Medical Minutes with WISH-TV

Acid reflux is a common issue across the U.S.According to the Cleveland Clinic, 20% of adults suffer from chronic acid reflux. But doctors say the good news is it's treatable.Some people know it all too well, the uncomfortable feeling after a big meal or eating certain foods.Doctors warn it's not only what you eat, but when you eat.Experts say it's best to finish eating three hours before going to bed. That means avoiding late-night snacks too. Sleeping on an incline, or on the left side can also help, and avoid clothes that are too tight or put pressure on the abdomen.Doctors say to avoid alcohol and smoking. They also say losing extra weight can help relieve pressure on the stomach.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A cervical teratoma is a rare, large tumor that develops in the neck, often in fetuses or newborns. The cancer often grows as the baby grows, and causes the airway to be restricted or even blocked. These cases require a specialized procedure during delivery to help the baby breathe and perhaps survive. News 8's Brittany Noble has details of the lifesaving procedure in Monday's Health Spotlight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adults on average get one or two colds per year, with children getting up to six, and they usually last four to five days.The symptoms are runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat.But with the common cold, there are also some common myths that come with it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new study from Australia shows that bacterial vaginosis (BV), commonly known as BV, should now be considered an STI/STD. BV affects 1 in 3 women, and is often recurrent in 50% of affected women following antibiotic treatment. Typical symptoms from BV include, vaginal itching, discharge, odor and pain with urination. BV can increase a woman's risk of developing STIs/STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, which can increase a woman's risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Becoming infected during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of premature birth or miscarriage. Though previous studies have shown BV is more common in sexually active women, to date, it has not been classified as an STI/STD. In the Australian study, the recurrence rate in infected women following antibiotic treatment was reduced by over 50% when male sexual partners were treated with oral and topical antibiotics. Prior studies also showed that women in same-sex relationships have a higher risk of BV. Additionally, having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, douching, having sex with an infected partner, and smoking increase the risk of a BV infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you have a history of recurrent BV infections, speak to your healthcare professional for further evaluation and possible partner treatment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's becoming more common for people under 50 to be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer.According to the American Cancer Society, rates increased by more than 2% per year between 2012 and 2021. Could our everyday choices play a role?It affects people from all walks of life.The evidence does show that diet changes can help prevent the disease in all ages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A routine cancer screening led to a shocking diagnosis, now an Indianapolis man warns others to get the same screening.People over 50 are at a higher risk for colon cancer, but now its becoming more common in younger adults. The American Cancer Society says early detection is key to survival.Todd Carlson's routine colonoscopy turned into a life-changing moment for him when he was 47-years-old.The American Cancer Society now recommends regular screenings beginning at age 45, and even earlier if there's a family history or symptoms. Black people are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.If caught early, the survival rate is around 90%.Now a year after his cancer diagnosis, Carlson is sharing his story in the hope that it will save lives.The American Cancer Society suggests getting regular exercise, eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol to reduce your risk for colon cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every day, children are exposed to harmful chemicals in toys, personal care products, food, furniture items, clothes, and building materials. Even the air they breathe can be full of pollutants. One study found that air pollution accounts for 20% of newborn deaths worldwide.Everywhere you look — there are dangerous chemicals that can affect your kids' health!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coffee consumption is increasing in the United States, with 67% of adults drinking coffee, according to the National Coffee Association.Researchers suggest that moderate coffee consumption can offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the benefits of coffee were highest for those who drank a moderate amount, defined as three cups or 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day.The Mayo Clinic also states that coffee can lower the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, liver disease, certain cancers, and kidney stones. However, dietitians warn that excessive caffeine intake can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.It's also important to consider the amount of sugar, cream, and other additives in each cup of coffee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It seems like every week, there's a headline about a plane crashing or a near miss. Many wonder if plane accidents are on the rise, and those without a previous phobia may find themselves becoming more fearful.Surprisingly, the National Transportation Safety Board data shows air accidents in the US have been on the downward trend over the past 2 decades, even with an increase in the number of flights. In this same time period, international air accidents