2025-07-18 12:00:50.083

President Donald Trump's swollen legs led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where leg veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently, causing blood to pool in the lower legs. Symptoms include swelling (usually in feet and ankles), aching, heaviness, tingling, and varicose veins. Severe cases can result in leg ulcers. CVI is caused by damage to the one-way valves in leg veins, hindering the blood's upward journey. Risk factors include blood clots, vein inflammation (phlebitis), and being overweight. Diagnosis involves ruling out other serious conditions (heart problems, kidney disease, blood clots) through ultrasound exams. Treatment options range from compression stockings and leg elevation to exercise (especially walking) and weight management. Medications and medical procedures are used for advanced cases.

2025-07-18 06:00:35.062

President Donald Trump's swollen legs led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common condition in older adults. CVI occurs when leg veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently, causing blood to pool in the lower legs. Symptoms include swelling (often in feet and ankles), aching, heaviness, tingling, and varicose veins; severe cases can lead to leg ulcers. The condition results from damage to the one-way valves in leg veins, hindering blood flow. Risk factors include blood clots, vein inflammation (phlebitis), and being overweight. Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes like heart problems, kidney disease, or blood clots, often using ultrasound exams. Treatment may include compression stockings, leg elevation, weight management, exercise (especially walking), and in more severe cases, medication or medical procedures.

2025-07-16 12:00:28.104

Mikaela, a woman with Indigenous Mexican ancestry, used psilocybin throughout her pregnancy to manage alcohol cravings and mental health issues stemming from past trauma. Her experience, shared through a community research paper surveying 411 individuals, highlights a gap in scientific research on psilocybin use during pregnancy. Ethical concerns and the legal status of psilocybin have limited clinical studies in this area, leaving pregnant women to navigate their choices with limited information. Mikaela's work, conducted alongside a UK-based doula, aims to collect and share the experiences of women who have used psilocybin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, acknowledging the limitations and potential biases of their methodology. While some researchers express concerns about the study's design and potential for skewed results, others emphasize the need for more research, particularly qualitative studies focusing on subjective experiences. The study reveals that many women used psilocybin to manage mental health challenges during pregnancy, often preferring it to pharmaceuticals. The research also touches upon the legal risks and societal stigma associated with psychedelic use during pregnancy. Indigenous knowledge regarding plant medicines during pregnancy is highlighted as a potential source of valuable information, contrasting with the cautious approach of Western medicine, which has historically excluded pregnant women from clinical trials due to concerns about medication safety. The article concludes with a discussion about the ongoing research efforts and the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge with Western scientific approaches to improve understanding and care for pregnant women facing mental health challenges.

2025-06-23 00:01:05.238

As summer temperatures rise and emergency department visits related to extreme heat top 100,000 Americans a year, what should people know about the dangers of heatstroke? What are the symptoms, and how can others recognize if someone needs help? What are other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat? And who is most susceptible to the ill effects of high temperatures?To find out how to handle the heat, I spoke with CNN wellness analyst Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.CNN: What should people know about heatstroke? What is it, and what are its symptoms?Dr. Leana Wen: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It must be treated immediately because it can quickly become fatal.The body normally has the capacity to control and regulate its temperature. Heatstroke occurs when this mechanism is overwhelmed. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, and the person can’t cool down.Your internal temperature can rise rapidly to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint. They could have slurred speech and lose consciousness. They may even start to have seizures and abnormal heart rates.If someone around you is having these symptoms, they need to go to the hospital right away. Bystanders should not hesitate to call 911.CNN: Is there anything else bystanders can do to help that person while help is on the way?Wen: Move the person into a shaded, cool area. Place cold, wet cloths or ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin, and soak clothing with cold water. Make sure to stay with that person until emergency service workers arrive.CNN: Are there less severe forms of heat-related illnesses?Wen: Yes. Before someone reaches the point of having heatstroke, they may have heat exhaustion. Symptoms include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating and cool, clammy skin.It’s crucial to move to a cool place right away. Loosen your clothes and take a cool bath if possible; if not, put wet cloths on your body. Watch for worsening symptoms, such as feeling faint and throwing up, and seek help if these occur or if you are no better in an hour.People engaging in physical activity also may have heat cramps, where they have painful muscle spasms in hot weather. They should stop exercising and drink water or an electrolyte solution.CNN: Are there other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat?Wen: Yes. There are actually two major effects of extreme heat. The first is what we’ve spoken about, which is the high temperatures directly impacting the body and causing it to overheat.The second is caused by high temperatures exacerbating an underlying medical condition. Extreme heat puts strain on organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Researchers estimate that the interaction between heat and cardiovascular disease was either a direct or contributory cause of 1 in 4 heat-related deaths. And heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions, including diabetes and some mental health diagnoses.CNN: Who are the most susceptible to ill effects of high temperatures?Wen: Extreme heat can affect everyone, but there are three groups of people who are the most susceptible to its ill effects.The first are the very young and the elderly. Both groups have less physiological reserve and may have more problems regulating their body temperatures. Young children also may not be able to report how they are feeling. Both groups are also at higher risk of dehydration.The second group includes those people with chronic medical conditions. Certain medications may interfere with the body’s ability to adapt to changes in temperature. Extreme heat puts pressure on organ systems, thereby exacerbating underlying conditions.The third category encompasses those people who have occupational exposure or socioeconomic constraints that increase their exposure to heat. This category includes people who must work outdoors and those experiencing homelessness or otherwise do not have access to cool spaces in their residence.CNN: What steps should people in these vulnerable groups take if high temperatures are forecasted?Wen: Everyone should take additional precautions when heat advisories are issued. Even before temperatures reach the point of triggering these advisories, those who are elderly, very young and who have underlying medical conditions should try to limit their time outdoors during the hottest times of day. Try to exercise early in the mornings or in evenings. If you have to be out during the day, find shade when possible. Make sure to stay hydrated.Those around vulnerable individuals can help them to stay safe by monitoring the amount of time they are spending outdoors when it’s hot outside and watching for any concerning symptoms. And never, ever leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a car; the temperature inside the car heats up extremely rapidly and can be fatal.People who have jobs where they must work outdoors should use caution. They should keep well-hydrated, use good sun protection, try to seek shade and cool off in air-conditioned spaces when they are not working if possible. Those experiencing homelessness or who otherwise do not have access to air-conditioned spaces should seek out local resources such as cooling centers and temporary shelters during heat waves.Extreme weather events are a time when we all need to watch out for people around us. Keep a close eye on children and be sure to check up on elderly neighbors and others in our communities who may need assistance.

