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The 20 Most Common Cancer-Causing Habits, Say Doctors
You think of cancer as inevitable, like death and taxes, emphasis on the former. The statistics are indeed scary: In 2019, cancer overtook heart disease as the leading cause of death in middle-aged adults living in wealthy countries. Almost 4 in 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and nearly 600,000 will die of the disease. Yet you shouldn't feel helpless: In fact, 30 to 50 percent of cancer cases are fully preventable, the World Health Organization says. How? By avoiding these common cancer-causing habits. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Eating Too Much Sugar Americans eat too much added sugar, and it may lead to an increased risk of cancer. The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming no more than 12 teaspoons of sugars a day. The average American gets 17 teaspoons! Eating too much added sugar can lead to obesity and inflammation—two cancer risk factors.The Rx: Cut down on added sugars in your diet. That's easier to do, now that food manufacturers are required to list them as a separate line on Nutrition Facts labels. Check them on every packaged product you buy. 2 Eating Processed Meat In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer officially classified processed meat as a human carcinogen; they're prepared with chemicals that have been found to damage cells in the colon and rectum. In fact, eating just 1.8 ounces a day can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent. What counts as processed meat? Ham, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni and salami, beef jerky and deli meats, including turkey and roast beef.The Rx: The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends eating processed meat less frequently or not at all, and increasing the number of plant-based or meatless meals you eat each week. 3 Eating Processed Foods "Processed foods are packed with myriad toxic chemicals which can increase cancer risk," says Yeral Patel, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician in Newport Beach, California. "Consumption of processed foods causes inflammation—one of the leading contributors to cancer—and these foods also lack key micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals) on which our bodies depend to rid themselves of harmful toxins."The Rx: Fill your diet with as many whole foods as you can, and ensure the packaged foods you buy contain as few ingredients as possible. 4 Working the Late Shift Women who work the night shift have a 19 percent higher risk of cancer, according to a 2018 meta-analysis of studies published in the journal Cancer Biomarkers and Prevention. Researchers theorize that staying up at night disrupts production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which may protect against the disease.The Rx: If you work the graveyard shift, you may want to switch to daylight hours. 5 Using Talcum Powder A study in the journal Epidemiology found that using talcum powder (baby powder) on the area surrounding the genitals increased the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 33 percent. Another study found that using talcum powder raised endometrial cancer risk by 24 percent. Why? Some researchers theorize that talc, the mineral that is mined to make talcum powder, is often contaminated with asbestos, a potent carcinogen.The Rx: Avoid talcum powder. For personal hygiene, use a natural alternative such as cornstarch instead. 6 Using Plastic Some plastic containers contain BPA, a synthetic hormone that can disrupt the body's endocrine system and potentially increase the risk of breast cancer. The Rx: It's not definitive that plastic actually causes cancer. But it's a good idea to choose plastics that are BPA-free and to use alternative containers, such as glass, whenever possible. 7 Eating Fries and Chips Acrylamide is a chemical found in tobacco smoke and industrial products. It's also formed when vegetables, like potatoes, that contain certain sugars are heated. Those foods include french fries, potato chips, crackers, breads, cookies and breakfast cereals. Animal studies show that acrylamide can damage DNA, raising cancer risk. Although the research isn't definitive in humans, why risk it?The Rx: Reducing the amount of processed foods you eat in general is a proven way to reduce cancer risk and improve heart health. (Read: You should be cutting down on those fries, chips and cookies anyway.) 8 Poor Oral Hygiene A 2018 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that gum disease is associated with a 24 percent increase in lung and colorectal cancer. Why? Researchers theorize gum disease may change immune response or distribute harmful bacteria throughout the body.The Rx: Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss twice a day, and see your dentist twice a year. 9 Stressing Out There isn't strong evidence that stress can directly cause cancer. But, the National Cancer Institute notes, stressed people are likely to develop bad habits such as "smoking, overeating, or drinking alcohol—all of which increase cancer risk.The Rx: Take active steps to reduce stress, including exercise, socializing, doing relaxation exercises or talking with a mental-health professional. 