are down, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.Aerophobia or aviophobia affects 25 million Americans and it most commonly affects individuals between 17 to 34 years old. This condition is different than anxiety about a delayed flight, or seeing bad weather and wondering if everything will be okay with a planned flight. Those with a phobia have a persistent and obsessive fear.Though cancelling a flight seems beneficial, avoidance is actually not helpful in eliminating the fear long-term. Some people may drink alcohol; however, this can prevent you from fully facing the fear and may increase your risk of alcohol dependence.The recommended treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In some instances, an anxiety medication may be used as well, but this only helps in the short-term. To eliminate the fear, it must first be faced directly and through CBT, with healthy coping mechanisms established.If you feel that you may have this condition and are in need of treatment, please speak to your health care team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February is American Heart Month, and what better time to talk about heart health?Heart disease claims a life in the U.S. every 37 seconds.Research from the American Heart Association has found that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease.The main culprits behind heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and a history of smoking, but other unexpected risk factors can have a big impact on heart health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indiana State Health Department says 57 people have died from influenza related illnesses so far this year. 41 of those were people 65 or older. Now the CDC is saying that nationally there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses diagnosed, over 300,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths. WISH-TV medical expert Dr. Janelle Gordon breaks down all this information and tells us how long flu season could last, the treatments and preventions that you need to take care of yourself and your family.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you find yourself shifting from one task to another without completing either one?Or, do you routinely get lost in a conversation and forget what the other person was saying?Are you having difficulty managing the work project your boss gave you weeks ago, your child's extracurricular activity schedule, social media and your social calendar?After realizing that you almost missed your son's soccer game, it dawns on you that you forgot to stop by the store to grab collard greens for tonight's dinner or add tofu to your grocery delivery order for tomorrow's lunch.You have also noticed that you are more impatient with others and easily irritated.There's also the fact that you keep losing your work badge, which you now need three days a week after working remotely for the past four years.If you can identify with one or more of these scenarios, you may be a part of a growing number of Americans who have adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Rates of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or adult ADHD, have been climbing in recent years, though data is lacking and often self-reported.Cases skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some experts wonder if this is due to over-diagnosis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Research shows that diet and exercise can impact the risk for dementia. But what about how much money someone makes, and the person's educational level? News 8's Brittany Noble reports on why dementia may not be so impartial when it comes to a person's socioeconomic status.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Norovirus outbreaks continue to rise, higher than seen over the past few years.Experts believe the rise may partially be due to lack of and less frequent intermingling of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in lower immunity to the virus.People can protect themselves and their families from getting norovirus this winter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The combination of physical activity and cold temperatures can strain the heart, causing blood pressure to spike or, worse yet, a heart attack.Doctors say heart-related risks are high in the wintertime because blood vessels constrict during cold temperatures. But for people with heart disease, winter can can add additional stress.Dr. Sandeep Dube is a cardiologist at Community Health Network tells us some things to look out for.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Winter is here and with advisories across the United States, it is important that you know how to stay safe and well. WISH-TV Medical Contributor Dr. Janel Gordon gives us tips for common winter stress conditions and shares general winter weather precautions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Extreme fatigue, memory problems, dizziness, shortness of breath, these are just a few of the 200 symptoms linked to long COVID, which is when the symptoms of COVID last longer than three months.There are no FDA-approved or even widely agreed upon treatments for long COVID.But now researchers are trying to get to the root of the problem, in hopes of helping these patients who are suffering the longest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

