2025-04-07 18:00:20.868

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attendance at the Texas funeral of an unvaccinated child who died from measles has ignited controversy. Following the funeral, Kennedy lauded two physicians, Richard Bartlett and Ben Edwards, who have unorthodox approaches to treating measles, including the use of vitamins and cod liver oil. Bartlett has a history of disciplinary action by the Texas Medical Board for inappropriate medication use, and both he and Edwards advocate for treatments not widely accepted by the medical community. Kennedy's promotion of these practitioners, while simultaneously advocating for the MMR vaccine, has drawn criticism for its mixed messaging. The measles outbreak, which has claimed at least three lives, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy, further fueled by Kennedy's long-standing questioning of vaccine safety. The high vaccine exemption rate in the affected area highlights the complex factors contributing to the outbreak.

2025-03-31 18:03:42.574

A new study has found a concerning link between insufficient deep sleep and brain shrinkage, potentially accelerating the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Gawon Cho at Yale School of Medicine, showed that deficits in slow-wave and REM sleep are associated with a reduction in the volume of the inferior parietal region of the brain – an area crucial for processing sensory information. Dr. Richard Issacson, director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, supports these findings, stating that sleep metrics predicted cognitive function. Deep sleep is vital for clearing toxins, repairing the body, and consolidating memories, while REM sleep processes emotions and new information. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep, with 20-25% in deep and REM sleep each, but many Americans don't get enough. Deep sleep decreases with age, and going to bed late reduces the time spent in these crucial sleep stages. While simply sleeping longer isn't enough, consistent, uninterrupted sleep is key. A separate study linked good sleep habits to an increase in life expectancy. Improving sleep hygiene – maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a dark and cool sleep environment, avoiding alcohol before bed, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine – can significantly improve sleep quality. Experts emphasize that there's no single solution, but proactive steps to improve sleep are essential for brain health and overall well-being.

2025-03-26 00:03:22.112

A pilot study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting reveals that chewing gum, both synthetic and natural varieties, releases significant amounts of microplastics into saliva. Researchers found that chewing one piece of gum can release hundreds, even thousands, of microplastics, with most released within the first eight minutes. The study analyzed ten popular US gum brands, using various methods to isolate and identify the microplastics. While the long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are unknown, the findings raise concerns about potential exposure. The study highlights the lack of transparency in gum ingredient labeling, making it difficult to determine the source of microplastics. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the health implications of microplastic exposure and the importance of a precautionary approach.

2025-03-09 00:00:51.412

Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a hantavirus infection, officials in New Mexico announced Friday. Hantavirus, found throughout the world, is spread by contact with rodents or their urine or feces. It does not spread between people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival. An infection can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. "It really starts like the flu: body aches, feeling poorly overall," said Dr. Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "Early in the illness, you really may not be able to tell the difference between hantavirus and having the flu." The virus can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency began tracking the virus after a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region — the area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. An astute physician with the Indian Health Service first noticed a pattern of deaths among young patients, said Dr. Michelle Harkins, a pulmonologist with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who for years has been studying the disease and helping patients. "They were healthy, they had no medical problems and they were coming in with a cardiopulmonary arrest," she said, prompting the CDC’s involvement as experts worked to determine what the patients had in common. The majority of U.S. cases since then have been in western states, especially the southwest. Between 1993 and 2022, there were 864 reported U.S. cases. New Mexico had the highest number over that time, at 122, followed by Colorado at 119. There were seven cases confirmed in 2023 and another seven in 2024, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. As for deaths, the state has reported 52 between 1975 and 2023. The CDC has offered to test samples involved in Arakawa’s case to learn more about the strain of virus that infected her and to perform pathology testing. Symptoms start one to eight weeks after exposure and initially can include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, according to the CDC. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest as the lungs fill with fluid. About a third of people who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease can die, the CDC says. Despite years of research, Harkins said many questions have yet to be answered, including why it can be mild for some people and very severe for others and how antibodies are developed. She and other researchers have been following patients over long periods of time in hopes of finding a treatment. "A lot of mysteries," she said, noting that what researchers do know is that mouse exposure is a key. The best way to avoid the germ is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings. Public health experts caution against sweeping or vacuuming which can cause virus to get into the air.

