For more than 40 years, sports broadcaster Dick Vitale has been a commentator for the NBA and previously college basketball. Now he’s giving voice to a different cause.

If you’re a fan of the no-mess convenience that liquid laundry detergent pods provide, check on any purchases you made after September 2023 for a potentially dangerous defect.

In coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), on April 5, 2024 manufacturer Procter & Gamble announced a voluntarily recall of “8.2 million defective bags of Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel laundry detergent packets distributed in US due to risk of serious injury.” The recall announcement states that 56,741 units were sold in Canada.

Procter & Gamble states that there’s an issue with the outer plastic containers that hold the recalled laundry pods, which were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. P&G states that the bags cannot close completely or may “split open near the zipper track” due to a manufacturing issue. This leaves the pods accessible to children, who may play with or ingest them and could also result in potential skin irritation or eye injuries for others. These types of pods have long led to emergency medical visits due to children ingesting them or the contents spilling onto the skin or into the eyes. They must always be stored in sealed outer packaging and away from children or pets.

No injuries have been reported directly connected to this recall. However, the announcement reveals that there have been four reports children accessing liquid detergent pods, three of which involved ingestion, during the time that the recalled pods were sold. The CSPC cannot confirm whether these incidents are linked to the recalled products. Nevertheless, this underscores the need to keep all potentially dangerous chemicals out of reach of children at all times and inspect packages for potential defects.

The affected pods were sold at various retailers, both in-store and online, in packages containing 12 to 39 laundry detergent packets each. While  are among the outlets that sold the pods, this is not an exhaustive list. If you purchased detergent pods after September 2023, check your packaging for the lot codes listed at pg.com/bags. They can be found at the bottom of the packages or on the outside of the box if purchased at a club or wholesale location.

Those who have these products at home are urged to immediately store them out of reach of children. Procter & Gamble suggests transferring them from the bags to Tide PODS or Gain Flings tubs that have a child-resistant closure. The company will provide these containers to customers through its Consumer Care Team. Customers who bought the recalled pods can also receive a refund in the form of a prepaid debit card, a replacement bag, and a cabinet latch to keep all laundry items secure. To begin the refund process, visit the P&G recall page with your product barcode and a photo of the lot code handy.

Recalled Laundry Detergent Pods by Procter & Gamble on April 5, 2024:

Tide

Tide Pods Original

Tide Pods Spring Meadow Scent

Tide Simply Pods Plus Oxi Boost

Tide Pods Clean Breeze Scent

Tide Pods Free & Gentle

Tide Pods Oxi

Tide Pods Ultra Oxi

Tide Pods Light

Gain

Gain Flings Original

Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze Scent

Gain Flings Blissful Breeze Scent

Gain Flings Spring Daydream Scent

Gain Flings Plus Ultra Oxi

Gain Flings Plus Odor Defense

Ace

Ace Pods Clean Breeze

Ace Pods Spring Meadow

Ariel

Ariel Pods Alpine Breeze

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They’re typically found in the potato chip aisle and said to contain less sodium and 30% less fat than the leading potato chip—but a recall on a recognizable veggie chip might make you more aware of the ingredients.

On April 3, 2024, Walmart alerted Sam’s Club customers to the recall of Garden Veggie Straws on the national retail chain’s dedicated recall page. The Walmart alert came after the manufacturer Garden Veggie Snacks announced on their website:

“This voluntary recall affects the Garden Veggie Straws 30 CT Variety Pack that was available at select Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club between March 18 – March 28, 2024. The recall is due to potential exposure to a milk allergen on the 1 oz. bag of Garden Veggie Sea Salt straws that are sold in the variety pack.

According to a list published by Walmart, the products were distributed in at least 27 states. While the recall notes that the product was sold at BJ’s locations, there is no information on affected locations posted on BJ’s recall page as of this publication.

The variety packs happen to include cheddar cheese and zesty ranch-flavored straws, but it appears that neither of these flavors is impacted by this recall. 

Recalled Garden Veggie Straws details and specifications are as follows:

• Garden Veggie Straws 30-count Variety Pack – Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Zesty Ranch (the Sea Salt are the only ones impacted)
• UPC: 08-29515-32543
• Use by date on outer case – 03SEP24MT, 26AUG24MT, 27AUG24MT, 25AUG24MT, 21AUG24MT
• Use-by date on individual 1-ounce bag: 27AUG24MT

According to the manufacturer, no other Garden Veggie Snacks products are included in the recall. It has not said how the company learned that the ingredient was not listed and doesn’t note whether any customers have reported issues after consuming the product. 

Customers who purchased the variety pack are urged to discard them and contact Garden Veggie Straws for a full refund at https://gardenveggiesnacks.com/contact-us/. They can also call 866-993-5748 for more information Monday through Friday, 9 am – 7 pm ET.

One advantage of Garden Veggie Straws in the eyes of many consumers is that they’re made of vegetables, but actually the product ingredients list potato starch as the main ingredient, and they’re colored with beet powder, spinach powder, and turmeric.

Milk is one of the nine major allergens required to be listed on food package labels by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the potential to cause severe reactions. The others are eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), often referred to as H5N1 bird flu, has been making news as novel cases circulate among wild and domestic birds. While there are outbreaks, they are typically managed to stay confined to bird populations and wild animals.

In the past few weeks, however, H5N1 has jumped from the usual birds to infect dairy cows across four states: Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, and Michigan. A case has also been found in a human who had close contact with dairy cows. This is only the second human case of bird flu reported in the U.S.

But on April 2, 2024, one of the largest producers of eggs in the country, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., reported that A(H5N1) had been found in chickens on one of its farms in Texas.

Despite the uptick in HPAI A(H5N1) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) calls the risk low for anyone who’s not in contact with an infected animal to contract this strain of bird flu. CDC experts stated on April 1 that “people with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.”

But as cases mount across livestock that provide common household staples in recent weeks, you might have some concerns about your food. Is it possible to contract H5N1 bird flu from animal products like eggs, chicken, milk, or cheese? Ahead, find out what national experts are saying.

Chicken

Note the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not rule out the potential to get sick from an infected bird. However, it stresses that the likelihood is low.

The CDC explains that bird flu is classified as “highly pathogenic” because it causes “severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry.” This means the animal gets ill and expires too quickly to reach the food supply. Plus, poultry is inspected for several signs of illness before it is processed or sold for food.

Still, the USDA recommends that safe handling and cooking temperature of chicken is always important due to other bacteria that they say are more likely to contaminate chicken, like Salmonella.

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Eggs

Egg producer Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. revealed in its press release that it exterminated over 1.6 million hens in response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. This was likely a precaution.

The FDA says that like chicken, eggs are unlikely to cause any transmission of bird flu due to the rapid onset of disease and the nature of eggs. The safeguards put in place to protect against Salmonella are said to protect against avian flu as well. However, it is always important to safely handle and cook eggs due to other bacteria.

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Milk

For two reasons, the current milk supply is also considered safe against transmitted avian flu from infected dairy cows. One is that milk from infected dairy cows cannot be sold. “Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply,” says the USDA.

Second, pasteurization, which heats milk to a safe temperature for a designated time frame, is a process implemented to destroy bacteria in the milk. “Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses, in milk and is required for any milk entering interstate commerce,” says the FDA. However, they note that they  “are continuing to monitor the situation” and will provide updates if necessary.

In terms of raw milk, which can be sold in some states, the transmission is theoretically possible, though as yet undocumented. “Based on the limited research and information available, we do not know at this time if HPAI A (H5N1) viruses can be transmitted through consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk and products (such as cheese) made from raw milk from infected cows,” reports the FDA.

However, raw milk cannot be sold across state lines by law and the FDA discourages its consumption due to other microbes that can be present in it. If you consume raw milk and live in the states affected, you should consider your source.  

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Cheese

In terms of cheese, pasteurization and the 60-day aging process of raw milk cheese reduce the likelihood that it will harbor bacteria or viruses, reports the FDA.