he Indianapolis Colts and Versiti Blood Center of Indiana on Friday hosted the 25th annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive. Known as the largest single-day blood drive in the state it all took place at Lucas Oil Stadium.The holiday season is a time for giving, but for hospitals, it's also a time of urgency. Blood donations typically decline this time of year, even as the need remains constant.Versiti Blood Center of Indiana saw hundreds of donors during the event. The hope is to save the lives of 3,000 Hoosiers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Saturday is the winter solstice, marking the beginning of winter. Many look forward to the festive events taking place, but for the 10 million Americans struggling with seasonal affective disorder it can mean dark times ahead.What is seasonal affective disorder?Seasonal affective disorder is recurrent episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania with seasonal onset and remission. Typically, it starts in late fall/early winter and subsides in late spring/early summer.What are typical symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?Depressed mood.Decreased interest in pleasurable activities.Insomnia or hypersomnia (individuals may often describe sleeping 1 hour more than warmer seasons).Fatigue or decreased energy.Change in appetite or weight.Difficulty concentrating.Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.Restlessness or psychomotor slowing.Suicidal thoughts.Mania: extreme mood swings, high energy.Hypomania: elevated mood and energy that is less severe than mania.What treatment options are currently available?Antidepressants.Light therapy: there are several products available on the market. Per Yale School of Medicine, the light should be at least 10,000 lux, 20x brighter than regular indoor light. Individuals do best if they use the light box for at least 30 minutes in the morning, before 8 a.m. Some boxes are more costly than others. Check with your healthcare team and insurance company for a prescription and coverage, respectively.Talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help with reframing unhelpful thoughts surrounding cold weather, dark days and associated recurrent symptoms.What steps can you take to prevent some of these symptoms?Get outdoors in natural light, especially within the first couple hours of waking.Be physically active.Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chronic pain and treatment resistant depression — both impact millions of people — can be debilitating, and both can leave people feeling hopeless, impacting daily activities, relationships, and jobs.Now, scientists are turning to sonic relief, a drug-free way to relieve the pain of both chronic pain and depression.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness month, a time for raising awareness, celebrating advancements in medicine, and honoring those affected who are no longer with us and those living with it.Over 1 million people acquired HIV in 2023. This is down significantly in the past decade; however, many are infected and unaware.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Walking pneumonia cases in central Indiana have seen a steep increase in recent weeks, local physicians say.Walking pneumonia is generally considered less severe than pneumonia, but can have lasting impacts if not caught early on. The disease is caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can damage the lining of the respiratory tract, according to the CDC.It is spread through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes.Symptoms can begin mildly with sore throat, cough, or chest pain. About two million people are diagnosed with the disease each year. This year is different, though.While it's common for young children and adolescents to be impacted, small children born during the Covid-19 lockdown are seeing a surge in cases.The CDC said diagnoses in kids between two and four years old jumped from 1% to 7.2% over a six-month time span this year.Several local schools have seen an increase in students, asking parents to be on the lookout for symptoms and to take their child to a physician if needed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and stroke is the second. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are working to prevent this through their annual Leaders of Impact campaign.It is a 7-week campaign for hand-selected community leaders to raise money and awareness for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes. The money funds research and advocacy to help save lives and improve health equity. WISH-TV medical expert Dr. Janel Gordon has been nominated for the honor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2023, around 2 million people were told they have cancer; 610,000 of them died due to it. Now what's being considered the holy grail of cancer screening could diagnose some cancers earlier than ever and save thousands of lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have updated primary guidelines to help people to prevent a first stroke. Every 40 seconds, an American has a stroke, and, every three minutes, an American dies from a stroke. Over 600,000 Americans will have their first stroke this year, a preventable event if underlying risk factors are controlled or eliminated.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Walking pneumonia rates are higher than the past 7 years, rising since early spring and peaking in August. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that many of the recent ER visits and hospitalization stays for pneumonia have a diagnosis of walking pneumonia, which is uncommon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liver cancer or hepatocellular cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the US, liver cancer is the 6th leading cause of death. Common risk factors of liver cancer:•Cirrhosis or liver scarring and it's underlying risk factors (20% of cases of liver cancer form without cirrhosis present, yet in the presence of or more of the below conditions) •Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (formerly, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) of which obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol are risk factors •Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (transmitted via body fluids, commonly during sex, childbirth (mother to fetus) or with IV drug use) •Alcohol •Smoking •Aflatoxin (a fungus that may grow on grains and nuts improperly store in hot and humid environments) Common symptoms of liver cancer:•None•Abdominal discomfort•Abdominal swelling •Nausea or vomiting•Gastrointestinal bleeding•Weight loss•Loss of