UF Health Podcasts

Sleep distractions lead to inflammation Apr 25, 2025

In today’s world, flashy apps, social media platforms and bingeable shows are constantly vying for our attention. And they often succeed. But there’s a tradeoff — quality sleep.

A night of tossing and turning can lead to a day of grogginess and irritability. Even our cave-dwelling ancestors, far removed from viral digital trends, were likely aware of this cause-and-effect pattern.

Thousands of years later, humans are still learning how lack of sleep impacts the body, and a recent study from Kuwait has identified an important piece of that puzzle. Researchers discovered that just one night of poor sleep can trigger the same inflammation response in the body as obesity.

The study, which focused on sleep, body weight and inflammation, revealed a direct link to how poor sleep impacts immune cells, called nonclassical monocytes, that are known to amplify inflammation.

Study participants who experienced bad sleep, whether they were obese or at typical weight, had an elevated number of nonclassical monocytes, resulting in an inflammatory immune response.

Chronic inflammation can lead to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, mental health conditions and gastrointestinal disease, among others.

The study demonstrates the important role sleep quality — not just quantity — plays in maintaining a healthy immune system and overall health.

As our attention is increasingly pulled in different directions, studies like this can serve as a healthy reminder to give our bodies and minds proper time to recharge. By way of reminder, that’s 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep you’re shooting for.

Diet rich in plants also rich in psoriasis relief, study suggests Apr 24, 2025

Love the skin you’re in … by eating more fruits and vegetables.

While it may not be the most intuitive treatment for a condition like psoriasis, a new study from researchers in London suggests it might be the key to relief.

The chronic inflammatory skin disease causes scaly, flaky patches across the body and affects millions of people around the world. While psoriasis is primarily associated with immune system dysfunction, recent research suggests that what we eat could influence the severity of the discomfort.

The study analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis, looking at their adherence to popular diets like the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, and the Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index. Participants self-reported their psoriasis severity — and revealed some telling trends. Those who stuck closely to the DASH and Healthy Plant-Based Diet programs reported less severe symptoms, while those with lower adherence experienced the opposite effect.

One thing to note: Higher consumption of red and processed meats was linked to more intense psoriasis, even when factors like body mass index were considered. In contrast, eating more fruits, nuts and legumes seemed to reduce psoriasis severity, although BMI still played a role in this relationship.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests dietary changes can help manage a variety of diseases — including this itchy one.

After all, when you’re confronted with a never-ending parade of lotions claiming to provide relief, reaching for an apple or handful of nuts may be a welcome change of pace.

Diet program focuses on decreasing ultra-processed food Apr 23, 2025

In a world where ease often surpasses healthier choices, ultra-processed foods, or U-P-Fs, have become an unfortunate, if tasty, diet staple.

These mass-produced, packaged products, like chips and candy, are engineered to be delicious and convenient, but at a cost: increased risks of disease and early death.

Now, new research from Drexel University explores a diet intervention specifically aimed at tackling the uniquely addictive nature of your standard gas station snack.

The two-month program recruited overweight or adults with obesity who regularly consumed at least two UPF items a day. Study participants learned mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to manage cravings, received one-on-one meal planning help and support for improving their home food environment. To ease the financial burden of healthier choices, participants were given a $100 grocery store gift card.

The results were promising. By the program’s end, participants reduced their UPF intake by nearly half, cutting calories an average of 600 per day.

Sugar, saturated fat and sodium consumption all dropped significantly, and participants lost an average of 7.7 pounds.

However, fruit and vegetable consumption didn’t see much of a boost, suggesting that more encouragement might be needed for folks to improve their diets even more, rather than just avoiding the least healthy items.

The program’s success shows that support and strategies are crucial when it comes to kicking tasty snacks to the curb.

The best part? The participants reported improved mood and energy levels, suggesting that eating well positively affects not just how we look, but how we feel.

Microplastics invading our brains Apr 22, 2025

The magnificent human brain is the most complex machine in the known universe. It’s more than the sum of its 86 billion neurons. Forget your outer appearance and beating heart. Our brain and mind define us.

Now throw a bunch of microplastics in it.

That, unfortunately, is what humanity is doing at an ever-increasing pace. A new study by scientists at the University of New Mexico found extraordinarily high concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue examined after death.

How much? The equivalent weight of four to five paper clips. Worse still, the amount of microplastics entering this exquisite human organ is growing rapidly. The study shows their accumulation has surged 50% in less than a decade.

Microplastics originate in many consumer products like plastic water bottles and food packaging.

As bits of plastic are shed, they make their way into our food, water and environment.

Scientists looking at the brain found plastic particles 200 nanometers or less in size. That’s about twice as big as a virus, making them able to jump the blood-brain barrier. The pieces tend to lodge in the fatty layer that wraps around nerve cells and helps the cells communicate.

Microplastics’ impact in the brain isn’t yet clear. But researchers found a much higher percentage in the brains of those with dementia. The study cannot establish a correlation, but the finding is concerning.

Microplastics are being found in other human organs, from the liver to the lungs. But they are accumulating faster in the brain.

Some suggest limiting plastic use as a protective measure. That can be a tall order in the modern age. But it’s good food for thought.

Equine Preventative Care: More Than Just Shots Apr 18, 2025

Having your horse vaccinated routinely is important to ensure it stay protected against infectious diseases. However, each horse’s immune system is different, so horse owners should talk to their veterinarian about which immunization program makes the most sense for their animal. On this show, Dr. Martha Mallicote, an equine internal medicine specialist, will discuss the importance of vaccination as a part of routine health care for horses. She’ll also address why keeping your horse healthy involves more than just adhering to a vaccination protocol, and why good nutrition, deworming, pasture management and minimizing stress and overcrowding are also important factors.

Element of surprise dictates pain perception Apr 18, 2025

Much like the taste of cilantro, the way we feel pain is not one-size-fits-all.

Sometimes, we might feel pain from an injury more intensely than expected. Other times, a similar injury won’t hurt as much.

Now, a new study from Japanese researchers explores why that is by looking at how our expectations and uncertainty about a situation can influence the pain we experience.

Two theories help explain how the brain processes pain: the Estimate Hypothesis and the Surprise Hypothesis.

The Estimate Hypothesis suggests that the brain “guesses” what sort of pain intensity is appropriate. The Surprise Hypothesis says pain is perceived as the difference between what we expect to occur and what actually occurs. Think of a time you expected to stub your toe hard, only felt a glancing blow, but yelled anyway.

Scientists used these hypotheses to examine how the brain responds to pain when the element of surprise is introduced.

In the study, healthy participants were exposed to pain in the form of heat while they used virtual reality goggles to view painful or non-painful scenarios.

When a visual threat, such as a knife, unexpectedly disappeared in some scenarios, pain intensity increased significantly. Especially when the difference between prediction and reality was large — indicating that the Surprise Hypothesis better explains how we perceive pain.

In short: The greater the discrepancy between expectation and reality, the worse our pain feels. That means shrinking the gap between pain expectation and “surprise” is important in reducing pain.

So when your doctor says “you’ll feel a small pinch,” let’s hope she’s right.

For kids, healthy drinks are as important as healthy food Apr 18, 2025

Parents who want to serve the healthiest beverages possible for their children and teens should stick to the basics.

A panel of experts, hailing from the national academies in nutrition, pediatrics, pediatric dentistry and the American Heart Association, say parents should think as hard about what their children drink as what they eat.

Here are the beverages they recommend for those ages 5 to 18: Tap water, plain pasteurized cow’s milk and, in limited amounts, 100% fruit or vegetable juice.

By way of warning, your children may not jump for joy at this news.

In a report, the health experts advise limiting other types of beverages, including plant-based milks, flavored milk, caffeinated drinks and beverages sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners.

Water, they concluded, is the best way for all of us to stay hydrated. Children should drink between 16 and 88 ounces of it every day, depending on age and gender.

Tap water is preferred, unless it is unsafe in your area.

The panel said unflavored, fat-free or low-fat pasteurized cow milk is a nutritious choice. Beverages made from 100% real fruit or vegetable juices are safe but should not be the go-to because they can add extra calories.

Plant-based milks are fine for those whose diets require it. But they don’t pack the nutritional punch of cow’s milk.

Sugary drinks are an unwise choice thanks to their tendency to give us cavities and unneeded calories. And caffeine or energy drinks can affect children’s cardiovascular system, sleep and mental health.

Think your kids will balk? Experts say if you model the behavior you want, your children will follow suit. So, go grab that water bottle.

Trendy juice cleanses can have not-so-trendy consequences Apr 17, 2025

Before you spend a week gulping green juice, you might want to consider its impact on your health.

A new study has found that just a three-day juice cleanse can significantly alter the beneficial bacteria in your mouth and gut, leading to potentially harmful consequences.

“Unhealthy juice cleanse” might sound odd, but modern juicing techniques strip fruits and vegetables of some of their health benefits. Juices often don’t include the insoluble fiber that is key to gut health, and they also contain highly concentrated natural sugars.

Researchers from Northwestern University studied a small group of healthy adults ranging in age from 18 to 35. Each participant was randomly placed on one of three diets for three days. The diets included a juice-only fast, a diet with a combination of juice and regular food, and a plant-based, whole food diet. The researchers collected saliva, inner cheek and stool samples four times during the study to track changes in bacteria.

They found that those on a juice-only diet saw a significant increase in oral bacteria associated with inflammation and a decrease in bacteria that benefit oral health. Their gut bacteria did not change much, but they did see a slight increase in bacteria linked to leaky gut and inflammation. These participants also saw an increase in bacteria linked to cognitive decline.

On the other hand, those who followed the plant-based, whole food diet saw beneficial bacterial changes in their guts, including increases in bacteria that maintain gut health and reduce inflammation.

