Yahoo StyleGrant Shapps reveals his father has been in a COVID ward 'for some time'
The transport secretary has revealed that his father is on a coronavirus ward in hospital as he praised NHS staff working under 'relentless pressure'.
The transport secretary has revealed that his father is on a coronavirus ward in hospital as he praised NHS staff working under 'relentless pressure'.
"They'll change everything you ever thought about black pants and pet hair."
You’ll find knit tanks, flutter-sleeve tees, linen pants, and more.
A history of the hedgerow and a love letter to weeds: the best books to celebrate spring. Whether you are after a novel or informative non-fiction, hope and renewal are in the air at last, writes Lia Leendertz
What could be worse than a broken heart? The fact that you may be doing the breaking. According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans every year—accounting for one in every four deaths—many of them preventable. You can make easy changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk. Here are 40 things you've probably been doing that hurt your heart—and what you can do to make it better. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 You Don't Know the Signs Most of us think stabbing chest pain is the telltale sign of a heart attack. In the movies, there's the classic scene where the man gasps, clutches his heart, and collapses. But heart attacks don't only strike men—heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. And in women, the symptoms can be much less dramatic. According to experts at the National Heart Association, women having a heart attack may feel:Uncomfortable pressure or a feeling of fullness in the chest that lasts for a few minutes, or goes away and comes backPain that radiates into the shoulders, neck, jaw, back, or either armShortness of breath with or without chest painBreaking out in a cold sweat, vomiting and nausea, extreme fatigue, or feeling lightheadedThe Rx: These heart attack signs may be subtle, but they're no less deadly. Man or woman, if you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital. 2 You Think You're Too Young to Have a Stroke You're out shopping with a friend when your arm gets tingly and your words start slurring. This couldn't be a stroke—you're too young for that, right? Nope. Compared to 20 years ago, strokes are on the rise in people under the age of 45. A study in JAMA Neurology found that acute ischemic stroke hospitalization rates in women aged 18 to 34 rose nearly 32 percent. Researchers think this is linked to an increase in high cholesterol, tobacco use, high blood pressure and obesity.The Rx: Know the signs of a stroke. This acronym is easy to remember: FAST, which stands for facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call 911. 3 Your Eyes Are Turning White If you notice a white or gray ring around your iris, and you aren't a zombie, it might mean you have arcus senilis—a potential sign of high cholesterol. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's not unusual if you're over 30 years of age. If you're younger than that, it could be cause for concern. Whitening in the cornea in younger people is a potential sign of familial hyperlipidemia, a common genetic disorder that increases blood fats and increases your risk of a heart attack.The Rx: Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice these white rings around your cornea to check your cholesterol levels. 4 You're Not Flossing Enough Taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a bright white smile. The American Heart Association's journal Hypertension says there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in your bloodstream (because it could get in through your bleeding gums). And, there is a connection between tooth loss and coronary artery disease.The Rx: We know it's a pain but floss every night, brush your teeth at least twice daily, and go to your dentist for a cleaning. 5 You Have a Lot of Angry Outbursts Do you see red when a driver cuts you off in traffic, or your favorite football team fumbles the ball? Uncontrolled anger can lead to an increase in heart trouble, according to the Journal of American Medicine. When you get angry, stress hormones flood your body, which causes your face to flush, your heart to race and your blood pressure to rise. Chronically angry people have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. And if you're a man, you're more likely to experience this rage: males reported "higher rates of anger attacks/aggression, substance abuse, and risk-taking compared with women."The Rx: Anger is natural—we all get ticked off sometimes. But unsuppressed anger is bad for you, and it takes a toll. You might seek anger management therapy to find ways to manage your emotions. There's no proof it will prevent a heart attack, but it can help your peace of mind. 6 You Have a Broken Heart There really is such a thing as dying of a broken heart—it's not just something made up for romance novels. Broken Heart Syndrome is triggered by major stress, like the death of someone you love or an ugly breakup. It's a temporary heart condition sometimes called takotsubo cardiomyopathy that disrupts your heart's ability to pump normally. The good news is, broken heart syndrome is treatable and usually clears up within a few weeks.The Rx: Don't try to deal with the stress of losing a loved one alone. Reach out for help—whether to a trusted doctor, a therapist, or family and friends. No one has to go through that pain alone. 7 You Don't Have a Dog Want to get heart healthy? The American Heart Association says that owning a dog is associated with lower risk of heart disease. Not only are dogs great companions, they get more than wagging their own tails—they get your tail moving. That's because dogs need to be walked every day, and dog owners are 54 percent more likely to get at least the recommended level of exercise.The Rx: Consider adopting a pet from the Humane Society. 8 You're Rocking Out Heavy metal music gets your blood pumping, but it doesn't do much for your heart health. A study by the University of Florence found that patients who listened to classical, Celtic, or Indian music and practiced slow breathing for a half hour each day had significant improvements in blood pressure.The Rx: Don't throw out your favorite AC/DC t-shirt. But be aware of the calming effects of classical, and add some Mozart to your musical mix. 9 You Have Insomnia Sleep is essential for your health. When people suffer from insomnia, they're not just exhausted—they're at greater risk for all kinds of health problems. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep. Chronic insomnia is a sleep disturbance that happens at least three times per week and lasts for at least three months. This kind of insomnia is what puts you at greater risk. According to a report published in Hypertension, chronic insomnia is associated with a significant increase in hypertension.The Rx: You don't have to live with insomnia—it is treatable. The National Sleep Foundation recommends talking with your doctor for treatment options. 10 You're Sleeping Too Much There really can be too much of a good thing when it comes to sleep. According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, sleeping more than 9 hours per night is linked to a 30% greater risk of early death. And napping during the day can be just as dangerous. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that women who take naps every day are 58% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.The Rx: Get a good night's sleep – between 7 and 9 hours. 11 You're Ignoring Your Snoring If you wake up feeling exhausted every morning, and your partner complains that you snore a lot, you may have a condition called sleep apnea. It's more than just annoying—it's dangerous. Symptoms include high blood pressure, waking up gasping for air, and the inability to concentrate. With this disorder, the muscles in the back of your throat fail to keep the airway open. Not only does this give you a terrible night's sleep and low blood oxygen levels, the National Sleep Association says it can lead to congestive heart failure, heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmia (a disturbance of your heart's rhythm).The Rx: Snoring can be a major health problem, so ask to see a sleep specialist if you think you might have sleep apnea. They can give you a diagnosis and treatment to help you get some quality sleep. 