Health & Wellness
$50 Billion in Opioid Settlement Money Is on the Skill. We’re Monitoring How It’s Spent.
Higher than $50 billion in settlement funds is being dropped at hundreds of order and native governments from corporations accused of flooding their communities with opioid painkillers that comprise left hundreds of hundreds addicted or dumb.
That’s a huge amount of money — double NASA’s funds and five instances the revenue of an NBA season.
But how that huge windfall is being deployed and the procedure future dollars would maybe be spent appear to be shrouded in mystery. Reporting necessities are scant, and paperwork filed to this level are in most cases so imprecise as to be ineffective.
Different the settlements stipulate that states must articulate a minimal of 85% of the cash they’ll receive over the following 15 years on habit therapy and prevention. But defining these ideas relies on stakeholders’ views — and order politics. To a pair, it would maybe mean opening more therapy sites. To others, buying for police cruisers.
Those plagued by the opioid epidemic and these working to fight it comprise an array of tips: To Marianne Sinisi, who misplaced her 26-one year-aged son, Shawn, to overdose in western Pennsylvania, the settlement funds are “blood cash” that she hopes can spare diverse fogeys a linked effort. To Steve Alsum, who works with folk who articulate remedy in Expansive Rapids, Michigan, it’s an different to sooner or later attain all these in need. And to David Garbark, who is in restoration from opioid habit, it’s a vogue to provide others in his japanese North Carolina community a 2d probability, too.
Spending the cash effectively and equitably is a big describe, given the persistence and complexity of habit, which impacts folk and communities, and is the subject of heated debates in scientific compare, social companies and products, politics, prison justice, and even at kitchen tables.
What’s more, many states are now not being clear about the establish the funds are going and who will profit. An investigation by KHN and Christine Minhee, founding father of OpioidSettlementTracker.com, concluded most effective 12 states comprise committed to detailed public reporting of all their spending.
The analysis enthusiastic scouring a whole bunch of precise paperwork, laws, and public statements to resolve how every order is divvying up its settlement cash among order agencies, metropolis and county governments, and councils that oversee devoted trusts. The next circulation used to be to resolve the level and detail of public reporting required. The finding: Few states promise to narrative in suggestions which would maybe be accessible to the real looking particular person, and heaps of are quiet on the scenario of transparency altogether.
Higher than $3 billion has long past out to order and native governments to this level. KHN would maybe be following how that cash — and the billions situation to advance in coming years — is frail.
Per just a few the settlements, governments are required to narrative most effective on the 15% of the cash that would maybe be frail for issues unrelated to the epidemic, like offsetting funds shortfalls or fixing aged roads. As of March 28, most effective three states and counties had filed such experiences. Although they listed dollar quantities, none acknowledged precisely how the cash used to be spent.
Affirm and native governments can attain more rigorous reporting protocols — as an instance, requiring a publicly on hand list of every situation that receives cash and for what aim — however few need to this level.
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Left in the Darkish
Higher than 250,000 Americans comprise died of overdoses from prescription opioids, which were aggressively promoted as painkillers and distributed by a bunch of properly being care corporations, alongside with Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, McKesson, and Walmart. The settlements are supposed to compensate and remediate the results of that corporate habits.
But many folk whose lives comprise been upended are again feeling traumatized.
Sinisi acknowledged she and diverse fogeys who’ve misplaced children to habit comprise been left at dumb night or, worse, treated like nuisances by officials responsible of the cash.
“They’re keen to scrutinize at you as this infected guardian who misplaced a baby,” she acknowledged, “as hostile to a enthusiastic citizen who needs to scrutinize a dissimilarity made for diverse mothers, fathers, and their teenagers.”
In Michigan, even the order’s Opioid Advisory Commission, which is tasked with evaluating the articulate of settlement cash, has struggled to trace the cash.
For six months after the order legislature distributed $39 million of settlement funds to the properly being department closing summer, shrimp data used to be made public about how that cash would be spent. No info releases. No manner for organizations to apply for funds.
“We are in a position to’t if truth be told establish the impression of these dollars if we don’t perceive how they’re being frail,” acknowledged Dr. Cara Poland, the commission’s chair and an habit-remedy doctor.
With scant oversight nationwide, many folk apprehension dollars would maybe drift to efforts that compare has proven mostly ineffective however jibe with the native political crooked, like tantalizing folk who articulate remedy, rising jails, and favoring abstinence-most effective restoration over medicines. They’d match to the loudest bidder, with corporations promising to search out the following groundbreaking therapy and rehab facilities — some with shoddy track recordsdata — eyeing the cash.
To now not demonstrate concerns that cash will drift to actions that comprise shrimp to nothing to procure with opioid therapy: constructing fresh stadiums or public colleges. Reduction in the ’90s, these day-to-day funds priorities consumed most of what states acquired from cigarette corporations in the national tobacco settlement, leaving shrimp for anti-smoking programs.
The opioid settlement funds would maybe be diverse, pronounce order attorneys general who fought for them. As well to requiring a minimal of 85% of the cash be frail on opioid-linked costs, most agreements include a list of suggested interventions like rising habit therapy for the uninsured and rising restoration housing.
“We wanted to provide states flexibility on what approaches they wanted to undertake,” while ensuring cash didn’t trail to “present corporate tax reduction” as the tobacco dollars did, acknowledged North Carolina Attorney Basic Josh Stein, who led negotiations for the national settlements.
But enforcement of the 85% abnormal is, oddly, left to the corporations that paid out the cash. They’re unlikely to be vigilant, precise experts pronounce. The cash is committed already and, for heaps of of these multibillion-dollar corporations, the settlements are chump alternate. As an instance, Johnson & Johnson is determined to pay $5 billion over 9 years, however the corporate reported gross sales of virtually $95 billion previously one year by myself.