appetite •Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)•Easy bruising or bleeding•Persistent itching•Fatigue•Fever Populations at increased risk for liver cancer:Nationally, the highest rates are seen in Asian/Pacific Islanders and American Indian/Alaskan Natives. Rising rates have been noted in the Latinx population. Globally, rates are actually highest outside the US, in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Liver cancer prevention:•Eat whole food, plant-forward nutrition (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, minimal saturated fat)•Reduce alcohol intake or abstain https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html •Get screened for and vaccinated against hepatitis B (infants, children and adults) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/index.html*Get screened and treated for hepatitis C (no vaccine currently exists and many patients are without symptoms, which often only occur with advanced disease.) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/index.html •Practice safer sex with regular condom use (including same gender couples)•Get screened for STDs annually or with every new partnerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Institute of Health's All of Us Research Program is a federally-funded program on a mission to collect health data from one million or more diverse individuals across the U.S. over the course of many years, with the goal of improving precision medicine for us and future generations. The program has partner sites across the nation, as well as a mobile tour, which recently made a stop in Indianapolis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday is World Mental Health Day. Observed annually around the world on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day draws much needed attention to our mental well-being. Historically, across many cultures, mental health has been seen as a taboo topic and discussions surrounding it were and at times still are discouraged.However, this cannot continue. In the United States, 40 million adults have depression or anxiety. Symptoms must be addressed and treatment should be made available. For those who need help, rather urgent or not and do not know where to turn, please call the national help hotline: 988 Mental health resourcesBe Well IndianaIndiana Suicide PreventionIndiana Department of Child Services' Children's Mental Health InitiativeNational Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255More resourcesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you find yourself not having time to exercise daily or at all during the workweek? Do you find it easier to dedicate time to exercising on the weekends? If so, you are not alone.Due to the demands of life, many individuals find it difficult to exercise during the week.Are the health effects the same whether you workout daily versus one to two days on the weekend?A recent study by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Hospital, found that the weekend warrior pattern of exercise is associated with lower risk of 264 diseases and is just as effective as more frequent exercise. The study looked at over 89,000 men and women, who wore a wrist activity monitor for one week and were followed for 6.3 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cold and flu season is not far off, but right now, new parents need to be aware of another respiratory virus called RSV. Almost all children will get it during their first two years, and thousands will have serious complications.Now, a new FDA-approved vaccine can protect your baby, even before the little one is born.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's that time of year again: the dreaded cold and flu season is on the horizon. But lurking in the shadows is a more sinister threat: respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Cases begin to rise in September and is at its worst during the winter. Often dismissed as just another common cold, RSV can be deadly, especially for infants and older people. But do you know the truth about RSV? Ivanhoe separates fact from fiction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Researchers say 8% of kids and 10% of adults have at least one food allergy. Of those, 86% are allergic to more then one food.Epipens are life savers.However, a new treatment may help block allergic reactions from ever happening.This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and cost are appealing. But health experts say that long list of ingredients should make you think twice.Ultra-processed foods are designed to be easy to eat, tasty, and have a longer shelf life. But doctors say they are not good for your health.One way to tell easily: there is usually a long list of ingredients … many you've likely never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn't use in your own kitchen, you'll know it's ultra-processed.The Washington Post lists some other red flags of processed foods. Look for: added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end with “…ose” such as fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or available in many flavors.Leaving these unhealthy, ultra-processed products on the shelf means more room in your cart for the foods that benefit your body.Experts also warn us to be mindful of clever marketing tactics that can make processed foods look healthy but still include a lot of added ingredients or sugars.This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People born in the U.S. today can expect to live an average of 79 years. A century ago, that age was closer to 54. A lot has been learned about what will help people reach 70, 80, 90, and even 100. Don't smoke, alcohol in moderation, eat healthy and exercise—that advice always seems too broad. But there are five very specific science-backed things you can do today that will add a decade or more to your life.A new study out of Tulane University found taking at least 50 steps up the stairs each day could slash your risk of heart disease by 20%.As