2025-06-05 00:00:41.225

The author recounts her experience with incontinence after childbirth and its return during perimenopause. She details her unsuccessful attempts at managing the condition with Kegel exercises, devices, and bladder training. The article explores the prevalence of incontinence among middle-aged women and the social stigma surrounding it. The author discusses the various treatment options available, including surgery (sling surgery and bulking agents), medication (anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists), nerve modulation, and pelvic physical therapy. The article emphasizes the importance of open communication about incontinence and the benefits of seeking professional help. The author's personal experience with sling surgery and its positive impact is highlighted, along with the importance of combining treatment options and the role of behavior modification.

2025-06-04 18:00:20.437

The author details her experience with incontinence after childbirth and its return during perimenopause. She tried various remedies, including Kegel exercises, vaginal devices, and bladder training, with limited success. The article then delves into the prevalence of incontinence in women, particularly during and after menopause, due to estrogen decline and pelvic floor weakening. Two main types are discussed: stress incontinence (leakage due to physical pressure) and urge incontinence (sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate). Treatment options are explored, including surgery (sling surgery), bulking agents, medication (anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists), nerve modulation, acupuncture, and botulinum toxin injections. Vaginal estrogen supplementation and pelvic physical therapy are also highlighted as effective approaches. The author's personal journey includes a less-than-successful attempt with a Kegel ball, and ultimately, she undergoes successful sling surgery, resolving her incontinence. The article emphasizes the importance of open communication about incontinence, highlighting that many women experience the same issue.

2025-06-01 06:00:52.665

The "Make America Healthy Again" movement, spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is making waves with its first documentary, "Toxic Nation: From Fluoride to Seed Oils — How We Got Here, Who Profits, and What You Can Do." This film targets ultraprocessed foods, seed oils, glyphosate (a common herbicide), and fluoride, claiming these silently endanger millions. The documentary argues that ultraprocessed foods contribute to chronic diseases due to their high calorie, sugar, and sodium content and low fiber. It also questions the long-held belief that seed oils are heart-healthy, citing concerns about their chemical stability and potential for damage when heated. Glyphosate's potential links to cancer and gut microbiome disruption are also highlighted, although the EPA maintains it poses no risk when used as labeled. Finally, the film raises concerns about fluoride in drinking water, citing potential heavy metal contamination and effects on thyroid function. While organizations like the ADA and CDC support water fluoridation, the documentary presents counterarguments. The film offers suggestions for reducing exposure to these substances, including choosing organic foods, limiting ultraprocessed foods, and using water filters. However, the film's claims and the scientific consensus on these issues aren't always aligned, with ongoing debate surrounding the risks and benefits of each substance.

2025-05-18 06:00:20.618

A music journalist and dancer, at 36, experiences a sudden brain hemorrhage due to a previously unknown aneurysm. The event leads to four months of extensive surgeries, including the removal of part of her skull. The author describes the terrifying experience, the long recovery process, and the physical and cognitive challenges faced. This includes loss of muscle, double vision, difficulty speaking, and impaired motor skills. The story follows her journey through hospital stays, rehabilitation, and the emotional and physical struggles of regaining her independence. Despite the challenges, the author finds unexpected joy in the support of her loved ones, the kindness of medical professionals, and the discovery of new communities and activities. She relearns to dance and embraces a new perspective on life, disability, and the concept of time. The article ends with her reflection on the merging of her 'before' and 'after' selves and the realization that she is more than the sum of her experiences.

2025-05-15 12:00:37.583

A new report reveals that samples of store-bought rice from over 100 brands in the US contain dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium. These heavy metals are linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, developmental delays, and heart disease. The risk is especially high for young children, as early exposure is associated with reduced IQ and cognitive problems. One in four rice samples exceeded FDA limits for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. While the FDA has addressed arsenic levels in infant rice cereal, the levels in rice for family consumption remain alarmingly high, with rice itself being a more significant source of arsenic exposure for children aged 0-2 than infant rice cereal. Arsenic is a natural element found in soil, water, and air, with the inorganic form being the most toxic. It's also a carcinogen, and early-life exposure is particularly dangerous. The USA Rice Federation argues that US-grown rice has the lowest arsenic levels globally, but the report's authors counter that rice alone contributes significantly to arsenic intake in the American diet. Rice is a staple food for over a billion children worldwide, and the report highlights disproportionately high arsenic exposure in Hispanic/Latino and Asian children. The study also compared rice to nine ancient grains, finding rice contained 28 times more arsenic, although ancient grains had higher cadmium levels. Rice type and growing region impact heavy metal content, with brown and wild rice often having the highest levels. Basmati, jasmine, and California-grown rice had lower arsenic levels, while Italian Arborio and US-grown brown rice had high levels. Precooked rice may also contain additional toxins. The report emphasizes that rice variety and origin are key factors in heavy metal content, not brand. The authors recommend cooking rice like pasta (using excess water and draining) to reduce arsenic levels. They also suggest soaking rice before cooking and consuming iron-rich foods to mitigate potential deficiencies from arsenic reduction. The FDA is conducting a review of chemicals in the food supply, including heavy metals.