10 Eating Charred Meat According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have found that flame-grilling or frying meat at high temperatures can form chemicals that can damage DNA, increasing your risk of cancer.The Rx: Avoid blackened meats. Baking, roasting and broiling are safer cooking methods. If you can't live without the barbecue, don't overcook. Marinating your meat for 30 minutes before grilling, and/or zapping it in microwave for 60 seconds after, drastically reduces cancer-causing compounds caused by flame-grilling. 11 Using Parabens According to research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, parabens—chemical preservatives used in toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants and cosmetics—are easily absorbed through the skin and can boost the growth of breast cancer cells.The Rx: Look for products that are paraben-free. Common parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben. 12 In the Bedroom Sorry to break it to you. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, cases of oropharyngeal cancer have risen in the United States over three decades, and HPV (human papillomavirus) is the culprit. The Rx: The good news: Research has shown that the HPV vaccine protects against oral cancer in addition to cervical cancer. Get your children vaccinated as recommended. And the FDA recently approved the vaccine up to age 45. 13 Smoking The most common cancer is lung cancer, and the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. Tobacco smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, and at least 70 of them are carcinogens, raising your risk of cancer in nearly every part of the body. According to the WHO, tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer death; it kills nearly 6 million people a year worldwide. The Rx: If you smoke, stop. (It's never too late: Studies show that even smokers who quit as senior citizens extend their lives.) If you don't use tobacco, don't start. 14 Inhaling Secondhand Smoke Just like smoking itself, inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer. It has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer in adults and leukemia, lymphoma and brain tumors in children, the National Cancer Institute says.The Rx: Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Researchers at Stanford University suggest moving at least six feet away from smokers to lower your exposure. 15 Excessive Drinking According to the National Cancer Institute, drinking alcohol can increase your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast. The more you drink, the higher your risk of getting cancer.The Rx: Health experts, including the American Cancer Society, recommend moderate drinking: No more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men, and one for women. 16 Not Exercising Regularly "One of the biggest causes of cancer is leading a sedentary lifestyle," says Patel. "The human body needs to move. Exercise is crucial to help eliminate harmful toxins from the body." The Rx: "Simply breaking a sweat by walking (or doing some kind of cardio) for 30 to 40 minutes a day is enough exercise to reduce risk," says Patel. 17 Chronic Inflammation Inflammation is a good thing—it's the first step as the immune system clicks into gear to heal a wound. But chronic inflammation throughout the body, when there is no injury, can damage DNA and lead to cancer. What causes chronic inflammation? Smoking, excessive drinking and a poor diet rife with processed foods and added sugar.The Rx: Don't smoke, drink moderately or not at all, and eat an anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasizes fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats and de-emphasizes added sugars and processed foods. 18 Excessive Sun Exposure Sunlight produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the number one cause of skin cancer, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma. Getting a sunburn just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.The Rx: Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF during prolonged sun exposure. Avoid tanning beds. Do a self-check once a month for any moles or freckles that have changed shape, size, appearance or color or are bleeding. And have your healthcare provider do a full-body check for signs of skin cancer once a year. 19 Being Overweight According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 13 cancers are associated with being overweight or obese, including esophagus, thyroid, postmenopausal breast, gallbladder, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney, ovaries, uterus, colon and rectum. Researchers aren't sure how excess fat leads to cancer, but the statistics are stark and clear: A CDC analysis found that 40 percent of cancers diagnosed in the United States are now associated with being overweight or obese.The Rx: Maintain a healthy weight as a lifestyle, via regular exercise and a sensible diet grounded in plenty of whole foods. 20 Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables According to a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, "consumption of fruit and/or vegetables has been inversely associated with head and neck, esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancer risk." Researchers hypothesize that's because fruit and vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes.The Rx: At every meal, aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit every day. As for yourself: To get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.
