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Fox News
a day ago
- Health
- Fox News
Ozzy and Hulk's health issues, plus an athlete's cancer diagnosis
BEATING THE ODDS – The world's most premature baby has reached his first birthday. Continue reading… TIRED TRUTH - A hidden sleep danger could increase the risk of 172 diseases, a major study reveals. Continue reading… Fox News LifestyleFox News Health
Medscape
24-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Food Allergies Tied to Increased Mental Health Risk in Kids
TOPLINE: Food allergies in children were associated with elevated risks for eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. These mental health risks varied from those seen in children with other chronic conditions such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and type 1 diabetes. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective study including data from 1,153,984 children aged 0-18 years from UK primary care practices between 2000 and 2021 to assess the link between food allergies and mental health outcomes. The participants were categorized into those with food allergies (n = 23,263; median age, 5 years; 43% girls); without food allergies (n = 1,130,721; median age, 8 years; 48% girls); and with asthma (n = 136,453; median age, 8 years; 43% girls), type 1 diabetes (n = 4835; median age, 11 years; 45% girls), or atopic dermatitis (n = 207,575; median age, 5 years; 51% girls) with no history of food allergies. All participants were followed up for at least 1 year and up to 20 years to assess the development of specified mental health conditions. TAKEAWAY: Children with food allergies had significantly higher risks of being diagnosed with eating disorders (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.42-2.41), anxiety (aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.25-1.45), and depression (aHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11-1.39) than children without food allergies. Children with food allergies had a significantly lower risk for depression than their peers with asthma (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87) and those with type 1 diabetes (aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54-0.76). The risk for anxiety was significantly lower among children with food allergies than among those with asthma (aHR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.91). IN PRACTICE: 'In light of these results, we recommend a holistic approach to FA [food allergy] management that integrates mental health screening and support into routine care,' the authors wrote. 'This could involve regular psychological assessments, educational programs about potential mental health risks for patients and families, and closer collaboration between allergists and mental health professionals,' they added. SOURCE: Natalie Flaks‑Manov, with KI Research Institute, Kfar Malal, Israel, was the lead author of the study, which was published online on July 16 in the European Journal of Pediatrics. LIMITATIONS: The study was potentially limited by its retrospective design and reliance on routine electronic health record data, lacking confirmation of mental health diagnoses by specialists or use of standardized tools. Additionally, data on both the severity of various conditions and family history of mental illness were missing. DISCLOSURES: The authors reported having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Washington Post
23-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
I'm a microplastics researcher. Here's how I limit the plastic in my life.
Microplastics are really small pieces of plastic — less than five millimeters long on one side or about the size of a pencil eraser. That means some of them are visible to the naked eye, but others are so tiny that you can't even see them — smaller than the width of your hair or even a red blood cell. We're exposed to these plastics in countless ways, whether it's the worn car tires that release them into the air or the plastic-lined cans that get them into our food. Scientists have found microplastics in our livers, blood, brains and even placentas. And while more science is needed to fully understand how this impacts our health, there's enough evidence for us to be concerned. A systematic review I conducted with my colleagues in 2024 showed that microplastics are suspected to negatively impact reproductive health, primarily sperm quality, as well as digestive and respiratory health. The evidence suggests microplastics are potential causes of chronic inflammation, which could increase the risk of colon and lung cancer. Other studies have shown a link between microplastics and dementia as well as cardiovascular disease. But there are also effective ways to reduce our exposure through lifestyle changes. The key is to make these slowly over time, and be realistic about your budget and routines. There's no need to throw out all your plastic food-storage containers overnight. Overall, it's about reducing plastic use, particularly single-use plastics. Here's what I've done to limit the microplastics in my life. I know this is hard, but probably the most important thing you can do to reduce your exposure to microplastics is to eat food that you prepare inside your house, made from scratch. Plastic-related chemicals are more commonly found in ultra-processed and fast foods, rather than foods cooked at home, and it's not necessarily clear why. I suspect it may have something to do with all the plastic packaging and the plastic used in the processing. So I try to avoid packaged foods whenever possible. When I travel, I pack my own lunch. Usually, I bring an apple and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I buy peanut butter that comes in a glass container, which I reuse for food storage and as drinking water glasses. I bring my own bags to the farmers market. Of course, it's not always possible to avoid plastics touching your food. I haven't figured out a good way to store lettuce that isn't in a plastic bag, so I'm looking for new ways to do that. I still buy rice that comes in a plastic bag. It's possible to buy grains, beans and nuts in bulk — and bring your own containers to the store — but it can be logistically challenging. Especially if you have little kids. I mostly use glass food-storage containers. Have I thrown all my plastic out? No, I have not. But I never use them in the microwave. Research has found that microwaving food in plastic containers can release millions of microplastics into that food. Single-use plastic water bottles can also leech plastics into your water, so I have a stainless steel water bottle that I carry around everywhere. I also avoid nonstick pans and pots, since these can be made with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — or 'forever chemicals,' as they're often known. Instead, I use a clay rice cooker, stainless steel pots and pans, and