So, the next time you want to grind your fruits and veggies into liquid form, consider skipping the juicer and grinding them with your teeth instead.

Want to feel happy? Just stop trying. Apr 16, 2025

Have you ever felt like the more effort you put toward being “happy,” the less happy you become? You’re not alone. It’s a known phenomenon called the happiness paradox.

While this paradox has been acknowledged, it hasn’t been fully understood. But a new study from the University of Toronto has shed some light on this contentment conundrum.

For the study, researchers surveyed participants and discovered that those who reported habitually pursuing happiness also demonstrated less self-control in their daily lives. Researchers then conducted experiments that focused on tasks considered to be happiness-seeking, as well as mundane tasks not associated with happiness.

Researchers concluded that the energy expended in the pursuit of happiness puts a unique strain on mental resources. In turn, those who focus on being happy end up with depleted willpower and self-control.

The result is that they are too mentally exhausted to do the things that make them happy, or they end up making choices that deplete rather than build happiness.

Those who actively pursue and constantly monitor their own happiness can end up left without the mental resources to do things that make them happy. The drain comes from trying to actively make yourself feel different, rather than going with the flow.

Researchers said this doesn’t mean people should never try to be happy. But they said happiness is less like money — something you can acquire and hoard — and more like sand on the beach. You can grab a handful of sand and hold it but the tighter your grip, the more it slips away.

So, to be happy, simply stop trying so hard to be happy. Happy?

Improve your muscle health with a bunch of grapes Apr 15, 2025

Maintaining your muscle strength and health as you age may be as simple as adding a bunch of grapes to your daily diet.

A new study suggests that grapes can cause changes in muscle-related genes, helping to prevent age-related muscle loss, especially in women.

Researchers from Western New England University studied 480 mice over 2½ years to determine how grape consumption might affect muscle gene expression.

The mice were separated into four groups: Females on a standard diet, females on a grape-supplemented diet, males on a standard diet and males on a grape-supplemented diet.

The study began when the mice reached one year of age. Those on the standard diet ate their regular food, while those on the grape-supplemented diet ate food with 5% grape powder, the equivalent of two servings of grapes for humans.

The researchers analyzed muscle tissue samples of representative mice from each group after a year and a half, when the mice reached an age equivalent to 80 years in humans.

The results for the grape-eating mice showed that 11 muscle-related genes out of 25 increased in activity, suggesting improved muscular health.

Both males and females on the grape diet saw genetic shifts, though the effects were more pronounced in females.

The genetic patterns of female mice on the grape diet were more like males than females on the standard diet, which suggests that adding grapes may help women’s muscles genetically function more like men’s.

While more research is needed to confirm the results, older adults who want to give their muscles a boost might want to consider adding a handful of grapes to their lunch.

Fruit bats might offer lesson for human diabetes Apr 14, 2025

Envy the fruit bat. They can eat twice their body weight in sugary fruit without spiking blood sugar endangering their health. In fact, you’ll see a unicorn in the wild before you find a fruit bat with diabetes.

We humans aren’t so lucky. Unlike our batty friends, we must watch what we eat. Those of us with diabetes avoid sugary treats.

The bats have evolved to accommodate their diet. A world of chocolate bars and high-carb food is a relatively modern trend. We humans can’t wait a hundred million years for a natural adaptation to fix that. So, scientists look to the fruit bat.

What’s going on in their tiny pancreases, the insulin-producing organ that regulates blood sugar?

Scientists at the University of California found that the fruit bat pancreas boasts extra insulin-producing cells compared with their insect-eating brethren. They also discovered other tiny genetic differences that allow fruit bats to process an immense amount of sugar.

A better understanding of how sugar metabolism works in this quirky species could help researchers find ways to treat people with diabetes or prediabetes. Could that knowledge one day lead to a cure?

More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 3 Americans are prediabetic. It’s the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.

One other thing about those fruit bats. They don’t need a dentist. They can eat all the sugar they want without getting cavities. Their saliva is thought to play a role in that.

But don’t let bat envy eat you alive. After all, when was the last time you had to sleep upside down in a cave?

Radiation Oncology: A Powerful Tool for Cancer Apr 11, 2025

Veterinary oncology today makes use of increasingly sophisticated tools and methods for treating cancer in pets. In addition to surgery and medical therapy, or chemotherapy, radiation oncology is a veterinary specialty that entails the use of controlled radiation to treat certain types of cancer. On this show, Dr. Marilia Takada, a clinical assistant professor and veterinary radiation oncology specialist, will discuss what radiation therapy is, how it works and types of cancer it’s used most frequently to treat. She’ll also discuss why radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Home program helps defer older patients from hospitalization Apr 11, 2025

Home is where the heart is — and where most of us would rather be when we don’t feel well.

Now, a new study from researchers in England suggests that finding ways to care for older folks at home is in everyone’s best interest.

For older adults, frailty can be a silent, creeping condition that makes it harder to bounce back from health problems, leading to more hospital visits and higher care needs.

A new service, designed to support those becoming frail, could change the game, reducing emergency hospital admissions by over one-third while saving money.

The tailored, home-based intervention included six personalized visits from a support worker, who helped identify specific needs to maintain independence and well-being.

The support offered home exercise programs, nutritional support, enhanced mental well-being and boosted social connections. Researchers tested the service with 388 people over age 65 who were classified as “mildly frail” across three regions of the United Kingdom. One group received the service, the other continued as usual.

The results were compelling. Those who received tailored support had a 35% reduction in unplanned hospital admissions, which saved the U.K. health care system an average of $756 per person over the year.

There were improvements in well-being, psychological distress and frailty scores. Although the service didn’t increase independence in self-care, it showed significant benefits in maintaining health and reducing hospital strain.

Now, the program can’t promise to slow the effects of aging forever — but there’s much to be said for aging in place with grace, and in your own home.

Unstructured dog time helps college students Apr 10, 2025

Starting college — and being away from home — can be stressful.

Heck, just being a college student can cause anxiety. Especially if you’re missing more than just your two-legged family.

Researchers at Washington State University recruited 145 first-year students for the study, all of whom had left pets back home. The group was randomly halved. One group was granted access to a therapy-dog lounge on campus where they could drop in for up to two hours at a time seven times during the semester. The other was a control group assigned to a dog-lounge waitlist.

If you’re a dog lover, it might not surprise you that the students given dog-lounge access reported far less stress, worry and depression than those who were waitlisted. They showed increased self-compassion, which is linked to better emotional regulation and well-being.

In addition, the students who got dog time saw only a slight increase in stress over the course of the semester compared with the waitlisted students.

Notably, the research team previously established that even brief interactions with therapy dogs lowers cortisol, a hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response.

The recent study’s goal was to see how well a less-structured program that gave students more say in how they interacted with the dogs might work. The researchers said their findings suggest that similar, informal dog-lounge programs could help students on any campus.

But they didn’t give the friendly pooches all the credit for lowered stress — interacting with the dog handlers and other students likely helped, too.

Still, we all know never to discount the power of cold noses and warm hearts.

Brake dust might be more harmful than diesel exhaust Apr 09, 2025

We all know the clouds of noxious fumes coming out of our vehicle tailpipes are a health hazard. Another part of your car, however, might produce an even more dangerous hazard to the lungs.

The brakes.

British researchers found in a recent study that the particles released by brakes might actually be more of a health threat than diesel exhaust. And while exhaust is the focus of anti-pollution efforts, brake dust is mostly unregulated.

Don’t think this is a minor annoyance. Researchers found that most particles produced by traffic in urban areas come from vehicle brakes.

The scientists found that some common, copper-rich brake pads cause more stress and damage in lung cells than diesel fumes. The copper accumulates in the cells, can trigger an inflammatory response and is thought to be the main driver of the danger.

Another risk is that the copper can lead cells to behave as if they’re starved for oxygen when they are not. This can lead to cancer and debilitating lung scarring.

Ironically, electric vehicles might exacerbate the problem. That’s because their batteries make them heavier than many gas-guzzlers. This produces more brake dust as the brakes work harder to slow the car.

So, scientists say, a manufacturer would be inaccurate when describing an electric model as being “zero-emission.”

A few states restrict the amount of copper allowed in brake pads, including California and Washington. The restrictions, however, were enacted solely to protect fish and aquatic species. The worry was that the copper would wash off roadways and into waterways.

Nonetheless, it’s now clear these laws protect fish and human alike.

What blinking tells us about our health Apr 08, 2025

Blink once if you can hear this. Blink twice if you want to know what your blinking says about your health.

All of us blink on average 14 to 17 times every minute, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That means if you were to sleep 8 hours at night, you would blink somewhere between 13,000 and 16,000 times a day.

Blinking serves several purposes. It keeps the surface of our cornea clean and protects our eyes from approaching objects.

However, a change in your blinking habits might point to a health problem. Slow or infrequent blinking can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have found that the rate of a spontaneous blink aligns with the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. The lower our dopamine level, the more we fixate on one object and the less we blink.

Conversely, increased blinking indicates sleepiness. Those who are suffering from pain or experiencing very bright lights blink more frequently.

Excessive blinking often occurs when our body attempts to overcompensate for dry eye disease, such as Sjogren’s [show-grins] syndrome. Dry eye disease is common for those who use screens at work.

Experts encourage you to adopt a “blind working” technique to give your eyes a break.

Blind working involves closing your eyes during brief breaks in your workday, such as during a telephone call or waiting for a program to load on your computer. This approach combats the effects of heightened screen time, which is known to damage the glands that keep our eyes healthy.

After all, life goes by in the blink of an eye — or two — so be sure to protect them.

