in Gary, and he wants to see emissions standards toughened. "So that individuals who are living in those areas, they're exposed to the same clean air that individuals who are living in more affluent areas are," he said. "The types of communities that this industry is impacting are disproportionately people of color and low-income communities," said Lewis. More than 76% of Gary's population is Black, and the average income is less than $23,000 a year. About four hours away from Gary by car is the steel plant in Middletown, Ohio. It's getting a major portion of a $500 million federal grant to change the steel-making process and cut hazardous pollution in that city, which has an average income of $30,000 a year and is 73% white. Fitzpatrick believes more would be done to keep the air clean and her community healthy if Gary's demographics were different. "I am worthy. No matter what you think about my Black skin, my dark skin, I'm worthy. I'm worthy for this community to be cleaned up and I am a person worthy of a good life," she said. Gary and other communities found to be disproportionately impacted by pollution were getting extra help from the federal EPA's Environmental Justice office, but in April it was labeled a DEI program and shut down. If nothing is done, Bhayani said, there will be long-term effects on people living in communities like Gary. "They are going to have higher rates of cancer. They're going to have higher rates of cardiac disease. They're going to have high rates of lung disease," Bhayani said. That's why Fitzgerald, who fought for her voice while still battling the disease that nearly took it, said she'll do whatever it takes to make change here so that it can be different for someone else. "As long as I have breath and I can breathe and I have strength to get up, I'm going to join other people, like-minded people. We're going to fight. We're going to fight," she said. Cleveland Cliffs, which owns two of the plants in Northwest Indiana, did not return messages from CBS News Chicago Investigators. U.S. Steel maintains its work is essential to the health of the American economy. But Fitzgerald and others who live there worry about their own health, and they're asking lawmakers to step up and join their fight for cleaner air. The CBS News Race & Culture Unit and CBS News Data team contributed to this report. FULL STATEMENTS U.S. Steel On whether they have studied the impact of releases from Gary Works and the health effects, including cancer and asthma, in the community: "In 2020, the EPA deemed that there was an ample margin of safety around iron and steel emissions to protect public health and prevent adverse environmental effects." It is important to note that there are many industrial facilities in Northwest Indiana. Focusing solely on Gary Works as a source of pollution is both incorrect and irresponsible. On the study released by Industrial Labs: "It is clear that these conclusions were pre-determined by a group that describes itself as 'scaling campaigns and building a movement to clean up heavy industry', which is to say that this document is designed to create media attention rather than reach any scientific conclusions. There are certain interests campaigning to eliminate U.S.-based blast furnaces, which are essential to national security and the health of America's economy because they are the only facilities capable of making certain types and qualities of steels required for critical applications." On residents believing toxic releases would not be allowed at the same level in more affluent communities with different demographics: "Federal and state emissions laws and regulations apply equally to any municipality in the same jurisdiction. Gary, Indiana, is no exception. We care deeply about the communities where we live and work, as evidenced by the contributions by the Company and our employees. Since 2020, U. S. Steel Gary Works and its employees have donated over $1.3 million dollars to community organizations and efforts. In addition, our dedicated employees volunteer countless hours of their time to organizations and schools across the area. Our more than 3,400 Gary Works employees put safety and environmental compliance first. We are proud of their work and the Northwest Indiana community we call home." "In addition to our spend on environmental compliance and community investment and engagement, we were the only U.S. Metals, Minerals and Mining company recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 2025- the fourth consecutive year we received this designation. It is a testament to our commitment to ethical conduct and compliance." "Gary Works was built in 1908, and the city was built around it. Any notion that we select certain areas to operate because of their demographics is wholly incorrect." On state and federal EPA fines, violations and consent decrees: "U. S. Steel spends more than $80 million annually on environmental controls in Indiana as part of its commitment to environmental excellence. The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, from which this data is drawn, includes manufacturing byproducts that are legally emitted under the EPA's stringent regulations and those which are legally disposed of in permitted landfills. As the nation's largest integrated steelmaking facility, it is common sense that U. S. Steel's Gary Works will have more legally allowed releases than smaller iron or steel mills in the country." Additional comment on emissions controls and other projects: "U. S. Steel has robust systems and emissions control equipment at all levels of the steelmaking process to adhere to environmental regulations. At Gary Works, our processes and environmental controls are