2025-05-14 18:01:07.61

Drug overdose deaths in the United States plummeted to a five-year low in 2024, marking an unprecedented drop of 27% compared to 2023. This significant decline, resulting in approximately 30,000 fewer deaths, followed a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. While synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, remained the leading cause of overdose deaths, even these deaths saw a dramatic 37% decrease. Deaths involving psychostimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine also fell substantially. Experts attribute this positive trend to a combination of factors, including sustained efforts in prevention and treatment. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of this progress, with warnings that reduced funding and attention could reverse the gains. While some speculate about a disruption in the fentanyl supply, others point to gradual declines observed over the past three years, culminating in the national-level shift. Factors like changing drug characteristics (including the rise of xylazine, a highly sedating animal tranquilizer), user behavior, and community responses are also cited. The increased availability of harm reduction services, supported by opioid settlement dollars and federal funding, is seen as a critical factor. Despite the positive trend, experts emphasize the need for continued investment in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives. The federal government's role is crucial, but proposed budget cuts to agencies supporting these efforts raise concerns. The CDC, for example, highlights the importance of sustained funding for prevention and surveillance programs, while proposed cuts to SAMHSA threaten to undermine progress. The overall message is one of cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for continued and increased efforts to sustain the positive trend and address the ongoing crisis.

2025-05-11 12:00:23.104

Many people are secretly using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy for weight loss, keeping their use hidden from family and friends. This article explores the reasons behind this secrecy, citing several personal accounts. Some individuals, like Claire, hide their medication out of personal privacy concerns, while others, like Eliza, fear their partners' lack of understanding or judgment. Moira and Cameron also conceal their use, fearing judgment from family and friends. The article highlights the societal stigma surrounding weight loss medication, with many viewing it as an 'easy way out' rather than a legitimate medical intervention. This perception leads to shame and embarrassment among users, who feel they should have achieved weight loss through traditional methods. The article also notes the positive health benefits experienced by users, such as improved blood sugar and cardiovascular health. Ultimately, the article argues that people should be free to make personal health choices without judgment, regardless of their approach to weight management.

2025-05-10 06:00:55.282

Measles cases continue to accumulate in the United States, making 2025 the second-worst year since the disease was declared eliminated a quarter-century ago. A recent outbreak in Williams County, North Dakota, has resulted in the quarantine of approximately 200 unvaccinated students. Nine measles cases have been reported in North Dakota this year, prompting local health officials to enforce a law mandating a 21-day quarantine for unvaccinated students exposed to the virus. The Williston Basin School District No. 7 informed families of 188 unvaccinated students about the quarantine. The district nurse coordinator emphasized the importance of vaccination and the potential disruption caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. As of the latest count, there have been at least 1,018 measles cases reported in the US in 2025, with the majority linked to an outbreak in West Texas that has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Kansas. Texas has reported 709 cases, New Mexico 71, Oklahoma 17, and Kansas 48. Experts believe these numbers significantly underrepresent the actual case count. The year 2019 was the only other year with over 1,000 cases since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. This year, 126 people have been hospitalized (about 13% of cases), and three deaths have been confirmed. The vast majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, with only about 4% occurring in those who received one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. A total of 14 outbreaks have been reported across 30 states.

2025-04-23 12:03:01.159

Looking for effective ways to lose weight without grueling exercise routines? A groundbreaking study reveals that dancing offers a fun and effective alternative. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise shows that dancing reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and strengthens social connections. The study highlights dance's ability to lower anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure. Another study in Frontiers in Physiology emphasizes dance's accessibility—requiring no special equipment and adaptable to various settings. Experts suggest different dance styles for varied benefits: ballroom dancing burns approximately 118 calories in 30 minutes for a 150-pound person, while swing dancing burns 207 calories in the same timeframe. Ballet enhances muscle strength and balance, Zumba offers interval training, and pole dancing is also gaining popularity. Incorporating dance into your routine provides a holistic approach to weight management, combining physical activity with stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing.

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.