Protecting biodiversity to block the next pandemic Apr 07, 2025

Scientists around the world who hope to avert the next pandemic have a plan.

A team of 25 international scientists wants to do so by conserving natural areas and protecting biodiversity. They believe this might be a better strategy than containing a pathogen already circulating in humans.

In short, they want to keep animal populations fed and safe to limit their contact with humans and, consequently, their ability to transfer pathogens to us.

Pandemics begin when disease-harboring animals, such as bats, come in proximity to people, livestock or other critters. Viruses that have spread to humans via bats include several varieties of the coronavirus, Nipah [knee-pah], Hendra and, likely, Ebola. The consequences can be deadly.

The international team of researchers, led by Cornell University, devised its strategy after two scientific papers in 2022 examined how the fatal Hendra virus moved from bats to horses to people. The research found that when bats lose their natural habitats and winter food sources, their large populations fracture into smaller groups that migrate to agricultural and urban areas.

And when bats become stressed, whether by not getting enough to eat or being forced to leave their roost, they shed more virus in their urine. When the food supply returns, so do the bats, and they stop shedding virus.

The team of scientists calls for protecting lands that buffer bats from people. This could ensure they have enough food and that humans and animals in contact with bat populations have sufficient protection.

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, just imagine the payoff in avoiding another pandemic.

Preventable Measures to Avoid the Emergency Room Apr 04, 2025

Join us for a critical conversation about keeping your pets safe and out of the emergency room! Dr. Adesola Odunayo, a clinical associate professor of emergency and critical care at UF, will share important insights into preventable pet emergencies that every animal owner needs to know. From common household hazards to unexpected risks that can quickly turn into life-threatening situations, Dr. Odunayo will provide practical, actionable advice to help pet owners recognize, avoid, and respond to potential medical dangers. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned animal lover, this show promises to arm you with the knowledge to protect your furry family members and potentially save their lives.

To assess fall risk, balance tests should be longer Apr 04, 2025

Falls become a very big deal as we age. Older adults often lose bone and muscle mass. That means a tumble is more likely to result in a broken bone. And worldwide, falls are the second-leading cause of death for those 65 and older.

A new study from Brazilian researchers suggests there is a better way to evaluate this risk in older adults.

Doctors typically evaluate if someone is more apt to fall by having them hold one of four positions for 10 seconds each. These positions include putting one foot directly in front of the other. A second test asks them to stand balanced on just one foot.

The other two positions are standing with your feet parallel or standing with one foot slightly in front of the other.

Ten seconds, however, isn’t enough time. Researchers found that, among the 153 people they studied ages 60 to 89, a longer time interval is required to catch early, subtle warning signs of fall risk. At least 23 seconds, they note, is ideal.

Additionally, scientists say only two positions are needed in the evaluation — the heel-to-toe and single-leg stances.

For every extra second beyond 23 that study participants could maintain the positions, their fall risk for the next six months dropped 5%.

It’s easy enough to test yourself, if you’ve got a friend and a stopwatch — that is, if you feel reasonably stable in the first place. Be careful. You don’t want to topple over and hurt yourself testing whether you’re at risk of, well, toppling over and hurting yourself.

If you can’t stay upright for 23 seconds, it wouldn’t hurt to let your doctor know. It might hurt if you don’t.

Scientists had long wondered why northern Europe had the world’s highest prevalence of multiple sclerosis. Apr 03, 2025

Thanks to the world’s largest ancient human gene bank — which includes bones and teeth from nearly 5,000 humans who lived across western Europe and Asia as long as 34,000 years ago — it’s no longer a mystery.

A United Kingdom-led research team traced the spread of multiple sclerosis, or MS, from its origins in what is now Ukraine, southwest Russia and west Kazakhstan to northwestern Europe.

The disease walked its way across the land, traveling along with the Yamnaya [Yum-nye-uh] people, who with their sheep, cattle and newfangled wheeled wagons were a population-defining migration.

Europeans today are a genetic mixture of three ancestral populations: hunter-gatherers, first farmers and what had been considered an unknown “Ancient North Eurasian population” from the east. Those were the Yamnayans.

The Yamnayans carried with them the genetic variants associated with a risk of developing MS. In their case, the genes were a blessing, likely shielding them from infections they might otherwise have caught from their herded animals.

The researchers analyzed data from a new gene bank of ancient DNA, created in the past five years.

The gene bank is the first of its kind in the world. The tested bones and teeth are in museums that span from Europe to western Asia. The researchers hope to glean more from the relics about the roots of autism, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression and schizophrenia.

So spare a moment, if you will, for our hunter-gatherer, iron-tool wielding and even our marauding Viking ancestors. What they left behind may help us all.

Rooting out rhabdomyolysis in sled dogs Apr 02, 2025

Rhabdomyolysis [rhab-doe-my-AL-uh-sis], or rhabdo for short, occurs when muscles damaged during strenuous activity release proteins into the bloodstream. As these toxins travel to other organs, they can be deadly. Apart from working dogs or racing hounds, canine rhabdo is rare — except in sled dogs.

Ever since rhabdo was implicated in sled dog deaths in the 1980s and ’90s, it’s sometimes referred to as sled dog myopathy. With growing awareness of other risk factors, rhabdo incidence is down, but it still crops up in sled dog teams.

Now, veterinary researchers are collecting blood, urine and saliva samples from affected sled dogs to see if genetics plays a role. If so, the information gleaned may help root out rhabdo at its source.

Protecting pets after wildfires Apr 02, 2025

Chances are you’ve heard a lot about ways to protect your pets from wildfires. But what about keeping them safe from the dangers that lurk afterward?

Smoke, ash and heat can put pets in a world of hurt, so try to keep your buddies indoors as much as possible. That includes using pooch pads instead of having dogs do their business outside. If you must take them out, use booties or clean their paws with a baby wipe before you come back in. Doggie goggles and masks are available to protect them from polluted air.

It’s even more crucial to keep windows closed if you have birds, since they’re more sensitive than our furry friends to airborne irritants.

If your pet has respiratory distress, fatigue or a reduced appetite during or after a fire, call your veterinary clinic.

Shielding pets from dangerous products Apr 02, 2025

If you presume that your pet’s supplements, treats, toys and other accessories have met safety and regulatory benchmarks, don’t be so sure. These items are not regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for one simple reason. Our pets aren’t considered consumers.

That means the onus is on you to assure the quality of your pet’s products. You can start by avoiding products bought from unknown sources. Instead, opt for those with transparent sourcing. That’s because some countries have relatively lax rules about potentially toxic ingredients.

If your pet ever shows abnormal symptoms after exposure to a new item, set it aside and contact your veterinarian. Testing is key to diagnosing the problem.

Some flowers can be fatal beauties to pets Apr 02, 2025

Now that it’s spring, flowers will take center stage. While we enjoy them, some can be deadly for pets.

When it comes to cats, lilies top that list. Any exposure to lilies — including licks of water from a vase or pollen from fur or toes — can kill a cat. What’s more, lilies of the valley are toxic to both cats and dogs.

Daffodils, especially their bulbs, are also poisonous. And that goes for tulip bulbs, too. That’s why it’s crucial to keep dogs from digging in gardens.

Hydrangeas are off limits too, because a chemical they contain releases cyanide when eaten. Even exposure to carnations can give your pet an upset stomach.

If you think your furry friend has ingested any of these floral beauties, call your veterinary clinic or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.

‘One Health’ slows spread of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Apr 02, 2025

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the deadliest tick-transmitted disease in the United States. It affects dogs and people — especially children — and for decades has ravaged southwestern Native American lands.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is mostly spread by ticks living in woodland, but in desert areas it’s spread by the brown dog tick. Because reservations often have dogs that live around kids, a perfect storm has been raging.

That is, until community-led teams grew public awareness, sprayed around homes and provided tick collars for dogs. Ticks have all but vanished in these areas, and fatality rates of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever have plummeted.

One Health is more than a concept linking animal, human and environmental health. It’s key to saving lives.

Do migrating songbirds communicate with their fellow travelers? Apr 02, 2025

During migrations over thousands of miles, songbirds rest during daylight hours and fly at night. In contrast to the many larger birds flying in flocks, songbirds tend to fly solo. How do they find their way and stay safe in the process?

Researchers may have found some clues. After analyzing over 18,000 hours of audio from microphones placed across the U.S., they noticed chirp patterns from flying songbirds. Coupled with information from a bird call identification program, it appears that different species of songbirds occasionally fly near each other, potentially communicating social, navigational and weather information.

Mixed species of songbirds have been known to team up to forage and avoid predators, so perhaps they’re onto something.

A little-known cause of horse wounds Apr 02, 2025

Horses develop wounds in many ways. One is by infection with a water-loving microbe.

Pythium [PITH-ee-uhm] insidiosum [in-sid-ee-OH-sum] is an aquatic mold that thrives in warm climates, like the Gulf coast. But now, in the face of global warming, it’s spreading farther afield. Horses can develop pythium infections from exposure to swamps, standing water — any water body that doesn’t freeze over.

Wounds from pythiosis often affect a horse’s lower limbs, but they can crop up anywhere. These wounds grow dramatically over hours, turning into painful, draining lesions that don’t respond to common medications. Without timely surgical intervention, pythiosis can be deadly.

If you see suspicious signs, there’s no time to waste.

Classic signs and dangers of equine PPID Apr 02, 2025

As the weather warms, horses are shedding their winter coats. But if your buddy is still sporting a warm shaggy look, it could be a sign of something more serious.

Pituitary pars [parz] intermedia [in-tur-MEE-dee-uh] dysfunction, or P-P-I-D for short, is caused by a tumor in the brain’s pituitary gland, which is a key player in regulating the body’s hormones.