monitored extensively by our teams. Third parties are also used for sampling water and for opacity observation to ensure compliance with regulations. Our partnership with CarbonFree is one of the ways we're working to reduce emissions. This carbon capture and utilization project will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting emissions to calcium carbonate, which is used in a variety of products for consumers and industry. Gary Works also produces Pig Iron, an important feedstock for U. S. Steel's electric arc furnaces. The Company is on track to meet its goal of 20% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 goal and has a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050." Indiana Department of Environmental Management IDEM is not a health agency nor a legislative body. IDEM is also not involved in local zoning decisions that determine where businesses are located. IDEM is responsible for implementing and enforcing existing federal and state environmental regulations. This includes issuing operating permits that ensure businesses comply with applicable environmental standards and conducting routine inspections to monitor compliance. When facilities are found to be out of compliance, IDEM can initiate enforcement actions or refer cases for further legal or administrative review. The U.S. EPA does require states to submit a state implementation plan (SIP) for areas in nonattainment within its borders. You can find more information on the SIPs for Lake and Porter counties here: In 2013, IDEM conducted an assessment of air toxics in the industrialized area of Lake and Porter County. The complete Lakeshore Air Toxics Study is available here: The study found air toxics concentrations and risk within the lakeshore area to be similar to comparable communities, and the most significant risk is attributable to mobile sources (motor vehicles). In the time since the study, technological advances and pollution prevention strategies have led to a further decline in industrial emissions. We recognize that air quality is a deeply important issue for Northwest Indiana residents and remain committed to our responsibilities under the Clean Air Act and other applicable laws. For more specific responses to questions involving federal enforcement actions, health data, or proposed changes to emission standards, we encourage you to follow up directly with the U.S. EPA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA is fulfilling its mission to protect human health and the environment. The agency works with our state partners to ensure industrial facilities comply with all environmental laws and regulations. EPA performs on-site and off-site inspections to ensure compliance. If noncompliance is found, EPA takes action. EPA has issued three recent Clean Air Act enforcement settlements, which have significantly reduced air emissions. In Burns Harbor, Cleveland Cliffs BOF steel making shop and Phoenix Global slag processing companies and in Gary, the U.S. Steel Gary Works' blast furnace have all decreased particulate matter and metal hazardous air pollutants to the atmosphere. Our state partner, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, also conducts inspections and enforcement actions. Previous compliance and enforcement work, including inspections and enforcement activity, can be found in EPA's ECHO system. You can search by location or by facility. Keep in mind that the integrated iron and steel mills that you reference may have contractors on site that have separate permits and emissions reporting. The northern portions of Lake and Porter Counties are part of a larger Chicago area that was found to be out of compliance with the ground-level ozone (or "smog") standard. Ozone high in the atmosphere protects people from harmful ultraviolet rays but at ground-level it can trigger a variety of health problems, such as lung irritation. To learn more about attainment areas, visit our website.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Using A Sauna May Lead To This Unexpected Benefit, According To A Doctor
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Sauna culture has become huge recently, as tons of new sauna spots have become the (literal) hottest places to socialize. (The United States sauna market is projected to expand by 151.3 million from 2025 to 2029.) But they have more benefits for your mental and physical health than just feeling relaxed and sociable. Saunas are typically heated between 110 and 195 degrees, depending on the type, per the Cleveland Clinic. They may play a role in strengthening your immune system, benefitting your lung health, easing pain from musculoskeletal disorders, and reducing risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and all-cause mortality, per 2024 research in Temperate: Multidisciplinary Biomedical Journal. Spending time in a sauna may also help you manage various health conditions including rheumatologic and skin diseases like psoriasis, if visited regularly, says Michele Bailey, DO, a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Group. So they're a pretty amazing spot to hang out right now. But there's a lot more where that came from—ahead, experts break down the different types of saunas, the potential benefits, and who should (and shouldn't!) bring on the heat. Wood-burning saunas are the most traditional type of sauna and use fire to heat up the space. "These saunas are typically fueled by dry, seasoned hardwoods like birch, oak, or maple—woods that burn hot, clean, and long, creating a soft, humid heat and a subtle, earthy aroma that many people find grounding," says functional medicine physician Jaclyn Tolentino, DO. Electric saunas produce