An Rising Image
Because the checks open to trickle in, a handful of states are committed to transparency while others appear to be falling quick. Missouri has promised to narrative all its spending in online experiences so that somebody can stare who receives cash, how critical, and for what programs. Fresh Hampshire already has posted experiences online, and Colorado has created a public dashboard to trace how funds are frail.
Other states, like Nevada, comprise taken a heart-of-the-motorway procedure, requiring that recipients narrative to the legislature or one more oversight physique, however now not ensuring the experiences will trail public. Some states require audits however don’t promise to list particular costs. And others enable the general public to query recordsdata however acquired’t present them automatically.
Then there are states hit laborious by the opioid epidemic like Michigan and Ohio, the establish complications with transparency are already rising. Each and every order is staring at for to receive a minimal of $1 billion.
When Poland, of Michigan’s Opioid Advisory Commission, realized she used to be getting shrimp data on how the order’s funds were being spent, her commission determined to make articulate of its first annual narrative — printed this month — to query of greater. “Timely and clear reporting” to the general public is “an ethical responsibility,” it acknowledged, calling on lawmakers to attain increased oversight for settlement cash recipients and procure a public dashboard to trace spending.
KHN interviewed virtually a dozen folk and filed a public recordsdata question to uncover how the order properly being department is spending the preliminary settlement funds allocation of $39 million.
A funds doc acquired by KHN presentations that as of Jan. 9, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Companies and products had shriveled $3.9 million in settlement funds to 35 grantees. Most are native properly being departments or syringe provider programs that the order properly being department has previously funded.
An additional $27 million is determined aside for explicit interventions, reminiscent of rising the habit therapy workforce, rising restoration housing, and mitigating the harms of opioid articulate with medicines like naloxone.
And, after KHN’s inquiries, the department released a press liberate that listed a linked priorities.
Those initiatives form sense to Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Michigan-primarily based mostly mostly Opioid Protection Institute, which researches stigma and digital privateness in habit therapy. But he would comprise cherished to comprise identified about them in procedure and to comprise had a clear task laid out for teams to apply for the funds. In another case, organizations which would maybe be properly positioned to make articulate of the cash to support these most in need would maybe leave out a once-in-a-lifetime probability to scale up their work and establish lives.
Final summer, when Stoltman inquired about applying for the funds, the properly being department suggested him to post a “high level proposal” to “part round,” per emails reviewed by KHN.
“Anything that’s backdoor scares me,” acknowledged Stoltman. “I acquired fortunate that I discovered who to witness advice from, although it didn’t trail wherever.”
Steve Alsum, govt director of the Expansive Rapids Purple Challenge, which used to be awarded about $266,000 to toughen the properly being of folk who articulate remedy, acknowledged he expected the order to comprise an application task with scoring requirements to expose why trudge teams were chosen. But, he acknowledged, “it hasn’t been trudge who is making the resolution and the procedure it’s made.”
Jared Welehodsky, who leads the department’s efforts linked to the settlement, acknowledged it’s in the technique of releasing several aggressive grant applications for the bulk of the cash. That didn’t happen sooner because most payments didn’t advance until the discontinue of 2022 and “we didn’t are keen to touch upon how the cash used to be going out once we didn’t comprise cash to exit,” he acknowledged.
Focus on of Keeping the Public Out
In Newark, Ohio, Linda Mossholder, 75, has been inquiring about the settlement dollars at Metropolis Council conferences since closing summer. As a volunteer with Newark Homeless Outreach, which serves weekly free lunches, she encounters many those who articulate remedy and needs to scrutinize the cash help them.
The proud owner of a T-shirt that reads, “Your first mistake is pondering I’m appropriate an aged lady,” Mossholder has followed up with emails, voicemails, and public recordsdata requests. But she hasn’t gotten a clear resolution about how the metropolis plans to make articulate of the virtually $50,000 it’s already obtained.
In January, Mossholder acknowledged, the metropolis’s director of public provider sooner or later suggested her the conception used to be to allocate settlement cash to first responders for naloxone. But when KHN filed public recordsdata requests to substantiate, Metropolis Auditor Ryan Bubb wrote, “No funds comprise been distributed or spent.”
Within the intervening time, in northeastern Ohio, a regional board that can management hundreds of hundreds of settlement dollars spent a February meeting discussing whether the general public has to be allowed to entry meeting recordings the least bit.
“I wouldn’t birth it up to the general public, honestly,” acknowledged Judy Moran, a board member who represents Eastlake, per a recording of the meeting acquired by KHN. Other board people asked if their gatherings were arena to the order’s birth-meeting laws.
Moran later suggested KHN, “Obviously the general public has a honest to perceive how these funds are disbursed,” however she acknowledged she haunted recordings would enable folk to rob words “out of context.”
In Ohio a minimal of, that would maybe now not be a different for for loads longer.
A lawsuit brought by Hassle Reduction Ohio to birth out the conferences of a separate board — the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, which oversees the lion’s part of the order’s expected $1 billion — is working its manner thru the courts. A native focus on this month rejected the foundation’s question to put out of your mind the lawsuit, writing that “the general public deserves transparency.”
But OneOhio spokesperson Connie Luck acknowledged the foundation is a “non-public, nonprofit organization, and never a government company.” It has to this level allowed public attendance at conferences, however has acknowledged it’s now not required to procure so.
The closing ruling on this lawsuit, which is the principle of its form on opioid settlement funds, will situation a precedent for the general public’s honest to data nationally.