2025-03-08 12:00:40.964

Nearly 230 measles cases have been identified in outbreaks in West Texas and a nearby county in New Mexico. Experts say the rising totals – and two recent deaths – suggest that cases are vastly undercounted. In the West Texas outbreak, 198 measles cases have been reported, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in an update Friday — 39 more confirmed cases since Tuesday’s update. Also Friday, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 30 measles cases in Lea County, 20 more than had previously been identified in the state. Health officials in both states said cases are expected to increase due to the highly contagious nature of measles. In Texas, 23 patients have been hospitalized, one more than previously reported. Sixty-four cases are among people younger than 4, and 89 are among people 5 to 17. Cases have been identified in nine counties, but the majority, 137, are in Gaines County, where the outbreak was first identified. Last month, Texas announced the outbreak’s first death, a school-age child who was not vaccinated, had no underlying conditions and had been hospitalized. Health officials in New Mexico said Thursday that they are investigating the cause of death of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for measles. The Lea County resident had not sought health care. Lea County borders Gaines County, but health officials said they have not confirmed a link between the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Among the cases in New Mexico, 11 are in children 17 or younger, 15 are in people 18 and older, and four cases are pending. The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory Friday to inform providers about the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico and urge vaccination. “Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles. To prevent measles infection and spread from imported cases, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally, regardless of the destination,” the advisory reads. One to three of 1,000 children who have measles will die from virus complications, according to the CDC. “They’ve had two deaths,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. “I think what this tells you is that they have vastly underestimated the number of cases that are in those communities.” Offit said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to help clear up how widespread infections are. “You need the CDC to put a put people on the ground, to do adequate case-hunting to get a much better idea of who’s really been infected with this virus,” he said. A team of CDC experts arrived in Texas this week to support the local and state response to measles cases, according to an agency spokesperson. The state health department said it requested assistance, asking for seven experts “to help with case investigations, tracking exposures at hospitals and providing guidance to health care providers on infection prevention and control practices,” Lara Anton, senior press officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said in an email to CNN. New Mexico has been in touch with the CDC for technical advice but has not asked for further assistance, according to David Morgan, public information officer at the New Mexico Department of Health. Health departments in both Texas and New Mexico have been making free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines available to residents. In the month of February, more than 2,400 MMR vaccinations were given to New Mexico adults across doctors’ offices and public clinics, more than four times more than last February. Vaccinations for children in the state are rising too, with about 400 more vaccinations this February than in February 2024, according to data shared with CNN by the state health department. “We believe people want to ensure they are caught up on their vaccinations, particularly with a regional measles outbreak,” said Robert Nott, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Health. This week, Texas expanded vaccination guidelines for residents in certain counties with measles cases. Previously, the recommendations were limited to Gaines County. In Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Martin, Terry and Yoakum counties, infants 6 to 11 months should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine but will then resume the CDC’s normal schedule for the following two doses. The state recommends that children older than 12 months who have gotten one dose of MMR get their second vaccination as soon as possible if it is at least 28 days after their first. Adults with no immunity are also urged to get a vaccine, with the second dose 28 days afterward. Adults born between 1957 and 1968 who received an older MMR vaccine should get a dose of the new vaccine with a followup dose 28 days later. But experts say more needs to be done to encourage vaccination in both states. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. It can cause serious health consequences or death, especially for young and unvaccinated children. General symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized, according to the CDC. Measles can be prevented with vaccination: One dose of the vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective. CNN’s Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report. Correction: A previous version of this report misidentified the New Mexico Department of Health public information officer.