2025-06-22 12:01:37.454

As summer temperatures rise and emergency department visits related to extreme heat top 100,000 Americans a year, what should people know about the dangers of heatstroke? What are the symptoms, and how can others recognize if someone needs help? What are other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat? And who is most susceptible to the ill effects of high temperatures?To find out how to handle the heat, I spoke with CNN wellness analyst Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.CNN: What should people know about heatstroke? What is it, and what are its symptoms?Dr. Leana Wen: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It must be treated immediately because it can quickly become fatal.The body normally has the capacity to control and regulate its temperature. Heatstroke occurs when this mechanism is overwhelmed. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, and the person can’t cool down.Your internal temperature can rise rapidly to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint. They could have slurred speech and lose consciousness. They may even start to have seizures and abnormal heart rates.If someone around you is having these symptoms, they need to go to the hospital right away. Bystanders should not hesitate to call 911.CNN: Is there anything else bystanders can do to help that person while help is on the way?Wen: Move the person into a shaded, cool area. Place cold, wet cloths or ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin, and soak clothing with cold water. Make sure to stay with that person until emergency service workers arrive.CNN: Are there less severe forms of heat-related illnesses?Wen: Yes. Before someone reaches the point of having heatstroke, they may have heat exhaustion. Symptoms include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating and cool, clammy skin.It’s crucial to move to a cool place right away. Loosen your clothes and take a cool bath if possible; if not, put wet cloths on your body. Watch for worsening symptoms, such as feeling faint and throwing up, and seek help if these occur or if you are no better in an hour.People engaging in physical activity also may have heat cramps, where they have painful muscle spasms in hot weather. They should stop exercising and drink water or an electrolyte solution.CNN: Are there other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat?Wen: Yes. There are actually two major effects of extreme heat. The first is what we’ve spoken about, which is the high temperatures directly impacting the body and causing it to overheat.The second is caused by high temperatures exacerbating an underlying medical condition. Extreme heat puts strain on organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Researchers estimate that the interaction between heat and cardiovascular disease was either a direct or contributory cause of 1 in 4 heat-related deaths. And heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions, including diabetes and some mental health diagnoses.CNN: Who are the most susceptible to ill effects of high temperatures?Wen: Extreme heat can affect everyone, but there are three groups of people who are the most susceptible to its ill effects.The first are the very young and the elderly. Both groups have less physiological reserve and may have more problems regulating their body temperatures. Young children also may not be able to report how they are feeling. Both groups are also at higher risk of dehydration.The second group includes those people with chronic medical conditions. Certain medications may interfere with the body’s ability to adapt to changes in temperature. Extreme heat puts pressure on organ systems, thereby exacerbating underlying conditions.The third category encompasses those people who have occupational exposure or socioeconomic constraints that increase their exposure to heat. This category includes people who must work outdoors and those experiencing homelessness or otherwise do not have access to cool spaces in their residence.CNN: What steps should people in these vulnerable groups take if high temperatures are forecasted?Wen: Everyone should take additional precautions when heat advisories are issued. Even before temperatures reach the point of triggering these advisories, those who are elderly, very young and who have underlying medical conditions should try to limit their time outdoors during the hottest times of day. Try to exercise early in the mornings or in evenings. If you have to be out during the day, find shade when possible. Make sure to stay hydrated.Those around vulnerable individuals can help them to stay safe by monitoring the amount of time they are spending outdoors when it’s hot outside and watching for any concerning symptoms. And never, ever leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a car; the temperature inside the car heats up extremely rapidly and can be fatal.People who have jobs where they must work outdoors should use caution. They should keep well-hydrated, use good sun protection, try to seek shade and cool off in air-conditioned spaces when they are not working if possible. Those experiencing homelessness or who otherwise do not have access to air-conditioned spaces should seek out local resources such as cooling centers and temporary shelters during heat waves.Extreme weather events are a time when we all need to watch out for people around us. Keep a close eye on children and be sure to check up on elderly neighbors and others in our communities who may need assistance.