heat with electricity, 'usually through built-in heating elements that warm up rocks or panels," Dr. Tolentino says. Infrared saunas utilize infrared light waves to warm your body up directly without raising the temperature of the air around you, says Dr. Tolentino. They supposedly spark the same effects in your body as a traditional sauna but at a lower temp, she says. Anything that raises your body temperature will increase your heart rate, which in turn increases your circulation, says Denise Millstine, MD, an internist at Mayo Clinic's family medicine office in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sitting in a sauna is almost like walking on a treadmill at a regular pace, adds Purvi Parikh, MD, an internal medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Because of the heat, your heart has to pump harder to circulate your blood, which means you're getting some cardio benefits even though all you're doing is sitting in the heat. Keep in mind, though, the sauna is still no replacement for exercise, which has tons of other health benefits. In the sauna, 'physiologically, much like exercise, your blood pressure [goes up] long-term, it results in better management and lowering of your blood pressure,' says Dr. Millstine, particularly lower diastolic blood pressure, per 2025 research in Advances in Integral Medicine. This effect is especially helpful for those with mild to moderate high blood pressure, says Dr. Tolentino. Sauna bathing is a regular part of Scandinavian culture as a way to destress and relax, says Dr. Millstine. According to 2024 research in Frontiers in Public Health, women who sat for sporadic 20-minute sessions in a sauna with a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius, or 176 degrees Fahrenheit, experienced less tension, depression, anger, and fatigue when it came to their mental health. If you can easily and frequently integrate sauna sessions into your schedule (bonus points if you can socialize while using it!), the sauna 'likely will reduce your stress levels,' Dr. Millstine adds. Because it's naturally relaxing to be in a sauna, your mood might improve after spending time in one, per a 2022 study in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health that surveyed 1,180 people ages 25 to 74 in Sweden on their sauna bathing habits. 'It's unclear if those benefits are directly related to sauna use or, again, or if it's simply tied to a healthy lifestyle that involves socialization and relaxation,' says Dr. Millstine. Either way, there seem to be some positive brain and mental health perks to visiting a sauna. Saunas can lead to some temporary water weight loss due to sweating, but this shouldn't be confused with true fat loss, says Dr. Tolentino. Fat loss can occur if you happen to be using a sauna in addition to practicing other healthy lifestyle habits like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, she says. "[Sauna bathing] supports the body in ways that are deeply connected to metabolism—like improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and supporting better recovery and sleep," Dr. Tolentino explains. "We also shouldn't underestimate the stress-reduction benefits that, in turn, can also help with weight loss, as supporting the nervous system is a crucial part of metabolic health, hormone regulation, and longevity." However, purely using a sauna regularly isn't an effective weight loss method. Using a sauna can benefit your overall skin health because it helps bring blood flow to the surface of your skin before you start sweating. 'Regular sauna use makes the skin more robust—meaning it sort of firms it up—and makes it more elastic, which is good for aesthetic reasons, but also because the skin acts like a general health barrier,' says Dr. Millstine. It may also help get rid of acne, says dermatologist Erum N. Ilyas, MD. "The steam our skin is exposed to in a sauna has been shown to have two major benefits: improve the hydration of skin and reduce the acne-causing sebum content of our skin," Dr. Ilyas says. That said, more research is needed on the sauna's exact scientific benefits on skin. The sauna also may be a useful workout recovery tool, since it can help loosen up tense muscles. 'The heat can make your muscles more pliable and elastic, so it [can] probably help with workout recovery soreness,' says Dr. Millstine. Sauna use can also help with tension-type headaches, likely because it alleviates the muscle soreness that contributes to them, she adds. Using a sauna isn't directly tied to better immunity, but sauna bathing can bring on relaxation and reduce stress, which can support overall immune resilience, Dr. Tolentino says. Saunas may also help prevent disease in individuals with high-stress occupations, according to 2021 research in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health—and sauna usage has also been shown to decrease circulating levels of inflammatory markers, which may benefit your health overall.$149.00 at If you struggle with sleep, using a sauna consistently may help, says Harvard-trained board-certified dermatologist David Li, MD. According to the previous International Journal of Circumpolar Health study, those who used saunas were more satisfied with their sleep patterns than those who did not. He references a Complementary Therapies in Medicine study in which more than 83 percent of respondents reported improved sleep after using a sauna. People who used a sauna five to 15 times per month also had comparatively higher mental well-being scores. 