Additionally, the agency “recommends that industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw/unpasteurized milk cheese products made with milk from cows showing symptoms of illness, including those infected with HPAI viruses or exposed to those infected with avian influenza viruses, even if the cheese will undergo the 60-day aging process.” However, if you question the freshness or source of any food, it’s probably wisest not to take a chance.

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Conversations and awareness about cancer nowadays have reached an all-time high, yet some forms, including anal cancer, still don’t receive the attention they deserve. Often, anal cancer may be confused with the more familiar colorectal cancer, given its position at the very end of the digestive tract.

While discussing issues related to anything “down there” might feel awkward, it’s essential to understand what anal cancer is, including its risk factors and symptoms. After all, the anus plays a pivotal role in our body’s waste elimination process (better known as pooping), making it an area we cannot afford to ignore, with this condition projected to affect 10,540 Americans in 2024.

Van Morris, MD, an MD Anderson Cancer Center physician, said in a March 2024 article:  “Anal cancer is a completely different disease with a different biology [in regards to colorectal cancer]. It’s also treated differently.”

When anal cancer is localized and hasn’t spread, the standard treatment is the Nigro protocol, a chemoradiation regimen that has been around since the 1970s that merges the chemotherapy drugs 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin with radiation therapy.

According to Dr. Morris, anal cancers are typically squamous cell carcinomas arising from the skin’s inner layers and primarily attributed to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. Over 150 HPV types exist (in fact, the age limit for the HPV vaccine has been increased to cover far more adults in recent years). In particular, HPV-16 is one strain significantly increasing anal cancer risk.

Though HPV is often transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activities (vaginal, anal, or oral), not everyone with HPV will develop anal cancer—nor has everyone who develops anal cancer engaged in these specific activities. Further, you may already be familiar with HPV in connection to cervical cancer; in fact, women who have experienced cervical cancer face a higher risk of developing anal cancer.

Other risk factors for anal cancer to be aware of include:

• Presence of anal warts

• A history of cancer not only in the cervix, but in the vagina or vulva

• HIV (human immunodeficiency infection) or conditions that weaken the immune system

• Smoking

• Sexual behaviors, such as having had numerous partners, which can heighten the risk of HIV and HPV infections; and engaging in receptive anal sex, which raises the risk for both men and women. It’s important to note, however, that anal cancer does not solely result from sexual behavior, and cases can occur without these risk factors

Recognizing the symptoms of anal cancer is critical

The symptoms of anal cancer can often resemble those of less serious conditions, such as hemorrhoids, making it challenging to diagnose early. Key symptoms of anal cancer include:

• Rectal bleeding

• Anal itching

• A lump or mass at the anal opening

• Pain or a feeling of fullness in the anal area

• Abnormal discharge from the anus

If you experience any of these anal cancer symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Beyond understanding the facts about anal cancer, it’s helpful to gain perspective from those who have personally navigated through it.

Ahead, you’ll learn about Becky A., a 48-year-old woman from Columbus, OH, who survived Stage 3 anal cancer with the Nigro protocol. Despite initially feeling uneasy about the location of her cancer, Becky embraced a positive outlook that she felt played a significant role in her healing process.

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Here’s how I knew I had anal cancer: One survivor’s story

By Becky A., as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

I eat well, stay active, and always keep up with my yearly medical check-ups. So, when I began to notice some itching and bleeding “down there,” I initially didn’t give it much thought. Having dealt with hemorrhoids in the past, I assumed it was the same issue reoccurring.

During a routine appointment in January 2021, I brought it up with my primary care physician, who didn’t seem overly concerned. “It’s probably just hemorrhoids,” she suggested, advising me to try some over-the-counter remedies and warm baths, and to return if there was no improvement.

Following her advice, I tried to manage the symptoms…but three months later, there was no relief. On the contrary, the symptoms had intensified. The bleeding became more frequent, and I discovered a tender lump. That was the moment I realized something was seriously wrong.

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An anal cancer diagnosis

Reaching a point of frustration, I decided to proactively schedule a visit with a gastroenterologist: A decision I am immensely grateful for today. Upon examining me, he immediately expressed concern that what I presented with didn’t resemble a typical hemorrhoid. He conducted an anoscopy—a procedure where a scope is used to inspect the anus and lower rectum—and I could see his concern. He suggested a biopsy, a step I was more than ready to take.

One week after the biopsy, I received a call that quite literally changed my life: I had Stage 3A anal cancer related to HPV-16. I was floored. The CT scan I had gotten revealed that the cancer had spread to my groin’s lymph nodes.

Cancer? In that area? The very idea of anal cancer was completely new to me.

Looking back, I remembered a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia in my twenties, which is a change in cells on the cervix that my gynecologist had mentioned was linked to HPV. At the time, the full significance couldn’t have sunk in. Reflecting now, and knowing the link between HPV-16 and anal cancer, I can’t help but ponder whether the HPV vaccine could have averted this entire ordeal.

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Treatment after I knew I had anal cancer

I opted for treatment at a local center just outside Columbus, where I felt exceptionally at ease with my healthcare team. They assured me I was receiving the gold standard of care.

By the end of May 2021, I had a port installed to begin my treatment regimen, which included six weeks of radiation therapy paired with chemotherapy. The focus of the radiation was my pelvic area, requiring my presence at the clinic five days a week.

The aftermath was tough: I faced extreme tiredness, nausea, and incredibly painful skin irritation—imagine the worst possible sunburn in the most unimaginable of places. Adapting to these circumstances, I found myself wearing a diaper, but surprisingly, this experience brought a new attitude out of me. There’s a unique kind of humor that some sickness gives you the chance to develop, especially considering the rather awkward positions you find yourself in during radiation treatments.

My chemotherapy involved two medications, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and mitomycin. Mitomycin was administered via injection on the first day, followed by a 5FU infusion lasting several days that continued even at home. During the fifth week of radiotherapy, I underwent another round of 5FU infusion.

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My advice for anyone going through a similar trial

After completing the six-week course of chemoradiation, I finally allowed myself some much-needed downtime, and the burns actually healed within a month. The anticipation for the results from my follow-up scans was overwhelming. Hearing my doctor announce the absence of any disease prompted tears of immense relief.

I’ve since undergone CT and MRI scans every six months, along with anoscopy and digital rectal exams every three months. Thankfully, all results have been clear thus far.

I also want to spread awareness of the connection between HPV and anal cancer, and the importance of getting the HPV vaccine—the vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to prevent future HPV infections. It’s recommended for preteens but can be administered to individuals up to 26 years old, with certain recommendations extending to age 45 under specific conditions.

To those reading this, I urge you not to overlook any suspicious symptoms. Additionally, discuss your eligibility for the HPV vaccine with your doctor. It could very well be a lifesaver.

For more inspiring stories of diagnoses and recovery, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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If you’ve ever changed your diet and fitness habits to lose weight, you know the even greater feat is to keep that weight off long-term. Eventually, you’d probably love to stop tracking points, calculating calories, or giving yourself that regular shot in the belly.

New research has found the best way to keep weight off may be a walk away each day. Harvard University says the traditionally recommended 10,000 steps originated from a marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer sold in 1965. Of course a pedometer company wanted customers to walk more steps on the daily: That would wear out the pedometer faster so they’d need to buy new!

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Pedometers have certainly come a long way, and so has research about the health benefits of walking. One recent study found that 7,000 steps is good for heart health, and aiming for 8,000 may reduce the risk of premature death. Since 10,000 steps per day is roughly equivalent to five miles, this means that just 3.5 to four miles may promote heart health and longevity.

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The first finding might seem intuitive: The researchers discovered that those with a higher genetic risk for obesity saw the greatest success at maintaining their weight when they took a greater step count each day. More specifically, participants in the 75th percentile of the genetic risk score had to walk an average of 2,280 greater steps per day than those in the 50th percentile to maintain a healthy weight.

Those with the highest genetic risk for obesity had to achieve an average total of 11,020 steps, compared to the total sample’s average of 8,326. The Cleveland Clinic cites national data in stating that the average height of American women five feet, four inches. Based on that range of walking stride, an estimated mileage equivalent for 11,020 steps is roughly 4.75 miles.