2025-06-22 00:01:05.021

As summer temperatures rise and emergency department visits related to extreme heat top 100,000 Americans a year, what should people know about the dangers of heatstroke? What are the symptoms, and how can others recognize if someone needs help? What are other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat? And who is most susceptible to the ill effects of high temperatures?To find out how to handle the heat, I spoke with CNN wellness analyst Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.CNN: What should people know about heatstroke? What is it, and what are its symptoms?Dr. Leana Wen: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It must be treated immediately because it can quickly become fatal.The body normally has the capacity to control and regulate its temperature. Heatstroke occurs when this mechanism is overwhelmed. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, and the person can’t cool down.Your internal temperature can rise rapidly to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint. They could have slurred speech and lose consciousness. They may even start to have seizures and abnormal heart rates.If someone around you is having these symptoms, they need to go to the hospital right away. Bystanders should not hesitate to call 911.CNN: Is there anything else bystanders can do to help that person while help is on the way?Wen: Move the person into a shaded, cool area. Place cold, wet cloths or ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin, and soak clothing with cold water. Make sure to stay with that person until emergency service workers arrive.CNN: Are there less severe forms of heat-related illnesses?Wen: Yes. Before someone reaches the point of having heatstroke, they may have heat exhaustion. Symptoms include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating and cool, clammy skin.It’s crucial to move to a cool place right away. Loosen your clothes and take a cool bath if possible; if not, put wet cloths on your body. Watch for worsening symptoms, such as feeling faint and throwing up, and seek help if these occur or if you are no better in an hour.People engaging in physical activity also may have heat cramps, where they have painful muscle spasms in hot weather. They should stop exercising and drink water or an electrolyte solution.CNN: Are there other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat?Wen: Yes. There are actually two major effects of extreme heat. The first is what we’ve spoken about, which is the high temperatures directly impacting the body and causing it to overheat.The second is caused by high temperatures exacerbating an underlying medical condition. Extreme heat puts strain on organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Researchers estimate that the interaction between heat and cardiovascular disease was either a direct or contributory cause of 1 in 4 heat-related deaths. And heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions, including diabetes and some mental health diagnoses.CNN: Who are the most susceptible to ill effects of high temperatures?Wen: Extreme heat can affect everyone, but there are three groups of people who are the most susceptible to its ill effects.The first are the very young and the elderly. Both groups have less physiological reserve and may have more problems regulating their body temperatures. Young children also may not be able to report how they are feeling. Both groups are also at higher risk of dehydration.The second group includes those people with chronic medical conditions. Certain medications may interfere with the body’s ability to adapt to changes in temperature. Extreme heat puts pressure on organ systems, thereby exacerbating underlying conditions.The third category encompasses those people who have occupational exposure or socioeconomic constraints that increase their exposure to heat. This category includes people who must work outdoors and those experiencing homelessness or otherwise do not have access to cool spaces in their residence.CNN: What steps should people in these vulnerable groups take if high temperatures are forecasted?Wen: Everyone should take additional precautions when heat advisories are issued. Even before temperatures reach the point of triggering these advisories, those who are elderly, very young and who have underlying medical conditions should try to limit their time outdoors during the hottest times of day. Try to exercise early in the mornings or in evenings. If you have to be out during the day, find shade when possible. Make sure to stay hydrated.Those around vulnerable individuals can help them to stay safe by monitoring the amount of time they are spending outdoors when it’s hot outside and watching for any concerning symptoms. And never, ever leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a car; the temperature inside the car heats up extremely rapidly and can be fatal.People who have jobs where they must work outdoors should use caution. They should keep well-hydrated, use good sun protection, try to seek shade and cool off in air-conditioned spaces when they are not working if possible. Those experiencing homelessness or who otherwise do not have access to air-conditioned spaces should seek out local resources such as cooling centers and temporary shelters during heat waves.Extreme weather events are a time when we all need to watch out for people around us. Keep a close eye on children and be sure to check up on elderly neighbors and others in our communities who may need assistance.