12 You're Gaining a Lot of Weight—and It's in Your Waist For decades, we've been told to worry about our body mass index (BMI) when it comes to weight. But a study by the North American Menopause Society showed that it's not how much fat, but where it is on your body that matters most to your heart. Belly fat, also called visceral fat, is the most dangerous kind because it surrounds your vital organs deep inside your body. Women who carried fat mostly in their torso were three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women who have more fat in their legs.The Rx: If you're having trouble keeping the weight off, talk to your doctor for advice on how to manage your risk. 13 You're Skipping the Doctor Do you only go to the doctor when you want a prescription, or think you have the flu? If so, you're not alone—26 percent of people in one recent survey said they had trouble paying for healthcare services, and 20% had canceled a visit because they couldn't afford it. (Even if you can afford it, you might be too busy to go.) If you're skipping out on your annual checkup, you could be putting your health at risk. The cuff that squeezes your arm is an important part of your screening according to the National Heart Association, because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms—so you won't know if it's out of control without going to the doctor's office. You may also have your cholesterol levels checked to see if you're at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.The Rx: We know it can be expensive and inconvenient, but see your doctor for preventative check-ups if at all possible. 14 You're Sitting Too Much Working at a desk, driving to work, binge-watching Netflix—all of that downtime has a high price. Australian researchers found that every hour spent watching TV is linked to an 18% greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease, the same as smoking two cigarettes.The Rx: You don't have to give up watching Westworld. But take breaks every now and then to get up, stretch your muscles, or jog in place to keep your blood flowing. 15 You're Not Hanging Out with Friends Being lonely really can hurt your heart—in a literal way. According to research published in the journal Heart, people who reported not having close friendships or feelings of loneliness had a 32% higher risk of stroke, and a 29% increased risk of coronary heart disease. People who have a good circle of friends have a better chance of a longer life—social connections can help us feel more positive, recover from illness faster, and increase immune function.The Rx: Pick up the phone and call your friends. If you're feeling depressed, talk to a doctor or a therapist to get help. 16 You're Too Serious Does the weight of the world hang on your shoulders? You might benefit from a good laugh. Research has shown that laughter is linked to chemical changes in the body that reduce stress and increase pain tolerance. According to a study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, adults over the age of 60 who participated in weekly "group laughter sessions" had an increase in mineral bone density. Findings also show that people with a sense of humor are linked to a 73% lower risk of death from heart disease.The Rx: The next time it's your pick on movie night, choose a comedy instead of a dark documentary. 17 You're Taking Antibiotics By now you've probably heard that taking too many antibiotics isn't a good idea—because bacteria become resistant to them and morph into "superbugs." But antibiotics can also be bad for your heart. According to European Heart Journal, long-time antibiotic use changes the microbiome in your gut and associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.The Rx: We're not saying to stop taking your antibiotics—that can lead to other health problems. But just be aware that long-term use of any medication carries risk, and talk to your doctor about it. 18 You've Been Hospitalized Hospitals are where you go to get well—but laying in your hospital bed for too long without moving can put you at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That's when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your leg. When that clot breaks off and travels up to your lungs, it's a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism. Warning signs of DVT include leg pain or tenderness, leg swelling, skin that feels warm to the touch, and red streaks on the skin.The Rx: The American Heart Association recommends wearing compression stockings or getting out of your hospital bed quickly after surgery if possible. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your risk of deep vein thrombosis. 19 You're A Woman On "The Pill" Oral contraceptive pills are a highly effective birth control—but they increase risk of high blood pressure in some women. According to the American Heart Association, this is most likely in women who smoke, are overweight, have had high blood pressure during pregnancy, or have a family history of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent killer – many adults don't even know they have it because there are often no obvious symptoms.The Rx: Don't quit taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. 20 You Smoke (Or You Breathe Secondhand Smoke) The science is clear: smoking is bad for your heart. According to the CDC, smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease—and not just in the ways you might think. Lighting up can raise triglycerides (a fat in your blood), lower your "good" HDL cholesterol, make your blood stickier and more prone to clotting, cause thickening and narrowing of your blood vessels, and a whole host of other nasty side effects. The effects are significant for nonsmokers who breathe secondhand smoke at home or work, too—a 25% increased risk of heart disease and 20% greater risk of stroke.The Rx: Quit the sticks. If you're having trouble kicking your smoking habit, talk with your doctor. And to live your happiest and healthiest life, don't miss this essential list of the Worst Things For Your Health—According to Doctors. 21 You Are Depressed The mind-body connection is well known in the medical community. So, it comes as no surprise that mental pain can cause physical pain. Research shows that people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have depression, and people with depression are more likely to have cardiovascular disease—the two are linked. But they link is also proportional, which means the more severe your depression, the more likely you are to develop heart disease and die from it.The Rx: Don't suffer from depression in silence. Seek help from a therapist—there's zero shame in taking care of your mental health. 22 You Don't Know Your Numbers There is debate about whether keto diets are good for your health, but the science is clear on one thing: too much LDL cholesterol is linked to heart disease. LDL causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, which reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart. The American Heart Association says it's vital for men and women to keep a close eye on their cholesterol.The Rx: Start eating a heart-healthy diet and limit your red meat, saturated fats like coconut oil, and full-fat dairy. You can also increase your intake of "good" HDL cholesterol 23 You're Not Eating Your Veggies Your mom was right—you have to eat your vegetables if you want to be healthy. The CDC recommends 2 cups of fruit per day and 3 cups of vegetables for adults for a healthy diet because they are rich in nutrition and low in calories. And, according to an English study of 65,000 adults over more than 7 years, those who ate the most produce every day lowered their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 31%.The Rx: Any amount of green is good for you, so don't be scared off by a high target. 24 You're Eating Too Much Sugar Sorry donut lovers: even if you're at a healthy weight, a diet high in sugar may increase your risk of heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of American Medicine, people who ate more than 25% of their calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as those whose diets had less than 10% sugar. Now, not all sugars are "bad"—naturally occurring sugars like lactose (milk) and fructose (fruit) aren't the same as added sugars, like the ones in your large vanilla latte.The Rx: The American Heart Association advises women to limit added sugar—less than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons. For men it's about 150 calories, or 9 teaspoons. 25 You've Had Breast Cancer Breast cancer is one of the scariest things a woman can go through. If you're over the age of 45 and have completed your cancer treatment, you have a greater risk of heart disease. According to a Brazilian study published in Menopause, when compared with women over 45 who had not experienced breast cancer, those who underwent treatment have a much higher likelihood of cardiovascular problems.The Rx: You can manage your risk by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, like eating less saturated fat and exercising more. 26 You Are A Woman with Diabetes Diabetes is a common condition in the United States—affecting about 1 in every 11 people. It's what happens when your body can't make enough insulin, and sugar builds up in the bloodstream. According to the CDC, women with diabetes have a 40% greater risk of developing heart disease and a 25% greater risk of stroke than men do.The Rx: If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk of heart disease. 