2025-03-08 06:00:48.341

Nearly 230 measles cases have been identified in outbreaks in West Texas and a nearby county in New Mexico. Experts say the rising totals – and two recent deaths – suggest that cases are vastly undercounted. In the West Texas outbreak, 198 measles cases have been reported, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in an update Friday — 39 more confirmed cases since Tuesday’s update. Also Friday, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 30 measles cases in Lea County, 20 more than had previously been identified in the state. Health officials in both states said cases are expected to increase due to the highly contagious nature of measles. In Texas, 23 patients have been hospitalized, one more than previously reported. Sixty-four cases are among people younger than 4, and 89 are among people 5 to 17. Cases have been identified in nine counties, but the majority, 137, are in Gaines County, where the outbreak was first identified. Last month, Texas announced the outbreak’s first death, a school-age child who was not vaccinated, had no underlying conditions and had been hospitalized. Health officials in New Mexico said Thursday that they are investigating the cause of death of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for measles. The Lea County resident had not sought health care. Lea County borders Gaines County, but health officials said they have not confirmed a link between the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Among the cases in New Mexico, 11 are in children 17 or younger, 15 are in people 18 and older, and four cases are pending. The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory Friday to inform providers about the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico and urge vaccination. “Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles. To prevent measles infection and spread from imported cases, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally, regardless of the destination,” the advisory reads. One to three of 1,000 children who have measles will die from virus complications, according to the CDC. “They’ve had two deaths,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. “I think what this tells you is that they have vastly underestimated the number of cases that are in those communities.” Offit said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to help clear up how widespread infections are. “You need the CDC to put a put people on the ground, to do adequate case-hunting to get a much better idea of who’s really been infected with this virus,” he said. A team of CDC experts arrived in Texas this week to support the local and state response to measles cases, according to an agency spokesperson. The state health department said it requested assistance, asking for seven experts “to help with case investigations, tracking exposures at hospitals and providing guidance to health care providers on infection prevention and control practices,” Lara Anton, senior press officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said in an email to CNN. New Mexico has been in touch with the CDC for technical advice but has not asked for further assistance, according to David Morgan, public information officer at the New Mexico Department of Health. Health departments in both Texas and New Mexico have been making free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines available to residents. In the month of February, more than 2,400 MMR vaccinations were given to New Mexico adults across doctors’ offices and public clinics, more than four times more than last February. Vaccinations for children in the state are rising too, with about 400 more vaccinations this February than in February 2024, according to data shared with CNN by the state health department. “We believe people want to ensure they are caught up on their vaccinations, particularly with a regional measles outbreak,” said Robert Nott, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Health. This week, Texas expanded vaccination guidelines for residents in certain counties with measles cases. Previously, the recommendations were limited to Gaines County. In Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Martin, Terry and Yoakum counties, infants 6 to 11 months should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine but will then resume the CDC’s normal schedule for the following two doses. The state recommends that children older than 12 months who have gotten one dose of MMR get their second vaccination as soon as possible if it is at least 28 days after their first. Adults with no immunity are also urged to get a vaccine, with the second dose 28 days afterward. Adults born between 1957 and 1968 who received an older MMR vaccine should get a dose of the new vaccine with a followup dose 28 days later. But experts say more needs to be done to encourage vaccination in both states. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. It can cause serious health consequences or death, especially for young and unvaccinated children. General symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized, according to the CDC. Measles can be prevented with vaccination: One dose of the vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective. CNN’s Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report. Correction: A previous version of this report misidentified the New Mexico Department of Health public information officer.