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Drinking This Much Coffee Can Damage Your Heart, Study Says
Coffee has several health benefits—it provides antioxidants, may benefit your brain, and gives you that undeniably glorious boost in the morning. However, new research shows that drinking too much coffee in the long-term can increase your risk of heart disease.In a new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, researchers looked at the genetic and phenotypic (observable) associations between self-reported coffee intake and blood cholesterol levels, using data from 362,571 UK Biobank participants ages 37 to 73.They found that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day can increase the amount of lipids (fats) in your blood and significantly heighten your risk of heart disease. It was a dose-dependent association: The more coffee you drink, the greater your risk. (Related: The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now).Coffee beans contain cafestol, which is a potent cholesterol-elevating compound extracted by hot water."Cafestol directly regulates the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, leading to increased cholesterol synthesis," says study author Elina Hyppönen. "It is the most potent cholesterol-elevating compound in the human diet."That said, its concentration in coffee depends on the beans and brewing methods. The highest amount of cafestol is found in unfiltered boil coffee brews, while a negligible amount is in filtered or instance coffee."Cafestol is captured by the filter paper," says Hyppönen. "The good news here is that if one chooses a filter or instant coffee, it is possible to avoid cafestol. However, as with most things in life, moderation is probably wise with coffee intakes."Every day, an estimated 3 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide, and it's one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, per the researchers.If you're a java lover, there's no need to give it up completely unless your doctor advises otherwise. However, Hyppönen does recommend taking three steps to protect your heart:Get your blood cholesterol levels checked as part of routine health exams. Remember, high levels of cholesterol do not cause symptoms.Choose filtered or instant coffee to avoid the cholesterol-elevating effects of coffee.Be mindful about what you put in your coffee and what you have with your coffee on the side (say, heavy cream or cookies).And for more on keeping your brew healthy, 10 Coffee Hacks for Weight Loss, According to Registered Dietitians.
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Burger King Just Brought Back a Fan-Favorite Menu Item
Burger King is bringing back a beloved cheesy side to their menus. The Cheesy Tots are back at the King for the first time in two years, and you can now enjoy them with pretty much anything you order—but only for a limited time. (Related: McDonald’s Is Making These 8 Major Upgrades.)The hot, crispy potato bites filled with cheese are a limited-time staple at the fast-food chain, bringing fans joy every time they make an appearance. The last time they were available was in 2019, so this rendezvous feels extra special. The tots are available at most locations for a price of $2 per serving, which includes 8 pieces, and can also be ordered as part of a combo meal (in lieu of fries, for example.)When their signature tater tots were taken off the menu a decade ago, Burger King was getting an earful about the loss from fans. According to People, there's even a Facebook group called “Bring Back the Cheesy Tots From Burger King,” which petitioned for their return and has since turned to updating its members about the availability of the limited-time offer.Still, as much as you're looking forward to pouncing on these little crispy nuggets, don't forget they're a pretty unhealthy treat. A single 8-piece serving packs more than 300 calories (about half a Whopper's-worth) and has 15.6 grams of fat and 794.5 milligrams of sodium. For reference, health experts say adults on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet should only have about 60 grams of fat per day, according to The Cleveland Clinic, and less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium, according to CDC guidelines. So in both cases, one little order of Cheesy Tots accounts for more than a quarter of recommended daily maximums.For more on fast-food trends, check out 6 Most Anticipated Fast-Food Menu Items Launching This Year, and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest restaurant news delivered straight to your inbox.