And, perhaps no surprise: As body mass index increased for those with reported genetic obesity predisposition, so did the number of steps needed to return to a lower body mass.

Here’s what’s exciting, whether you’re genetically inclined to be heavier or not: The researchers suggest this study shows that genes are far from the only determining factor for weight and body mass. In fact, they concluded: “Genetic risk for obesity … can be overcome by increasing physical activity,” and that “engaging in physical activity can mitigate genetic obesity risk.”

The one drawback? The team says this hypothesis needs to be tested across broader populations, as this particular study largely used participants of European ancestry.

As always, speak to a licensed healthcare provider before beginning or increasing an exercise routine.

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Our skin is often the first line of defense against illness and infection, as well as the first place signs of trouble can appear. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that are responsible for skin pigmentation, is one skin issue that stands out for its potential severity.

Despite being less common than other skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma poses a significant threat because of its ability to spread to different parts of the body like the lungs, liver, spine, and brain. This is why it’s so important to catch the cancer early and address it quickly.

Dermatologist Klint Peebles, MD, emphasized a recent increase in melanoma diagnoses in a 2022 American Medical Association publication: “Rates of all skin cancers are rising,” Dr. Peebles said, “and melanoma rates have been rising rapidly in the United States in the last 30 years.” It’s a startling trend, with projections suggesting a 50% increase in melanoma diagnoses globally between 2020 and 2040.  According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024 about 100,640 new melanomas will be diagnosed, and about 8,290 people are expected to die of melanoma.

Ahead, you’ll read about Bill, a 68-year-old husband, dad, and business owner who triumphed over stage 4 melanoma—which until recent years had typically come with a terminal prognosis. Bill shared that while his father had been the son of Italian immigrants with skin that had always tanned to a deep olive color in their Pennsylvania summers, less was known about his mother’s heritage until her grandson’s at-home ancestry kit confirmed that the extremely fair skin and freckles she’d passed down to most of her offspring had come from Irish and English roots.

While this patient story highlights some themes that may resonate personally for melanoma patients, it’s a common misconception that only those with lighter skin are at risk. The truth is melanoma can affect anyone.

Melanoma risk factors

Research has shown melanoma risk factors include, but may not be limited to:

• excessive sun exposure
• lighter skin
• a history of sunburns
• a family history of melanoma
• numerous moles
• older age
• or a compromised immune system.

How to do a melanoma self-exam:

When you’re performing a self-exam to look out for signs of melanoma, think ABCDE. The ABCDE rule will help you spot worrisome changes in moles and so you can bring them to the attention of your healthcare provider:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.

• Border irregularity: The edges are uneven or blurred.

• Color: A palette of colors may be present, including brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter: The width of the spot may be larger than a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller.

• Evolution: Any change in size, shape, or color warrants attention.

How to prevent skin cancer

Skin health experts agree that the number-one way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your UV exposure:

• Seek shade during the sun’s most intense hours

• Use sunscreen that protects against a wide range of UV light. Dr. Peebles also reminds us to apply sunscreen to areas we might not think about, like our ears, neck, hands, feet, lips, and scalp, especially those with thinning hair.

• Wear clothes that cover your skin

• Avoid tanning beds

Routine dermatology examinations and monthly self-assessments are essential measures to prevent melanoma. It’s also important to be aware that “skin cancer [can] be on any part of the body,” said Dr. Peebles, “including the palms, soles, buttocks, and genitalia. But we can also see these cancers beyond the skin, including in the eye and inside the mouth, among other sites.”

Continue reading to learn more about Bill’s story and what made his experience so enlightening and so cautionary.

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“Here’s how I knew I had melanoma”: One cured patient’s story celebrating medical advancement

By Bill Gasbarre, as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

One night at dinner in January 2011, my wife brought it up again. “I don’t like the looks of that,” she said, referencing a brown spot on my left temple that she’d started mentioning on occasion with concern. “It just seems to keep getting bigger.”

After more than 30 years of marriage, I knew when it was time to listen and schedule a consultation with our dermatologist in town. When he examined me, he said the spot looked relatively harmless, but he recommended a skin biopsy for certainty. I’d never realized what a tender area the temple is until he cut away a small sample of it for analysis.

Less than a week later, we got the call: It was melanoma. The dermatologist explained that melanoma is the most serious, and often fatal, type of skin cancer. I didn’t need to know more than that, except to trust in experts’ guidance. Throughout my melanoma journey, I was intent not to search the Internet for details about my condition and find information that would scare me or deflate any hope.

My dermatologist’s first step was to refer me to a surgeon in Pittsburgh, two hours away from where we lived, so I could undergo Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique for skin cancer that involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer, with a pathologist examining each layer and all the borders until no cancer cells remain. One of the goals of Mohs surgery is to ensure healthy tissue is preserved as much as possible.

My Mohs surgery was scheduled for February 6 (a day I distinctly remember because it was the Monday after the Steelers played in the Super Bowl, meaning I had to abstain from having drinks with our friends). The surgery required multiple rounds of tissue removal, totaling nine attempts over two days, to make sure all the cancer cells were gone.

This would become one of the most traumatic experiences in my melanoma fight. Not having expected the procedure would take more than a day, I asked to be admitted to the hospital overnight so my wife wouldn’t have to drive home on winter roads in the dark. The doctor wasn’t able to accommodate that, so we drove home in a snowstorm as fluid from a golf ball-sized incision soaked through the gauze, bleeding down my face and onto my clothing and seatbelt. The next morning, we returned to the clinic, and a short while later that wound was covered up with a skin graft from my neck.

As the skin graft was supposed to be healing, when she went to clean it after a couple days my wife noticed it didn’t seem to be improving. Immediately my dermatologist brought me in. It turned out that I’d developed a blood clot at the site of the graft.

That was just the beginning of my experience with battling melanoma—but fortunately, when I moved into the hands of a highly skilled and caring team, the experience would start to go smoother.

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Being diagnosed with melanoma…again

Following my initial recovery from Mohs surgery, I started to undergo routine CT scans every six months. During this period, Lisa Pfingstler, MD, a dear childhood friend of our son, had recently started her dermatology residency at Geisinger Health in Danville, PA. After hearing what I’d gone through with my Mohs treatment, Lisa suggested I see an exceptional Mohs surgeon she’d gotten to train with. That was when I transitioned my medical oversight to Geisinger, where a new oncologist continued my bi-annual scans.

For a few years, my scans returned clear, but there was a recurrence of melanoma on my left temple. This time around, the Mohs surgeon enlisted the expertise of a plastic surgeon, and together, they planned how to reconstruct the affected area of my face. I was awake through the three-hour procedure, which was a little jarring as I overheard the surgeons work, but the family connection through Lisa put me at ease, and I knew that I was in excellent hands.

In February 2016, I was due for another scan. This time, the doctor shared some unexpected news: The scan showed a tiny speck on my lungs. He guessed that it was probably just a fleck of dust on the lab lens, which he explained can happen sometimes. Even so, he proposed scheduling another scan in three months to monitor changes. Eager for immediate answers, I suggested we do the scan the next week, but he advised against it, explaining that waiting would allow us to see if there was any growth. He cautioned that conducting the scan too soon could mean missing any crucial changes. I’d learn he was absolutely right.

Following his recommended follow-up scan on May 3, 2016, the news wasn’t good: “Your lungs are full of cancer,” he said. His earlier dismissal as a mere speck of dust had left me ill-prepared for this blow. Overwhelmed, I remember breaking down in tears and confiding in my brother over the phone from the parking lot. I had moved through every step aiming to keep a level head and make the most educated decisions my doctors advised. But this was one of the really emotional times that I remember during my experience with melanoma.

My second call was to none other than Lisa. Her response was prompt and caring: Through her connections, we could navigate the decisions to find the best course of care. Thanks to the efforts of her and her close colleague who was also in residency, Dr. Ryan Andrulonis, I was able to secure an appointment with the highly recommended Dr. John Kirkwood, the Director of the Melanoma Center at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. This marked the beginning of a new stage in my fight against stage 4 melanoma.