The classic sign of PPID in many horses is delayed or lack of shedding after winter. However, PPID often causes more serious problems, such as laminitis (that’s hoof inflammation), skin infections, Type 2 diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Most horses with PPID are over 15 years old, but there are outliers. Regardless of age, contact your veterinarian if your horse has symptoms.

Timing is key to treating mites in honeybee colonies Apr 02, 2025

Honeybees are critical to pollination and therefore key to agricultural crops. However, bees are under relentless attack, especially from mites that can collapse entire bee colonies.

There are effective topical treatments for mite infestations, but inaccurate timing of applications may do more harm than good. Treatment schedules are designed to break the mites’ reproductive cycle. Premature application can let mite populations rebound before the growing season ends, while late application gives mites more time to attack bees.

Poor timing also drives treatment resistance, which can be passed along to neighboring hives.

So, when looking for culprits in honeybee colony collapse, it may be all in the timing.

What can you do if your pet suffers from motion sickness? Apr 02, 2025

Motion sickness affects up to 50% of pets and can result in cycles of fear, anxiety and behavioral issues.

While more common in young pets, any dog or cat can exhibit the drooling, panting and gastrointestinal distress of motion sickness. Many pets grow out of it, but some don’t — especially those that rarely travel. The problem is made worse with stress — like anticipating a veterinary visit at the trip’s end.

Fortunately, there is effective treatment. True physiologic motion sickness is best treated with a prescription medication approved for pets. Desensitization uses positive reinforcement to accustom pets first to a parked car, and eventually to short trips to fun places. Your veterinarian can help you make the best choice.

Why do cats wiggle before they pounce? Apr 02, 2025

Of all the endearing behaviors our cats demonstrate, the wiggle-and-pounce ranks high on the list. We’re talking about the low crouch and butt wiggle that precedes a cat springing on its prey.

Nobody knows exactly why domestic cats — as well as some large wild cats — act this way, but there are a number of theories. One of the main theories suggests that cats wiggle their back end to fine tune their vision, balance and muscles before they pounce. They could be testing surface traction and support before a powerful leap. It may even be that the dopamine released when a cat plays and hunts just makes them feel good.

Whether we humans find the explanation or not, the pre-pounce butt wiggle is one more reason to love our feline friends.

When should you worry about your sneezing cat? Apr 02, 2025

When your pet isn’t acting quite right, sometimes it’s tough to tell if you should let it ride or take it more seriously. For example, when should your sneezing cat be examined?

Cats sneeze once in a while if their nasal cavity is irritated. But if the sneezing persists, that needs looking into.

Taking a video of your buddy in the act could help your veterinarian, because coughing, wheezing and gagging can mimic sneezing.

True sneezing can be caused by many things, including inhaled foreign objects, dental disease, infections or tumors — just to name a few. Frequent sneezing, especially along with other symptoms, like nasal discharge or loss of appetite, is reason enough to schedule a veterinary visit.

Are allergies affecting your workouts? Apr 02, 2025

The weather is warmer, the sunlight lasts longer and spring is finally here. In most parts of the country, anyway.

Along with short-sleeved T-shirts, outdoor workouts and April showers, seasonal pollen is back, right on schedule, to cause sniffly, irritating allergy symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than a quarter of American adults are sensitive to seasonal allergens. From airway irritation to congestion and sneezing, the exposure can affect you in all sorts of ways, including your ability to exercise.

Allergies don’t just hamper workouts. They can also affect post-workout muscle recovery and even disrupt our sleep.

If you train outdoors, you can’t avoid everything that might make you sneeze. The worst time for pollen is on dry, windy days, but planning your workouts for the early morning or early evening can mean facing a more reasonable pollen count. Another ideal time is immediately after it rains. That’s because rain cleans the air and literally grounds pollen and other allergens.

Doctors say the most effective way to prevent seasonal allergies is to take the right medication before heading outside. Over-the-counter corticosteroid spray and oral antihistamines work well.

Protective gear, like a brimmed hat and sunglasses, will also help.

Pollen sticks to you, so leave your shoes at the door and put your workout gear in the washing machine. Don’t forget to shower as well. It’s the best way to wash off allergens and clear them out of your nose, hair and eyes.

Hormones may hold the secret to slowing aging skin Apr 01, 2025

Age comes for everyone. At some point, our youthful, smooth skin begins to show signs of wear — a laugh line here, a new crease there. Humans have been fighting aging skin for millennia, and today we have access to more creams, serums, ointments and applications than at any other time in history.

But do they work?

A new research review reveals that, while some pricey potions might help give our skin a youthful boost, the most effective weapon to fight aging skin might be the chemicals our bodies already produce.

German researchers explored the relationship between aging skin and the endocrine system, which produces hormones.

Our skin ages through a combination of genetic factors as well as external factors like UV ray exposure and pollution. While we can’t avoid growing old, we can take care of our skin.

Besides affecting appearance, aging skin also has less wound healing capacity, less able to protect us from toxins and more susceptibility to skin cancers and infections.

And while we typically think of hormones being produced inside the body, our skin also produces hormones, such as estrogen, melatonin, cortisol and oxytocin [oxy-toh-sin].

This latest research offers a peek at how developing new therapies or targeting hormone pathways could help address aging skin in the future. Researchers also envision endocrine “cocktails” that would include a combination of hormones or similar compounds aimed at improving aging skin.

If your laugh lines are growing more noticeable, just know that science is still uncovering new approaches to treating aging skin. Hopefully — and pun intended — there won’t be any wrinkles in the research.

Video conferencing might lead to more cosmetic surgery Mar 31, 2025

It’s a 21st century phenomenon, as you might expect, without historical antecedent. After all, when the knights of the roundtable sat down to discuss business, Sir Lancelot probably wasn’t fixated on the imperfections of his nose.

Today, video conferencing gives us a prolonged look at someone whose eyes we should perhaps avoid.

Ourselves.

A team of American researchers recently questioned whether the self-view offered by popular video-conferencing programs make us all too likely to focus on our perceived defects.

Their research indicates that people are more apt to consider cosmetic procedures the longer they stare at themselves during these calls.

Scientists say sitting in a long online meeting is like sitting in front of a mirror. And the study notes that program features allowing users to touch up their image might actually make things worse, by creating an idealized version of one’s image.

Investigators surveyed 500 participants about their video-conferencing habits. Nearly 70% said they used features to touch up their appearance during calls. Two-thirds say they often looked at their own faces as others made presentations.

More than half report their time online affected their desire for cosmetic procedures such as surgery, Botox, or weight reduction or laser treatments.

It’s similar to another modern malady called Snapchat dysmorphia. That’s when someone undergoes cosmetic alterations to better resemble their filtered, online likeness.

Perhaps no big surprise, but when mask-wearing was encouraged during the pandemic, nearly 69% of those who often saw themselves on screen reported better self-esteem when they wore masks.

Helping Florida’s Marine Mammals: It Takes a Village Mar 28, 2025

When Florida’s marine mammals and sea turtles become sick, injured or die, a quick response is essential to understand the issues at play and, if needed, provide a means for care and treatment. At the University of Florida, the Marine Animal Rescue Program plays that role, working closely with other stranding networks within the state of Florida and nationally when needed. On this show, Dr. Mike Walsh, a clinical associate professor at UF and the program’s director, will discuss some of the program’s accomplishments since its inception, including the recovery of a deceased dolphin and the collaborations that led to a diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to vacation Mar 28, 2025

If you didn’t use all your vacation days last year, you’re not alone.

Many of us leave an abundance of vacation time on the table. In fact, in 2018, Americans left 768 million vacation days unused.

And even if we do take some time off, we may still have that nagging feeling of needing to send one last email. But you might want to reconsider that mindset — especially if you want your time off to count.

A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that vacations offer more benefits than we once thought, and that those benefits last long after you reach your destination.

The paper, which analyzed 32 studies across nine countries, found that employees who psychologically disengaged from work during their time off experienced the most significant boost to their well-being. That means no emails, no Zoom calls, and, ideally, next to no thoughts about the office — yes, even if you work from home.

In this case, the research holds true: Vacations are one of the few opportunities we must truly disconnect from the day-to-day grind.

Engaging in physical activities on vacation, like hiking or snorkeling, further boosts your well-earned well-being. But don’t worry about pumping iron or running a 10K — anything that gets your heart rate up counts.

One caveat: Longer vacations seem to offer more benefits but can also lead to a sharper decline in wellness once you’re back to work. That’s why planning and giving yourself a day or two to ease back into the work routine can help you transition more smoothly and maximize the benefits of your time off.

So, next time, make it count — and leave your to-do list for work behind.

The honking and siren sounds of stress Mar 27, 2025

Picture this: You’re trying to enjoy a walk outside when the sounds of horns honking, engines revving, and cars whooshing by cut into your peaceful state.

If that strikes you as less than relaxing, researchers agree. A new study has found that the sounds of nature can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, but its benefits are minimal when interrupted by noisy traffic.

Scientists from the University of West England studied 68 university students without anxiety and depression and gave them a series of tests designed to measure how sound affects stress and mood.

Each participant completed three rounds of testing. They began by listening to a stress-inducing video for one minute, then listened to one of three sound combinations for three minutes. The different combinations included pure natural sounds, natural sounds mixed with 20 mile per hour traffic noise, and natural sounds mixed with 40 mile per hour traffic noise.

After each round, participants answered questions about their stress levels.

Results showed that pure natural sounds were most effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Participants’ reported stress was lowest at this point. Stress levels were slightly higher when the 20 mile per hour traffic noise was mixed in.

The 40 mile per hour traffic noise combination produced the highest level of reported stress and anxiety among participants, significantly masking the calming effects of the nature sounds.