a cast-iron skillet that was my grandmother's. It still works great, and I can fry an egg in it without a problem. I use wooden and stainless steel cooking utensils — and avoid black plastics. I eat lower on the food chain, sticking to fruits and vegetables. There is still a lot to learn here, but we know that chemicals are more prevalent in larger animals. So I avoid red meat and ruminant animals such as goat and lamb. I also focus on eating whole grains and beans. And this is consistent with other dietary food guidelines. I do eat some fish. I recommend eating smaller fish in general, since larger fish, such as tuna and swordfish, have a longer lifespan and can accumulate pollutants like mercury. We still don't know the full extent of the microplastics in these animals. But we do know that eating lower down on the food chain is probably a good way to ensure your exposure is lower. Microplastics love to hang out in dust. One efficient way to decrease the amount in your home is to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air — meaning these vacuums are effective at removing very tiny particles around your house, including microplastics. I also suggest using a wet mop or microfiber cloth to clean up around the house, which won't stir up dust. My husband does this once a week at our house. Some abrasive cleaning products, such as the kinds that have little particles to help you scrub, may have microplastics. The same goes for personal care products, such as exfoliants. I avoid these as well as any products with fragrances, since some companies place fragrances within tiny microplastic capsules so the scent will last longer. The idea of avoiding microplastics can seem overwhelming — even to me, a person who has dedicated their life to studying environmental contaminants — but a few small steps can make a difference to reduce your exposure and improve your overall health. And it's important to remember: It's not your fault. The bottom line is that it's hard for an individual to control the production of plastic, and we need systemic changes to lower our exposures. Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, is a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California at San Francisco, whose research focuses on environmental contaminants and their effect on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children.
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Hong Kong Men Prioritise Tech Over Health, New Study Reveals
AXA Global Healthcare study highlights worrying gaps in how men prioritise their mental and physical health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Men in Hong Kong are significantly more likely to prioritise repairing a device or resolving a banking issue than seeking help for potential signs of serious illness, a new study reveals. The research, commissioned by AXA Global Healthcare, highlights a concerning pattern in how men respond to health issues - particularly when it comes to early action and preventative care. While almost all respondents (95%) said they would fix a broken laptop within a week, only a third (33%) would act as quickly if they noticed potential red flags in their own health - such as unexpected changes in weight, bowel habits or a suspicious mole. Even symptoms like unusual fatigue (just 27%) and high levels of stress (24%) failed to prompt swift action in many cases, despite being possible early signs of more serious conditions. In contrast, men in Hong Kong reported far greater urgency when dealing with money, work commitments or vehicles. An overwhelming majority said they'd act urgently if they lost their mobile phone (99%) or bank card (98%), while 96% said they'd prioritise responding to a text or call from their boss. Personal health concerns also took a back seat to pet welfare, with 72% saying they'd respond quickly if their pet seemed unwell. By comparison, only 64% said they'd see a health professional at all if something felt wrong. Instead, 45% said they'd consult the internet first, and around 10% would turn to AI or a health app for answers. James Swatton, Senior Distribution Leader – Asia, at AXA Global Healthcare, said: 'It's clear that for many men, computers, money and even work come before their own health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong.' The survey of 272 Hong Kong men highlights a critical opportunity to shift behaviour towards more proactive health engagement. While only a minority trust digital health for diagnosis, 31% said they'd feel more confident acting on a health concern if a digital tool flagged it – suggesting potential for wearable devices, trackers, or smart alerts to help bridge the gap. To help make healthcare simpler and easier to access, AXA Global Healthcare recently launched a new all-in-one healthcare app that allows members to connect with qualified doctors anytime, by phone or video. Beyond consultations, the app supports users in managing their lifestyle by recording and tracking key physical and mental wellbeing metrics. These wellness trackers deliver insights that enable users to better understand their general health patterns and achieve personalised wellbeing goals. Swatton added: 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. By tracking physical and mental metrics, users can gain valuable insights that empower them to manage their lifestyle more proactively and work towards their wellbeing goals. Just as you'd regularly check your car or laptop to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.' 'For men living or working abroad, this is even more important. Navigating foreign healthcare systems can be confusing and stressful, especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar language, different medical practices, or insurance rules. Having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference.' Note to editors About the research Research was carried out online by Obsurvant. All surveys were conducted in May 2025. The samples comprised of 2,083 UK nationals, 512 UAE nationals and 272 Hong Kong nationals. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023). Obsurvant is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and complies with the DPA (2018). Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Nutrient found in eggs helps lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's, research shows
Research indicates that consuming more than one egg per week may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A study of over 1,000 older US adults found that this intake was associated with a 47 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's over nearly seven years. The primary benefit is linked to choline, an essential nutrient found in eggs, which plays a crucial role in memory and brain function. Egg yolks also contain omega-3 fatty acids, known for their neuroprotective properties, further contributing to brain health.