for your diet, a study analyzing almost a half million people found that those who switched from soda and processed meats to whole grains, nuts, fruits, veggies, and fish added an extra 10 years on average to their life.Skip the salt. For the first time, salt intake has been linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.Also, find ways to manage your stress. That will reduce your risk of early death by 22%. Other ways to combat stress: keep a daily routine, limit screen time, and stay connected with others. And get a good night's sleep. The key word is good. That means seven to nine hours without interruption.How much do your genes play a role in how long you live? The New England Centenarian study found that genes account for less than one-third of your chances of surviving to age 85. The rest is dependent on your lifestyle choices.This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 800 thousand people have a heart attack every year. For 200 thousand of these people, it will be their second heart attack. Poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity are leading contributors to a heart attack, but your emotions can also take a toll on your heart.In a report from the American Heart Association, researchers found social isolation can increase the risk for a heart attack by 29%.Anger is also not good for your heart. A study from Columbia University found that after being angry, your blood vessels are impaired for up to 40 minutes. This can lead to heart problems and eventually a heart attack.Even extreme happiness can damage your heart. A European study found that people can have a sudden weakening of the heart muscles after a joyful event like a wedding, surprise party, or a sporting event. So, what can you do to keep your emotions from breaking your heart? Try yoga.Deep breathing during yoga is calming and relieves stress if done regularly. You can also exercise 30 minutes five times a week to improve your heart health and getting together with friends can lower your risk for high blood pressure and a heart attack.For the Columbia University study on anger, the participants involved were all healthy and had no signs of heart disease or other chronic conditions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many diets focus on what you eat but intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat. The idea is that when your body is without food for hours, your sugar stores are used up and your body starts burning fat.But now we're learning a type of intermittent fasting called nocturnal fasting may have more benefits than just weight loss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. The CDC says high blood pressure contributed to more than 691,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. So, how can you lower your blood pressure without medication?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, not only for the people who are diagnosed but also for their loved ones. Often relationships are impacted by the stress of the unknown.Now, a new one-of-a-kind program has been developed to help couples cope with cancer together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plastic isn't just an issue for the environment. It's a problem for our health too. Studies show microscopic pieces and chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates can end up in our bodies.A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at plaque removed from the carotid arteries of 257 people. More than half had measurable levels of microplastics and in checkups in the years to follow, there was a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in that group. Microplastics have also been linked to many other health issues. So, what can you do to protect yourself?Here are some helpful tips: use glass, ceramics, or paper plates in the microwave, not plastic containers.Buy plastics labeled “b-p-a free.” and avoid plastics with recycle codes of three or seven – those are sometimes made with BPA.Doctors say microplastics can sometimes be found in beauty and skincare items. They also recommend avoiding “highly processed” meals like chicken nuggets. They say to heat up baby formula in glass containers instead of plastic bottles.This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions that affects adults. About 37.5 million Americans 18 and older report experiencing some difficulty hearing, and 1 out of 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 in the United States has hearing loss.How are we hurting our ears?Some everyday things may be causing hearing loss.So, what can you do about it?Studies say to try to keep your earbud volume between 60 to 85 decibels.The IPhone health app can check audio levels and the surrounding environment.Also, medications may have side effects that may harm ears “People forget that some medications have major side effects. Simple things like antibiotics can cause hearing loss.”So, remember to lower the decibels now or face the silence later.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 37 million Americans over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. And men are twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss. Not only can it impact your ability to enjoy life, but it also puts you at an increased risk of cognitive decline. In fact, there's a five times increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease when you are hard of hearing. That's why it's imperative to get hearing aids if you're having trouble. But only one in five people who need them use them. Now, a new type of hearing aid is revolutionizing the market—think of it as a contact lens for your ear.Earlens can help patients whose hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Patients are able to swim and do anything they would normally do with the Earlens. The only limitation is that if you need an MRI, the doctor will have to remove it. But replacing it takes a matter of minutes. The total cost of Earlens is $12,000.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.