2025-03-08 00:01:04.226

Nearly 230 measles cases have been identified in outbreaks in West Texas and a nearby county in New Mexico. Experts say the rising totals – and two recent deaths – suggest that cases are vastly undercounted. In the West Texas outbreak, 198 measles cases have been reported, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in an update Friday — 39 more confirmed cases since Tuesday’s update. Also Friday, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 30 measles cases in Lea County, 20 more than had previously been identified in the state. Health officials in both states said cases are expected to increase due to the highly contagious nature of measles. In Texas, 23 patients have been hospitalized, one more than previously reported. Sixty-four cases are among people younger than 4, and 89 are among people 5 to 17. Cases have been identified in nine counties, but the majority, 137, are in Gaines County, where the outbreak was first identified. Last month, Texas announced the outbreak’s first death, a school-age child who was not vaccinated, had no underlying conditions and had been hospitalized. Health officials in New Mexico said Thursday that they are investigating the cause of death of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for measles. The Lea County resident had not sought health care. Lea County borders Gaines County, but health officials said they have not confirmed a link between the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Among the cases in New Mexico, 11 are in children 17 or younger, 15 are in people 18 and older, and four cases are pending. The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory Friday to inform providers about the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico and urge vaccination. “Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles. To prevent measles infection and spread from imported cases, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally, regardless of the destination,” the advisory reads. One to three of 1,000 children who have measles will die from virus complications, according to the CDC. “They’ve had two deaths,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. “I think what this tells you is that they have vastly underestimated the number of cases that are in those communities.” Offit said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to help clear up how widespread infections are. “You need the CDC to put a put people on the ground, to do adequate case-hunting to get a much better idea of who’s really been infected with this virus,” he said. A team of CDC experts arrived in Texas this week to support the local and state response to measles cases, according to an agency spokesperson. The state health department said it requested assistance, asking for seven experts “to help with case investigations, tracking exposures at hospitals and providing guidance to health care providers on infection prevention and control practices,” Lara Anton, senior press officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said in an email to CNN. New Mexico has been in touch with the CDC for technical advice but has not asked for further assistance, according to David Morgan, public information officer at the New Mexico Department of Health. Health departments in both Texas and New Mexico have been making free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines available to residents. In the month of February, more than 2,400 MMR vaccinations were given to New Mexico adults across doctors’ offices and public clinics, more than four times more than last February. Vaccinations for children in the state are rising too, with about 400 more vaccinations this February than in February 2024, according to data shared with CNN by the state health department. “We believe people want to ensure they are caught up on their vaccinations, particularly with a regional measles outbreak,” said Robert Nott, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Health. This week, Texas expanded vaccination guidelines for residents in certain counties with measles cases. Previously, the recommendations were limited to Gaines County. In Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Martin, Terry and Yoakum counties, infants 6 to 11 months should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine but will then resume the CDC’s normal schedule for the following two doses. The state recommends that children older than 12 months who have gotten one dose of MMR get their second vaccination as soon as possible if it is at least 28 days after their first. Adults with no immunity are also urged to get a vaccine, with the second dose 28 days afterward. Adults born between 1957 and 1968 who received an older MMR vaccine should get a dose of the new vaccine with a followup dose 28 days later. But experts say more needs to be done to encourage vaccination in both states. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. It can cause serious health consequences or death, especially for young and unvaccinated children. General symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized, according to the CDC. Measles can be prevented with vaccination: One dose of the vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective. CNN’s Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report. Correction: A previous version of this report misidentified the New Mexico Department of Health public information officer.

2025-03-04 12:00:59.922

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2 a.m. in most of the U.S., and losing that hour of sleep can have significant health consequences beyond just feeling tired and cranky. Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks and strokes after the time change, likely due to the disruption of the body's natural circadian rhythm. The brain's master clock is set by sunlight and darkness, and the shift in light patterns can delay the surge of melatonin, leading to sleep problems. Sleep deprivation is linked to various health issues, including heart disease, cognitive decline, and obesity. To prepare for the time change, gradually shift your bedtime earlier in the days leading up to it and get early morning sunlight to help reset your body clock. Avoid afternoon naps, caffeine, and evening screen time. While there's ongoing debate in Congress about making daylight saving time permanent, health groups recommend sticking with standard time year-round for better sleep and overall health.

2025-03-02 12:05:26.926

Retired NYPD Lt. Eric Dym and his family's backpacking trip through Asia took a devastating turn when their 7-year-old son, Derek, was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. The family's savings have been exhausted by medical bills, forcing them to live in an RV near Los Angeles Children's Hospital where Derek undergoes treatment. Despite the financial strain and the aggressive nature of the cancer, the Dyms remain resolute in their fight, utilizing various treatments and seeking support through a GoFundMe page which has raised over $154,000.

2025-03-02 06:03:59.711

Actress Kate Walsh, known for her roles in Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, recently opened up about a health scare she faced in 2015. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Walsh revealed she was diagnosed with a noncancerous brain tumor. She described experiencing subtle warning signs, such as fatigue and a noticeable dip on the right side of her body, which were initially dismissed by those around her. Walsh's concerns were attributed to stress from a canceled TV show or even ADD. However, her persistence led her to seek medical attention, ultimately resulting in an MRI that revealed a sizable brain tumor in her left frontal lobe. The tumor, described as the size of a small lemon, was successfully removed, and determined to be a benign meningioma. Walsh's experience highlights the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your own health, especially when concerns are dismissed by others. She also revealed a family history of cancer, with her father dying from lung cancer and her mother surviving breast cancer.