27 You're Chewing Tobacco Some people think they can avoid the nasty side effects of cigarettes by chewing tobacco instead—but it's not a safer option. Chewing tobacco is a smokeless tobacco that's placed in the cheek and sucked, and doing so raises your heart rate and blood pressure. According to the CDC, smokeless tobacco is linked to cancer, addiction to nicotine, and increased risk of death from stroke or heart disease.The Rx: Just don't do it. If you're already chewing tobacco, see your doctor to get help quitting. 28 You Are Stressed Out When you have trouble at work or an unexpected bill, can you handle it? Everyone feels and experiences stress differently. But when your stress gets out of control, you can feel it in your body – because stress makes your body release adrenaline. That hormone makes your breathing and heart rate speed up temporarily as you prepare for "fight or flight." According to one study, "prolonged inflammatory response may inflict serious damage upon its host."The Rx: If you are feeling super stressed, try doing some yoga or going for a walk—or for a quick fix, watch some cat videos. Laughter really can be the best medicine. 29 You Have Anemia If you feel exhausted all the time, it might be because you have anemia. This condition develops when your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells (or hemoglobin). These cells carry oxygen. So, when you don't have enough red blood cells, your body doesn't get enough oxygen and your organs don't function properly. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat, because your heart has to pump more to make up for the lack of oxygen in the blood – which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure. According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, anemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.The Rx: Eat more leafy greens (like spinach) with high levels of iron—or take an iron supplement—to help combat anemia. 30 You're Not Exercising Enough The next time you think about skipping exercise to sleep in, think twice. As many as 250,000 deaths per year in the United States are linked to a lack of exercise. In fact, being a couch potato is one of the top five risk factors for heart disease, along with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity.The Rx: The American Heart Association advises adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. You don't have to compete in the Ironman—ballroom dancing, a round of tennis, or a brisk walk will do the trick. 31 You're Exercising Too Much Love hitting the gym for hours at a time? You could be putting your heart at risk. A study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that adults who did more than three times the recommendations—150 minutes of moderate exercise per week—could be doing cardiovascular damage. Another study from Denmark found that people who jogged a lot, and at higher intensity, were more likely to die during the course of the study than those who exercised less often. In fact, it was almost the same risk as those who did not exercise at all.The Rx: Don't overdo it—20 minutes of moderate exercise every day is the sweet spot for heart health. 32 You Have High Blood Pressure Here's a scary thought: almost half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and most of us don't even know it. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is called a silent killer because it often doesn't show any obvious symptoms. Hypertension is what happens when the force of blood is consistently too high. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. When left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to damage to your circulatory system, stroke, heart attack and other health problems.The Rx: See your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure checked. Limit salt and alcohol, and try to exercise regularly. 33 You're Taking Too Much Aspirin You might think of aspirin as a harmless over-the-counter drug, and since it's been pushed as heart-healthy, why not pop one? It might surprise you to learn that aspirin can actually cause deadly complications in some people. The FDA warns that while aspirin can help prevent a heart attack by "thinning" the blood, that could cause the unwanted side effect of bleeding in the heart or brain.The Rx: Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin for your heart so you can weigh the benefits and risks. 34 You're Eating Too Much Red Meat Sorry, carnivores—that juicy steak is bad for your heart. A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who eat red meat—but not vegetarians or those who eat only white meat like pork—have increased levels of the chemical trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This compound is made by gut bacteria to digest food, and has been found to raise the risk of heart disease and early death. Not only that, but a diet heavy in red meat can actually change kidney function. Some people in the study had a ten-fold increase in TMAO levels after only a month of eating red meat, which didn't happen in people who ate poultry, fish, or other non-meat sources of saturated fat.The Rx: Watch your intake of red meats. The American Heart Association advises baked fish, skinless poultry, and trimmed lean meats—but no more than 5.5 cooked ounces daily. 35 You Haven't Tried Probiotics By now, you've probably seen bottles of probiotics on the pharmacy shelf. Many people reach for them to stay "regular," or help reset the system after taking antibiotics. Probiotics are "good bacteria" found in foods prepared by fermentation like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. So, when you pick up a container of yogurt and read "active live cultures Lactobacillus"—that's your probiotic. Some scientists think probiotics may help lower risk of heart disease. The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that certain yogurts decreased total cholesterol by 4% within one to two months.The Rx: Studies on probiotics are ongoing, so more therapeutic uses are likely to come. It never hurts to eat a little yogurt (as long as it's not loaded with too much sugar). 36 Your Heart Rate Is Too Low Do you get dizzy or feel like you might pass out for no reason? You might have a low heart rate. This is sometimes a sign of a strong heart—but if it's too slow, it can be cause for concern. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute – that means your heart isn't working too hard to pump blood. Elite athletes in top cardiovascular condition often have heart rates under 60 BPM. But if you're not training for a triathlon, it could be a sign of bradycardia, where your heart isn't pumping often enough. Left untreated long-term, this can lead to heart failure, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, and chest pain.The Rx: A low heart rate doesn't always require treatment. If you're noticing dizzy spells or other troublesome symptoms, talk to your doctor. 37 You Love Your Hot Tub Too Much Soaking in a hot tub is one of the best ways to relax and unwind—but for some, it can be dangerous. When you spend too long immersed in hot water, you could experience blood pressure that's too low. That's because heat can make your vessels dilate, which lowers your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder, which is taxing on an unhealthy heart.The Rx: The Mayo Clinic says it's probably ok for people with stable heart disease to use hot tubs, as long as they limit the time to 15 minutes or less. 38 You Haven't Tried CBD Oil Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a natural remedy that seems to be everywhere right now. It's created by extracting only CBD from the cannabis plant. That way, you get the health-related benefits of cannabis without the "high"—because CBD is not psychoactive. While the overall health benefits are still uncertain, recent research has shown a link to heart health, stating "a single dose of CBD reduces resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress."The Rx: The effects of CBD oil are still being studied, so it's uncertain exactly what the risks and benefits are. If you're taking other medications, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this remedy a try. And to get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.