In some parts of the country, the probability of greenbacks to treat a long-underfunded epidemic brings hope, acknowledged Tricia Christensen, who works at a nonprofit monitoring settlement funds across Appalachia. When folk know what’s taking place, it now not most effective deters misuse however can show handsome successes, she acknowledged.
That data is empowering.
“These funds are the cavalry coming in. You’re sooner or later getting reduction after suffering by myself for see you later,” acknowledged Crystal Glass, of southwestern Virginia, who is in restoration from opioid and meth articulate and now works as a scrutinize restoration specialist.
She hopes officials will involve folk plagued by habit in their choices.
As she attach it: Transparency “is letting all americans — I mean all americans — know they’ll be segment of this.”
KHN’s Colleen DeGuzman and Megan Kalata contributed to this narrative.
While the overall outlook on cancer has taken a hopeful turn in the U.S., a deeper look into the data reveals a more complex narrative—especially for women. The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer paints a picture of progress, but with shadows of concern.
Over the past two decades, cancer-related deaths have been on a steady decline. From 2018 to 2022, death rates dropped each year—1.7% in men, 1.3% in women, and 1.5% in children. This progress reflects decades of medical innovation, early screening, and public health campaigns encouraging healthier lifestyles.
But the story doesn’t end there.
The Silent Surge Among Women
In contrast to the decline in death rates, the report notes a consistent rise in cancer diagnoses among women between 2003 and 2021. Unlike in men, whose cancer diagnoses dropped from 2001 to 2013 and then stabilized, women are experiencing a quiet but steady uptick.
Even more alarming is who is most affected: women from racial minority and ethnic groups. American Indian and Alaska Native women, in particular, show the highest rates of new diagnoses. These disparities underscore deeper systemic issues—limited healthcare access, lower socioeconomic status, and health education gaps.
Obesity-Linked Cancers on the Rise
The increasing diagnoses also appear tied to lifestyle-related cancers. Obesity-linked cancers such as breast, uterus, colorectal, pancreas, kidney, and liver cancers are on the rise, particularly in women. This trend raises red flags about the modern lifestyle—sedentary routines, poor diet, and processed foods—as contributing risk factors.
“We’re learning that all these factors are important, even as a child,” said Dr. Anton Bilchik, surgical oncologist and director at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute. “Cancers like colorectal are rising in young people, and it’s now a leading cause of cancer-related deaths under 50.”
The Pandemic’s Shadow
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced an unexpected variable into cancer data. Missed screenings and delayed treatments during the height of the crisis created blind spots in detection and care. Experts believe these gaps could result in an uptick in late-stage diagnoses in the years ahead.
“The magnitude of the 2020 decline was similar across states, despite variations in COVID-19 policy restrictions,” the National Cancer Institute noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthcare access even during global emergencies.
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A Closer Look at the Decline in Deaths
Despite these concerning trends, there is room for optimism. A significant contributor to the drop in cancer deaths has been a reduction in smoking-related cancers—particularly among men. Public awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs have had a measurable impact.
Dr. Jack Jacoub, a board-certified medical oncologist in Orange County, California, emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes.
“Healthier lifestyles, including smoking cessation, weight control, and limiting alcohol intake, not only improve overall health but also enhance the body’s ability to tolerate treatment and potentially benefit from it,” he explained.
Bridging the Gap: Equity in Cancer Care
But lifestyle change alone won’t bridge the disparities seen among minority women. Both Jacoub and Bilchik point to broader systemic issues—ranging from healthcare access to genetic predisposition.
“Education and improving access for all patients is key,” Jacoub said. “We need to ensure everyone has equal access to screenings, care, and information.”
Bilchik echoed these sentiments. “The disparities in female cancer rates are alarming. Socioeconomic differences, limited healthcare access, and lack of screening contribute to higher rates in underserved populations.”
Empowering Women Through Prevention
While some risk factors are beyond individual control, many steps can still be taken to reduce cancer risk—especially for women.
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Get screened regularly: Early detection saves lives.
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Eat a plant-rich, antioxidant-loaded diet.
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Maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI).
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Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
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Exercise regularly.
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Stay up to date with vaccinations.
Bilchik also highlighted the importance of gut health, citing recent research on the microbiome’s role in immunity and inflammation.
“Our microbiome—trillions of bacteria and viruses—impacts our immune system. A poor diet or excess alcohol can disrupt this balance, potentially increasing cancer risk,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The decline in cancer-related deaths is a testament to decades of work in medical science and public health. But the rising diagnoses among women—particularly in underserved communities—remind us that progress is uneven.
Addressing these imbalances requires more than treatment. It demands equitable access, widespread education, and systemic change. The fight against cancer is far from over—but with awareness, prevention, and early action, the future can hold hope for everyone.
Health & Wellness
Bite-Sized Workouts, Big-Time Benefits: Why ‘Exercise Snacks’ Are the Health Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed
It turns out the secret to better health, fitness, and even longevity might not lie in hour-long gym sessions but in small, snack-sized bursts of movement scattered throughout your day.
Welcome to the world of “exercise snacks.” These are brief, powerful bursts of physical activity typically lasting from just 30 seconds to 10 minutes that pack a punch. Whether it’s climbing stairs, walking briskly, doing a quick set of squats, or dancing around your living room, the science behind these micro workouts is stacking up, and the results are impressive.
The phrase exercise snacks was first coined back in 2007 by Dr. Howard Hartley, a cardiologist and then a professor at Harvard Medical School. But it’s only recently that the practice has gone viral, with multiple studies now proving just how effective short bursts of activity can be.