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I'm a Doctor and Here's How to Not Catch COVID
As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations still remain high, you're being told being outdoors is better than indoors, by doctors like me. But is it safe to go outside? How do you know you won't get the virus? How do you become infected with COVID-19? What can you do to stay safe? As a doctor, I'm asked these questions all the time. Here are the top ways to avoid catching coronavirus. Note that there is no way to actually NEVER catch the virus, but there are sensible actions you can take to considerably decrease your risk. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Remember: You're Safest at Home. But You're Safer Outdoors Than in an Enclosed Space That's Not Your Home You're safest when in your own home—there is always risk outside—so stay in unless it's absolutely essential to leave. And do not have people you're not sheltering with into your home. As for other people's spaces: Don’t go inside another person’s house, or any buildings other than your own home, unless you're willing to take the risk. Being outside is, in fact, safer. You are very unlikely to get infected with COVID-19 outside in the fresh air. The risk of transmission increases significantly when you go indoors.We know that the virus spreads itself from person to person inside droplets of respiratory mucus. These are exhaled when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. The larger respiratory droplets only travel a short distance and are quickly dispersed by wind and air currents, before they fall to the ground. The virus is also sensitive to temperature, and humidity, so it cannot exist for long periods suspended in the air, or outside the body. Smaller droplets, known as aerosols can linger for up to 3 hours.However, if you go indoors, you have lost this protection.Be aware that air conditioning units and ventilation systems may increase the risk of transmission, especially in shopping malls, restaurants, and offices, for example. The key message is to practice social distancing at all times—the CDC recommendation is that you stay 6 feet, (about 2 arms lengths) away from any person who is not in your household. And if someone in your household becomes ill, immediately quarantine that person, get them tested—and wear a facemask inside your home. 2 When to Wear a Mask The CDC recommends everyone wears a mask if they are out of their own home, and unable to practice safe social distancing—for example, inside a supermarket, a pharmacy or a doctor’s office. This is especially important any time you are inside. Outside, if you are in a built-up area, where the sidewalks are crowded, you should also wear a mask, and of course, whenever you use public transport. However, if you are walking, when you get into a less busy spot, where you can keep your 6 feet distance with ease, you can remove your mask. When you are out in the open, such as a park, woodland or a non-crowded beach (or in the water), there is no need to wear a mask.Wearing a mask is helpful to reduce viral spreading, however, it does not prevent viral spread altogether. Don’t think that by wearing a mask, none of the other protective measures matter. You still need to be hand washing frequently and staying 6 feet away from other people. 3 Keep Moving Scientists believe you must be in close proximity to another person for at least 15 minutes to stand a good chance of acquiring the virus. They also feel it’s important to keep moving. You are less likely to transmit the virus if you walk and talk 6 feet apart, than if you sit still, for example, sharing a park bench, or a beach towel, even when you still maintain the 6-foot distance.Remember, you do need to breathe in a significant amount of virus to become infected. You won’t get infected from breathing in just a few virus particles. However, no-one knows how much virus is required to result in a person becoming infected with COVID-19. To stay safe‚ stay outside in the fresh air, stay 6 feet away from other people, and keep moving when possible. 4 Plan Ahead The days of popping to the corner shop without a second thought have now disappeared. The virus is still there, and no-one wants a second peak, so don’t take chances. When you go anywhere, plan ahead.It’s still important to limit going out, and even though businesses are reopening, and life seems to be resuming some sort of normality, it’s going out, and mixing with other people which increases the risk of becoming infected.Here’s some advice:If you want to go with friends and/or family to any outdoor venue, such as a woodland park, look it up first online. Choose somewhere close to home. Check the car parking, and the facilities. Take adequate food and water supplies with you. Try to avoid peak times to avoid the crowds. Take your mask, and hand sanitizer. You should only meet up with a small group, and limit the number of other households. Risk is increased when you mix with larger numbers of people and people you don’t know, and from new households.Wear your mask anywhere where social distancing is not possible.Check the map of states with reported COVID-19 infections, and the updates from your local health department, plus any specific stay at home requests from your state.Wash your hands frequently before, during, and after the trip.Follow local instructions when you get to the venue. Touch as little as possible. Disposable barbecues are not advisable as they can cause wildfires. Keep to footpaths. Take all your litter home with you.When you get home, why not leave your shoes outside the house. COVID-19 has been found frequently on the shoes of healthcare workers and those working in a pharmacy. 