While the COVID-19 situation has improved since the late fall and early winter months, when surge-upon-surge of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths were occuring, we still aren’t at the finish line. During Friday’s White House COVID-19 Response Team Briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asked the country to slow down and consider the specifics before doing something that could be detrimental to the health of the nation. Read on to find out what she is asking—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Dr. Walensky Said You Cannot Stop Wearing Your MaskAs some states—including Texas and Mississippi—are starting to ease COVID-19 restrictions, Dr. Walensky is begging the country not to abandon the fundamentals. She pointed to an article published today in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report “highlighting the critical importance of these prevention strategies to end the real risks when prevention measures are eased.”“This study looked at the relationship between COVID-19 cases and deaths and both state issued mask mandates and restaurants resuming on premises dining from March to September of 2020,” she explained. “The researchers found that increases in both daily death rates and COVID cases and deaths slowed significantly within 20 days of putting mask mandates into place and protective effects of the mask mandates grew stronger over time.” However, in contrast, “increases in daily death rates of COVID-19 cases and death grew more quickly within 40 to 80 days following restaurants being allowed to resume on premises dining.”“This report is a critical reminder that with the current levels of COVID-19 in communities and the continued spread of more transmissible virus variants, which have now been detected in 48 States, strictly following prevention measures remains essential for putting an end to this pandemic,” she pointed out. “It also serves as a warning about premature lifting these prevention measures.”She concluded by offering some hope. “There is a light at the end of this tunnel, but we must be prepared for the fact that the road ahead may not be smooth,” she said, adding that it “is within our control by continuing to wear a mask and following CDC's public health recommendations while we get more people vaccinated. We can bring this pandemic to an end.”RELATED: If You Feel This You May Have Already Had COVID Says Dr. FauciHow to Get Through This Pandemic SafelySo 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.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the safety of vaccines, and their feelings about the Pfizer vaccine are clear: “FDA evaluated and analyzed the safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials conducted in tens of thousands of study participants and manufacturing information submitted by Pfizer-BioNTech” and found “clear evidence that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be effective in preventing COVID-19 and support that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine’s use.” So what are those risks? Read on to see who should not get the vaccine—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Here’s Who Should Not Get the Vaccine, Says the FDA You may have heard that a small number of people had severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine. “Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported following administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine during mass vaccination outside of the clinical trial setting,” says the FDA. Therefore: “You should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if you: had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccinehad a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this 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 Dr. Anthony Fauci in a CNBC Healthy Returns Livestream. Keep reading to see what exactly is in the vaccine, to see if you might be allergic. 2 So What’s in the Vaccine? Says the FDA: “The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.” Next see what you should tell your vaccine administrator before getting yours. 3 What You Should Tell Your Vaccine Administrator Before Getting the Vaccine According to the FDA, “tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have any allergies have a fever have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system are pregnant or plan to become pregnant are breastfeeding have received another COVID-19 vaccine.” 4 Discuss Your Case With Your Doctor, if You Have Allergy Concerns The CDC has some good advice for those unsure: “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. RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to Normal 5 Serious Adverse Events Are Rare The FDA says “serious adverse events, while uncommon (<1.0%), were observed at slightly higher numerical rates in the vaccine study group compared to the saline placebo study group, both overall and for certain specific adverse events occurring in very small numbers,” says the FDA. “These represented common medical events that occur in the general population at similar frequency. Upon further review by FDA, these imbalances do not raise a safety concern, nor do they suggest a causal relationship to vaccination for the vast majority of reported serious adverse events.Serious adverse events considered by FDA to be plausibly related to the vaccine or vaccination procedure were one case of shoulder injury at the vaccination site and one case of swollen lymph node in the armpit opposite the vaccination arm.”So barring any allergies, 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.
A major study on nearly 2 million adults worldwide confirms what nutrition experts have been suggesting for decades: Eat your fruits and vegetables. Best of all? It actually doesn't take much to get health benefits that can extend your life.Research published in the journal Circulation compared data on 26 studies that encompassed the eating habits of 1.9 million people from 29 countries. Researchers found that eating about five servings of fruits and vegetables—particularly if it's three servings of veggies and two of fruit—was associated with the lowest risk of death. Eating more than that amount was not shown to provide additional benefits in terms of longevity. (Related: The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now).Those in the study who consumed at least five servings had a 13% lower risk of death from all causes, and that was particularly notable with respiratory disease—that many servings conferred 35% lower risk of death from a condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Not all fruits and vegetables offered the same benefits, however. Starchy vegetables like peas, corn and potatoes, as well as fruit juices, didn't seem to offer as much risk reduction compared to more vitamin-packed options like green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and berries.Keep in mind that five servings may be less than you think. Here are some examples of a single serving size:Half an avocado5 broccoli florets16 grapes1 small banana4 large strawberries1 cup raw lettuce or other leafy greensHalf of a large bell pepper1 medium apple, about the size of your fist1 kiwifruit7 cherry tomatoesAlthough the recent study found that five servings seemed to be the sweet spot for longer life, that doesn't mean eating more won't give you other health benefits, according to John Bagnulo, PhD, director of nutrition at The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. He says gut health is particularly important for a range of advantages, from better digestion to improved immunity to a happier mood, and fruits and veggies are the best gut-health boosters."Not only are you getting more vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, but you're also getting the best possible source of fiber when you eat them," he says. "I suggest getting two cups per meal, or about half your plate. There is honestly no downside to increasing your fruit and vegetable consumption."For more, be sure to check out 7 Habits That Are Hurting Your Immune System, According to Harvard.