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My experience with immunotherapy for melanoma

I remember a lot of the details from my cancer journey, but my first encounter with Dr. Kirkwood in May 2016 would be especially unforgettable. He entered the exam room accompanied by a few of his physician assistants and some medical students. I shared my entire story with them. In a moment that caught everyone’s attention, Dr. Kirkwood asked the students: “How long do you think he’s had cancer in his lungs?”

Confused, they referenced my chart and appeared to make some mental calculations. Dr. Kirkwood corrected them. “No,” he said. “It hasn’t been since May. It’s been in his lung for as long as it’s been on his face.” I was taken aback when he expressed some skepticism toward the Mohs surgery. He explained that cancer remains within the body and the surgery doesn’t guarantee its removal, suggesting it’s bound to recur.

For the first time, I couldn’t be sure how this was going to turn out. That’s exactly when Dr. Kirkwood looked in my eyes. “I’m going to cure you,” he said.

On the trip home, my wife and I kept asking each other, hoping we’d heard him right: “Did he say ‘cure’?” We’d heard of remission, but we hadn’t known that the idea of a total cure was possible.

Dr. Kirkwood and his team proposed that I participate in a clinical trial. I understood that until just a couple years prior, melanoma on the skin that had metastasized to another organ probably would have meant a life expectancy of a few months at best. I agreed to participate in the trial, knowing that a good outcome wasn’t guaranteed, but hoping that in the future it would help other families avoid what mine was going through.

While Dr. Kirkwood and his team were developing my treatment plan, another scan revealed that the cancer had already spread past my lungs to my spine. Within a month, one of Dr. Kirkwood’s PAs, Melissa, had helped me bypass the trial paperwork to expedite my treatment. Based on how swiftly she and the team were moving, I could tell there was no time to waste.

I would receive a form of immunotherapy, specifically a medication named Keytruda. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells—even healthy ones—immunotherapy is a more focused approach that empowers the body’s immune system to recognize and combat cancer cells more effectively.

This treatment began on June 29th, 2016, and was administered every three weeks. It consisted of regular blood tests and precise weight monitoring to tailor the drug dosage to my exact weight at the time. Then the care team, led by my PA Melissa who had become an unwavering source of support, would prepare the drug. For the following hour or so, my wife and I would sit in a private room while I received the IV treatment.

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Cured of stage 4 melanoma

December 2016 brought some unexpected news: Dr. Kirkwood entered the room, announcing that I wouldn’t be getting my treatment that day. Confused, I asked, “Why not?”

He replied: “Because you’re cured.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I broke down in tears.

Even better, Dr. Kirkwood explained that his original plan had been for me to receive targeted radiation therapy. Now, there was no need for that because the cancer in my spine had also disappeared. In my case, Keytruda had effectively combated cancer within bone tissue. Dr. Kirkwood said in his experience, this outcome was a first.

A small bell was mounted on the wall of the Hillman Cancer Center. During my treatments, every time my wife and I heard it chime, we always shared a smile—in celebration for that patient, and in hope for us. “It’s your turn to ring the bell,” Dr. Kirkwood said.

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A setback: Pneumonitis

In April 2017, four months after I’d been cured of melanoma, I encountered an unexpected challenge: Pneumonitis. Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung tissue that can cause the lungs to become stiff and fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe.

This raised significant concern among my healthcare team, who said this would most likely prove to be the biggest challenge I’d face to date. Melissa described it as my lungs “locking up,” essentially becoming rigid. I was admitted to the hospital.

Within a week I’d recovered, leaving my doctors shocked again. This said this was the first time they had cured a case of pneumonitis like this.

Life after being cured from melanoma

Today, my life has been profoundly enriched by the bonds formed at the cancer center during my treatments. I continue to visit Hillman every six months for routine blood work and CT scans. We continue to keep in contact with Melissa regularly—she became like family to me.

I believe my survival is probably thanks to the relatively early detection, even though the melanoma spread. Now I’m vigilant about my skin health. Although I’m not particularly mole-prone, my skin has always been prone to rashes and irritation. Reflecting on my childhood, from ages eight to twelve, I spent every summer day at the swimming pool or heading down to , resulting in blisters on my shoulders and nose. Our family has always loved boating in the summer, and for decades I was a runner and ran several marathons.

Dr. Kirkwood speculated that such repeated sun exposure might have been a contributing factor—as well as my career, which consisted of a ton of travel, mainly by car across states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. He deduced the placement of my melanoma was likely due to exposure to the morning sun through my driver’s side car window.

So, a word of advice from personal experience: Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen, regardless of whether you’re spending your day indoors or behind the wheel. I don’t enjoy lotion sunscreen, but my daughter has introduced me to powder sunscreens that dust on easily, some with no scent. The sun’s rays can reach you, making protection essential at all times.

For more inspiring stories of diagnoses and recovery, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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At 53, triple-threat actor, dancer and singer Taye Diggs is still thinking about the future—and not just for himself. 

Diggs’ career spans the stage and screen, including starring roles in the original Broadway cast of Rent, the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff series Private Practice, and, going way back, the classic movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Diggs is also raising his 15-year-old son Walker with former wife Idina Menzel and says fatherhood is the role that’s inspired him to think more about a healthy planet for the next generation.

For his new partnership with eco laundry strips brand Tru Earth, Taye Diggs sat down with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest to talk about leading by example, aging mindfully, and the self-care practice he’s “addicted” to. 

The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Tell us more about your partnership with Tru Earth. Why is sustainability such an important cause to you? 

Taye Diggs: It’s important. I have a child, to put it bluntly, and now I’m realizing I want to leave an Earth that he can live in. 

For example, washing clothes. Instead of using the big plastic containers that have the detergent in them, [Tru Earth] came up with these little strips, you rip them in half, throw them in your laundry, and your wash is done. It may not be as much as other people, but it makes me feel like I’m contributing and I feel better about myself. And I know that it’s helping the Earth as well. 

The Healthy: The little things can make such a difference. Hand in hand with that, you mentioned your son. Are there any ways you’re making sure he grows up caring for the planet? 

Taye Diggs: Well, he follows by example. He’s at an age where he can’t be told what to do. So I’m just leading by example, he sees me doing what I’m doing. 

The Healthy: That’s great. I would love to talk more generally about health and wellness with you. We’ve seen your Instagram posts—you’ve got energy, man. But you’ve also talked about dealing with insomnia.

Taye Diggs: I can’t stress enough to go to your doctor and discuss these issues. Sleep is one of those things that we don’t think is real, but I can tell you from experience that the long-term effects can be pretty staggering. It was affecting how I was behaving with my son. It was affecting my work and my memory. So once I went to my doctor and we discussed it, he put me on a drug called QUVIVIQ. And after a couple of weeks, I was getting the sleep I needed and could see the difference. 

The Healthy: Are there any go-to healthy meals for you and your son, or workouts you love? 

Taye Diggs: Oh, I try to stay active. I try to exercise. The older I get, the more aware I’m of what I’m putting into my body with supplements, and it’s fun to kind of include him. But I think it’s just awareness. What people do specifically, that’s up to them. Everybody’s body is different. But once you’re aware, then it’s a whole new game.

The Healthy: Self-care can be an important part of listening to and caring for your whole body. Are there any self-care routines or practices that you can’t skip? 

Taye Diggs: Oh, for me, meditation. Meditating, and instead of reading, I listen to audiobooks. That’s huge for me. It’s meditative, and I love hearing different people’s perspectives in their own voices. That has an effect on me that I’ve gotten addicted to. But like I said before: Being aware that you need self-care, that’s more than half the battle. 

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The introduction of zuranolone by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Distinct from the mild and brief “baby blues” that many new child-bearers experience, experts say postpartum depression involves deeper, persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and more that can significantly impact a parent’s ability to care for herself and her newborn.

With one in eight or almost 13%, of new mothers reporting symptoms of postpartum depression according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—and acknowledging that this number is likely higher due to cases that go unreported—zuranolone’s approval introduces an essential option for those seeking relief.