5 Be Assertive The challenges of COVID-19 have brought out the best and worst in people’s behavior. Some people seem to think there is one rule for the rest of the country and a different rule for them. (For an example, see what's happening in Texas.) Others, absorbed in chatting to friends or looking after children, tend to forget they should be keeping their distance. So quite often you can look around you and see people cheek-by-jowl, and seemingly completely unconcerned.Now is the time to be assertive. Don’t be afraid if someone is encroaching on your space to ask them politely “Please can I have a bit more space here.” Be polite, and try to be friendly, and non-accusing. You don’t want to provoke a violent reaction.Set a good example. Be proactive about handwashing and using a sanitizing gel. Cross the road if necessary, to give people a wide berth. Move a seat away on public transport if needed. 6 Keep a Safe Distance Behind the Person in Front of You When Walking There’s a lot more to becoming infected than just inhaling a few virus particles—there has to be a sufficient number of virus particles, and these have to be capable of surviving and reproducing in order to infect you. The closer you are to someone else, the greater the risk. At 6 feet away, the risk is minimal, especially outdoors, whatever the other person is doing. However, keep a safe distance and use your common sense. If you can, dodge the slipstream and walk to one side. 7 Don’t Greet Other People With a Hug or a Kiss It’s instinctive to run up and hug and kiss friends and family. But this is now a big "no-no" for anyone not living under your roof. The virus is transmitted in saliva, so do not kiss anyone, share a drink, or eat any food someone else has been eating, who is not living in your household. So for now, there are plenty of other greetings—from a Vulcan salute to an air-hug!RELATED: Unhealthiest Habits on the Planet, According to Doctors 8 Try to Avoid Using a Public Toilet If you must use a toilet while you are out, take extreme care as this is where transmission could occur. COVID-19 was isolated from 60% of toilet sites (toilet seat, sink and door handle) from an infected patient’s hospital room.Although COVID-19 is largely spread through respiratory droplets, it may be spread from feces. After having your bowels open, when you flush the toilet, viral particles in the feces can spread upwards as an aerosol in the plume of water, some suggest as high as 3 feet.Evidence suggests the virus can survive for up to 3 hours as an aerosol, and 3 days, if splashed onto a plastic surface, such as a toilet seat. If you go into someone’s home, they could be shedding virus. Or indeed, if you visit a public toilet, you have no idea who has just been in there before you. Visiting the toilet has to be one of the riskiest moments for viral transmission. Make sure before you leave your house, you have your mask, disposable gloves, sanitizing wipes and alcohol gel in your bag. 9 Going Swimming Chlorine and bromine both effectively destroy COVID-19. The CDC states that swimming in swimming pools is safe. However, it’s the proximity to other people that’s the problem and you still need to stay 6 feet away in the water. You will probably be safer in a friend’s swimming pool in their backyard than in a public swimming pool.Take care in crowded locker rooms, and when using the shower and bathroom facilities, washing your hands as usual and keeping your distance.Freshwater, such as outdoor rivers and lakes, have the potential to be contaminated with COVID-19 from untreated sewage. Get advice from the State-Based Healthy Swimming Information.If you visit a beach, make sure you maintain social distancing, swim, and enjoy your recreation, then move on. It may not be advisable to set up camp on the beach for long periods. 10 What About Take Out Food? The good news is that having take out does not appear particularly risky. However, for the lowest risk on a day out you are probably best to prepare and take your own food. You may want to purchase hot food or drinks while you are out, and the principles are the same.Most evidence suggests there is little risk from COVID transmission through food or the packaging of food. If you swallow the virus into your stomach it's likely to be killed by stomach acids anyway.However, here are a few tips:Make it a contactless purchase.The vendor should put the food down on the counter and step back before you step forward to pick it up.Wash your hands before eating. 11 One Last Note From the Doctor Remember: People infected with COVID-19 excrete virus when they have no symptoms. Asymptomatic people, infected with COVID-19, who don’t know they have the infection, are just as infectious, and transmit just as much virus, as those who have tested positive, and do have symptoms. If someone feels well, you can’t tell if they have COVID-19, unless they have a test. Even someone who appears completely well may have the virus in their body and can pass it on to you. This is everyone you pass on the street, in the park, and at the corner shop. Stay alert and be on a constant lookout. COVID-19 is a hidden enemy. And stay indoors unless it's absolutely essential not to. And to get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.Dr. Deborah Lee is a medical writer for Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.