Living to be 100 used to be a novelty, so much so that Willard Scott, the Today Show weatherman, would announce your name on air in awe (Al Roker still does). Yet, these days it's not so uncommon to live that long. We're all living longer than ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently pegs 78 years of age as the average life expectancy. That's not too shabby considering a century ago people lived to be around 39 (due to an influenza outbreak).But what if we could push it 25 years more?Worldwide, there are nearly 500,000 people who have made, or surpassed, the 100-mark, and this number is projected to grow to 3.7 million by 2050. Here, Eat This, Not That! Health rounds-up the latest research that'll not only help you to live to be triple digits, but ensure you're happy doing so. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Have a Drink Don't down a bottle of Jägermeister in hopes of a long life ahead. But a glass of red wine, by all means. "Our research shows that light-to-moderate drinking might have some protective effects against cardiovascular disease," says Bo Xi, MD, associate professor at the Shandong University School of Public Health in China and the lead author of a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, "while heavy drinking can lead to death. A delicate balance exists between the beneficial and detrimental."The Rx: Red wine contains antioxidants, can lower cholesterol, reduces the risk of stroke and increases bone density. Enjoy one to two glasses a day if you wish. 2 'Meat' Less Often Eating meat less than once a week may increase longevity by 3.6 years, according to a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition. Another 22-year study out of Finland found increased mortality and disease among individuals with higher animal protein intakes.The Rx: If you must eat meat, opt for leaner proteins (chicken, turkey, lean cuts of beef) and keep off the bacon and sausages since diets heavy in processed meats are linked to higher risk of cancer and heart disease. Otherwise, explore the exciting new world of plant-based nutrition, with a product like Beyond Meat, made with pea protein. 3 Avoid Toxins Be mindful of your surroundings, and what you're breathing in. Everything from Benzene (found in gasoline), cigarette smoke, and other toxins can lead to cell degeneration and increase mortality rates, studies show.The Rx: Don't miss this essential list of 100 Ways Your Home Could be Making You Sick. 4 Dip Into the Mediterranean Diet Olive oil, veggies, fruits, nuts, seafood and a moderate amount of wine and cheese—we've all heard the Mediterranean diet is the secret to a longer life. In fact, numerous studies have linked the diet to improving brain health and function, lower risk of cancer and other diseases.The Rx: Now it's time you tried it. Eat almonds, hummus, wild salmon, garlic, lemon, quinoa, cauliflower, chia seeds and olives frequently. Eat eggs, Skyr, and chicken moderately. And eat red meat rarely. Avoid entirely the packaged, processed, store-bought items that are loaded with additives. 5 Learn About Your Genes Gene variants found in centenarians have been linked to their longer lives. A healthy lifestyle can help people live into old age, but these genes help maintain basic maintenance and function of the body's cells in individuals of advanced age, in their 80s and beyond.The Rx: You can't outrun genetics but you can learn about yours. Consider taking a DNA test, in which you'll learn about your proclivity to certain diseases. 6 …or Try the Japanese Art of Eating Japan is doing something right! It currently holds the title of longest life span, according to the World Health Organization. This may have something to do with the size of their plates. When it comes to diet, the Japanese tend to eat smaller portions—specifically the size of a salad plate—and don't overstuff themselves. Centenarians studied in Okinawa stop eating when they are 80 percent full. They also tend to live seven years longer than Americans, according to a study, and have fewer cases of heart disease and cancer.The Rx: Experiment with the 80% rule. Or at the very least, don't keep eating when you feel full. 7 Actually Use Those Vacation Days Don't work so hard; your life depends on it. A Finnish study followed male businessman born between 1919 and 1934, and found that those who didn't sleep enough, were overworked, and didn't take enough time off (i.e. vacation) were 37 percent more likely to die between the years of 1974 and 2004. By 2015, some of the oldest participants, who always took their vacay, reached 81 to 96 years of age.The Rx: Our current culture rewards non-stop go-and-do work. But at what cost? If you have vacation days, use them to unplug, and be firm with your boss if you must. He'll value your work more if you're alive than dead. 8 Binge Less Each hour you binge Netflix, Hulu, HBO—the list goes on—after the age of 25 may cut your life by 22 minutes, according to research out of the University of Queensland, Australia. Those who spent an average of six hours in front of the tube per day were also likely to die five years earlier than those that didn't watch TV at all.The Rx: There are other reasons to stop clicking "next episode." They can be addictive and eat up your time. (Robert De Niro is currently suing an ex-employee because he watched 55 episodes of Friends in a row.) Enjoy your One Day at a Time—one episode at a time. 9 Sleep…But Not Too Much A study out of the University of Naples found that too little or too much sleep—sleeping less or more than six to eight hours on average—is linked to a 30 percent higher chance of premature death.The Rx: Seven to eight hours of shuteye is the sweet spot. 10 Eat Those Mustards Packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, studies have found mustards, also known as Brassicaceae, will keep you around longer, according to researchers.The Rx: Enojy cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radishes, watercress, Brussels sprouts and a few spices like horseradish, wasabi and, yes, white, Indian and black mustard. 11 Say Cheese Hey, none of us are getting out of this alive, but that's no reason to keep that sour mug. Researchers examined smile intensity among photos of baseball players from the 1950s. Of the players who had died in the years 2006 to 2009, those who were not smiling in those photos lived an average of 72.9 years, while the big smilers lived nearly 80 years. They concluded that there's a clear link between smiling intensity and longevity.The Rx: Men, stop telling women to smile. It's demeaning and implies they're subservient. However, given the impact on our health (mental and otherwise), we could all stand to turn that frown upside down. 12 Learn Something New (Anything!) Old dogs can't learn new tricks but you can. Education, coupled with a healthy weight, leads to a longer life expectancy, revealed a study out of the University of Edinburgh, with almost a year added to your life for each year spent studying beyond school.The Rx: Pull a Dangerfield and go back to school—even if it's just an herbalism course, knitting class or continuing ed program. 13 Choose Your Jobs Wisely Avoid certain jobs, some of the deadliest out there, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, if you want to stick around longer. On the flip side, find a job you love. You'll be happier, longer, which can impact you positively long-term.The Rx: Truck driver, farmers and construction laborers are among the most dangerous, mainly owing to vehicular accidents. 14 Live in (or Near) a Big City Country life is serene, but the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging found that living in a major city can also support longer life spans because of stronger health systems, and more access to learning, arts, culture, and other healthy stimulants.The Rx: Eat This, Not That! Health is based in New York City and our editors can attest living here indeed makes you feel young, although struggling to afford it might age you. Weigh the fantasy versus reality before any leaps. 15 Keep Close Relationships Good relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, a Harvard study revealed. Another study in Personal Relationships looked at 270,000 people in nearly 100 countries with a strong link to better health in older age among those with strong friend and family connections.The Rx: Send a "friend request" to someone you'd like to be closer to—and meet them in person, not just online. 16 Cut the Gut Compared with persons with a normal body mass index (18.5 to 25), those who are underweight, overweight, and obese have an increased risk of death over a 30-year period. Being too underweight, or at the extreme, obese, can impact health significantly over time, show studies.The Rx: A book like Zero Belly Diet can help you cut dairy, reduce bloat, stay plant-based and be leaner for life. 17 Think Hard About Marriage Stay away from men. That's what centenarian Jessie Gallan, at one time Scotland's oldest woman, credited for her longevity. "They're more trouble than they're worth," she said in an interview before her death in 2015. Granted, Gallan was a tough woman without or without a man. She started working at the age of 13 and spent her 109 years staying fit and having good people in her life but never walked down the aisle.The Rx: There's no definitive research supporting a link between marriage and longevity one way or the other, although one study found that "current marriage is associated with longer survival. Among the not married categories, having never been married was the strongest predictor of premature mortality." Our advice: Marry the person you want to spend your life with, and give one another room to grow. 18 Once Married, Ask Yourself, "Am I Truly Happy?" If you want to live longer, make sure you and your spouse are happy. A study published by the Association for Psychological Science found that a happy marriage can lead to a longer life.The Rx: A good marriage is linked to a more active life and healthier habits, overall. How's your relationship? 