If you’re finding yourself gripping the steering wheel in anger, it might be a good time to plan a trip out of the city — and give your ears and mind a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle.

Social activities may delay dementia in older adults Mar 26, 2025

Time for a pop quiz — Which activities in older adults are tied to delaying dementia?

A: Volunteering

B: Dining out

C: Attending church, or

D: All of the above

If you said D, all of the above, then … bingo! You are correct. Incidentally, playing bingo is another activity that can help stave off dementia.

A recent study from Rush University in Chicago reveals that older adults who regularly engaged in social activities developed dementia five years later than those who were less social. The most social seniors developed dementia around age 92, while the less social participants showed signs of the disease around age 87.

Similar results were seen in those who developed mild cognitive impairment. The most social group showed signs at age 79, while the least social group did so at age 74.

The study also found that those who were more socially active had a 38% lower overall risk of developing dementia.

Researchers focused on several common social activities, things like traveling, volunteering, visiting friends and family, attending religious services, or even playing bingo.

The research shows that delaying the onset of dementia for five years would save around $500,000 in health care costs per person and increase life expectancy by about three years.

While not everyone can be a social butterfly, the study suggests plenty of activities to choose from. Diving into a volunteer organization may feel daunting but visiting with family is just as effective.

Bonus question: Does just about any social activity contribute to staving off dementia in older adults? If you said yes: Bingo!

The health benefits of a sauna Mar 25, 2025

Would you rather work out or let a sauna do the work for you?

You might be wondering how sitting in hot, dry heat inside a wooden box can be good for your health. For some, it might seem uncomfortable or unappealing. But here’s the deal: Sauna bathing mimics exercise and has several health benefits.

High temperatures put the body through stress, which in turn elevates your heat shock proteins and can prevent some types of diseases. For example, a study shows using a sauna two to three times each week reduces the odds of sudden cardiac death by 30%.

Research spanning the past several decades has found that saunas provide pain relief, alleviate symptoms of depression, and improve heart health. You will also find you can experience improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduced joint and muscle stiffness — all because of your time in the sauna.

So how should you start? If you are new to it, try short sessions. Think around 10 to 15 minutes. Doctors suggest a sauna’s benefits plateau at 30 minutes, so consider keeping your time capped at a half-hour.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, your bathing temperature should hover between 155 and 170 degrees.

Of course, drinking alcohol before or during sauna time is a big no-no. If you do, increase your risk of dehydration, hypotension, arrhythmia, and even sudden death. And speaking of dehydration, drinking plenty of water afterward is important to replace lost fluids.

If you are pregnant, have heart disease or kidney disease, or are using medications for cardiovascular disease, speak with your primary care physician before using the sauna. It’s all about staying safe.

FDA bans red dye No. 3 Mar 24, 2025

A dye used for decades to give foods and candies a bright cherry-red tint now has a short shelf life.

Beginning in mid-January 2027, using red dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine [ear-ih-throw-zeen], in food is banned. Authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, this decision affects thousands of products, including candies, cupcakes, cookies, frostings, drinks, and medicine that offer a cherry-red pop of color. It’s even in some maraschino cherries.

Made from petroleum, the synthetic red dye No. 3 was approved for food use in 1907. For decades, the FDA was asked to ban it. The regulatory agency banned the dye in cosmetics in the U.S. in 1990. Research studies have linked artificial food dyes to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in adolescents. High doses of red dye No. 3 have caused cancerous thyroid tumors in lab rats.

In 2023, California passed a statewide ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of red dye No. 3. It is also banned or severely restricted outside of the United States in places such as Australia and Japan.

Many candies sold close around the holidays contain this dye. Some companies have already announced plans to begin phasing out the dye before 2027.

The best way to avoid red dye No. 3 is to scan food labels. Experts recommend looking for products with natural alternatives, usually food colored with beets, red cabbage, and fruit extracts.

Ultra-processed foods are most likely to contain red dye No. 3. U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic options, including packaged food, must meet standards that protect consumers from exposure.

Venom Decoded: Unraveling the Mysteries of Coral Snake Bites Mar 21, 2025

Join us for a riveting episode of Animal Airwaves – Live! featuring Dr. Cory Woliver, an emergency and critical care expert at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Dr. Woliver delves into the lives of coral snakes, discussing what happens from an envenomation and what makes these snakes unique among venomous serpents. Dr. Woliver will also discuss his groundbreaking clinical trial, which is being used to treat dogs envenomated by coral snakes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain potentially life-saving knowledge about this elusive fossorial species and the latest advancement in treatment.

Weight loss app focuses on protein Mar 21, 2025

For many of us, maintaining a healthy weight can be a struggle, not to mention finding a sustainable solution that stands the test of time and cravings.

Now, a new weight management program from researchers at the University of Illinois is helping folks take a more balanced approach by focusing on protein, rather than just counting calories.

Their EMPOWER program uses a web application called MealPlot and tailored support from registered dietitians to help users plan meals that promote healthy weight loss.

The app’s development stems from an earlier version of the program, which offered participants education and feedback from dietitians in-person. Now fully online, it has three components: educational materials on nutrition, an app to design meals and track progress, and direct access to dietitians for online consultations.

The app is designed to move beyond calorie counting to a more effective strategy — setting goals around protein and fiber intake.

Why? Well, scientists found that when it comes to sustainable weight loss, cutting calories isn’t always enough. In fact, cutting protein can lead to loss of muscle instead of fat. An interactive chart in the app helps users find foods rich in protein and fiber — think lean meats, fruits, and vegetables — while avoiding the “empty” calories found in sugary and fatty foods. Notably, the app encourages a “no food off-limits” approach, as long as users meet their daily protein and fiber goals.

Think of it as a different perspective on healthy eating — that we do it for wellness, not just to hit a calorie goal.

Pregnancy stress effects may last into offspring’s adulthood Mar 20, 2025

Maternal stress during pregnancy is more than just a short-term concern — it can leave a lasting imprint on offspring, too.

A recent study from scientists in Germany looked at macaques [maa-kaaks], a type of monkey, and discovered that stress hormones during the first half of pregnancy can have a profound impact on how the offspring develop, going so far as to alter their stress response for years to come.

The study focused on how the pregnant mother’s exposure to environmental stress, like food shortages or social conflict, affected the growth of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, or HPA axis, a key player in deciding how organisms cope with stress.

The researchers observed these macaques over nine years, collecting fecal samples to measure glucocorticoid [gluco-kor-tuh-koyd] metabolites, a marker that indicates stress hormone levels. The findings were striking: Early prenatal stress was linked to heightened HPA-axis activity in the offspring, with effects that lasted well into adulthood.

Notably, stress experienced later in the monkeys’ pregnancy or even after birth did not appear to have the same long-term effects. That highlights a crucial window for fetal growth when environmental conditions can set the stage for health outcomes across the offspring’s entire lifespan.

Previous research has shown that early maternal stress can contribute to altered growth, immune system changes, and even gut microbiome troubles.

Of course, these are monkeys, not people. But the findings showcase the importance of timing in prenatal stress and its far-reaching impacts on health, suggesting that even small stressors can have a big impact.

Not just any muffin Mar 19, 2025

Norwegian researchers entered the laboratory, labored over their instruments, and eventually emerged with the latest scientific breakthrough.

A muffin.

Not just any muffin. This might be the healthiest muffin on the planet. And investigators even named it, as if it were a puppy hanging out near the centrifuge.

We introduce you to Roselle [Rose-ELL].

Roselle also happens to be the name of a flowering plant traditionally used for its medicinal qualities. It produces a tart and pleasantly acidic taste.

In science-speak, the study, published in the journal Foods, notes the muffin was developed using formulations in varying proportions resulting from Response Surface Methodology. That’s a highfallutin’ way of saying scientists created a recipe.

Using a Roselle extract called calyx [KAY-licks], their muffin is high in vitamins and antioxidants. A calyx is the outermost whorl in a flower. They left out the unhealthy preservatives often found in store-bought baked goods.

This Roselle extract contains polyphenols, flavonoids, betaine (BEET-a-een) and hibiscus acid, ingredients that reduce the risk of chronic disease. The muffin boasts a six-day shelf life at room temperature. Scientists bragged that these treats won’t last that long in the average household because they are so delicious.

The final product had little sugar, salt, or saturated fat. Taste tests with a small group of people were positive.

Perhaps it makes sense that food scientists would concoct a great recipe in the lab. Cooking, to some extent, is basic chemistry.

Of course, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to make a muffin.

Just ask your favorite baker.

Listen up: Hearing loss heightens dementia risk Mar 18, 2025

Now hear this: Scientists have found a link between hearing loss and the onset of dementia.

It’s a curious pairing of medical issues, but scientists in Denmark recently made the connection after studying data from more than a half-million people in that country. In this case, the findings involved people over age 50 whose health was tracked for 15 years.

The researchers found a clear correlation between hearing loss and the development of dementia. That includes hearing loss causing an overall 7% increase in the risk of getting dementia. Among those with severe hearing loss, the dementia risk was found to be much greater than it was for those with typical hearing.

The research did not delve into the reasons for the association between hearing loss and dementia. But the good news is that there’s a simple strategy: Wearing hearing aids can substantially reduce dementia risk.

Among people who didn’t wear hearing aids, the risk of getting dementia was 20% higher than people with typical hearing. Those who used hearing aids had a 6% increased risk of dementia.

The association between hearing loss and dementia risk is also an imperative due to sheer numbers: The National Institutes of Health notes that nearly one-quarter of people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 have some amount of hearing loss. Among those over age 75, the rate of hearing loss is 50%.

Meanwhile, use of hearing aids remains low: Fewer than one in three people over age 70 who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.