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This One Thing Makes You 3x More Likely to Die From COVID
Early on in the pandemic, it became clear that some people were more prone to severe infection and even death if infected with COVID-19. Over the last year, much research has been conducted to pinpoint all of the various risk factors—age, pre-existing conditions, race, socioeconomic status included. While some of the risk factors are uncontrollable, there are a few that can actually be remedied. And one of them, if left untreated, could make you three times more likely to die from the virus if infected. Read on to find out what it is—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Those With Obesity Are More Likely to DieAccording to a study published in the AHA journal Circulation, people who suffer from obesity are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, are at an increased risk for severe infection, and are more likely to die—regardless of age. "Younger people often think they're invincible from COVID, but we wanted to find out if that was really true," said Hendren, a cardiology fellow at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.The study looked at data from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at 88 U.S. hospitals taking part in the AHA's COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, per the American Heart Association. "We didn't expect the results to be so striking for young adults. If you're in your 20s or 30s or 40s, you're not bulletproof if you're severely obese."Not only did they find that obesity was a clear risk factor, but risk increased with BMI. Those categorized as severely obese with a BMI of 40 or greater were at more than double the risk of being put on a ventilator and a 26% higher risk of death compared to normal-weight patients. They also discovered that the relationship with mortality was strongest in younger adults—patients under 50 with severe obesity had a 36% higher risk of death compared to their normal-weight peers.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 42 percent of US adults have obesity, and the numbers are increasing. “Obesity is a common, serious, and costly chronic disease. Having obesity puts people at risk for many other serious chronic diseases and increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” they explain on their page dedication to the relationship between obesity and COVID. They also offer a variety of suggestions on how individuals can improve their health via diet, fitness, sleep, and stress coping skills.RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to NormalWhat to Do If You’re Obese“Now, more than ever, it is critical for our population to focus on their own health and use food as medicine to bolster their own health and thereby reduce the overall burden on your health care system which is already buckling under the burden of COVID-19 layered on top of chronic disease, which affects 6 out of 10 Americans,” Dr. Mark Hyman wrote in a blog post last year, also offering guidance on how to improve immunity during the pandemic, with one of the key ways being “using food as medicine.” He adds: “Those with a chronic disease are almost 10 times as likely to die. Those with obesity are almost 3 times more likely to die.”If you fall into the parameters of obesity, there is no better time to discuss your health with your MD and take action to improve your health. So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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10 Warning Signs You Have Alzheimer's, Says CDC
Classic crooner Tony Bennett recently revealed to AARP he has Alzheimer’s, a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually get worse. “Memory often changes as people grow older,” says the CDC. “Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. People with one or more of these 10 warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives them a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future.” Read on to see the signs—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life Like “forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember (like sticky notes or reminders),” says the CDC. 2 Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems Like “having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years,” says the CDC. 3 Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, at Work, or at Leisure Like “having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping,” says the CDC. 4 Confusion With Time or Place Like “having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates,” says the CDC. 5 Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relations Like “having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often,” says the CDC. 6 New Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing Like “having trouble following or joining a conversation or struggling to find a word you are looking for (saying ‘that thing on your wrist that tells time’ instead of ‘watch’),” says the CDC. 7 Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps Like “placing car keys in the washer or dryer or not being able to retrace steps to find something,” says the CDC. 8 Decreased or Poor Judgment Like “being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet,” per the CDC.RELATED: COVID Symptoms Usually Appear in This Order, Study Finds 9 Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities Like “not wanting to go to church or other activities as you usually do, not being able to follow football games or keep up with what’s happening,” according to the CDC. 10 Changes in Mood and Personality Like “getting easily upset in common situations or being fearful or suspicious,” says the CDC.RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says Dr. Fauci 11 What to Do If You Experience These Symptoms “Life is a gift—even with Alzheimer’s,” tweeted Bennett. But remember: “Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging,” says the CDC. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a medical professional. “More than half of people with memory loss have not talked to their healthcare provider, but that doesn’t have to be you. Get comfortable with starting a dialogue with your medical provider if you observe any changes in memory or an increase in confusion, or just if you have any questions.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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Eat This, Not That!