2025-06-12 00:01:01.423

Karla Dzienkowski's daughter's experience highlights restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like crawling, aching, tingling, or throbbing. RLS significantly impacts sleep quality and daily life. Experts estimate 4% to 29% of adults in Western countries have RLS, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. John Winkelman, chief of the sleep disorders clinical research program at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that RLS symptoms worsen at rest, especially at night. Dr. Brian Koo, associate professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, adds that in severe cases, sleep can be delayed for hours. Genetics and iron levels are key factors in RLS development. It often runs in families, and iron deficiency increases the risk, affecting pregnant individuals, those on dialysis, menstruating women, people with anemia, and vegetarians. Those on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may also be vulnerable. Women are twice as likely to have RLS as men, and prevalence increases with age. Treatment begins with addressing potential triggers like alcohol, certain medications, and simple sugars. Iron supplementation is crucial if levels are low. Lifestyle changes, including hot/cold packs, massage, walks, and engaging mental activities, can help manage symptoms. Medications like alpha2-delta ligands (gabapentin or pregabalin) are used when lifestyle changes and iron supplementation are insufficient. Dopamine agonists are less frequently prescribed due to potential worsening of RLS over time. Severe cases may require low-dose, long-acting opioid medications. If you experience discomfort that compels leg movement, particularly disrupting sleep, consult a doctor. A referral to a sleep specialist might be beneficial, along with iron panel blood tests. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent RLS from negatively impacting daily life.

2025-06-09 12:00:21.16

The cookware industry is booming, with designer ceramic pans endorsed by celebrities. However, these pans, marketed as "nontoxic" and "ceramic," are under investigation. Independent testing suggests they may contain toxins such as titanium dioxide, siloxanes, lead, and mercury. The term "ceramic" is misleading; these pans typically have a thin quasi-ceramic coating on an aluminum substrate, a material called "sol-gel" containing silica, metals, and undisclosed chemicals. Companies are reluctant to disclose their full ingredient lists, citing proprietary information. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with Washington state ordering ingredient disclosure. The rapid rise of these pans coincided with the pandemic and the wellness trend, fueled by celebrity endorsements. While companies claim transparency, they often refuse to share ingredient details. Lawsuits have been filed, alleging false advertising. Concerns exist about potential leaching of toxins at high temperatures, and the pans' durability. True ceramic cookware, made from clay, silica, and minerals fired at high heat, is different and more durable. Independent testing has detected high levels of titanium, lead, and mercury in some popular brands. While some argue that trace amounts of lead are acceptable, there's no clear definition of "trace." The FDA has limited oversight, leading to calls for stricter regulations and greater transparency to protect consumers.

2025-06-08 18:00:59.069

Nathan Dunne's life took an unexpected turn after a midnight swim with his girlfriend. What followed was a harrowing descent into depersonalization disorder, a little-known condition affecting millions. Dunne's experience is vividly described in his new book, "When Nothing Feels Real." His symptoms included feeling detached from his body, experiencing a 'second body,' and an intense fear of water. His journey to a diagnosis was long and arduous, filled with misdiagnosis and skepticism from medical professionals. He describes the debilitating effects of the disorder, including a nervous breakdown and the challenges of conveying his symptoms to others. The book also details his path to recovery, which included exposure and response prevention therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and the unwavering support of his wife. Dunne's story offers a powerful and moving account of living with and overcoming a debilitating mental illness, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of depersonalization disorder.

2025-06-08 06:00:19.518

For much of the past century, life expectancy increased. However, this trend is reversing in several high-income countries, such as the UK and US. While the wealthy pursue longevity through technology and individual optimization, this approach ignores broader societal factors affecting health. Obesity rates are soaring globally, clean air is scarce, and mental health issues are rising. The author, a public health scientist, recounts her personal attempts at health optimization through diet and exercise, highlighting the limitations of individual efforts. Research on regions with high life expectancy (Japan, South Korea, parts of Europe) reveals that healthy living is normalized through government policies and cultural norms, rather than individual choices. The UK's large diet industry contrasts with Japan's smaller one, demonstrating the impact of food environment. While individual choices matter, the author emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility. Policies that prioritize nutritious food, active cities, clean air, preventive healthcare, and public water provision are crucial. The conclusion highlights the need for a shift from individual responsibility to collective action, emphasizing the role of public policy and infrastructure in achieving longer, healthier lives.