So, don’t take chances with your brain. Get your hearing tested as you age, and keep in mind that hearing aids could help ward off dementia.

Positive mindset and activity level may form helpful cycle Mar 17, 2025

On the surface, the era of COVID-19 changed a lot of things: our commute time, hand-washing know-how, and preference for outdoor dining.

Now, a study from researchers in Finland suggests the pandemic also highlighted a strong link between mental well-being and physical activity.

According to the study, which involved more than 430 participants ages 60 to 88, those who experienced positive emotions were more likely to stay active or even increase their level of physical activity during the pandemic. In contrast, however, those experiencing depressive feelings found themselves less likely to engage in exercise, emphasizing how mental health can influence the physical.

The research also revealed that the impact of positive emotions on physical activity was especially strong in people around the age of 60, but less consistent in those over 70.

Older adults in Finland, where stricter pandemic restrictions were imposed, showed a weaker connection between mental well-being and activity levels — possibly due to the limitations they faced.

Granted, earlier studies have shown that physical activity boosts mental health, but this research flips that idea, suggesting that maintaining a good outlook could help keep people physically active under even the most trying circumstances.

Ultimately, the study underlines the importance of supporting mental health in a way that matters: Going beyond just avoiding negative feelings and instead focusing on strengthening positive emotions.

If nothing else, this research reminds us that the benefits of mental fortitude extend well beyond a smile.

Rat Lungworm and Canine Infections: What Dog Owners Should Know Mar 14, 2025

Uncover the hidden threat of rat lungworm in dogs with UF experts Dr. Heather Walden, an associate professor of parasitology, and Dr. Amy Stone, a clinical associate professor of primary care and dentistry. Dr. Walden will explore the parasite’s biology, while Dr. Stone will provide crucial insights into canine infection, clinical symptoms, and treatment strategies specific to our four-legged companions. Learn how to protect your dogs from this emerging parasitic danger in Florida.

Healthy habits take longer to build than most people think Mar 14, 2025

It’s a habitual claim often made by social media influencers, or in wellness blogs and self-help books.

Namely, that it takes 21 days to imprint a new habit on your mind so that it becomes almost automatic.

New research indicates that a one-word technical term might be used to describe the accuracy of this claim:

Hogwash.

Try 59 to 66 days. That’s according to recent research from Australia. Scientists there found two to five months is required to form habits that stick with you and don’t evaporate like morning fog. And for some people, it can take as long as a year.

Researchers analyzed data from 20 studies involving 2,600 participants who sought to form healthy habits. Those included things like flossing their teeth, drinking more water, and getting more exercise.

As most people can attest, a New Year’s resolution to get fit or eat fewer treats doesn’t just happen like the flipping of a light switch. It takes commitment and repetition until it becomes second nature.

One key finding of the study is that it isn’t just a matter of repeating the same behavior for a couple of months. Other factors can dictate whether we’ll be successful.

For example, morning routines are easier to maintain. One thought is that we are fresher before the day begins, as our stores of energy not yet depleted. Later in the day, we also face more distractions.

Investigators also report that simple habits are more likely to be maintained than complex ones. In addition, habits we select ourselves tend to be more achievable than those thrust upon us by others.

Remember: There are no shortcuts to good health.

Foods advertised during football telecasts unhealthy Mar 13, 2025

Your family physician might throw the yellow penalty flag over the food advertised during televised professional football games.

Millions of Americans watch NFL games every fall and winter. Football is the nation’s most popular sport, and advertisers want to tap the millions of people focused on every pass and tackle.

A recent study in JAMA Network Open urges us to pay as much attention to the nutritional labels of the food advertised during games as we do the score.

That’s because the food is often as unhealthy as a blindside hit on the quarterback.

Researchers studied 102 food-related commercials during 10 NFL games played from September to November 2023. The ads included store-bought food and restaurant fare.

The ad menu, it turns out, is packed with calories, salt, and fat.

Of the store-bought products like chocolate bars and chips, the median number of calories was 490. Median sodium levels stood at a staggering 910 milligrams.

Meals from fast food chains measured 1,400 calories and were also astronomically high in salt.

The results, of course, aren’t surprising. After all, the ads included foods like chocolate bars, chips, and a range of offerings from the nation’s best-known fast-food joints. American broccoli farmers aren’t spending much time pitching their produce.

Scientists said the frequency of the ads took them aback.

It’s a challenge for physicians to influence our dietary choices in the face of slick advertisements.

Researchers say it’s worth family doctors asking patients if they watch much football and warning them about the unhealthy foods that will tempt them.

Don’t play games with your health.

How to choose your energy bar Mar 12, 2025

Is an energy bar truly workout fuel?

If you look at the nutrition facts, most bars seem healthy. But many don’t deliver as well as you might expect.

Energy comes from calories. All carbohydrates are converted into glucose, a sugar that is used by cells for energy. Simple carbs, such as sugar and white flour, are broken down fastest by your body. That means they are most helpful for fueling extremely demanding workouts.

Many bars serve up a combination of carbs, fiber, protein, and fat, but the ingredients could very well be processed. For the healthiest energy bar, look for whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These are packed with nutrients.

If you are considering a grain-based bar, look for something made with whole grains, like oats or quinoa [keen-wah]. Whole grains reduce inflammation and harmful cholesterol, ultimately protecting your heart.

On the calorie front, even some of the healthiest bars can pack a punch. Some weigh in at 400 calories or more, which is a lot if you don’t exercise regularly.

Added sugar is another issue. The American Heart Association recommends only 25 grams of added sugar daily for women and 36 grams for men. Therefore, experts suggest staying at or under 7 grams of sugar to avoid overindulgence.

Processed protein and processed fiber should also be reconsidered. The processing itself strips away nutrients. For instance, soy or pea proteins are extracted from the original food source, leaving them with no other nutrients to offer.

The next time you wander down the energy bar aisle, don’t make a hasty decision. You don’t want to end up with a glorified candy bar.

Boost your metabolism with elderberry Mar 11, 2025

If you thought it wasn’t possible to speed up your metabolism in a week, check this out: New research has found that elderberry juice can significantly improve metabolism and blood sugar regulation in just seven days.

Elderberry has long been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like colds and flu, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and more. You might be used to seeing it in gummy form as an immune-boosting supplement. Now, researchers from several American universities say improved metabolism is among its benefits.

Eighteen overweight but otherwise healthy adults participated in the study. Each drank 12 ounces of elderberry juice per day for a week with doses split between morning and night. They then did the same with a placebo beverage for another week. A three-week break separated the two study weeks.

Results showed that participants saw a 24% reduction in blood glucose levels following a high-carbohydrate meal after drinking elderberry juice for a week. Elderberry consumption was also linked to a 27% increase in fat burned compared with placebo consumption.

Researchers also found that elderberry juice increased bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are compounds essential to gut and metabolic health. Elderberry’s superpower comes from its high concentration of anthocyanins [ann-tho-sigh-ann-ins], compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects.

So, forget the metabolism-boosting energy drinks. Consider trying some elderberry juice to help manage your weight and improve your metabolic and immune health.

U.S. dementia cases could double by 2060 Mar 10, 2025

A ‘boom’ of post-World War II babies once filled American nurseries, expanding the population.

And as these baby boomers age, they’re expanding a population of a different sort: the ranks of people diagnosed with dementia.

A new National Institutes of Health-funded study offers troubling news for Americans. The risk of developing dementia after age 55 is now 42% — that’s more than double the risk reported in earlier studies. The risk for men is 35%, and 48% for women.

Dementia, a progressive decline in memory, judgment, and concentration, is tied to aging. Other factors include genetics, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, lack of exercise, poor diet, and mental health challenges like depression.

The study suggests that dementia was previously underestimated for multiple reasons, including faulty health records and death certificates, little oversight of early-stage cases, and underreporting.

The data come from a large study that, since 1987, has tracked the vascular health and cognitive function of nearly 16,000 people as they age.

The coming dementia wave calls attention to the need to boost resources to address this health care concern. While the condition is expected to double in the next four decades for white people, it could triple for Black people.

Researchers say better nutrition education could help buck the trend by improving diets that play a role. Hearing loss also demands attention. Poor hearing is also tied to higher dementia risk, but only one-third of older adults who need them use them.

The study’s authors say affordable hearing aids must be more widely available. In the meantime, wear ’em if you’ve got ’em.

A foster program saving macaw chicks and possibly other parrots too Mar 07, 2025

Sometimes nature can feel cruel, but humans can step in to help out.

Scarlet macaws lay up to four eggs per clutch — that’s the group of eggs produced during one nesting event. But whether in the wild or in captivity, the parents routinely feed only one or two of the chicks, leaving the others to starve. This happens to healthy chicks and whether food is plentiful or scarce.

For reasons not well understood, the last chicks to hatch are the ones left to die. But now a fostering program removes neglected chicks from one nest and places them in another where chicks have been lost to predators. The foster parent birds raise the chicks as their own, allowing them to thrive.

If the program remains successful, it may help endangered parrot species too.

Addressing pet and human health care — together Mar 07, 2025

It’s not unusual for people to prioritize their pet’s health over their own. That’s especially true for vulnerable folks with limited means.

But one university is taking a unique approach to people who neglect their own care in lieu of addressing their pets’ needs. The University of Minnesota’s One Health Clinic is a pilot program that will provide health care for pets and their family members together.

The clinic, scheduled to open in 2025, will be run by students from the College of Medicine and the College of Veterinary Medicine, all working under faculty supervision.

The clinic’s initial focus will be on those who don’t have routine access to health care and have little or no health insurance.

FDA warns of unapproved antiseizure medications Mar 07, 2025

In November 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to six companies selling unapproved drugs said to control seizures in dogs and cats. The products were sold online without requiring a prescription or veterinary oversight.