19 Have Some Kids (If it's Right for You) As stressful as parenthood gets at times, having kids can actually keep you around longer since it encourages a healthier lifestyle—you're more likely to give up smoking and stay active, shows one study.The Rx: Don't have children just to live longer. But if you do have or want kids, remember that your habits become theirs. Set the example. 20 Walk it Off Keep a good pace. Brisk walking will keep your heart healthy and add some years to your life, according to a recent Mayo Clinic study. Researchers reported that women who walked more quickly had a life span of about 87 years compared to 72 years for women who walked slowly. Meanwhile, men who walked quickly had a life span of about 86 years compared to 65 years for men who walked more slowly.The Rx: "Walking is man's best medicine," said Hippocrates. Get steppin'. 21 Get a Little Nutty A handful of nuts a day may keep the doctor away, according to Harvard University research, which found that people who crunch some nuts daily lived 20 percent longer than those who didn't.The Rx: Our favorite is almonds. Besides being an easy go-to snack that you can whip out of your bag during a good ol' 9-5 shift, almonds are also chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals, with vitamin E and biotin being the most predominant. Those nutrients enable your skin to remain smooth and gives your lush hair and strong nails the nutrition they need to flourish. 22 Keep Moving Don't stop—ever! The moment you become stagnant, things may go downhill. Stay active. A 2016 study found that elderly people who exercised for just 15 minutes a day, at an intensity level of a brisk walk, had a 22 percent lower risk of early death compared to people who don't exercise.The Rx: "For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends these exercise guidelines: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity," reports the Mayo Clinic. 23 Spice Things Up To quote Dr. Nelly of Nellyville: It's getting hot in here. Frequent spicy food consumption is linked to a longer life. Those who eat spicy foods nearly every day have a 14 percent chance of living longer, according to a Harvard study. Capsaicin and other compounds in chili peppers have been linked to fighting cancer, obesity, and more.The Rx: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper into your eggs every morning, for a one-two punch of protein and spice. 24 Know Your Purpose in Life Researchers at the Carleton University in Canada say that having a sense of purpose may add more years to your life, because of positive relations and emotions and overall well-being.The Rx: Start small. Rather than ask yourself, "Why am I here? What is my place in the Universe" ask yourself, "What can I do today that will make me feel like I've enriched my life, or the lives of others?" 25 Get Downward, Dog Yoga can help improve digestion, calm the nervous system, lower blood sugar, and so many other tangible benefits. It's no wonder researchers say it will help increase your overall life span.The Rx: Get your chaturanga on! There's no doubt a yoga studio near you, with teachers who will welcome first-timers. For long-timers, consider a retreat. 26 Brush and Floss Taking care of your teeth and gums isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath. The mouth is the gateway to the body's overall health. Not flossing allows plaque to build up, which then turns into tartar that can eventually irritate the gums, which can lead to various infections and disease over time. Researchers followed more than 5,400 people for 18 years and found that those who did not brush their teeth daily had a 22 to 65 percent greater risk of dementia than those who brushed three times a day.The Rx: The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste, and brush for two minutes. 27 Caffeinate with Coffee Coffee is packed with tons of healthy compounds, including antioxidants, which can protect the body against cellular damage that can lead to disease, studies show.The Rx: Drinking four to five cups daily is also associated with a reduced risk of early death. 28 Work Out! This one is pretty self explanatory. An active lifestyle will keep you around longer. Exercising at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes can add on 3.4 years to your life, according to the National Institute of Health.The Rx: Try one of these 25 Easy Exercises That Boost Your Health Fast. They really work. 29 Volunteer Helping others can only make you feel good, and it helps boost overall mental health throughout time, which impacts the body's immunity to fight disease, according to a study published in BMC Public Health.The Rx: Animal rescue shelters, national parks, Habitat for Humanity, local libraries, political campaigns and the YMCA are a few places that rarely say no to help. 30 Do the Deed Studies show sex releases endorphins and hormones in the body, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and depression, keep you physically active, reduce stress relieving, and boost mental wellness.The Rx: Take this advice seriously. Having sex is one of the 40 Things Cardiologists Do to Protect Their Hearts. 31 Take the Stairs Are there stairs nearby? Good. Use them. The European Society of Cardiology released a study showing how brisk movement, particularly being able to climb three flights quickly, can reduce your risk of early death from cardiovascular and oncologic, and other diseases.The Rx: Skip the elevators and escalators, and track your steps with a fitness watch, if you need more motivation. 32 Slice the Sugar The sweet stuff won't get you far in life—literally. Too much sugar is linked to shorter life spans, according to one study. Sugar has even been linked to reprogramming how our genes function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 14% of the daily calories the average Ameican consumes comes from added sugars. And it shows. According to a Population Health Management publication, the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes increased more than three times between 1990 and 2010. This just so happens to be the same years sugar starting becoming more prevalent in our food.The Rx: A book like Sugar Free 3 can teach you how to identify added sugars—and how to give them up. 33 Get Spiritual Get in touch with your spiritual side. People who attend religious services, or have some spiritual connection, typically experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, have lower blood pressure, and are generally in better health. An 18-year study published in PLOS One found that regular service attendance was linked to reductions in the body's stress responses, and worshippers were 55 percent less likely to die.The Rx: You read that right: 55 percent less likely to die. Start by defining what spirituality means to you, and then see if there's a community that supports that common interest. 34 Meditate for at Least 5-10 Minutes Daily If you're not connected to a particular religion, you can still find your spiritual balance through meditation. Not only does it improve mental health, but meditating has been linked to a lower risk of cancer and other diseases, according to a study from the University of California-Davis, which found that regular meditation produces higher levels of telomerase, an enzyme that helps lengthen the telomeres in our chromosomes, which impact aging.The Rx: Apps like Insight Timer, Headspace and Calm have taken meditating mainstream; try one. One of our favorite apps is 10% Happier, from ABC News man-turned-meditator Dan Harris. 35 Laugh Harder If you know how to laugh at things, you'll live longer. A 15-year study out of Norway assessed the link between a sense of humor and mortality rates among 53,556 men and women and found that women who had a good sense of humor lived longer, despite illnesses, including cardiovascular disease; cheerful men faired just as well with laughter protecting them from infection.The Rx: We've been obsessed with the funniest lines from HBO's Succession—and aren't even sure it's a comedy! 36 Stay Positive Want to live to 85 or longer? Optimistic thinking can add years on to your life, say researchers at Boston University School of Medicine. Optimistic people can better regulate emotions so we can bounce back from stressors and difficulties more effectively.The Rx: Technically, the glass is always half full. The other half is air. 37 Get a Little Creative, Curious ]Creativity keeps the brain healthy and may decrease mortality rates. Researchers agree. Creative people just tend to live longer.The Rx: Remember this, if something's blocking you: You don't have to be "creative" to create. 