Latest news with #WebMD
USA Today
3 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
'Modern Family' star opens up about heart disorder, getting pacemaker at 29
Julie Bowen is opening up about the heart condition that led her to receive a pacemaker at age 29. In an appearance on the "Inside of You" podcast released on Tuesday, July 1, the "Modern Family" star, 55, discussed being diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, a heart disorder that caused her to have a low heart rate. Bowen noted she was diagnosed soon after graduating college thanks to her sister, who was in medical school at the time. The actress always had a low heart rate, but when her sister listened to it with a stethoscope, she told Bowen, "You need to go to a cardiologist immediately." Bowen subsequently received her diagnosis and got a pacemaker under her armpit, right after shooting the pilot of her early 2000s NBC series, "Ed." "I was like, 'Oh my God. My life is over. This is so weird. I'm going to die.' I don't know what I thought it was," Bowen said. "I was 29 years old." 'Modern Family' star Julie Bowen clears up that viral hiker rescue story: 'I did nothing' The actress explained the condition would give her a feeling of lightheadedness − as if she had been holding her breath − whenever she was relaxed. Before receiving her pacemaker, which she has had replaced a few times since, doctors warned that this could result in Bowen passing out while behind the wheel of a car and causing an accident. What is sick sinus syndrome? According to the Mayo Clinic, sick sinus syndrome is a kind of heart rhythm disorder that causes heartbeats that are "too fast, too slow, interrupted by long pauses — or an alternating combination of these rhythm issues." The condition is "relatively uncommon." "The risk of developing it increases with age," the clinic notes. "Many people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need an implanted device called a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm." 'Modern Family' cast share emotions of last script reading: 'I was sobbing' Bowen previously discussed the condition in a 2011 interview with WebMD. She said at the time that her pacemaker "serves as a monitor for me," adding that she is grateful "to live during a time when the technology exists to treat my condition." She also noted that she doesn't "hear or feel" the device. In fact, when Bowen's pacemaker was brought up on the "Inside of You" podcast, she said, "That's right. I forget about that all the time."
Time Magazine
5 days ago
- General
- Time Magazine
How to Actually Do Laundry the Right Way
Even if you've been doing laundry for years, chances are you're making at least one common mistake. (If only it were as easy as tossing in clothes and pressing 'start.') From choosing the right detergent to using the correct water temperature, here's how to clean your clothes better, make them last longer, and protect yourself from unnecessary ingredients. Sort your laundry—not just by color Before you even touch the detergent, the way you sort your laundry can make or break how your clothes come out. Sorting helps your clothes last longer, gets them cleaner by improving wash performance, and reduces the risk of damage and accidents (like pink underwear that started out white). Zachary Pozniak, owner of the luxury dry cleaner Jeeves NY and author of The Laundry Book: The Definitive Guide to Caring for Your Clothes and Linens, recommends always sorting by color. Separate lights, darks, and whites. Dark colors can bleed, especially in warm or hot water, and lighter fabrics are more prone to picking up that dye. Read More: What Experts Use to Repel Ticks and Mosquitoes 'Then I like to sort by weight, as towels dry much, much slower than gym clothes,' says Pozniak. 'After that you can separate by fabric type.' He adds that towels and denim are much heavier than delicate items like lingerie or activewear. Washing them together can cause unnecessary friction and wear—think pilling, tearing, or stretched-out elastic. If you want to level up your laundry game even more, consider creating separate piles for synthetics vs. natural fibers, or heavily soiled items vs. lightly worn ones. Washing similar items together is easiest on them. Choose the right detergent The best detergent for you depends on your fabric types, skin sensitivities, and the kind of washing machine you have. For most everyday laundry, using about two tablespoons of high-quality liquid detergent is a safe bet, says Pozniak. It dissolves easily in all water temperatures and tends to be gentler on fabrics than powder. Pods are convenient, but they often contain more detergent than you need, which can lead to buildup or irritation—especially if you're washing delicate fabrics or have sensitive skin. And don't forget to check if your washing machine requires high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Using the wrong kind can create too many suds, potentially damaging your washer or leaving residue on your clothes. When in doubt, go for a mild, fragrance-free option, which is ideal for delicates and for sensitive skin. Homemade recipes use something called washing soda (sodium carbonate), baking soda, and castile soap. These can be gentle on the skin, but they may not clean as effectively as commercial options, especially in HE machines, says Dr. Neha Pathak, chief physician editor at WebMD, who focuses on environmental pollution and its impact on everyday life. 