Why ‘Exercise Snacks’ Work Wonders
A 2022 study published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews demonstrated that doing short spurts of activity as little as 15 to 30 seconds just three times a day led to improvements in cardiovascular fitness and exercise performance in previously sedentary adults. The workouts? Simple activities like stair climbing or short cycling intervals.
In a separate 2023 study featured in JAMA Oncology, researchers tracked over 22,000 adults who previously didn’t engage in formal workouts. After they began doing short, vigorous physical activities — averaging just 3.5 to 4.5 minutes per day their cancer risk dropped significantly. Those who maintained the habit saw up to a one-third reduction in cancer incidence. These bursts were so short that they typically lasted under two minutes each.
Even your brain benefits. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, adding just a bit of moderate to vigorous exercise to your daily routine can lower your risk of developing dementia. Those who were previously inactive saw the biggest improvements.
Michael Betts, a London-based personal trainer and director at TrainFitness, puts it simply: “Doing anything is better than doing nothing. As long as you’re moving and putting just a bit of stress on your body, it will adapt and improve.”
How to Make Exercise Snacks Part of Your Life
The beauty of this trend is how accessible it is. You don’t need fancy gear or a gym membership just your body and a willingness to move.
Dr. Supatra Tovar, a clinical psychologist and holistic health expert, encourages her clients to start small and build consistency. “Tiny changes lead to big results,” she says. Her go-to trick? Tie a quick movement to something you already do every day — like brushing your teeth. Finish your routine with a few jumping jacks or lunges, and you’ve added movement without overhauling your schedule.
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Snack Your Way to Strength
Walking is one of the easiest exercise snacks you can start with. It can be a stroll around your block or even a few laps inside your home. Once comfortable, you can upgrade to intervals — increasing your speed for 20 seconds and slowing down for 10, repeating a few times to gently push your limits.
Not into walking? Try wall push-ups for upper-body strength or squats to build your leg muscles. If you want to conquer stairs with ease, practice climbing them faster than usual.
“There’s always an exercise snack that can improve your strength or endurance,” Betts says. As you get stronger, you can level up. Push-ups on a wall can become floor push-ups. Chair squats can evolve into free-standing air squats. A walk can grow into a jog.
NEAT: The Secret Sauce of Everyday Movement
Dr. Tovar is also a big believer in NEAT Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. This is the energy you burn doing non-exercise activities: cleaning the house, gardening, carrying groceries, playing with your kids, or even just fidgeting. NEAT can burn up to 2,000 calories per day if you’re constantly moving without setting foot in a gym.
She references people in blue zones regions like Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, where people frequently live to 100. What do they have in common? They move naturally all day long. They walk everywhere, tend gardens, and perform daily chores by hand — all forms of NEAT movement that keep them healthy and active well into old age.
The Bottom Line: Motion Is Magic
The body thrives on movement. As Betts notes, “Your body is kind of lazy if you don’t use it, it deteriorates.” But give it a little nudge here and there with these bite-sized workouts, and your body will respond by getting stronger, fitter, and healthier.
So if you’ve been putting off fitness because you think it takes too much time, consider this your permission to snack. On exercise, that is. In the time it takes to scroll social media or reheat your coffee, you could be stacking health benefits that last a lifetime.
Once thought of as a disease predominantly affecting older adults, colorectal cancer is now steadily creeping into younger age groups — and it’s raising red flags across the medical community. In recent years, more young adults under 50 are being diagnosed with this potentially deadly cancer, often at later stages. While overall colorectal cancer rates have declined due to better screening and awareness, a concerning trend has emerged: early-onset colorectal cancer is rising, and it’s not slowing down.
Doctors and researchers are urging younger individuals to take gastrointestinal symptoms seriously and advocate for screenings. Because when it comes to colorectal cancer, early detection isn’t just a best practice — it’s a life-saver.
Why Is This Happening?
While scientists haven’t pinpointed a single cause behind the increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, several lifestyle-related factors are under scrutiny. Diets high in red and processed meats, low fibre intake, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are all linked to increased colorectal cancer risk. Environmental exposures and even gut microbiome imbalances may also play a role.
Genetics contribute in some cases, but many young patients have no family history of the disease, leaving experts puzzled and concerned. What’s clear is that colorectal cancer is no longer just an “older person’s disease,” and that mindset needs to change fast.
Real Stories Underscore the Urgency
Behind the statistics are real people whose lives were upended by unexpected diagnoses. Sydney Stoner, a 27-year-old from Arkansas, had to lie about seeing blood in her stool to convince her doctors to order a colonoscopy. That decision may have saved her life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. After four years of treatment, her cancer is now considered stable.
In another case, Angelica McFall, a 48-year-old Nebraska woman with no symptoms or family history, was shocked to learn she had stage 3 colon cancer after her first routine colonoscopy. Thanks to timely intervention, she is now cancer-free and passionately encourages others to get screened.
William Lindley, 38, initially brushed off his symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It wasn’t until a colonoscopy revealed stage 4 colon cancer that he realised the danger of ignoring persistent stomach issues. He’s now urging others to pay closer attention to what their bodies are telling them.
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Six Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Colorectal cancer can be sneaky, often developing without noticeable symptoms until it’s already in advanced stages. However, six warning signs can serve as potential red flags:
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Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days)
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Blood in the stool (bright red or dark tarry stools)
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Abdominal pain or cramping
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Unexplained weight loss
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Persistent fatigue or weakness
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A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, consult a doctor immediately.
Screenings Save Lives
Colonoscopies remain the most effective method for detecting colorectal cancer. The procedure allows doctors not only to identify cancerous growths but to remove precancerous polyps before they become dangerous. Despite being invasive, colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for a reason — they can prevent cancer from developing.