38 Love Yourself Be good to yourself. Self compassion goes a long way, say researchers. It's associated with better moods, can improve body image, and is linked to happiness, optimism, wisdom, personal initiative, and more. Overall, it improves our entire mental health, which keeps our body more resilient to stress and illnesses.The Rx: Did we mention we love that thing you said today? So smart! So funny! So wise. 39 Make Like Goldilocks People who eat fiber-rich foods, including some good 'ole oatmeal or porridge, cut their risk of dying from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases by 24 to 56 percent in men and by 34 percent to 59 percent in women, shows one study.The Rx: Buy "regular" oatmeal and add berries for sweetness. Anything else may be loaded with dangerous added sugars. 40 Go Team Cat or Team Dog Owning a dog is linked to a longer life, according to researchers out of Uppsala University in Sweden, who reviewed national registry records of 3.4. million men and women, ages 40 to 80.If you're a cat person, you'll get some extra years from kitties as well. A study by the Minnesota Stroke Institute found that people who owned cats were 30 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack.The Rx: We mentioned volunteering at the ASPCA. If you feel truly capable of caring for a pet, discuss taking one home. We like these questions from Nylabone:"Do you have enough time for a dog?Do you work long hours?Can you make it home on your lunch break for a quick walk?Does your job require you to travel frequently?Can you afford to care for the breed you have chosen?" 41 Eat Simple Get back to basics with food. Those who incorporate more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish and limiting too much sodium, unhealthy fats, excess red meat, sugar, and processed foods, improved their overall health and life expectancy.The Rx: For the web's #1 nutrition resource, and to make the right food choice every time, head to Eat This, Not That! 42 Know Your Family History Does longevity run in your family? Dig deeper into your family history, including lifestyle habits, illnesses, deaths, and beyond. It may help us tap into how long we ultimately have here.The Rx: Put together a family tree—with dates of birth, death, and causes. 43 Make Time for Tea Time Tea contains flavonoids, a compound that works to boost health. One study found that 88 percent of women were 40 percent more likely to live longer because they drank two cups of tea per day.The Rx: Go green. The most potent catechin in green tea is EGCG, the powerhouse compound that's responsible for most of green tea's weight loss properties. In addition to revving your metabolism and boosting the breakdown of fat, EGCG can also block the formation of new fat cells. 44 Find Your Healthy Weight A normal body weight may extend lifespan by delaying the process of aging. The current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9; overweight is 25 or higher, and obesity is 30 or higher. Researchers report a 44 percent increase in risk of death for participants with a BMI of 30.0 to 34.9.The Rx: Talk to your doctor about the right weight for you—and ask for a recommendation for a nutritionist. 45 Pull an Aquaman Get in the water. In comparison to other physical activities, swimming is linked to more years on this planet. A 13-year study out of the University of South Carolina found that swimmers only had a 1.9 percent risk of death during the research period, while mortality rates were 11 percent for inactive, 7.8 percent for walkers, and 6.6 percent for runners.The Rx: Get off the treadmill and into the water once in a while. 46 Cycle Faster If you're cycling faster, you may live five times longer than some slower peddlers, reveals one Danish study. Higher intensity cycling is linked to decreased heart disease, and mortality rates.The Rx: Push your pedals to the metal! 47 Wash Your Hands A study found that 95 percent of people fail to wash their hands long enough to kill harmful bacteria, which can lead to infection and other illness.The Rx: Here's a tip: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, or the time it takes to hum or sing "Happy Birthday" twice. 48 Don't Smoke This one is obvious. Smoking (even "light" smoking) is linked to premature death and a plethora of potentially fatal illnesses along.The Rx: If you smoke, quit now. It can add another 10 years to your life.RELATED: Dr. Fauci Says Most People Did This Before Catching COVID 49 Keep Score of Your Snore Snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea, which causes you to stop breathing in your sleep as throat tissues collapse and blocks your airways. Sleep apnea is linked to everything from memory problems, high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, and can even be fatal. Nearly 42 percent of deaths in people with severe sleep apnea were attributed to stroke and cardiovascular disease or stroke, compared to the deaths in people without the condition.The Rx: If you snore—or your partner says you do—see a doctor and ask about sleep apnea. 50 Have Fun! In the end, just have a good time in this life! Mental health has a tremendous impact on our overall health and well-being. One study even found that older people, ages 52 to 76, who are enjoying life have a 35 percent lower risk of dying over a five-year period than unhappy ones. Thanks for taking time out of your life to read this far. 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.
This isn't very reassuring. 😥
In just a few months, we went from having no COVID vaccines to three—the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson&Johnson. So, which one is right for you? In an interview with Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases discusses the differences between the three, including how efficient they are in terms of protection against the virus, and reveals which you should get. Read on to learn the answer—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Pfizer and Moderna Are “Messenger RNA Vaccines” Dr. Fauci started by explaining the difference between the three vaccines, revealing that the Pfizer and the Moderna, the first to become available to the public, are messenger RNA vaccines. “Messenger RNA is the genetic code that tells the body to make certain proteins,” he explained. “So when you inject it into an individual, it codes for the spike protein on the virus, and the body sees that, thinks it's the virus, but it's not. It's just a protein of the virus. It makes a good immune response. And then when you get exposed to the actual virus, you're protected, that's the MRNA of Pfizer and Moderna.” 2 Johnson&Johnson Is “A Little Bit Different” “It's a little bit different with the J&J,” he continued. However, “the ultimate end game is you still make an immune response to the spike protein, but instead of injecting just the MRNA, you get a benign harmless cold virus called adenovirus. And you stick in that, the gene, the DNA of the spike protein, which then codes for RNA, which then codes for the protein.” 3 All Three Offer Protection Against the Virus The bottom line? “At the end of the day, both of them are inducing a response to the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus, which we call SARS-COV2,” Dr. Fauci continued. “So they're called different vaccine platforms. Both are very effective, highly effective, particularly against severe disease requiring hospitalization and sometimes leading to death.” 4 So, Which Should You Get? Dr. Fauci advises not to discriminate against any of the three vaccines. “I would recommend, get the first one you could get,” he revealed. “If you go into a clinic and one vaccine is available now, and another one will be available in a month, I would go right for the one that's available now. Given the circulation of viruses in the community, you want to get protected as quickly and as expeditiously as you possibly can.” 5 Get the Vaccine, ASAP And, he stands by this advice, even if it is revealed that any or all of these vaccines do not protect against the variants, which soon could become the dominating strains. “The best way to get protected against the new strains is to get vaccinated and get a high enough titer to the strain that's contained in the vaccine, even though it isn't matched directly to the strain that's in the community. What it is is that a high enough titer will give you enough cushion to get some degree of protection against the variants,” he said. “So I would not wait. Waiting would be a mistake.” RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to Normal 6 Do Your Part in Ending the Pandemic 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.