'If you have hard water, they might leave a residue on clothes, which may actually irritate the skin,' she says. Read More: The Surprising Health Benefits of Spicy Food If you do decide to go the DIY route, test it on a few loads first and monitor for skin or fabric reactions. "Also, avoid borax in homes with small children, as it's not recommended for use around babies or toddlers because they may suck on their clothes,' says Pathak. Set the temperature Cold water is often just as effective at cleaning clothes as warm or hot water, especially when using a name-brand detergent. 'Cold water protects fabrics, prevents shrinking, and helps clothes last longer—especially delicate items like silk, cashmere, or anything with bright colors,' Pozniak says. 'Warm water can be a good middle ground for synthetic fabrics, lightly soiled loads, or garments worn close to the skin." Hot water is typically reserved for heavily soiled items like bedding, towels, or cloth diapers, but it can wear out fabrics faster and uses more energy. You can almost always get away with warm water, Pozniak says. Use the 6-inch rule When a machine is too full, clothes can't move freely, which means detergent and water can't circulate properly. 'Because of this, I recommend that there is about six inches of space from the top of the drum to the top of your load,' says Pozniak. 'You should be able to fit your hand vertically in that space. Overloading can cause issues as some products may not get rinsed out thoroughly which can cause staining.' Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods If you're washing bulky items like towels or bedding, it's better to do a smaller load so that everything has room to agitate and rinse thoroughly. And always balance the load, which means washing things of similar weight together to avoid overburdening the machine. Washing one heavy blanket or a single pair of jeans can throw the drum off-kilter and strain the machine. Pick the right settings Use cold water for brights and delicates to prevent fading and shrinkage, and warmer temps for towels, sheets, and heavily soiled clothes to help break down oils and kill germs, says Pozniak. Delicate cycles are ideal for lightweight fabrics and anything with lace, mesh, or embellishments. Don't underrate air drying While the dryer is fast and convenient, not everything belongs in there. High heat can shrink fabrics, fade colors, and weaken elastic over time. Air drying, on the other hand, is gentler and ideal for preserving the fit and finish of delicate or stretchy items like bras, leggings, and lightweight knits. Pozniak does not recommend drying synthetic garments or protein fibers like wool, cashmere, or silk in the dryer, because the dryer can damage these delicate fabrics. Read More: How Often Should You Really Go to the Dentist? 'High heat and tumble can cause a huge amount of stress on textiles and materials,' he says. 'If you can, you should air dry your stuff.' If that's not practical, pay attention to the settings. 'High heat' should be reserved for durable items like towels and bedding, while 'low' or 'delicate' is better for most clothing. The 'air dry' or 'tumble dry no heat' setting is perfect for fluffing up clothes that have already been air dried or for gently drying heat-sensitive fabrics. And don't forget to clean the lint trap every time. A clogged filter not only makes drying less efficient: it's a fire hazard. Skip dryer sheets Pathak avoids these, since they can contain strong chemicals and can cause irritation. 'I use wool dryer balls to reduce static,' she says, and adds a few drops of tea tree oil to the dryer balls to help freshen the clothes and reduce odors. Fold and store your clothes to minimize wrinkles Leaving clean laundry in a heap—whether in the dryer, a laundry basket, or on a chair—practically guarantees wrinkles. Instead, fold or hang items as soon as they're dry and still warm, when fabrics are most pliable. This helps prevent deep creases from setting and saves you time with the iron or steamer later, says Pozniak. For items like T-shirts, leggings, and casual wear, folding neatly along seams helps maintain shape and minimizes creasing. Flowy blouses, jackets, and dresses should be hung on sturdy, non-slip hangers. 'I highly recommend folding sweaters and putting them in fabric bags for off season storage,' says Pozniak. 'You should never hang a heavier weight knit garment, as it will stretch out.' If wrinkles still show up, a few minutes in the dryer with a damp washcloth or a pass with a steamer can freshen up most fabrics.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Before Shefali Jariwala Death, How India First Heard Of Glutathione In Amazon Prime's Made In Heaven 2
The death of actor-model Shefali Jariwala has sparked several conversations and brought a number of issues in the spotlight. One such issue is the growing popularity of anti-ageing drugs that claim to make you look younger -- particularly glutathione. Over the past few years, glutathione has surged in popularity, especially after making a mark in Indian pop culture through the series Made In Heaven 2. What Is Glutathione? Dr Anupama Bisaria, a dermatologist based in Noida, explains that glutathione is an antioxidant made from the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid. Naturally produced by the liver, it plays a vital role in several bodily functions. According to WebMD, glutathione helps in tissue repair, protein and chemical production, and supports the immune system. When it comes to skin brightening, liposomal glutathione (L-glutathione) and acetyl glutathione