Other screening options include stool-based tests, which can be completed at home and detect blood or abnormal DNA in the stool. There are also blood-based tests and imaging scans, but these should often be followed up by a colonoscopy if results indicate something abnormal.
Dr. Cindy Kin, a surgeon at Stanford Health Care, emphasises the importance of screening: “Most polyps and cancers are not symptomatic, so don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked out.”
When to Get Screened
The American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should consider starting earlier. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine a plan tailored to your personal risk profile.
For people without symptoms or family history, screenings are typically recommended every 10 years. However, this interval may be shortened based on individual risk factors or if polyps are found during the procedure.
The Medical Community Is Taking Note
Healthcare providers are being urged to listen more carefully to younger patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms — especially as the old assumptions about age and risk no longer hold. Dr. Babak Firoozi, a gastroenterologist in California, warns, “Any concerning symptoms should be addressed, regardless of age.”
Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, echoes this call to action: “Colon cancer is now a young person’s disease. Don’t dismiss blood in the stool or unexpected weight loss as something minor.”
A Curable Cancer — If Caught Early
The key message from experts is this: colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. But survival rates drop sharply as the disease progresses, underscoring the urgency of early screening and self-advocacy.
Dr. Katherine Van Loon, an oncologist at UCSF, puts it bluntly: “This is a cancer that is entirely curable if we catch it early. Pay attention to your body and be prepared to self-advocate.”
Final Thoughts
Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease confined to older generations. Its silent march into younger demographics demands awareness, vigilance, and action. Whether it’s through regular screenings, recognising symptoms, or simply trusting your gut when something feels off — your health could depend on it.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t assume you’re too young. Get screened, speak up, and encourage those around you to do the same. Because when it comes to colorectal cancer, catching it early can mean the difference between life and death.
Health & Wellness
The Truth About Health Information: How to Spot and Stop Misinformation and Disinformation
In today’s digital world, information is always at our fingertips. With a single tap or swipe, we can access answers to questions about almost anything—including health. But just because information is easy to find doesn’t mean it’s always accurate. As the digital landscape grows, so does the problem of misinformation and disinformation, especially around health.
Health misinformation and disinformation aren’t new challenges, but in the age of viral videos, social media influencers, and clickbait headlines, the spread is faster—and more dangerous—than ever.
The Digital Dilemma
The internet and social media have revolutionised the way we share and consume content. But without proper checks and balances, the line between credible information and falsehoods often gets blurred.
A recent report from the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) sounded the alarm, pointing to the risks posed by unregulated platforms. Social media, while powerful for education and outreach, has also become a breeding ground for half-truths, misunderstandings, and outright lies. And when it comes to health, misinformation can have serious—even deadly—consequences.
But why is this happening?
According to Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, chair in cognitive psychology at the University of Bristol and project lead of PRODEMINFO at Potsdam University, there are two key culprits: misinformation and disinformation.
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Misinformation is incorrect or misleading information that’s spread unintentionally. It often arises from misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or simply passing along outdated facts.
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Disinformation, on the other hand, is far more deliberate. It’s the purposeful spread of false information with an agenda—whether political, financial, or ideological. This kind of manipulation is what makes disinformation particularly insidious.
Why Do We Fall for It?
False health information isn’t always easy to spot—especially when it’s wrapped in slick visuals, confident language, or shared by someone we know and trust. Social media algorithms tend to reinforce what we already believe, creating echo chambers where the same misleading ideas get repeated over and over until they feel like truth.
Cognitive biases also play a big role. People are more likely to believe information that aligns with their existing beliefs or experiences—a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. Prof. Lewandowsky explains that once a piece of misinformation is accepted, it can be surprisingly persistent, even in the face of clear evidence to the contrary.
This is why some people continue to believe myths about vaccines, nutrition, or disease cures long after those myths have been publicly debunked.
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Learning to Navigate the Noise
So how do we protect ourselves and others from falling victim to health misinformation?
Dr. Jenny Yu, MD, FACS, Chief Health Officer at RVO Health, offers some critical advice: Start by examining your sources. “Make sure the information you’re reading is backed by credible institutions—whether it’s a well-known hospital, government agency, or peer-reviewed journal,” she says.
Here are a few simple strategies to avoid being misled:
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Pause before sharing: If something seems shocking, too good to be true, or emotionally charged, take a moment to verify it before clicking “share.”
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Check the author and source: Look for credentials. Is the content written by a medical expert or a random blog with no clear background?
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Cross-reference information: See if the same claim appears on other trustworthy sites. Misinformation tends to live in isolated pockets.
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Be wary of absolutes: Health is nuanced. Beware of statements that say something “always” works or “never” fails.
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Look for citations: Reliable health information is often supported by studies and research. If sources are missing, that’s a red flag.
Changing Minds, Gently
One of the biggest challenges isn’t just spotting bad information—it’s changing the minds of people who already believe it. According to Prof. Lewandowsky, the key lies in empathetic communication. “Facts alone don’t always change beliefs,” he says. “It’s important to understand where someone is coming from and gently guide them toward more accurate information.”
He suggests using what’s called “prebunking”—teaching people about common myths and how they spread before they encounter them. This can build psychological resilience and reduce the impact of false information.
Another useful approach is storytelling. Personal narratives—especially from people who have been harmed by following bad health advice—can be more persuasive than statistics alone.
The Path Forward
We’re living in an age of information abundance, but with that comes the responsibility to think critically and share thoughtfully. Everyone has a role to play—from tech companies designing algorithms to health professionals communicating with the public to everyday users scrolling through their feeds.
Misinformation thrives in confusion. Clarity, empathy, and education are our strongest defences.