It’s hard to tell the precise moment you’ve caught coronavirus. “One of the biggest problems with COVID-19 is that by the time you know you are infected, on average, you will have already infected three other people,” Dr. Deborah Lee tells Eat This, Not That! Health. “The virus is highly contagious in the early stages – before you even know anything is wrong.”“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported—ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” says the CDC. “Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19”—read on to see if you have any of these symptoms, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Fever or Chills The is the #1 most common sign you may have COVID-19. “The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A body temp between 100.4 and 102.2 degree is usually considered a low-grade fever,” reports OSF Healthcare. “In the age of COVID-19, one of the things people should keep in mind is that if they are having any kind of fever that is persisting, they should probably go get tested,” Dr. Sarah Joseph, MD, an internal medicine and pediatrics specialist, tells OSF. 2 Cough The CDC says a cough is a sign you may have coronavirus; more specifically, the cough is usually dry. “Considering that COVID-19 irritates lung tissue, the cough is dry and persistent. It is accompanied with shortness of breath and muscle pain,” reports Science Alert. “As disease progresses, the lung tissue is filled with fluid and you may feel even more short of breath as your body struggles to get enough oxygen.” 3 Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing “Shortness of breath refers to unexpectedly feeling out of breath, or winded….However, if you find that you are ever breathing harder or having trouble getting air each time you exert yourself, you always need to call your doctor,” reports Harvard Health. “That was true before we had the recent outbreak of COVID-19, and it will still be true after it is over. Meanwhile, it's important to remember that if shortness of breath is your only symptom, without a cough or fever, something other than COVID-19 is the likely problem.” 4 Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom for people with COVID—and for people who have already had COVID and are suffering from Post-COVID Syndrome. Unlike being sleepy from, say, a hard day’s work, a COVID fatigue is a “full body tired,” as if you have physically lost the will or ability to move as much as you normally do. This can last for the duration of your illness—or, for “long haulers,” for months and perhaps forever. 5 Muscle or Body Aches Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, has warned of “myalgia” in some long-haulers, and those who have just contracted COVID may also experience aches, pains or cramps. 6 Headache “My fever was always around 101.6, give or take. Tylenol seemed to be keeping it at bay, sort of. I was already on an antibiotic, an inhaler and a cough syrup with codeine so I could sleep at night. None of which seemed to be doing anything,” reported Broadway actor Danny Burstein. “My friend described the headaches like a hammer inside his head that was trying to chip its way out. That's an understatement.” 7 New Loss of Taste or Smell “Temporary loss of smell, or anosmia, is the main neurological symptom and one of the earliest and most commonly reported indicators of COVID-19,” reports Harvard Medical School. It is often accompanied by a sudden loss of taste. “Studies suggest it better predicts the disease than other well-known symptoms such as fever and cough, but the underlying mechanisms for loss of smell in patients with COVID-19 have been unclear.” 8 Sore Throat “A sore throat is usually marked by:Pain or feelings of dryness, scratchiness or rawness in the throatDifficulty talking and swallowingSore and swollen glands in the neckRedness or patches of pus in the throat and on the tonsils,” reports Sharp Health News. “However, research shows only 5% to 14% of people with COVID-19 experienced pain or irritation in the throat. More common symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache and sudden loss of taste or smell.” 9 Congestion or Runny Nose “Congestion/runny nose is common for the common cold and would be uncommon to be the only symptom for influenza,” reports the University of Michigan Health. “Congestion/runny nose can be a symptom of a COVID infection and might be the only symptom in mild cases.” 10 Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea “COVID-19 might cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” reports the Mayo Clinic. “These symptoms might only last one day. Some people with COVID-19 have diarrhea and nausea prior to developing fever and respiratory symptoms.”Note that, per the CDC, “this list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.” 11 Emergency Warning Signs The symptoms you just read about indicate you may have COVID; if you experience them, contact a medical professional and schedule a test. Also: “Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately,” says the CDC:Trouble breathingPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusionInability to wake or stay awakeBluish lips or face“This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you,” and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
You may know that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for causing COVID-19, can do some serious damage, even months after you've recovered from the worst of the symptoms.Post-acute COVID Syndrome, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), can result in lasting fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and more for the so-called "long haulers" who continue to experience symptoms after they recover from the virus. (Related: The One Vitamin Doctors Are Urging Everyone to Take Right Now).Now, a new study has bad news for people who have recovered from the virus. As it turns out, the virus can rapidly age you, at least, when it comes to your fitness levels. Researchers at the Beilinson hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel found that recovered patients with an average age of 45 showed the fitness levels of an 80-year-old, according to the Times of Israel.A test that measured the distance these recovered patients could walk in six minutes found that they could only walk 450 meters (a little more than one lap around a track), compared to the 700 meters (about 1.75 laps around the track) covered in that time by healthy adults in the same age group. Participants were also asked to spend half a minute repeatedly standing up and sitting down.The average recovered COVID patient was only able to stand 14 times in that length of time, which is less than half what their never-infected counterparts are able to do. As the study's researchers told the Jerusalem Post, this decline in fitness can be seen in daily life in a number of ways—difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and heart issues, among others.For those who have not contracted the virus, these findings are just another reason to stay vigilant, following safety precautions to the best of your ability. The good news for those who have had the virus? This study only looked at 30 participants, a small sample size, and it only measured three months after recovery—there's no way of knowing yet how recovery will play out long-term.For more, be sure to check out Dangerous Side Effects of Low-Carb Diets, According to Experts.
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English Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey, Chai—they all have one thing in common. While these popular versions of black tea are distinctly different, there is one particular side effect of drinking black tea that you should know about. Don't worry—it's all good news. Drinking black tea can decrease inflammation and reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions. Now if that doesn't get your tea kettle going, we're not sure what else will.Here's how drinking black tea can reduce your inflammation, and for even more helpful tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.Drinking black tea can reduce the risk of chronic disease.According to a study published by the International Journal of Health Sciences, black tea contains an antioxidant called polyphenols. These polyphenols include a group of catechins and flavonoids that have been scientifically proven to protect oneself from developing chronic diseases.Polyphenols also are key for reducing inflammation, according to the International Journal of Biomedical Science. They counteract oxidative stress in the body, which that stress has proven to be a major part of developing chronic diseases. The study states some of the most prominent chronic diseases polyphenols can help prevent including "cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases."Along with the antioxidants in teas, another study published by the journal Nutrition Research also showed how black tea can help improve blood cholesterol levels (increasing "good" HDL cholesterol and decreasing "bad" LDL cholesterol) which is key for reducing the risk of heart disease or obesity.How much black tea is too much?While science does show that drinking black tea on a regular basis can significantly improve the body through antioxidants and decrease the risk of chronic disease, it is important to note that black tea is a caffeinated drink. This means there should be a limit to how much black tea is consumed in a day. But don't fret—the limit is still pretty high.According to the Mayo Clinic, you are allowed up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day before the caffeine creates adverse effects on the body (increased heart rate, caffeine "jitters", etc). Typically a cup of black tea has around 50 milligrams of caffeine in it (depending on the type and how long you steep it for), which means you are allowed up to eight 8 oz. cups of black tea a day.Now, will you drink that much? Maybe not so. But it's still good to know that there is a limit to how much black tea you should be consuming.Another key thing to point out is how you prepare your black tea. While some people do enjoy drinking black tea without anything in it, others enjoy taking their tea with cream and sugar. It can be easy to overdo it on both of these things, so be sure to portion out what you add in your tea so you're tea will have you feeling energized instead of sluggish from the additives.So what's stopping you from brewing a pot right now? And don't worry, if you're more of a green tea drinker, there's some good news for you, too.More Tea Stories on Eat This, Not That!7 Best Teas to Support Your Immune System Right Now6 Ways to Make Tea for a Flat BellyOne Major Side Effect of Drinking Tea, Says New StudyThe Worst Tea You Shouldn’t Ever Drink, According to Dietitians15 Facts About Tea You Never Knew
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