The letter cautioned that animals taking anti-seizure drugs should be supervised by a licensed veterinarian who could diagnose and manage their conditions. Many abnormalities can cause seizures.

The FDA has conditionally approved two drugs for canine epilepsy — that is, seizures of unknown origin. KBroVet-CA1 [KAY-broh-vet-C-A-1] is a form of potassium bromide, and Fidoquel-CA1 [FI-doh-quell-C-A-1] is a phenobarbital agent.

If you think these might help you pet, ask your veterinarian.

Why cats and dogs have different takes on retractable claws Mar 07, 2025

Have you ever wondered why cats’ claws retract and dogs’ claws don’t? It all has to do with function dictating form.

Cats are solitary hunters that surprise their prey. Retracting claws let their footpads support them in silence. They also use their claws to kill their prey, so they must keep them sharp. If a cat’s claws were always extended, surface contact would wear them down.

Dogs are another story — they’re pack hunters that chase their prey to exhaust them before the kill. They use their claws to gain traction and make quick turns.

So, what about cheetahs that run at high speeds? They also need their claws for traction. Despite being cats, their claws function more like dogs’.

Why are cats so bugged by closed doors? Mar 07, 2025

What is it about cats and closed doors? Why do so many of our feline friends swipe, scratch and paw to get under or through them?

There are likely several reasons. Feline FOMO is one of them — their fear of missing out. Cats are very curious by nature, and they want to keep tabs on everything happening in their ’hood. In the wild, they’re both prey and predator, so they must be super vigilant to stay alive and be successful hunters.

Cats also like to have control and make their own choices, and that doesn’t happen when their human closes them out. Closing a door also changes their environment, and they can’t stand that, either.

Many cats also love the attention they get from their human family members — the ones who are often behind those closed doors.

Protect cats from bird flu, avoid raw diets Mar 07, 2025

The bird flu doesn’t only affect birds — cats are vulnerable to it as well. Since 2022, over 80 cases of bird flu have been reported in domestic cats.

Most of those cats were from dairy farms, but some were indoor cats with no known exposure to animals shedding the virus. It is surmised that they may have consumed virus-contaminated raw diets or unpasteurized milk. Some commercial raw food brands were recalled recently after testing positive for the virus and being linked to illness and death in cats.

Nearly 70% of cats infected with bird flu will die, so it’s not worth taking a chance on a raw food diet. Even freezing temperatures won’t destroy viruses, so stick with commercial pet foods that are heat-treated to get the job done.

Canine-transmitted rabies risk declines Mar 07, 2025

Mexico is on the verge of joining other regions in eliminating dog-transmitted rabies. These include the U.S., Western Europe, Canada, Japan, and some Latin American countries. Other places, like Australia and many Pacific islands, have never had the problem.

But make no mistake. Nearly 60,000 people around the world still die from rabies every year. Some countries still have high rates of canine-transmitted rabies. And just about everywhere, rabies is spread by wildlife, like bats, raccoons, skunks, and other mammals.

So, it remains crucial to vaccinate pets and livestock while also raising public awareness about how rabies is spread. That’s best done with a One Health approach, which recognizes that environmental, animal, and human health are intertwined.

Kennel cough: how to protect your pooch Mar 07, 2025

If you’re a pooch parent, your ears likely prick up at the mention of canine kennel cough. But what is it, and how can you best protect your dog?

Kennel cough isn’t just one disease, it’s a group of viral and bacterial diseases collectively known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex.

The classic sign of kennel cough is a persistent honking cough. But depending on the infection involved and the strength of your dog’s immune system, signs can range from lethargy and loss of appetite to pneumonia and other severe illnesses.

Because kennel cough is highly contagious, vaccination can lower the risk of infection and reduce the severity of illness. During outbreaks, it’s also important to limit your pooch’s contact with other dogs.

Bully cats: another sad example of designer pets Mar 07, 2025

One new example of a designer pet is the so-called bully cat. They’re meant to be feline versions of American bully XL dogs, like pit bulls but stockier and with shorter coats.

Bully cats are produced by mutant breeding, which combines specific genetic mutations to achieve a certain look. Here, a mutation causing hairlessness in sphinx cats is crossed with another that causes short legs in munchkin cats.

But the bully cat’s quality of life takes a real hit. Hairless cats are more susceptible to respiratory infections, skin cancer — even impaired navigation due to their lack of whiskers. What’s more, their short legs limit jumping and can be painful.

Remember, money talks — and we can withhold support from breeders who create cats with extreme traits.

Protecting backyard chickens from the avian flu Mar 07, 2025

If you have backyard chickens and are confused about the bird flu, you’re not alone.

The bird flu in the news these days refers to highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. It’s spread by the H5N1 virus that you’ve been hearing about.

Waterfowl can spread H5N1 in their saliva and droppings even if they don’t look sick. But the bird flu is rapidly fatal in chickens, so limiting the spread of disease is crucial. That includes preventing flock contact with wild birds, keeping their living area clean and not sharing materials or birds with other folks. New chickens should be quarantined at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock.

Also, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of your birds looking “off.”

An app meant to rescue pets home alone Mar 07, 2025

During Colorado’s Marshall Fire in 2021, about 1,000 pets died, including many that were home alone. That prompted the development of an app to help other pets avoid similar fates.

Now that free app, Pet Help & Rescue, is available in iPhone and Android app stores. It’s a messaging app that allows trusted neighbors to enter your home and evacuate your pets when you’re away.

Once you download the app, you enter contact information for yourself and info about your pets — for example, their names and descriptions, photos, favorite hiding spots, and the location of any meds and Go bags. Next, you invite chosen neighbors to enter their contact data.

Then if you’re away during an emergency, the app can send an urgent message out to all your contacts. They’ll know what to do next.

Role of the Veterinarian in Fish Farming and Aquaculture Mar 07, 2025

When most people think of farm animals, they conjure traditional farm species, such as ruminants, poultry, swine and horses. But veterinarians also play an important role in the farming of fish and other aquatic species for food, ornamental trade and research. On this show, Dr. Ruth Francis-Floyd, a professor and extension veterinarian, will discuss why practicing veterinarians as well as student trainees are becoming more interested in the specialty of aquaculture, and its benefits to the veterinary profession as well as to the public.

Dairy foods with calcium may lower colorectal cancer risk Mar 07, 2025

To protect against colorectal cancer, women should be sure to get enough calcium from dairy foods like milk, cheese, or yogurt.

And to better their odds, drinking less alcohol and avoiding beef and processed meat helps, too.

Researchers in London in a new study tracked more than 500,000 women for 16 years, analyzing their dietary habits and health outcomes.

During the study, about 12,000 of the women developed colorectal cancer, allowing the researchers to dig through the data for specific risk factors.

Milk drinkers had notably lower cancer risk, as did those who consumed dairy products such as yogurt. Other nutrients found in dairy foods, like riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, also showed protective benefits.

Alcohol, on the other hand, was a standout risk factor. Those who reported downing about two drinks every day had a 15% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. And each daily serving of red or processed meat was tied to an 8% higher risk.

There are big differences in colorectal cancer between regions, with higher rates in wealthier areas like the United States, Europe, and Japan, compared with lower rates in parts of Africa and South Asia.

However, when people move to countries with higher rates, within a decade their risk begins to match those of others in their new home. Researchers believe that points to lifestyle factors like diet playing a key role.

No food is a magic bullet against disease, of course. But scientists say calcium might help prevent cancer by binding to harmful substances in the digestive system, promoting healthy cells in the colon, and reducing inflammation.

So, if you want a nightcap, ladies, make it a milk.

An education in life expectancy Mar 06, 2025

Knowledge is power. But a new research study shows that more education may mean a longer life, too.

Researchers based at the University of Washington and the National Institutes of Health found that Americans who hold a college degree can expect to live nearly 11 years longer, on average, than those who did not complete high school.

In the year 2000, the gap was about eight years between the two groups.

Between 2000 and 2019, college graduates gained about 2.5 years in life expectancy, while there was no increase among those without a high school diploma. As of 2019, the average life expectancy of a college graduate was 84 years. For those who did not graduate high school, average life expectancy was 73½ years.

The study also examined population and death data for every county in the U.S., and it turns out that location matters, too. In some places, like Colorado, life expectancy was nearly the same across all education levels, whereas the greatest disparities were in parts of the Southeast, Appalachia, and South Dakota.

The researchers said several factors are likely responsible for the life expectancy gap. Those with more education often have higher-paying jobs, greater access to health care, fewer lifestyle risk factors, and better living conditions. The study noted that those with a high school diploma and those with some college education saw increases in life expectancy of less than a year.

While a college education may not guarantee, the study demonstrates just how important education and location can be when it comes to life expectancy.

So, what time does class start?

Brown fat’s possible influence on aging Mar 04, 2025

Let’s face it: Fat’s got a rotten reputation. Much of that is deserved, of course. Too much body fat can harm health and lead to heart disease and diabetes.

But to tip the scale just a bit, let’s talk about brown fat.

A new Rutgers University study has found that this distinct type of fat might be key to better aging and exercise performance.

Brown fat is different from the usual white fat that parks around our bellies. White fat stores energy that we burn by being active. Brown fat, however, is chock full of mitochondria, cellular powerhouses that generate heat rather than store energy. It burns calories.

Newborns start life with bodies that have up to 5% brown fat. By adulthood, most of us have far less.

Previous studies have shown that physical activity can increase brown fat’s density. The Rutgers study examined how brown fat can boost athletic performance.

Mice without a protein called RGS14 live longer than others and have more brown fat. In lab tests, the long-lived mice ran farther and worked harder before exhaustion compared with typical mice. And they kept a youthful appearance, with nicer fur and more muscle.