Unlike traditional interventions that rely on psychotherapy and conventional antidepressants, zuranolone promises a faster response, easing symptoms in as little as three days with a treatment course of only two weeks.

Katrina Furey, MD, a psychiatrist from Yale, points out the significance of zuranolone amidst the broader context of maternal mental health, noting that mental health issues are the most prevalent complications following childbirth, even more than conditions related to gestational diabetes or hypertension.

This innovative medication addresses postpartum depression at its source as it is a synthetic form of allopregnanolone, a crucial neurosteroid for mood balance that is often found in low levels in women with postpartum depression. Allopregnanolone specifically targets malfunctioning GABA-A receptors in the brain, which are key to managing mood and behavior that malfunction without sufficient allopregnanolone, leading to symptoms. Along with healthcare providers’ growing dedication to screening for postpartum depression, this treatment marks a major advance in providing new mothers with prompt and effective care.

If you find yourself experiencing any of the following signs of postpartum depression—

• An increase in tears or a feeling of constant sadness.

• Growing irritability or feelings of anger.

• Withdrawing from loved ones and friends.

• Feeling disconnected or indifferent towards your baby.

• Worrying about harming your child.

• Continuous self-doubt about your ability to be a good mother or concerns over not caring properly for your baby.

—remember, you’re not navigating this alone. Support and resources are readily available. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance by talking to your healthcare provider.

Ahead, we share the personal story of Samantha M., a 31-year-old from New York who navigated through the challenges of postpartum depression. As a wife and mother of three, participating in a phase three clinical trial—the final phase before market approval—for zuranolone was a turning point for her and her family.

Taking the new postpartum depression drug

By Samantha M., as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

After the birth of my third child, I found myself in a place I had never anticipated. I’ve experienced low moments in the past, but never to the point of receiving a diagnosis. While I was familiar with the term “postpartum depression,” facing it was an entirely different story. Instead of the joy and bonding after childbirth—a feeling I fondly remembered with my first two—I was engulfed by an overwhelming sadness and a deep sense of detachment, affecting not just my relationship with my newborn but also with my husband. My mind was a tangled mess of confusion, guilt, and a yearning for the normalcy I once knew, leaving me to wonder: Why can’t I just enjoy these moments?

It never got to the point of harming myself, but I felt like I was just existing.

No. Motivation. whatsoever.

I distinctly remember my two little ones and my husband joking around the dinner table and I just couldn’t feel the same happiness they were feeling…and that was not like me.

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Seeking help for postpartum depression

I remember the turning point came about two months postpartum early spring 2021, during a conversation with one of my best friends from college who is now working in women’s health. She mentioned a clinical trial for a new postpartum depression drug called zuranolone.

Having discussed the standard postpartum depression treatment options with my OBGYN six weeks after giving birth, I was all too aware of the lengthy wait—often weeks or months—for traditional antidepressants to possibly start working. Then there was brexanolone, the first FDA-approved drug specifically for postpartum depression, requiring a 60-hour continuous IV infusion. It was good to know that this existed if the circumstances warranted it, but in my case the thought of being hospitalized and away from my family for three nights made me hesitant.

I learned zuranolone was different—it was a daily pill taken for just two weeks. No hospital stays, no IVs.

My husband and I had a thorough conversation. I reflected on the requirement to discontinue breastfeeding for the clinical trial, since zuranolone could be present in breast milk and its effects on a baby are unknown. I struggled with this decision, as I didn’t want to lose another precious bonding opportunity with my baby, but I knew my condition was getting worse. I chose to enroll.

The catch with many clinical trials is the uncertainty of possibly being given a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs) instead of the real drug. Despite this risk of not getting the actual medication, I still believed the chance to potentially improve my condition was too significant to pass up.

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I took the new postpartum depression drug

Zurualonone may not be right for every patient, and you’ll need to discuss it with your doctor. But when I tell you that I started to feel a little bit better after taking just the second dose of the drug…I am not exaggerating. Right away, I felt something shift and I started to feel more like myself than I had in months. I dared to hope it was the zuranolone working.

For 14 days, I took the 50-milligram dose, each day feeling progressively more grounded, more connected to my life and the people in it. My husband noticed the change, too. We began to reconnect in ways that had felt lost for some time.

I’d been cautioned about possible side effects, like fatigue, digestive issues, cold symptoms, and increased risk of urinary tract infections. I experienced only some slight drowsiness in the beginning, but it never hindered my daily activities.

Following the treatment, I had check-ins at approximately one month and then again at six weeks, and the positive feelings persisted—I still felt closer to my former self than I had in a long time. The heavy fog of depression had lifted, allowing me to fully engage with my family and enjoy the precious moments with my newborn that I had been missing.

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Life after taking the postpartum depression pill

Today, a little more than three years since participating in the trial, the drug is now available to other new moms and my own sense of wellbeing remains intact.

For any woman, life is not without its challenges—juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to three and a wife certainly has its moments—but genuinely, I continue to feel good. To maintain my balance, I’ve discovered that therapy is beneficial for me, and I also made a commitment to myself to manage my mental health by practicing yoga twice a week.

Sharing my personal experience isn’t easy, (and believe me, I was hesitant to do so) but I do it in the hope that it might help someone else feeling lost with postpartum depression. The path through is different for everyone, but options and support are available.

Whether it’s traditional treatments or new ones like zuranolone, the first step is reaching out for help. For me, that step was a conversation with a friend that led to a clinical trial and a medication that changed my life. For someone else, it just might be this story that makes all the difference.

For the latest in wellness delivered to you daily, subscribe to The Healthy @Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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Tofu was long known as a favorite protein source for many vegetarians and vegans, but data reported by the Washington Post in the third quarter of 2020 suggested that tofu sales had risen 40% among Americans from the prior year. It’s possible that interest in tofu surged as more consumers used the COVID-19 lockdown to experiment with plant-based eating, combined with the need for protein with a longer shelf life and culinary versatility. Other recent reports suggest that 70% of Americans are adopting plant-based eating habits for their health and the environment.

Tofu is said to originate from Asia possibly 2,000 years ago as soybean curd named for its nature that one manufacturer says translates to “great beans.”

As a meat lover myself, I’ve grown curious about the health benefits of tofu, but I had yet to embrace it as a regular part of my diet. However, as recent research has suggested that red meat and processed meats are linked to higher risks of heart disease, cancer, and other disorders, I recently started to dig around for more information about tofu, and some recipes.

Among the research I encountered was a 2023 review indicating that diets rich in soy products like tofu could significantly lower the risk of conditions such as breast cancer. A 2020 study revealed that consuming tofu once a week could reduce the risk of heart disease by 18%.

However, research in decades past suggested that regular soy consumption may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and that it may influence the body’s production of reproductive hormones (a little more on that below). As with any change in your diet, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider who may be able to provide insight on what medical and academic literature says and how this affects your circumstances.

Ahead, my empirical research yielded some clear observations when I ate tofu every day for a week.

What is tofu?

Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk to produce curds, which are then pressed into solid blocks to form tofu itself. The textures of tofu products range from firm, extra firm, medium, or “silken.” The United Soybean Board says tofu’s firmness is determined by the use of different coagulants, such as magnesium chloride (nigari) or calcium sulfate. These agents solidify the soy milk and give tofu its density and characteristic mild flavor.

When it comes to nutrition, tofu stands out. Tofu is one of the complete proteins, boasting all nine essential amino acids our bodies need to function optimally, supporting everything from muscle repair to hormone production. Just a three-quarter cup of tofu can supply about 10 grams of high-quality protein.

Natalie Romito, RD, LD, a Cleveland Clinic dietitian, points out a major health benefit of this food on the institution’s Health Essentials blog: Unlike meat sources of protein, such as beef, tofu contains no cholesterol. This positions tofu as an outstanding source of polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for cholesterol management—says Romito: “Tofu is a great option for anyone following a heart-healthy diet—which should be all of us.”

It’s also important to note that tofu is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium, copper, pantothenic acid (B5), iron, and manganese.