As we move forward, it’s not just about stopping the spread of false health info—it’s about creating a culture where accuracy, understanding, and human connection are prioritized.
The next time you’re tempted to share that “miracle cure” or “urgent warning,” take a step back. Ask yourself, Is this true? Is this helpful? Could this do harm?
That small pause might be the most powerful tool we have in the fight against misinformation.
The debate around fluoride in public water supplies has resurfaced after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed a nationwide ban on fluoridation. Citing concerns about potential neurotoxic effects in children, Kennedy’s proposal comes amidst growing global scrutiny over fluoride exposure. While his stance has raised questions and reignited concerns, most health experts continue to support fluoridated water at current U.S. levels, pointing to decades of evidence demonstrating its role in promoting dental health.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been added to public water systems in the United States since the mid-1940s to reduce tooth decay, especially in communities with limited access to dental care. Currently, the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water stands at 0.7 milligrams per litre, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This level, experts say, balances the dental benefits of fluoride with the risk of side effects like dental fluorosis.
Kennedy’s call for a ban follows Utah’s recent decision to become the first U.S. state to prohibit fluoride in public water supplies. In parallel, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has committed to reviewing new scientific findings related to fluoride safety, signalling potential shifts in future policy.
Though Kennedy cannot enforce a federal ban on fluoride in water, he can influence public health guidelines through agencies like the CDC or push for the EPA to adjust the maximum allowed levels. His position is partly fuelled by recent studies suggesting that high fluoride exposure may be linked to lower IQ levels in children, particularly in non-U.S. countries with elevated fluoride levels.
A recent study published in JAMA Paediatrics found an association between high fluoride levels and diminished IQ scores in children from countries like China and India, where water fluoride levels often exceed international guidelines. However, experts caution against extrapolating those findings to the U.S. context.
Dr. Danelle Fisher, a paediatrician based in California, emphasised the importance of keeping public reaction grounded in facts. “We need to reassure people that the current fluoride levels in U.S. water are safe,” she said. “Children benefit from correctly fluoridated water, especially when combined with fluoridated toothpaste.”
Other experts agree, underscoring the distinction between systemic exposure (like drinking fluoridated water) and localised use (like brushing with fluoride toothpaste). Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, a paediatric pulmonologist, acknowledged potential health concerns tied to long-term fluoride exposure, including effects on the thyroid, bones, and other organs. However, he noted that fluoridation might still be beneficial in areas with limited access to dental services.
Despite these reassurances, the body of research on fluoride is far from conclusive. Critics like Dr. Bruce Lanphear of Simon Fraser University argue that the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of fluoridated water isn’t as robust as once believed. Lanphear co-authored an editorial accompanying the JAMA Paediatrics study and advocates for removing fluoride from drinking water, citing possible neurodevelopmental risks and insufficient modern research supporting systemic fluoridation.
He points to a 2024 Cochrane Review that found only modest benefits of water fluoridation on reducing cavities—suggesting a potential reduction of only a few percent. “The evidence about the effectiveness of water fluoridation has never been particularly rigorous,” Lanphear said. “And now we’re seeing potential harms.”
Dental fluorosis—white or brown staining on teeth caused by excessive fluoride—has become more common in U.S. children over recent decades, prompting health agencies to lower the recommended fluoride level in water from 1.2 mg/L to the current 0.7 mg/L. While fluorosis is largely cosmetic, its increasing prevalence has added to concerns about overexposure.
Yet, the potential risks must be weighed against the historical benefits. Before fluoridation became widespread, dental decay was rampant in children, often leading to serious infections and complications. “We’ve seen what happens without fluoride,” Dr. Fisher said. “Dental problems don’t just stop at the mouth. They can affect the whole body and even cause life-threatening infections.”
Dr. Randhawa echoed the need for context, advocating for a more nuanced approach. In areas with high-quality dental infrastructure and regular access to fluoride-based products, water fluoridation might be unnecessary. In underserved communities, however, fluoridated water remains a vital public health tool.
Ultimately, both sides of the fluoride debate agree on one thing: more research is needed. Experts are calling for long-term studies conducted in the U.S. that evaluate fluoride exposure levels and their potential impacts on children’s health—including cognitive development. Dr. Fisher urged for future research that’s specific to American populations and not based solely on international data.
“If we find out that the current fluoride levels are too high or too low, we can make adjustments,” she said. “But right now, the existing levels are considered safe and beneficial.”
As public health officials, researchers, and concerned citizens continue to examine fluoride’s role in water systems, it’s clear that a balanced, science-driven approach is essential. Panic or misinformation, experts warn, could undermine decades of progress in public dental health.
“Fluoride is not something to be feared when used appropriately,” Dr. Fisher concluded. “We need to stay informed, support high-quality research, and do what’s best for our children—both for their teeth and their overall well-being.”
As society increasingly embraces casual drinking — a glass of wine with dinner, cocktails at social events, weekend indulgences — emerging research is casting a long shadow over the health implications of alcohol. While most people are aware that alcohol can harm the liver or heart, fewer know that it might be damaging the brain in subtle and significant ways. A recent study published in Neurology sheds light on how alcohol use, even at moderate levels, may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
The study, conducted in Brazil, explored the brains of 1,781 deceased individuals as part of a cross-sectional autopsy research initiative. These brains were sourced from the São Paulo Autopsy Service and analyzed through the Biobank for Aging Studies, a project focused on understanding age-related neurological conditions. While the participants were all over the age of 50, the average age hovered around 75. Importantly, none of the individuals had died from trauma, and researchers relied on close family members to provide details about each person’s medical history and drinking habits.
What the researchers found was both revealing and concerning.