You “Should Not Get” COVID Vaccine If You Have This Condition, Says Fauci
In the battle against COVID-19, one of the most effective weapons we have are the vaccines that are currently being administered around the world. Nearly every major health organization from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the World Health Organization and health expert is encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated when it is their turn—well almost everyone. In fact, if you have one condition in particular, you should avoid the COVID-19 vaccine until further notice. Read on to find out what it is—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Dr. Fauci Says You Should Not Get the Vaccine If You Have a History of Severe Allergic Reactions Late last year, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, revealed that anyone who has experienced severe allergic reactions should think twice before getting the COVID vaccine. "What the Pfizer people are saying is that if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction, you should either not take this vaccine, or if you do take it, take it in the context of a place where if you do develop an allergic reaction, it could be readily and effectively treated," said Fauci in a CNBC Healthy Returns Livestream. Keep reading to see what the CDC says. 2 The CDC Says You Should Not Get the Vaccine If You Have Allergic Reactions to Vaccines The CDC agrees, devoting an entire page to COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions.“If you have had an immediate allergic reaction—even if it was not severe—to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated,” they explain.Additionally, those with an allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate should also avoid getting it. “These recommendations include allergic reactions to PEG and polysorbate. Polysorbate is not an ingredient in either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine but is closely related to PEG, which is in the vaccines. People who are allergic to PEG or polysorbate should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine,” they explain. 3 You Can Get the Vaccine If You Have These Types of Allergies However, “if you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies—get vaccinated,” they encourage. “People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.” 4 Dr. Fauci Says If You Have General Allergies, Take This Advice “Whenever you deal with a situation—with an intervention, as rare as it might be, you can never assure someone that they would not have an allergic reaction,” Dr. Fauci told CBSN recently. “People who have a propensity to an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylactic reaction, have a greater likelihood of getting an allergic reaction to a vaccine. But if you look at the allergic reactions just recently reported in the scientific literature, there are between four and five per million vaccinations with the Pfizer and between two and three per million vaccinations with the Moderna. If you do have a history of allergic reaction—if it’s an allergic reaction to something you definitely know is in the vaccine, you might want to wait for another vaccine, but if you just have an allergic person in general to foods and other things, you can get vaccinated, but you should do it in a situation where you’re in a location where someone can handle and treat an allergic reaction, rather than having it in a place where if you do get an allergic reaction, there was no way for it to be treated, but it is an unusual, not rare occurrence based on the numbers that I just told you.” 5 Dr. Fauci Wants You to Know the Vaccine is Safe Nothing was compromised in the making of the vaccine and it is safe, says Dr. Fauci, despite being created in record time. “The speed was not at all at the sacrifice of safety. The speed was the reflection of extraordinary advances in the science of vaccine platform technology,” Fauci told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “So, people understandably are skeptical about the speed, but we have to keep emphasizing speed means the science was extraordinary that got us here,” he said. RELATED: If You Feel This You May Have Already Had COVID Says Dr. Fauci 6 Do Your Part to End the Pandemic Bottom line: speak with your MD before getting the vaccine if you suffer from any allergies. So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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