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Is it safe to eat tofu every day?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consuming soy, which includes tofu, is generally considered safe except for those with allergies to soy. The past controversial connection between soy and breast cancer is likely due to soy’s isoflavones, which have a mild ability to mimic estrogen.

Current research, however, supports that it is safe for women with, or at risk for, breast cancer to eat soy foods. Note the use of soy isoflavone supplements by these individuals is less certain.

Additionally, consuming soy in amounts beyond typical dietary intake during pregnancy could potentially affect fetal health.

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Are there side effects to eating too much tofu?

For some individuals, consuming soy products, including tofu, may lead to digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea. While I didn’t encounter any digestive problems during my week-long experiment, it’s wise to be mindful of such possibilities when incorporating soy-based products into your diet.

There’s also a potential impact on thyroid function, particularly for those not getting enough iodine in their diets.

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Eating tofu every day

Depending on which texture of tofu you choose, you may want to try a tofu press to squeeze out the excess moisture. Here’s a look at the preparations I tried throughout my week of eating tofu:

• Breakfast: I started a couple of days with a tofu scramble—a protein-rich start to the day replacing traditional scrambled eggs. (You can also blend tofu into your eggs for added protein, fiber, and bulk…which I found to be super filling, and a great source of energy.)
• Lunch: For a quick, healthy lunch, I made a tofu stir-fry with lots of veggies. Buying miso soup broth and heating it up with cubes of tofu and scallion slices is another deliciously easy lunch idea, and some Chinese restaurants add thin slices of tofu to their egg drop soup!
• Dinner: I fell in love with a sesame seed-crusted tofu recipe for its crunch and flavor.
• Snacks: I used my Ninja Foodi for air-fried Buffalo tofu. It’s a healthy way to get crispy tofu without deep frying.
• Dessert: I tried this recipe for Tropical Fruit Pudding, a healthier dessert that still satisfies a sweet craving.

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When I ate tofu every day, I felt fuller longer with increased energy levels

One of the first noticeable impacts of eating tofu every day was the lasting sense of fullness that powered me through the mornings, especially after my workouts. Typically, I’d find myself rummaging through the pantry for a mid-morning snack (often a protein bar), but introducing a tofu scramble into my breakfast routine changed the game.

I attribute this to the protein-packed nature of tofu. It left me satisfied, negating the need for any extra nibbling before lunchtime, and also allowed me to stay focused and energized without the usual stomach grumbles or distracting thoughts of what my snack might be.

When I ate tofu every day, I experienced reduced cravings for unhealthy food

You know those moments when only something salty or sweet will do? They became rare occurrences during my week with tofu. These days, many registered dietitians say that the best way to manage mid-afternoon sugar cravings is to start the day with healthy protein, ideally combined with fiber and healthy fat.

With tofu, it’s not just the protein but the healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals that seemed to balance my body’s needs and dampen those loud calls for quick sugar fixes or crunchy, salty treats.

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When I ate tofu every day, I learned why it’s called a “culinary chameleon”

Isn’t this a great phrase? I was able to witness firsthand how tofu has such a low-key flavor on its own, and the perfect texture to absorb flavor from whatever you’re mixing it with. (This can make it a perfect smoothie ingredient, and if you ever get to try a fried Szechuan tofu from a great Asian restaurant, you’ll learn its chameleon effect for yourself. Delicious.)

Beyond being a mere substitution for my animal proteins, I discovered tofu’s adaptability across all meals—something traditional meats simply can’t match.

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Will I keep eating tofu every day?

While tofu will definitely remain a staple in my eating habits, I won’t consume it daily. I crave variety in my meals; as with any diet, diversity is crucial. And don’t forget that adding just a serving of tofu once a week could lower your risk of heart disease by 18%!

If you’re still undecided about tofu after reading this, I urge you to consider trying it out—just make sure to consult with your healthcare provider first to see if it’s right for you.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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One is known for its heart-healthy potassium, and the other is said to keep the doctor away overall. Now doctors from three universities in China have found that apples and bananas may add years to the lives of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

A study published in the March 2024 peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition journal aimed to assess how fruit consumption affected the lifespans of individuals with high blood pressure. The research team analyzed data collected between 2003 and 2006 from the U.S.-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), selecting medical metrics gathered on individuals who’d been diagnosed with hypertension. The researchers identified 2,480 patients with the condition who also completed a survey about their typical eating habits. Further data collected 10 years later revealed that 658 of the participants had subsequently passed away.

Based upon their analysis, the researchers discovered that on average, the subjects who ate apples or bananas three to six times per week lived longer. And while eating one of these fruits several times a week correlated with a longer life, those who incorporated both fruits fared even better. “Individuals who consume apples or bananas three to six times per week have a reduced risk of all-cause mortality by 40%,” concluded the researchers, even after adjusting for certain variables like sex, age, race, education level, and various health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Interestingly, people who ate pears, grapes, and pineapples did not appear to experience the same benefits.

The researchers theorize that the fiber in both fruits might play a role in their protective benefits, as fiber has been shown to help manage high blood pressure. However, this doesn’t explain why pears wouldn’t work, since they are also high in fiber.

The skin of the apple and its unique polyphenol makeup could be reasons, the researchers added.

As for bananas, they contain several vitamins, minerals, and protective compounds along with a good dose of fiber. Plus, bananas are high in potassium, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. (Bananas have also been shown to benefit gut health, which research has found yields systemic physiological effects.)

Since relatively few fruits were examined in this study, the researchers suggest not dismissing others for a heart-healthy diet. “It is important to note that the conclusions of this study are specific to a particular population and cohort,” they said. “Therefore, they should not be used to dismiss the health benefits of other fruits.”

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The doctors added that this doesn’t present a green light for endless fruit consumption, noting that “increasing consumption beyond this range (three to six per week) did not provide additional advantages.” Even though fruit provides natural sugars, it still affects blood glucose and other health measurables.

The bottom line many health and nutrition professionals would advise is to eat a diverse diet that’s rich in colorful plants. For hypertension, produce items like avocados, strawberries and tomatoes have also been associated with lower blood pressures. 

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On March 28, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued warnings about two contagious illnesses that are circulating at concerning levels in the U.S. This follows the recent advisories about upticks in measles cases.

Both tuberculosis (TB) and invasive meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis, have reached decade-long highs after decreasing during the pandemic. While both are still relatively rare, it’s said more Americans are contracting these serious and potentially transmissible conditions than in recent years. This has prompted the CDC to sound the alarm to healthcare providers and the public.

One particular strain of invasive meningitis, which is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting the lining of the brain and spinal cord, appears to be behind the rapid jump in cases. The CDC’s emergency alert issued via the Health Alert Network (HAN) urges healthcare providers to be aware of the increase in diagnoses.

What’s reported as especially concerning is that the strain responsible appears to have a higher fatality rate than normal, 18% versus the common 10% to 15%. 2023 saw the largest number of annual cases of the disease since 2014, and the rate at which the disease is being diagnosed for 2024 exceeds the number compared to the same timeframe last year. Reported counts are 422 total cases for all of 2023, and 143 to date for 2024.

This strain of meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, also appears to have a few symptoms that aren’t traditionally seen with invasive meningitis. Experts say typically, patients with the condition have the trademark stiff neck, high fever, headache, and sensitivity to light. This strain appears to present with a blood infection or septic arthritis instead.

Swift treatment with antibiotics is essential to avoid amputations or potential deafness meningitis can cause. The CDC is urging all people who qualify to get the necessary vaccinations to protect against meningitis. The strain appears to affect men, Black or African American people, and those living with HIV more than other groups.

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Tuberculosis, a bacteria-caused lung condition often called “TB,” is also causing concern among experts because the CDC says rates in 2023 were the highest seen in a decade. Rates of tuberculosis have increased across all age groups and several areas of the country, but a few states have higher rates than others with California, Texas, New York, and Florida having reported the greatest numbers of infections. Overall, 9,615 cases of TB were diagnosed in the country last year.