are commonly used. Dr Bisaria recalls that glutathione was once administered to chemotherapy patients during cancer treatment. Interestingly, one observed side effect was lighter skin -- something that later led to its repurposing as a skin-lightening agent. Today, glutathione is available in various forms. But according to Dr Bisaria, the most effective ones are sublingual tablets (which dissolve under the tongue) and intravenous infusions (drips or injections). That said, she makes it clear that neither she nor most dermatologists support its use for skin lightening. "As professionals, we don't support the notion of lightening one's skin to meet certain beauty standards, it's ethically problematic," she says. Dr Bisaria also adds that she refrains from recommending or administering IV glutathione. While some clinics do offer it, she warns that results are often inconsistent and, given the high cost, many users end up disappointed. On top of that, glutathione hasn't been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for skin brightening. It comes with known side effects, including: Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Diarrhoea Allergic reactions And since the compound hasn't been studied extensively, many of its potential side effects remain unknown. How Made In Heaven Brought Glutathione Into The Spotlight In India The obsession with fair and youthful-looking skin has long been embedded in Indian society. While glutathione was already known in the West, it wasn't as mainstream in India, until 2023. That year, the Amazon Prime series Made In Heaven released its second season, and in Episode 1, it introduced Indian audiences to glutathione in a context that sharply critiqued societal beauty norms. In the episode, bride-to-be Sarina (played by Zayn Marie Khan) prepares to marry Aman, an NRI. Her family and future in-laws openly criticise her skin tone. Under pressure, she secretly undergoes a skin treatment that leads to a facial rash just before her bachelorette. The treatment was glutathione shots - which trigger an allergic reaction. The show was praised online for shedding light on India's obsession with fairness. However, it also brought glutathione into the limelight. Since then, there's been a surge in glutathione-based supplements, powders, and treatments being promoted for glowing, brightened skin, especially by salons and cosmetic clinics ahead of weddings or major events. A Booming Market Let's look at some numbers to understand the sudden demand. By 2024, the glutathione market was valued at USD 13.39 million, almost double its size from just five years ago. That number is projected to jump to USD 243.8 million by 2029. The Asia-Pacific region, including India, is one of the fastest-growing markets for glutathione, driven by the rising demand in personal care and pharma sectors. However, while glutathione may be in vogue as a quick fix for bright skin, experts continue to advise caution - both for health reasons and the deeper social standards that drive its demand.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Behind the glow: The untold risks of botox, glutathione, and anti-ageing drugs
Eternal youth has become synonymous with modern beauty. The field of anti-ageing medicine, including botox, glutathione, is rapidly evolving to address the underlying causes of ageing and treat age-related illness. With our culture's appearance preference leaning toward youth, the beauty industry is travelling into new territory with the emergence of anti-ageing products. People have a desire to look and feel beautiful. They want options to reverse the ageing process, which is driving the adoption of treatments. Anti-ageing medicine is pushing the boundaries of beauty and wellness by promoting rejuvenation, revitalisation, and creating a new space for the possibilities of self-care and self-improvement. What are anti-ageing medications? According to CNBC reports, Anti-ageing medicine is an emerging field that targets the root causes of ageing and aims to mitigate age-related diseases. This includes developing drugs and compounds to slow down the ageing process. However, experts caution that the industry remains largely unregulated, with many products still in clinical trials and lacking substantial evidence of effectiveness. Anti-ageing treatments include pills, injections, and drips claiming to slow ageing, brighten skin, and boost energy. What are botox injections? According to the Cleveland Clinic, Botox is a well-known brand of botulinum toxin injections that weaken muscles by affecting nerve signals. These injections are used for both cosmetic purposes, such as smoothing wrinkles, and medical reasons, including migraine prevention and treating various health conditions. Small amounts of Botox are injected into specific muscles to achieve the desired effect. Cosmetic conditions that can be treated with botox: Botox cosmetic injections can help diminish some of the signs of ageing by softening fine lines and wrinkles in these areas of the face: eyebrow, forehead, nose, eyes (crow's feet), lips, chin, jawline, and neck. What is glutathione? According to WebMD, glutathione is a compound composed of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. Produced by the liver, it plays a crucial role in various bodily processes, including tissue repair, chemical and protein production, and immune system function. Uses of glutathione in maintaining health: Glutathione is often taken for various conditions, including ageing, liver disease, heart disease, and