'We know [using a sauna] improves mental health," Dr. Li says, which can help you wind down to sleep, too. Research shows that people who regularly use a sauna at least four times a week for 20 minutes have a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia, notes Dr. Parikh. Sauna bathing may also help increase cardiovascular fitness, per 2022 research in the American Journal of Physiology. 'In those with no underlying cardiovascular disease, sauna bathing may be helpful to modulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce blood pressure," says Dr. Li. It may also be helpful to improve dilation of the smooth muscles and reduce arterial stiffness, he adds. The biggest risks are dehydration and dizziness from the heat, says Dr. Parikh. So always make sure you're well-hydrated before and after your sauna sesh. Experts say you should avoid the sauna if: You're sick or have a fever, 'as the heat can increase your body temperature, ultimately making it worse,' says Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Sleep Advisor. You have drugs or alcohol in your system You have a cardiovascular condition like a heart condition or high blood pressure, since "the heat can put more stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to more complications,' Dr. Dasgupta says. You may also be at risk if you've recently had a heart attack, adds Dr. Parikh. If you're pregnant, be sure to consult your doctor first as "excessive heat can potentially harm the fetus," says Dr. Dasgupta. Overall, it is generally considered safe to use a sauna every day, says Jeff Gladd, MD, an integrative medicine physician. That said, it's not imperative to keep up with a daily practice to reap all the benefits. Dr. Tolentino recommends beginning with 15- to 20-minute sessions, spacing your sessions a couple of days apart, before eventually building up to daily sessions if you'd like. (But you should consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate frequency and duration for you, especially if you have a chronic condition or take medications, Dr. Gladd adds.) If you ever feel extremely tired, dehydrated, or generally unwell during or afterward, consider cutting down on how often and how long you use a sauna each time. "Sauna use should feel like a supportive ritual, not a challenge to power through,' Dr. Tolentino says. "The key is to listen to your body—it should feel nourishing, not punishing." Meet the experts: Michele Bailey, DO, is a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Group. Jaclyn Tolentino, DO, a family medicine physician in Los Angeles and lead functional medicine physician at Denise Millstine, MD, is an internist at Mayo Clinic's family medicine office in Scottsdale, Arizona. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an internal medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Erum N. Ilyas, MD, is a dermatologist and academic chair of Drexel University College of Medicine Department of Dermatology. David Li, MD, is a Harvard-trained board-certified dermatologist and chief operator at Boston Derm Advocate. Jeff Gladd, MD, is an integrative medicine physician and the chief medical officer at Fullscript. Raj Dasgupta, MD, is a physician and the Chief Medical Advisor for Sleep Advisor. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Daywatch: How Illinois ranks for hospital safety
Good morning, Chicago. In what's surely every patient's nightmare, foreign objects such as surgical sponges sometimes get left behind inside the body during surgery. It happens only rarely, but to help avoid it, health care workers have traditionally counted surgical sponges during procedures to make sure they're all accounted for. Some hospitals, including Rush University Medical Center, have added a second layer of protection: using sponges with radio frequency identification technology. That way, at the end of a surgery, operating room staff can wave a wand over the patient and get an alert if any sponges are still inside. It's just one example of the types of measures Illinois hospitals have implemented in recent years to improve patient safety — an effort that may be paying off, according to the latest Leapfrog Group hospital safety grades. Illinois now ranks 20th in the country, up from 30th a year ago, for the percentage of its hospitals earning A grades for safety. Though Illinois improved its ranking overall, the ratings were a mixed bag for individual Illinois hospitals, with more hospitals notching A grades but also more earning Ds than when grades were last released in the fall. Read the full story from the Tribune's Lisa Schencker. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including two measles cases confirmed in Cook County, the latest on the teen curfew debate and evaluating the first month of the season for the Chicago White Sox. US, Ukraine sign economic deal after Trump presses Kyiv to pay back US for help in repelling Russia The U.S. and Ukraine announced yesterday an economic agreement after a weekslong press by President Donald Trump on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion. Ukraine and the US have finally signed a minerals deal. What does it include? American Airlines to launch service to 7 new destinations from O'Hare this year American Airlines will begin flying to seven new destinations from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport later this year, many of them warm-weather tourism spots. Power to impose 'snap' teen curfew for top cop, Johnson deputy hits council hurdle Aldermen waffled yesterday on a proposal to give Chicago's top public safety leaders the power to declare 'snap curfews' in an effort to curb so-called teen takeovers, delaying a vote on the contentious idea after a five-hour debate. Facing a razor-thin roll call and requests for more time, along with deep concerns from opponents about how officials might use