While rates of TB are still significantly lower in the U.S. than in many other parts of the world, it’s said they have been increasing since 2020. “This post-pandemic increase in U.S. cases highlights the importance of continuing to engage communities with higher TB rates and their medical providers in TB elimination efforts,” says the CDC.

TB can be contagious and spreads through droplets in the air. It typically presents with a persistent cough that may produce mucus with blood, accompanied by chest pain, fever, and fatigue.

While TB was once a deadly disease, the American Lung Association says it can now often be treated with a rigorous six-month course of antibiotics. 

The CDC assures that tuberculosis risk to the general public is generally low and notes that some infections are attributed to latent tuberculosis that reactivates. “Sustained transmission of TB in the United States leading to outbreaks is uncommon,” says the agency. Quick detection and treatment have also helped to keep the illness at bay and reduce community transmission. 

Staying up-to-date on routine vaccinations, washing hands frequently, paying close to attention to symptoms and staying home when you’re sick or wearing a mask when you can’t avoid going out are all ways to minimize the chances of contracting or spreading many transmissible illnesses.

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You know that advice you hear recommending that you keep the same wakeup time all seven days a week, even on the weekends? It’s almost like those researchers have never dealt with sick kids, late-night deadlines, and pets who understand sunrise as their cue to go outside. This weekend, we have a sunnier message: New science suggests it is perfectly valid, and even healthy, to use that precious weekend downtime to catch up on sleep.

In previous studies, adequate sleep—which clinicians often consider to fall between seven to nine hours—has been shown to improve heart health, lower type-2 diabetes risk, help maintain a healthy weight, and more. But if you’re one of the majority who thinks seven hours sounds like a rare dream, a new study looked at sleep trends among Americans to conclude that a little extra sleep on the weekend can improve the mood of people who experience an emotional slump from lost sleep.

Conducted by researchers associated with the Central South University in China, the study will be published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in June 2024. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 to assess the weekday and weekend differences in sleep habits of 7,719 Americans.

Participants’ sleep habits were then cross-referenced with responses to questions that were developed to uncover symptoms of depression. (Gallup data in 2023 suggested almost 30% of Americans reported ever having experienced depressive symptoms, while 18% were experiencing or being treated for depression at the time of the research.)

The China researchers found that Americans who had shorter sleep duration during the week found some relief from their depressive symptoms when they slept more during the weekend; namely up to two hours. After that, there didn’t seem to be much improvement, and weekend sleep beyond five extra hours seemed to lead to increased reports of depressive symptoms.

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The groups of people who appeared to generally benefit most from weekend catch-up sleep were males and individuals under 65 years old. Researchers weren’t sure why men saw a unique boost from weekend sleep, but theorized that sleep’s influence on testosterone levels may be a player. “Further research is warranted to investigate the existence of sex difference and elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms behind it,” they concluded.

The researchers also hinted that people older than 65 may be less subject to sleep disturbances, such as work stress and childcare, that can be addressed with a little weekend catch-up sleep.

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He’s always had a “look” for the screen—and at age 76, he’s the same Ted Danson we knew in his Cheers days. As enduring as his career’s been, Danson is opening up for the first time about a decades-long health struggle that had started not long before he went behind the bar as Sam Malone.

Danson is a spokesperson in the current Bristol Meyers Squibb campaign ‘SO, Have You Found It?’ to raise awareness about treatment options for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a condition he says he’s been managing for 50 years. Plaque psoriasis is an immune system condition that commonly causes flaking, scaling and itchiness around areas like the scalp, knees and elbows for around 3% of Americans.

Dermatologist Jennifer Soung, MD joined Danson in a conversation with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest about how far psoriasis treatments have come in recent decades, along with Danson’s holistic lifestyle in partnership with Mary Steenburgen, his wife of almost 30 years.

The Healthy by Reader’s Digest:  Ted, we’ve generally known you to be the cool, collected character. It’s great to see you sharing about a condition that can cause self-consciousness. Do you remember your first flare-up, and which triggers have you identified?

Ted Danson: I was 25 when I went to the doctor and asked what was going on: “What is this patch of skin that didn’t look good?” It was kind of flaky, and he described what was going on, and it was very scary, because there wasn’t an easy fix. The potential for it getting worse and spreading all over my body was a huge, demoralizing effect on my emotional life. I was always feeling a bit like a phony and all of that.

And that lasted and got worse. I tried different treatments that were more topical. Then about 15 years ago, I met a dermatologist, and the advancements in medicine and how they can treat psoriasis were huge. It was a game-changer. They started treating it systemically. I’ll let Dr. Soung fill in—I’m talking as a layman on what I barely know. But it changed my life.

And then, I don’t think you ever get rid of plaque psoriasis, but I don’t see it anymore. [The treatment] has muted it so much that I live plaque-free. … You don’t have to be victimized.

The Healthy: Dr. Soung, “life-changing” is a powerful descriptor. Can you talk about some of the treatment options that are available? 

Dr. Soung: I always tell patients first to find the right doctor so they can talk about and figure out the right treatment options for you. There are so many treatment options, making it so much fun as a dermatologist treating patients with psoriasis now.

Ted referred to the fact that in the last 20 years, we’ve really had a revolution in the number of treatments for psoriasis and have a better understanding of the inflammatory pathways for psoriasis. So there are creams and ointments. There are also pills that patients can take as well as injections. And here today, we’re specifically encouraging patients to talk openly about psoriasis with their healthcare providers and explore treatment options including systemic oral options like SOTYKTU to see if it’s the right fit for that patient. 

The Healthy: Ted, you touched on this, but when it comes to something like psoriasis there’s also a mental health aspect to consider if someone is experiencing self-consciousness around their flare-up. Have you experienced any of that? 

Ted Danson: I certainly did. You do end up feeling less-than. You feel embarrassed. You feel like you have something you need to hide. You feel like you’re not 100% worthy. You get diminished. And that relief you can get now, because there are treatment plans, it’s life-changing. It really is. Even though most of the time, it’s not this deadly disease. It can lead to real problems, but it’s, “Oh, you have patchy, bad-looking skin, lighten up.” But the truth is, it has such an emotional impact on you.

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The Healthy: We’ve read that you’ve dabbled with a plant-based diet in the past. 

Ted Danson: Let’s emphasize and underline the word “dabble.” I’m an actor in Hollywood; I change my mind every five minutes. But I do know that my body responds—well, let me be real here: There are times when I’ve been vegetarian. There are times that I’ve been vegan. I sometimes think my body does need some animal protein. I don’t really eat—this is just me, I’m not saying this is how you get rid of your psoriasis or anything like that—but trying to eat a less inflammatory diet is important for your overall health, and it probably is a great thing to to do along with the treatment plan. I limit the amount of alcohol to almost none. I try to keep sugar out of my body. I try to eat gluten-free or no carbs at all, but that’s hard, so I just do gluten-free. Those things I know I can feel the impact on my body.

I also try to take care of my gut health. I think we’re discovering more and more that a lot of medicines that we take into our body or foods have a huge impact on our gut lining and I try to take care of that. I’d say trying to find a very low-inflammatory diet is a great way to go, and plant-based is probably the best way to do that. Do I do that all the time? No. 

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Dr. Soung: I’m going to chime in a little bit from a doctor’s perspective. What you’re hearing from Ted, like many patients, is that diet is very much a personal choice. I love the fact that he’s making lifestyle choices to improve or lessen the severity of his psoriasis and improve his overall health. And that’s what I remind patients, is that I want you to be healthy as a whole. 

The Healthy: Ted, beyond diet, can you talk a bit about how you stay active and at the top of your game at 76? 

Ted Danson. Prayer. Definitely prayer. Cardio, go on long walks if you don’t run so well anymore, weight lifting, weight bearing, all these things are proven to really be healthy for you, for your mental capacity as well. I mean, who would have thought that lifting some degree of weights is good for your brain? But it is treating yourself holistically. I’ve been trained to meditate and all of that. I do try to find quiet. I do try to be joyful. 