Alcohol and the Brain: What the Evidence Shows
The study linked moderate, heavy, and former heavy alcohol consumption to a condition known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis — a narrowing and thickening of the brain’s smallest blood vessels. This condition reduces blood flow and is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Heavy drinkers were found to have a 133% higher risk of developing this vascular abnormality compared to those who never drank. Even more striking, former heavy drinkers — people who had quit drinking up to three months before death — had lower brain mass and worse cognitive performance compared to lifelong abstainers.
These findings point to a troubling reality: the effects of alcohol on the brain can persist long after drinking stops.
The research also found a link between alcohol consumption and neurofibrillary tangles, which are twisted fibres found in brain cells that are commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the researchers did not find a direct effect of alcohol on cognitive ability. Instead, they believe the damage alcohol causes to blood vessels indirectly contributes to cognitive problems — essentially creating the conditions that allow dementia to take root.
Not Just Heavy Drinking
Perhaps the most alarming takeaway from this study is that moderate drinking — defined here as up to seven standard drinks per week — was also associated with vascular changes in the brain. For many, this may come as a surprise, especially given how often moderate drinking has been touted for potential cardiovascular benefits.
But Dr. Alberto Justo, one of the study’s lead authors, urges caution. “Our study found that even moderate alcohol consumption may lead to vascular changes in the brain, such as hyaline arteriolosclerosis,” he noted. “This highlights how alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can significantly impact brain health.”
This aligns with evolving perspectives in public health. The CDC has long warned about the dangers of excessive alcohol use, linking it to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Now, dementia may need to be added to that list — especially for older adults.
The Hidden Costs of Alcohol: How Drinking May Be..
Why This Study Matters
While there are limitations to this research — including its reliance on next-of-kin reports and the lack of long-term follow-up data — experts believe the findings are striking. Dr. Haris Kamal, a neurologist not involved in the study, points out that the damage alcohol causes isn’t always immediately apparent. “Such a progressive thickening of the arterial walls and increased deposition of neurofibrillary tangles can lead to cognitive impairment, including dementia,” he explained.
Over time, this damage manifests as memory loss, slowed thinking, difficulty planning, and other symptoms commonly associated with vascular dementia — a form of cognitive decline driven by issues in blood supply to the brain.
These insights could influence how clinicians assess risk in older adults and people with a history of alcohol use. For health professionals conducting motivational interviews or counseling patients about lifestyle choices, this study provides compelling evidence to encourage reduced alcohol consumption or abstinence — especially among those with other risk factors for dementia.
Implications for the Future
Dr. Tony Thrasher, another medical expert weighing in on the study, sees potential in how these findings could shape future public health messaging. He noted that even though some data in the study may be limited due to self-reporting or survival bias, the overall conclusions reinforce what previous research has hinted at: heavy drinkers often die younger, and those who live longer may face lasting consequences to their cognitive health.
The next steps, according to Dr. Justo and his team, should involve cohort studies that track people over time to determine how varying levels and durations of alcohol intake influence brain health. They also recommend that future research consider nutritional factors such as vitamin deficiencies, which may exacerbate alcohol-related brain damage.
A Wake-Up Call
This study is a stark reminder that alcohol’s impacts are not limited to the liver, heart, or social behavior. The brain — perhaps our most vital and vulnerable organ — is also at risk. And that risk may begin at lower levels of alcohol use than many people realize.
The findings highlight a critical opportunity for education and prevention. As Dr. Kamal put it, “Potential clinical implications of this study are the finding that heavy alcohol use or a history of heavy alcohol use can lead to accelerated subcortical disease in the brain, which would manifest as cognitive impairment.”
In a society that often glamorizes drinking culture, this research invites a necessary re-evaluation — one where brain health becomes part of the conversation. As science continues to uncover the true cost of alcohol, we’re all left with a choice: to raise a glass or to reconsider what’s inside it.
Can something as simple as a daily probiotic supplement influence how we feel emotionally? A new clinical trial is shedding light on the increasingly popular idea that our gut health may play a significant role in our mental well-being — even for people who aren’t struggling with a diagnosed mental health condition.
Published in npj Mental Health Research on April 9, this study has captured attention for its intriguing findings: probiotics may help reduce negative moods, even in generally healthy young adults. Researchers found that after just two weeks of probiotic use, participants began to experience emotional improvements — and by the end of four weeks, their negative mood was still on a positive trajectory.
This research builds on the growing interest in the gut-brain axis — the intricate communication system between our digestive tract and our brain. Scientists now believe that this system may influence everything from our mood and stress response to our behavior and cognitive function.
The Science Behind the Mood Shift
Conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, the study involved 88 healthy participants with an average age of 22. These individuals did not have depression, were not overweight, and avoided excessive alcohol or drug use — which made them ideal candidates for assessing how probiotics affect people without obvious health concerns.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a multispecies probiotic supplement or a placebo daily for 28 days. The probiotic blend contained a mix of nine strains, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus species. The daily dose was delivered in a 2-gram sachet dissolved in lukewarm water.
To measure outcomes, researchers used standard psychological questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, worry, and general emotional states. Surprisingly, these traditional tools detected only minor differences between the placebo and probiotic groups.
However, where things got interesting was in the daily mood tracking. Participants recorded their emotional state each day — and those taking probiotics began reporting fewer negative emotions around the two-week mark. Meanwhile, the placebo group experienced no significant change.
“This is the first study to monitor daily mood shifts in response to probiotics,” said Dr. Katerina Johnson, lead author and research associate at Oxford. “That approach gave us a much clearer picture of how probiotics can influence emotion over time — something that standard tests may miss.”