the new curfew authority, Ald. Brian Hopkins called off the vote on his ordinance in the City Council's Public Safety Committee. Health officials confirm Cook County's first two measles cases of the year Public health officials confirmed the first two cases of measles in Cook County this year yesterday — as the illness continues to spread across the country. Indiana budget cuts to Imagination Library may limit program's reach After the state legislature passed a biennial budget that slashed funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun announced Tuesday a fundraising initiative to fund the program. Niles tearing down Leaning Tower YMCA, making way for new shops, housing and more Crews began this week to demolish the Leaning Tower YMCA building in Niles that is adjacent to the iconic landmark of the same name, paving the way for the village to begin a sprawling mixed-use redevelopment. Evaluating the 1st month of the season for the Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox came into yesterday with a 7-22 record, just one more victory than last year's dreadful 6-23 start on the way to setting the modern-day MLB record for most losses in a season (121). They are in last place again in the American League Central, trailing the division-leading Detroit Tigers by 11 games before yesterday's first pitch. Bill Belichick defends girlfriend Jordon Hudson as 'doing her job' after CBS interview North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick defended girlfriend Jordon Hudson for interjecting during a CBS interviewer's questions about their relationship and said she was 'simply doing her job.' The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach and first-time college coach issued a statement through the school, which followed an appearance on 'CBS News Sunday Morning' to promote his upcoming book on his coaching life. Dance for Life announces lineup for 2025, its biggest in decades Dance for Life has announced the lineup for its 2025 performance and gala in August at the Auditorium Theatre and Venue SIX10. The list of Chicago-area dance companies participating this summer includes the Chicago Tap All-Stars, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Movement Revolution Dance Crew, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Visceral Dance Chicago, plus a first-time appearance for Aerial Dance Chicago. Choreographer Jonathan Alsberry, who contributed in 2024, will return to create the performance's finale, a work including dancers from across the Chicago area. Chicago Gourmet announces 2025 dates, new sports theme with a crosstown twist and all-star roster of chefs Chicago Gourmet, the upscale food festival that celebrates the city as a 'culinary capital,' will return to Millennium Park from Sept. 25 to 28 with a new, sporty twist. This year's theme, 'Step up to the Plate,' is a marriage of food and sports, showcasing 'all-star chefs, big-time bites and championship-level sips,' said Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. Gwendolyn Brooks, Chicago's Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, wrote of life's also-rans Ron Grossman first learned of Gwendolyn Brooks when she won the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Chicago's newspapers applauded her. She was a Chicagoan, a woman, and the first African American thus honored. Recently, Grossman dug out the Tribune's story, which brought back a memory of the confusion it triggered. 'Genius among colored people, when discovered, has never gone unrecognized,' Roscoe Simmons, a journalist, activist and the nephew of Booker T. Washington, wrote in the Tribune.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Weight Loss Gummies Actually Effective? Here's What Doctors Say.
IF YOU WANT to drop a few pounds, you may be tempted to try weight loss gummies. These products claim to help you burn fat, curb your appetite, and boost your metabolism. And boy, have they piqued interest. With the rise of GLP-1s, many are looking for cheaper weight loss options, and have turned to supplements. About 15 percent of U.S. adults have used a weight loss supplement at some point, and spend billions of dollars a year on these products, research shows. 'I, too, wish weight loss gummies were the answer,' says Naomi Parrella, M.D., medical director of the Center for Weight Loss & Lifestyle Medicine at Rush University in Chicago. These supplements contain a variety of ingredients, including caffeine and apple cider vinegar (or, ACV), which has been linked to minimal weight loss in a handful of small studies. But, these ingredients are not particularly helpful for substantial weight loss, especially long term, Parrella says. Plus, there's also not much evidence that these supplements are effective. Here's what doctors want you to know about weight loss gummies. WEIGHT LOSS GUMMIES can contain a variety of ingredients, which, individually, Dr. Parrella says, haven't been shown to have a significant impact on weight loss. Plus, the doses in gummies are usually less than what's been studied. Here's a look at some of the most common ingredients in the gummies, and what the research says: ACV and other types of vinegar can reduce the glycemic load of food and reduce blood sugar spikes, preventing your insulin from spiking, Dr. Parrella says. High insulin levels reduce fat burning, so ACV may reduce appetite. Research suggests that ACV may lower your hunger hormones (known as ghrelin levels) and help regulate blood glucose and energy, says Tonia Yee Vinton, M.D., an endocrinologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who specializes in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and preventative medicine. However, 