And you know what, fear: Fear is a horrible place to live. And sometimes having a condition like psoriasis makes you fearful. Now we’re getting way off-base here, but you’re either in a loving place or a fearful place. And so I think if you’re in a fearful place, you make decisions that aren’t necessarily good for you or your health. The idea is to empower yourself, take charge. It’s very powerful, and we are talking about psoriasis, but that’s an entry into your overall well-being. It’s so worthwhile a conversation. 

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The Healthy: We agree with all that! Is there a self-care routine you refuse to skip?

Ted Danson: Yes, I have to do a Wordle with my wife in bed before I get out. [laughs] Sorry. I’m laughing, but my relationship with my wife is a blessing, and we make sure we’re both in a place of joy as much as possible. We definitely deal with real life stuff. But I think having love zooming around is a great way to take care of your health. We both enjoy each other and want to be around for a long time, so we’re encouraging each other to go take long walks, fast walks, to eat correctly, to take care of yourself. Life’s a miracle, so do everything you can to enjoy it. 

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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Wegovy, which is one of the recently mainstreamed type-2 diabetes medications that’s made headlines for its weight loss side effect, will now be covered by insurance plans in some cases.

Today the Wall Street Journal reported that CVS Health, Elevance Health, and Kaiser Permanente have announced their plans to cover Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide drug Wegovy under Medicare Part D prescription plans. The medication will be covered only for patients with heart conditions who are also overweight or obese—not solely for weight loss.

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Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient as the diabetes medication Ozempic, was previously approved to be prescribed for weight loss by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, Medicare was not permitted to approve coverage of a drug for weight loss under prior regulations. The drugs in this category tend to be prohibitively costly for most consumers, with price tags of more than $1,000 or more out-of-pocket for a month’s supply. Ozempic is approved for insurance coverage only for treating diabetes, though some doctors prescribe these drugs off-label for weight loss. (Several experts have urged caution against use of counterfeit semaglutide products promoted to yield this weight-loss effect, as some of these have reportedly caused hospitalization among some consumers.)

On March 8, 2024, the FDA had approved Wegovy for use by people with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, opening the door to the Medicare approval process. A study cited by the FDA notice showed that treatment with Wegovy “significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.”

Of the ruling, John Sharretts, MD, the director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said: “Wegovy is now the first weight loss medication also to be approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.” Dr. Sharretts added: “Providing a treatment option proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health.”

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On March 22, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that because of the FDA approval, it would move to cover the drug as part of the Medicare Part D plan. “CMS has issued guidance to Medicare Part D plans stating that anti-obesity medications that receive FDA approval for an additional medically accepted indication can be considered a Part D drug for that specific use,” said the message. This led to CVS Health, Elevance Health, and Kaiser Permanente announcing their plans for medication coverage.

Meanwhile, eyes are on other major insurance providers to examine their current stances. At press time, Humana stated that it is reviewing the coverage of Wegovy, while UnitedHealth has not yet commented on any pending coverage changes.

Actuarial specialists say that along with these approvals could come increased premiums for some Medicare add-ons, like Medicare Part D.

Also, pre-requisites for coverage of expensive medication could include trying different weight loss methods before coverage for the medication would be approved. 

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have steadily climbed the ranks to become a favored choice of birth control among American women, with their popularity ranking them just after the decades-trusted tubal ligation and oral contraceptives methods.

With a typical one-year failure rate of less than 1%, as reported by Yale Medicine, IUDs are considered one of the most effective forms of reversible contraception. These small, flexible, T-shaped devices, inserted into the uterus through the vagina, provide long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) for three to 10 years, depending on which IUD model choice the patient pursues.

Individuals choose IUDs for reasons beyond just reliable birth control. Some may be healing after a recent pregnancy, while others need some time to decide if they want to start a family. Regardless of personal motivation, the decision to use an IUD is typically rooted in the belief of its effectiveness. However, despite the impressive statistics showcasing IUD’s high success rate, the possibility of pregnancy, albeit slim, remains real. As Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, MD, reminds us in the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s MedBlog: “[…N]o form of birth control is 100 percent effective.”

For those with an IUD who suspect pregnancy, Dr. Horsager-Boehrer recommends starting with a home pregnancy test. If the result is negative but questions or symptoms linger, seeking professional medical advice is crucial.

In the case of a positive pregnancy test, an immediate consultation with an OBGYN is essential for further evaluation through an ultrasound and examination. Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, in particular, warrant urgent attention as they may indicate an ectopic pregnancy—a potentially life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus, requiring prompt emergency care.

Following the confirmation of a pregnancy, medical professionals will check for the presence of the IUD strings as a preliminary step toward possibly removing the device. Dr. Horsager-Boehrer points out that research indicates leaving an IUD in place during pregnancy may elevate the risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and infections of the amniotic sac, unlike scenarios where the IUD is removed. Although removing the IUD can improve outcomes, pregnancies with a history of IUD use may still face a heightened risk of complications in comparison to those without.

Megan S., a 44-year-old mother of three, faced these decisions when she received a positive pregnancy test while using an IUD. Ahead, she shares the importance of the compassionate support she received from her OBGYN when she found out she was pregnant despite having an IUD.

Here’s how I knew I was pregnant with an IUD

By Megan S., as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

Six years ago, I found myself staring at a positive pregnancy test, my mind reeling with disbelief. As a 38-year-old mother of two, I had chosen to get an IUD after my second child, believing it to be a reliable form of birth control. I needed a break, a chance to catch my breath before considering adding to our family, especially after suffering a miscarriage between my first and second children. Little did I know that life had other plans.

When I first suspected I might be pregnant, I tried to brush it off. After all, with an IUD, the odds of conception were supposed to be incredibly low. However, as the days went by and the nagging feeling persisted, I decided to take a home pregnancy test just to put my mind at ease. Imagine my shock when the test came back positive! I took three more tests, all with the same result.

Panic set in. To the best of my knowledge, my IUD was still in place. How could this have happened? Will the IUD harm the pregnancy? Will any of this harm me?

I immediately called my OBGYN, my voice shaking as I explained the situation to her staff. They scheduled me for an appointment the very next day.

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My IUD removal

At the clinic, an ultrasound confirmed that I was indeed pregnant at five weeks gestation. Thankfully, it was an intrauterine pregnancy, meaning the fertilized egg had implanted in my uterus.

This was a relief, as I had been worried about the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. My OBGYN found that the IUD had shifted down my cervix, which could have been the reason for my pregnancy. She guided me through the process and let me know that the IUD would need to be removed immediately. I was worried that it would harm the baby, but she let me know that the chances of that were very slim given the IUD’s position relative to where the fertilized egg had implanted. This brought some relief, though I couldn’t help but muse over the irony of rare possibilities becoming my reality. Fortunately, she was able to locate and gently remove the device.

I remember holding my breath, silently praying that everything would be alright.

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Continuing the pregnancy after I had my IUD removed

The following months were a rollercoaster of emotions. I was grateful for the pregnancy but couldn’t shake the fear of potential complications. Each prenatal visit was met with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Would the baby be healthy? Was I doing everything I could to ensure a safe pregnancy? Even with reassurance from my OBGYN, the worries kept looping in the back of my mind.

As the pregnancy continued, I slowly began to embrace the unexpected journey. My husband and children were equally surprised but thrilled at the prospect of a new family member. We started preparing for the baby’s arrival, marveling at the unexpected twist in our lives.

When I finally held our daughter in my arms, all the fears and uncertainties melted away. She was perfect, a testament to the resilience of life. Looking back, I realize that while the experience was far from what I had planned, it taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and trust.

Some words of encouragement…

To other women who may find themselves in a similar situation, I offer this advice: Take a deep breath—you will get through this. Seek medical guidance immediately, and trust in the expertise of your healthcare providers. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and while complications can occur, we can have healthy pregnancies and babies, even with an IUD.

Today, my daughter is a thriving six-year-old, a delightful addition to our family. Her birth story may be unconventional, but it’s a reminder that life often has its own plans. I know that many women do not have the outcome I have, and I, too, have frantically searched the internet for some encouragement. My sincere wish is that my story will help provide comfort during a confusing and unexpected time when you’re just trying to do what’s best for you both.

For more health and wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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