alcohol use disorder, but there's currently no strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for these uses. Risks of anti-ageing medicines: CNN lists out the health risks of using anti-ageing medicines as follows: Unregulated hormones: Many anti-ageing clinics use compounded hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone, DHEA) that are not FDA-approved. Dosage and purity can vary, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity. Unproven diagnoses: Conditions like "adrenal fatigue" are not recognised by mainstream medicine, yet are often treated with steroids. This can lead to serious side effects. Increased risks of heart attacks: Hormone treatments (e.g., testosterone) increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Cancer risk: Long-term use of growth hormone or sex hormones may raise the risk of certain cancers (e.g., breast, prostate). Mood changes: Hormone imbalance can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Illegal use: Some medications, like human growth hormone (HGH), are illegal for anti-ageing use and carry legal risks. Poor regulation of compounded drugs: Compounded drugs are not a standardised product, appear to carry some risk of contamination, possibly present in the wrong dosage, and potentially contain harmful additives. No proven long-term benefit: Many anti-ageing treatments show little or only temporary benefit, and the long-term safety of such treatments is unknown. Misleading marketing: Treatments are often marketed with claims that greatly exceed any support from scientific research. Also read | Struggling with weak nails? Know how to get strong, healthy nails naturally without spending a fortune
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Are raisins good for you? We asked a dietitian to break down the nutritional benefits.
If you're looking for a snack on the go, a sweet topping to your morning cereal or the star ingredient of an oatmeal raisin cookie, raisins are the versatile dried fruit that you can easily incorporate into a balanced dietary pattern. Raisins are dried grapes, meaning they're naturally quite nutrient-dense. They're high in fiber, and pack a punch with a few essential minerals. We asked an expert to break down everything you need to know about the nutritional benefits of raisins, and how they stack up against grapes. What are raisins good for? Yes, raisins are good for you. They have a similar nutritional profile to other kinds of fruits, says Camila Martin, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UW Health. They are high in carbohydrates and contain a little bit of protein and fat. They're also a relatively good source of iron, magnesium and potassium, says Martin. Raisins are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, says Martin. Over 90% of women and 97% of men don't meet the daily recommended intake of dietary fiber, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. We know that having an adequate amount of dietary fiber is essential for reducing your risk of coronary heart disease and supporting gut health. So, in the context of a balanced dietary pattern, eating raisins could definitely contribute to meeting your daily fiber intake. What's healthier: Grapes or raisins? When comparing grapes and raisins, you might be wondering: Do grapes become less nutritious when they become raisins? There are a few different ways to prepare raisins, from drying them in the sun to using a food dehydrator. During these processes, the water content from the grape is evaporated, and the raisin essentially becomes a super concentrated grape. From a nutritional standpoint, grapes and raisins differ slightly. Raisins are higher in sugar and carbs than grapes are, but they're also a better source of dietary fiber, potassium and iron, per WebMD. So, one isn't necessarily healthier than the other, with pros and cons for each. It ultimately depends on your health goals, says Martin. Raisins are more energy-dense and are better source of fiber, though they also have a higher concentration of sugar. Because grapes have higher water content, they're a snack that'll probably fill you up faster than raisins. Do raisins spike blood sugar? 'There are three major macronutrients that are the building blocks of our food: carbohydrates, fat and protein,' says Martin. Raisins, being a fruit, are primarily made of carbs (which increase your blood sugar). So, consuming raisins may up your blood sugar levels, but because they contain a good amount of dietary fiber, minerals and protein, it should help slow the spike, says Martin. To prevent a potential blood sugar spike, raisins should be consumed in moderation. 'Whenever we're having a snack or meal that's primarily carbohydrates, make sure it's paired with something that has a healthy fat or protein,' says Martin. 'That's going to take away the peaks and valleys that can sometimes show up from foods that contain higher contents of one of those macronutrients.' It's also important to point out that not all sugar is bad. In fact, consuming natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables and dairy support essential functions in the body, such as providing energy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may lower your risk of developing certain chronic diseases, including diabetes and coronary heart disease, per Harvard Health. Ultimately, if you're following a balanced diet in which you are consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, raisins are a great food to add to your weekly rotation.