'overall, the studies showed small effects of ACV consumption on glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and body weight," she says. A small 2024 study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health found that people who consumed between 5 and 15 milliliters of ACV a day for 12 weeks lost between 6 and 8 pounds—not a ton, especially when you consider the fact that your weight can fluctuate anywhere between one and six pounds from day to day. Green tea contains catechins, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. 'Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant green tea catechin and is considered the most bioactive component for inducing weight loss by mechanisms that prevent fat cells from growing,' Dr. Vinton says. But any weight lost is likely minimal. A few studies have shown that green tea extract could have modest weight loss effects—less than 1 kilogram. Green tea may also increase energy, decrease fat absorption, and lower cholesterol, and animal research suggests it could lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, which could be beneficial for weight loss. But doctors say it's likely a better idea to sip a cup of green tea, rather than take it in supplement form. Coffee drinkers know that caffeine can give you an energy boost, at least temporarily. Dr. Parella says some people might find that it suppresses their appetite, which could contribute to weight loss. Research shows there may be a small link between caffeine and weight loss. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggested that caffeine intake may contribute to weight loss, a lower BMI, and body fat loss. Higher doses, above 500 milligrams a day for adults, might not be safe, though. Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and interfere with your sleep, which may affect your weight, Dr. Parrella says. Exogenous ketones are supplements that mimic ketosis, a natural process where the body begins burning fat for energy instead of glucose, potentially leading to weight loss. A keto diet can have the same effect, but gummies likely don't contain enough of a dose to trigger this process, Dr. Parrella says. Exogenous ketones also haven't been extensively studied for weight loss, and there's little evidence that they can minimize your hunger hormones, Dr. Vinton says. WEIGHT LOSS GUMMIES could have side effects. It's important to know that the gummies (and any other supplement) don't face the same regulatory scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medications, says David Berger, M.D., an endocrinologist and obesity physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 'It's impossible to be sure that you're getting the amount of drug you are expecting,' he says. 'Indeed, there could be toxic additives in your supplement.' Some of the main ingredients could be harmful, too. Dr. Berger says caffeine can increase heart rate or cause arrhythmia, so people with heart problems should avoid supplements with caffeine. ACV can cause nausea and heartburn. Dr. Vinton says people with a history of swallowing problems or esophageal disease should avoid gummies with the vinegar. People with insulin-dependent diabetes should avoid them during instances of low blood sugar. Gummies, in general, may contain added sugar, unlike supplements in capsule or tablet form, which may be 'counterproductive when used for weight management.' While they're safe for most people, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about taking any supplement, especially if you have chronic medical conditions, Dr. Berger says. 'GIVEN THERE ARE so many more effective, safer, and longer-lasting ways to achieve healthy weight loss, I actually don't think anyone should be taking gummies for weight loss,' Dr. Parrella says. Based on the current research, Dr. Vinton says it's 'unlikely' gummies could help you lose weight. However, they could have a placebo effect, which may inspire someone to exercise more and change their diet, Dr. Berger adds. Taking a gummy isn't a substitute for medical care, Dr. Parrella says. Even if you're not interested in working with a medical professional for weight loss, she recommends spending your money on a gym membership, exercise app, real-food protein, or 'a fabulous water bottle that inspires you to drink water.' LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS AND behavioral changes in nutrition and physical activity remain the most successful ways to lose weight, Dr. Vinton says. This is crucial, as obesity is a chronic condition that's associated with hundreds of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 'The goal of obesity treatment is losing excess fat while preserving lean body mass,' she adds. 'This requires sustainable strategies to improve daily lifestyle habits for nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management that take months to years for durable results.' Not everyone can do this alone. Seeking help from a doctor is a good place to start. Dr. Berger says when patients come to him about weight loss, he performs a physical exam, gets a medical history, and interviews them about their lifestyles. Then, he makes personalized suggestions to help them reach their goals—this might include dietary changes or exercise programs, a referral to a registered dietitian, or medication, such as GLP-1s. 'It's never too late to start, and the sooner you start, the better,' Dr. Parrella says. 'There are many ways to achieve health-promoting weight loss, and it's important to find what works for you. There are lifestyle changes and medication options that fit different stages of life and hormone states.' 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