In one study, brown fat was taken from these long-lived mice and transplanted into normal mice. The borrowed-fat mice became better athletes in three days. When scientists placed brown fat from ordinary mice into their test subjects, it took eight weeks to see those gains.

The researchers say brown fat might be the secret to exercising longer while staying pretty doing it. Someday, a brown fat-inspired treatment could help us live healthier and longer.

And if we happen to look younger as we do? Thank a mouse.

A breakfast balancing act for healthy aging Mar 03, 2025

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day — we’ve all heard it before. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us opt for a quick snack in the morning or forgo the meal altogether.

But science continues to illuminate the mysteries of the human body and how it interacts with nutrients. A recent study from Spain has zeroed in on what may be the perfect breakfast recipe for tapping into health benefits. It’s partly about the ingredients and partly about size.

Researchers studied a group of about 400 adults ranging in age from 55 to 75. They found participants whose breakfasts made up between 20% and 30% of their daily caloric intake benefited the most. This group had a lower average body mass index, smaller waists, higher levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, and lower levels of unhealthy triglycerides in their blood.

As far as what to eat? It matters. Study participants were scored on nine nutritional considerations, and those with the lowest scores, regardless of meal size, had larger waistlines and worse blood-fat profiles than those who ate balanced, healthy breakfasts. Less nutritional breakfasts also resulted in decreased kidney function.

Researchers said the findings are important for older adults. The right balance of breakfast quantity and quality contributes to healthy aging by reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.

So, remember — eating breakfast is better than skipping it. But breakfast is best when we pay heed to the amount and quality of food we’re eating and relying on to fuel our day.

Camel milk is rich in proteins that boost immune health Mar 03, 2025

Got camel milk?

Cows have been providing us with milk for centuries, filling our glasses with an American dietary staple. More than 80% of the milk the world drinks come from creatures that say “moo.”

Guess how much camels produce? Hint: When’s the last time you spotted a herd of camels chewing the cud on a dairy farm?

Less than half of 1% of global milk production comes from our humped-back friends, who still rank fifth worldwide. Buffalo, for example, produce more.

Australian researchers, however, recently found that camel milk contains more proteins that could be beneficial to our immune and digestive health than what we get from heifers.

This isn’t to say that cow’s milk is unhealthy. Far from it. But the camel variety packs a punch. It is especially bountiful in bioactive peptides that can kill bacteria and protect against specific diseases. This boosts gut health.

Cardiovascular disease is among the potential maladies it might help prevent. And camel’s milk has less lactose, making it easier for some to digest.

Camels offer an alternative to farmers in arid or semi-arid regions where water isn’t plentiful. This is one reason why Australian scientists are so interested in this research. There are, however, a few drawbacks.

That limited production means camel milk is much more expensive. It’s also harder to find. Your local supermarket probably doesn’t carry it.

The biggest obstacle to wider consumption is that a camel only makes 5 liters of milk daily. Cows, in contrast, produce 28 liters.

So, don’t expect camel milk to dominate store shelves any time soon. You’ll be waiting until the cows come home.

Working out in the cold Feb 28, 2025

We’re about two months into 2025 … how are your New Year’s resolutions holding up?

Whether you have decided to save money, stick to a more consistent sleep schedule, or lose weight, you still have plenty of time to accomplish your goals this year.

A common New Year’s resolution is to exercise more, but even as winter ends, the weather in many parts of the country can give you an excuse to stay inside.

Our perception of temperature changes with the seasons. The first cold air in a season freezes us to our core. But after about ten days of exposure, our skin starts feeling less cold.

Even if you feel as though you can handle the chill, you must keep your core temperature regulated and your extremities warm while you exercise outside. So, bundle up, even with a sweat.

Be mindful that cold-weather workouts are naturally harder. You face the risk of hitting the wall or getting dehydrated. That’s because your muscles don’t work well when they’re cold, meaning you need more muscle fibers and energy to exert a given force.

Experts say your body burns at least 10 percent more energy during a cold-weather hike or bike ride than you would in warmer temperatures.

But the good thing is your lungs won’t actually freeze from the cold air. Instead, the dryness is what irritates your respiratory system, often leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, excess mucus, and chest tightness.

Consider covering your mouth with a neck gaiter so your airflow slows and you retain some of the moisture from your exhaled breath.

Red wine in moderation might be good for your heart Feb 27, 2025

The debate over whether red wine is good for you will likely never end. But a new study has found that moderate consumption of red wine could reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular complication.

Researchers from Spain studied just over 1,200 participants with an average age of 68. Of that pool, 685 had experienced a cardiovascular event in the past.

Rather than asking people to self-report their drinking habits, the study used biology to determine consumption levels. The researchers measured the amount of tartaric [tar-dare-ek] acid — a compound almost exclusive to grapes and wine — in the participants’ urine to determine how much red wine they drank.

The results showed that drinking between one glass of red wine per week and less than half a glass per day classified as light drinking and reduced the risk of having a cardiovascular complication by 38%. Those who consumed between half a glass and one glass per day were considered moderate drinkers and saw a 50% reduction in the risk of having a cardiovascular complication.

The study also found a strong association between moderate wine consumption and a lower risk of heart attacks, particularly among men and diabetics.

But there’s a catch. Participants with very high levels of tartaric acid, who were likely heavy wine drinkers, did not enjoy the same cardiovascular benefits as the light and moderate drinkers.

The researchers’ findings suggest that like most pleasures, red wine is best consumed in moderation, so no need to down the bottle. Still, wine lovers can take a bit of relief, knowing that one 5-ounce glass of red may keep them and their heart happy.

Wildfire smoke health impact can be felt across country Feb 26, 2025

It’s second-hand smoke writ large. The culprit isn’t a cigarette. It’s a forest.

East Coast residents might feel confident that ever-more-frequent western wildfires pose harm only to those living close to the blaze. It might hit a lot closer to home than you’d think.

Consider the summer of 2023. Canadian wildfires burned more than 40,000 acres, an area the size of Georgia. That smoke climbed into the atmosphere and drifted across the nation.

Now, a recent study by Maryland researchers found that all that smoke might have triggered a nearly 20% increase in hospital visits for heart and lung problems in their state. That was during the six days in June when smoke from 2,100 miles away turned Baltimore skies dark.

Scientists tapped 2 million de-identified patient records from the University of Maryland Medical System. They also analyzed satellite and other data to identify six days during which standards for safe air were exceeded in each of the state’s 23 counties.

The study tracked an 18% increase in doctor visits for complications related to cardiopulmonary or heart-lung conditions, compared with previous years. This included outpatient, emergency rooms, and hospital admissions. Outpatient clinic visits alone rose 55%.

Those patients were more affluent, tended to be older and were nonsmokers, compared with those seeing a doctor on clean-air days. That suggests an unequal access to care.

Of course, states in the path of the smoke between western Canada and Maryland no doubt saw their own impacts from the fires.

Scientists say pollution from wildfires leads to higher death rates. Environmental hazards don’t abide human-made borders.

On HPV, we’re uninformed and undervaccinated Feb 25, 2025

OK, time for a pop quiz: What’s the biggest cause of throat cancer in the U.S.?

Smoking would be a logical guess. So would alcohol consumption.

But both would be wrong. In the past 30 years, throat cancers have increasingly been attributed to human papillomavirus [pap-uh-low-muh-virus], or HPV.

HPV is now responsible for an estimated 60% to 70% of all throat cancers in the U.S.

So, another question: If you knew a vaccine would protect you from 90% of all HPV-related cancers, would you get it?

A new study from the University of Southern California shows that most American adults are not aware that HPV can cause throat cancer. What’s more, less than 7% of eligible adults have completed the three-dose vaccine.

Besides throat cancer, HPV can cause five other types of cancer, including cancers of the anus, cervix, penis, vagina, and vulva. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 92% of HPV cancers could be blocked by vaccination.

The researchers found a hefty gap between adults’ knowledge about the vaccine and cancers the virus can cause. In 2020, less than one-third of the public understood the link between the HPV vaccine and throat cancer.

Much of the early talk when the vaccine was first used focused on the need for girls and young women to avoid cervical cancer later in life. Since 2006, there has been an 81% drop in the infections that cause most HPV cancers in women. In teens, the infections dropped 88%.

Men are twice as likely to get HPV-related throat cancer from HPV as women, the typical patient being a nonsmoking white man in his 50s or 60s.

Perhaps, the researchers said, it’s time for a concerted, man-centric push.

Rethinking vitamin D supplements Feb 24, 2025

You may need to reconsider how you view vitamin D supplements, especially if you are north of 50 years old. That’s the message for older adults from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Task force members note while vitamin D supplements can be helpful for older adults with some medical conditions — osteoporosis, primarily — taking them does not reduce the risk of falls or prevent bone fractures.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1 of 4 older adults take a spill each year. That leads to 3 million emergency visits as well as 1 million hospitalizations. These falls are a common factor in hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries.

So, what can you do to lessen your fall risk? After all, health is wealth.

First, remaining active is essential. Activities like aerobic exercises, weightlifting, and balance training help maintain mobility. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. Experts also recommend osteoporosis screenings plus vision and hearing tests.

If you are deficient in vitamin D, several foods can naturally provide your body with what it needs. You can eat fish, like salmon, halibut, and canned tuna, or egg yolks, and mushrooms. Milk and orange juice are packed with vitamin D, too.

Being outdoors and absorbing sunshine is a sure way to supplement your body. Perhaps you combine some of these strategies by taking a walk around the block on a bright, sunny day. Wear sunscreen, of course.

It’s a small investment in your long-term health and staying mobile deep into your golden years.

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