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Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Millennial Woman Has Stroke While Driving, Then Gets Shocking News in ER
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman initially thought her car brakes had failed, but soon realized the problem was that her right foot and the entire right side of her body was paralyzed. "I knew what was happening straight away," Kirsty Woodhouse told Newsweek. "I was terrified." After stopping the vehicle with her left foot and looking in the mirror, the 35-year-old's fears came true. The right side of her face had dropped, and she was having a stroke. She rang an ambulance and managed to tell them where she was, despite her speech being slurred. Typically, strokes affect people over the age of 65. However, the number of younger people experiencing strokes has increased, with the CDC reporting a 15 percent rise in stroke risk among Americans under 65 over the past decade. Prevalence has grown by 14.6 percent in those aged 18 to 44 and 15.7 percent in those aged 45 to 64. From left: Kirsty Woodhouse sits in the car; and takes a selfie while on holiday. From left: Kirsty Woodhouse sits in the car; and takes a selfie while on holiday. Kirsty Woodhouse Stroke Symptoms Return Multiple Times Around five minutes later, Woodhouse, from Warrington, England, was able to move her body again. But stroke symptoms reoccurred and resolved themselves six more times on April 17 last year. Before a CT scan, medics asked Woodhouse if she was pregnant, but she couldn't confirm as she had spent a few years trying to conceive and hadn't yet had her period that month. The scan revealed there was a blood clot in an artery in her brain. She was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which happens when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. The blockage often clears on its own, and symptoms typically last less than five minutes. Although a TIA doesn't leave permanent damage, it is a warning sign that a more-serious stroke could happen soon. "It was like reliving it all over again and again," Woodhouse told Newsweek. Expert Weighs In on Stroke Risks in Younger People Newsweek spoke to brain-injury expert Natalie Mackenzie, the founder of BIS Services, the U.K.'s leading provider of cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with brain injury such as strokes. Mackenzie said: "A range of lifestyle factors may be driving this rise, including smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and increased stress levels. "Among these factors, high blood pressure stands out as one of the most-significant risk factors. Although weight isn't the sole contributor, it can influence stroke risk." Lifesaving Procedure and Pregnancy Concerns Woodhouse underwent a thrombolysis procedure, which is done to break down and disperse a clot that is preventing blood from reaching the brain. "I was told if I am pregnant, then it's likely the baby won't survive as it's a blood-thinning procedure," Woodhouse said. "It seemed to have worked as I felt fine. "Twelve hours later, I remember feeling clammy, and I had a full stroke in hospital and, this time, the symptoms didn't resolve themselves," she added. For 48 hours, Woodhouse couldn't even wiggle a toe and was completely paralyzed on the right side. "It was scary," she said. "I had an MRI, which confirmed clot was gone but left a small amount of brain damage." With no family history of strokes and many tests, medics were unable to find out what caused it. Meanwhile, blood tests continued to show high hormone levels indicating a pregnancy. On her ninth day in hospital, she had a scan—and there was a baby. However, medics advised a termination as they believed the baby wouldn't survive or might be severely disabled. From left: Woodhouse poses while pregnant; and cuddles her healthy baby. From left: Woodhouse poses while pregnant; and cuddles her healthy baby. Kirsty Woodhouse "It was good news but at the wrong time. I thought, 'Am I even going to live past today?' I was so scared in case I wasn't going to make it," Woodhouse said. Medics expressed their concern about the baby and suggested a termination. "The stroke consultant said the pregnancy might not progress anyway or the baby might have disabilities," said Woodhouse. "They also didn't know how my body would cope with the physical demands of pregnancy and labor. "It was scary, but we were 100 percent certain we would not have a termination," she added. But finding out that she was going to be a mom for the third time spurred Woodhouse on during rehabilitation as she relearned how to walk and use her right arm again. In December, she gave birth to Grace. She said: "It's like she has always been here; she is healthy and a perfect baby." Today, she shares her story on TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness of strokes in young people, using the handle @strokesurvivor_babyandme.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Nutrient You Should Be Eating to Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk, According to a Dermatologist
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNSkin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and has multiple causes. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding excess sun exposure are the best protection. Research shows antioxidants may also help guard against this common time outside can boost your mood, promote better sleep and support your immune system (plus, it's free!). The only drawback is that outdoor time also exposes you to the sun's skin-damaging UV rays. Over time, that could set the stage for skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. 'By far, the top risk factor for developing skin cancer is unprotected UV exposure, followed by genetic predisposition,' says dermatologist Geeta Yadav, M.D. There is good news, though. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many cases of skin cancer are largely preventable. Adopting safe sun habits like applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover your arms and legs, and staying in the shade can all lower your UV exposure and significantly reduce your risk. So can avoiding tanning beds, which also emit large amounts of UV light. You can also bolster your skin's defenses from the inside out by eating more antioxidants. While diet plays a smaller role in skin cancer prevention, research reveals that antioxidants can provide additional protection to safeguard your skin from this all-too-common cancer. Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells develop in the skin's outermost layer, called the epidermis. What causes those abnormal cells to develop and grow? The most common cause is DNA damage from exposure to UV rays, either from the sun or tanning beds. However, there are other risk factors too, like getting older or having a family history of skin cancer. You may also be more likely to develop skin cancer if you have blue or green eyes, red or blond hair, or have skin that's fair or burns or freckles easily. Of course, most of these risk factors are beyond your control. But there is one helpful step you can take, and that's eating an antioxidant-rich diet. In fact, research has found that dietary antioxidants can help counteract some of the damage caused by UV exposure before it turns into cancer. And the list is long: selenium, zinc, copper, carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E may all be protective, according to research. Exposure to UV light sets off a chain reaction that creates a storm of skin-damaging compounds called free radicals. That's where antioxidants step in. 'Antioxidants combat free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells and their DNA, proteins and lipids,' says Yadav. 'When there are too many free radicals in the body to the point that antioxidants cannot help neutralize them, oxidative stress occurs, leading to cellular dysfunction. This dysfunction could manifest as early signs of aging, but it could also manifest as cancer.' Regularly consuming antioxidant-rich foods equips your body with the defenders needed to neutralize those free radicals before they cause long-term harm. Not all DNA damage leads to cancer. In fact, our bodies have a natural defense mechanism to kill off DNA-damaged cells before they turn cancerous and start to spread. However, it's not foolproof, and some damage can fall through the cracks. Fortunately, research reveals that antioxidants called anthocyanins may help speed the process. While anthocyanins are found in lots of fruits and vegetables, one of the best sources for skin protection is berries. So, load up on these juicy fruits for an extra dose of prevention. Sunburns aren't just painful. This inflammatory reaction in your skin can cause long-lasting damage. Enter antioxidant-rich foods. Research has found that they help absorb some of the sun's harmful UV rays and reduce inflammation to decrease the development of sunburn., For instance, one study found that carotenoids, antioxidants found in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables, could provide the equivalent sun protection to SPF 4 sunscreen. For the biggest bang, think tomatoes. They're filled with a carotenoid called lycopene that's been shown to guard against sun damage from the inside out. If you're gearing up to spend more time outdoors, these tips can help you provide your skin with an extra layer of antioxidant protection. Eat the Rainbow: An easy rule of thumb for adding more antioxidants to your diet is to add more color to your plate. Fruits and vegetables with bright, deep hues are often the richest source of these beneficial compounds. Brew a Cup of Green Tea: There's a reason green tea is added to face creams, masks and serums. It's rich in antioxidants called catechins that have been shown to calm UV-related skin inflammation. Savor Some Dark Chocolate: While chocolate may not prevent skin cancer, it contains inflammation-taming antioxidants called polyphenols that may improve skin hydration and circulation. Since dark chocolate contains the most polyphenols, the darker the chocolate, the better! Getting regular skin checks and practicing safe sun habits like applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and protective clothing, and staying in the shade may all help reduce your risk of skin cancer. While diet plays a much smaller role, research has found that antioxidants may offer additional protection. Antioxidants are believed to combat cancer-causing oxidative stress, slow the spread of cancer cells and boost your body's internal defenses against inflammation and sunburn. And the best way to get more of them isn't a pill or powder. It's a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. So, before you hit the beach, park or pool, head to the produce aisle! Read the original article on EATINGWELL


GMA Network
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' Big Four duos share heartfelt messages in special dinner
After taking on the Million Votes Challenges and securing extra votes, the Big Four duos of 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' were given by Kuya the opportunity to have a special dinner together. Friday's episode showed the remaining housemates gathering for one last dinner inside the iconic house and sharing heartfelt messages for each other. 'Sobrang saya ko na kayo 'yung nakasama ko dito sa huling yugto ng ating pananatili dito sa bahay. Pinakita niyo sa 'kin na may pamilya akong makakapitan sa loob at sa labas ng bahay at sobrang na-a-appreciate ko kayo do'n,' Esnyr said. 'Coming back, I was even more happy to see each and every one of you again and to be in your presence again and to be in this house. Congratulations to every single one of you guys. I'm so proud of you and I'm so proud of us,' Charlie Fleming said. AZ Martinez said that she feels she's already a winner because of their bond. 'I'll fight for all of you and know that I'm always here,' she said. 'The real fight is outside and ako, I'm very sure each and every one of us is ready to face that, whatever is outside for us and we'll always be here to protect each other,' River Joseph said. Brent Manalo also thanked the housemates for always leaving a space for him. 'I know may mga times talaga na I was isolating, pero lagi kayong open arms once na ready na ulit ako bumalik and I will never forget that,' he said. Mika Salamanca, for her part, said that she cannot call her "PBB" journey extraordinary or perfect if they were not with her. ''Pag kailangan niyo 'ko, darating ako. 'Yun 'yung magiging pangako ko sainyo. Sobrang mahal na mahal na mahal ko kayo,' she said. Will Ashley expressed gratitude for being accepted as who he really is and 'kung pa'no talaga ako sa loob ng bahay.' 'I always say na it only takes one person to believe in you for you to be able to flourish and I promise to be that one person if no one else believes in you. I love you guys. Thanks guys,' Ralph De Leon said. The Big Night will be held on July 5, Saturday, at New Frontier Theater. Tickets are free and have already been disbursed to the families, friends, and supporters of the housemates. —Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News


Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Just one bite of food consumed by 75m Americans daily linked to cancer
Experts are sounding the alarm over a common food that - in any quantity - may increase the risk of chronic diseases. Processed meat items such as sausages, bacon, ham, salami, pepperoni, and jerky have long been staple American foods. However, scientists are now warning that no amount of processed meats of any kind is safe to consume. Researchers from across the US have found that people who eat processed meat, even as little as one hot dog a day, have an 11 percent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they found that those who eat processed meat have a seven percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, as well as a two percent higher risk of ischemic heart disease. In the US, the processed meat market is a substantial industry with revenue projected to reach $43.49 billion in 2025, and the CDC reports over 75 million adults eat processed fast foods every day. Previous research has shown that consuming excessive amounts of sodium, nitrates and chemical preservatives found in these products can harm cell DNA and create cancerous tumors in the heart, as well as the colon. These substances can also damage pancreatic cells - contributing to Type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed over 60 other studies to find out whether processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fatty acids can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), a condition in which the heart muscles do not receive enough blood and oxygen due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Over time, this can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Once they collected data from other studies, the scientists evaluated it using the burden-of-proof method - a newer type of meta-analysis that looks at both how strong and how many links are between diet and disease. Results showed that people who ate 50g of processed meat daily - the equivalent of two slices of ham - had a 30 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not eat any processed meat. Furthermore, they also found that those who ate 50g of processed meat daily had a 26 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. No such link was found between eating 50g of meat and IHD. Additionally, the researchers also found that drinking a 12oz sugar-filled soda every day was associated with an eight percent increase in Type 2 diabetes risk and a two percent increased risk of IHD. Dr Mingyang Song, associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who was not involved in the study commented: 'When we look at the actual data there, it's really remarkably consistent and remarkably strong, and even in the lower dose of consumption, we can still see an increased risk of disease.' Since this study - published in Nature Medicine - was observational, it only found associations between eating habits and diseases rather than a direct link between what people ate that caused the disease. However, previous research has shown that processed meats, preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or the addition of chemical preservatives, can contain harmful compounds, such as carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). These carcinogens can harm cell DNA and pave the way for the development of cancerous tumors in the colon. Furthermore, previous research shows that chemicals like nitrosamines, formed from preservatives in processed meats, may harm pancreatic cells, leading to lower insulin levels. When these cells are damaged, they may not produce enough insulin - forcing the body to become less responsive to the insulin that is produced, a condition known as insulin resistance. This could lead to high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, processed meat is often high in saturated fat, which has previously been linked to increased inflammation in the heart. It is also filled with sodium and nitrates - both of which can increase bad cholesterol, increase blood pressure and potentially lead to tumors in the heart, as well as the colon. Dr Song recommends cutting back on eating processed meats, sugary drinks and avoiding hydrogenated fats where possible. Dr Nita Forouhi, head of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Cambridge who was not involved in the study, added: 'A good diet is not just about what to avoid. It's also important to get good nutrients. 'Wider research has shown us that overall dietary patterns that include higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fermented dairy products like yogurt are good for health and longevity.' Over 50,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, while 150,000 are predicted to be diagnosed with the disease. While still a minority, experts remain concerned about increasing cases among younger people as officials estimate 2,600 new cases among those under 50. Studies also suggest that cases in people between 20 to 24 have risen by 185 percent as of 2024. Additionally, over 37 million American adults suffer from Type 2 diabetes. The CDC reports that over 100,000 Americans die of the condition every year. Ischemic heart disease also affects over 16 million Americans, of whom over 300,000 die of the condition.


GMA Network
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Charlie Fleming, Esnyr win second Million Votes Challenge
Charlie Fleming and Esnyr are getting 300,000 additional votes for their duo after winning the second Million Votes Challenge in "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition." Friday's episode showed the Big Four duos taking on a challenge where they must transport 10 tower pieces across a rope obstacle. Once transported, they must build two towers on the designated platforms, restarting from the beginning if any piece falls. CharEs was the fastest to complete the challenge, followed by BreKa (Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca), who will get 150,000 extra votes. RaWi (Ralph De Leon and Will Ashley) finished third and will receive 90,000 extra votes, while AzVer (AZ Martinez and River Joseph) finished last and will get 60,000 extra votes. Earlier, Mika and Brent won the first Million Votes Challenge and secured 200,000 votes. The Big Night will be held on July 5, Saturday, at New Frontier Theater. Tickets are free and have already been disbursed to the families, friends, and supporters of the housemates. —Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News