Why the Gut Matters for Mental Health
So how does this work? The gut is home to trillions of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This community plays a key role in digestion, immune function, and — crucially — the production of neurotransmitters. In fact, about 95% of the body’s serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood, is produced in the gut.
Improving gut health through probiotics may help balance these neurotransmitters and reduce stress-related inflammation. Although more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms, this study reinforces the idea that gut health may be a crucial — and often overlooked — factor in emotional well-being.
Dr. Johnson adds, “Rather than splitting emotional states into neat categories like anxiety or depression, our approach of asking participants how positive or negative they felt gave us a more nuanced understanding of their emotional shifts.”
Interestingly, the probiotics did not seem to enhance positive mood — only reduce negative mood. That suggests these supplements may have a calming effect, rather than boosting overall euphoria or energy.
Who Benefits Most?
The researchers also observed that certain personality traits may make people more responsive to probiotic treatment. Participants who demonstrated higher levels of risk aversion at the start of the study experienced the most pronounced improvements in mood.
This discovery hints at a future where personalized probiotic therapies could be developed based on individual psychological profiles, though much more investigation is needed before that becomes a reality.
Can-Probiotics-Boost-Your-Mood-New-Study-Illuminate
A Helpful Addition — Not a Replacement
Mental health professionals are cautiously optimistic about these findings, while emphasizing that probiotics are not a replacement for therapy or medication, especially for those dealing with clinical depression or anxiety.
“This study shows promise for supporting mental health through the gut,” said Dr. Lisa Durette, chair of psychiatry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “But it’s not a substitute for professional treatment when needed.”
Durette notes that many patients don’t respond well to antidepressants or find that these medications dull their emotional range. In contrast, she finds it intriguing that the probiotic users didn’t report this kind of emotional blunting — they simply felt less weighed down by negative feelings.
Likewise, Dr. Christoph Thaiss, a Stanford University researcher not involved in the study, echoed this sentiment. “Probiotics might offer a supportive role in the broader picture of mental health, but they aren’t subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as pharmaceutical drugs,” he said.
That’s why both Durette and Thaiss advocate for a holistic approach to mental wellness — one that combines medical treatment, therapy, diet, lifestyle habits, and, when appropriate, supplementation with probiotics or prebiotics.
Food for Thought: Should You Try Probiotics?
While this study doesn’t suggest that probiotics will work for everyone, it adds to a growing body of evidence that these beneficial bacteria may play a meaningful role in mood regulation — especially in generally healthy people seeking natural mood support.
If you’re considering adding probiotics to your wellness routine, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider first. Look for reputable brands that contain well-researched strains, and be patient — as this study shows, results may take a couple of weeks to emerge.
In the meantime, focusing on a gut-friendly lifestyle — including a balanced diet rich in fiber and fermented foods, regular physical activity, stress management, and sufficient sleep — can also contribute to better gut and brain health.
As science continues to explore the intricate ties between the gut and the mind, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: how we nourish our body may also help shape how we feel. And in a world that often feels emotionally overwhelming, that’s a message worth digesting.
Health & Wellness
The Silent Crisis: How Drug-Resistant Infections Are Stealing Millions of Young Lives
A new global study has uncovered a harrowing truth: more than three million children died in 2022 due to infections that could no longer be treated with antibiotics. The majority of these deaths occurred in low-income regions, especially across Africa and Southeast Asia, where limited access to healthcare, clean water, and appropriate medications has made the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) even more severe.
The research, led by Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Professor Herb Harwell from the Clinton Health Access Initiative, draws on comprehensive data from organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank. It reveals not just statistics but a growing global emergency — one where the very tools we’ve relied on to fight disease are losing their power.
What Is Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance, often abbreviated as AMR, occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt in ways that render antibiotics and other treatments ineffective. When these microbes mutate, infections that were once easily curable can become life-threatening.
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics — including prescribing them for viral infections like colds and flu, which they can’t treat — is fuelling this problem. Another significant factor is the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture, which allows resistant bacteria to spread through the environment, food chain, and ultimately to humans.
In recent years, there has been a notable uptick in the use of powerful antibiotics reserved only for the most severe cases. Between 2019 and 2021, the use of these “watch antibiotics” rose by over 160% in Southeast Asia and by 126% in Africa. Even more concerning, “reserve antibiotics”—often” described as the final line of defence against drug-resistant bacteria — saw a 45% rise in use in Southeast Asia and 125% in Africa during the same time period.
According to the authors, these increases are not just numbers — they reflect dwindling options for treatment. Once resistance to these critical medications sets in, we may be left with no effective tools to combat infections.
Children at the Epicenter
While AMR affects all demographics, the recent report underscores that children are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Young children, particularly those under five, are especially vulnerable to bacterial infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and diarrhoea—illnesses that, under normal circumstances, are treatable with the right antibiotics.
But as bacteria evolve to withstand current drugs, these once-manageable illnesses turn deadly. The study highlights a staggering increase in AMR-related child deaths — a more than tenfold surge in just three years.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the issue. During the crisis, antibiotics were frequently prescribed — often unnecessarily — as a precautionary measure in both hospital and outpatient settings. This global overprescription may have accelerated the development of resistance, especially in areas with less oversight or infrastructure for responsible drug use.
The-Silent-Crisis-How-Drug-Resistant-Infections
A Complex Crisis With No Simple Solution
Speaking ahead of his presentation at the upcoming Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Vienna, Professor Harwell emphasised the complex nature of the problem.
“Antimicrobial resistance is not confined to hospitals or developing nations. It is an issue that crosses borders and affects every part of human life,” he said. “Antibiotics are everywhere — in our food, our water, our environment. Tackling this crisis will take a coordinated and holistic effort.”
The path forward, while challenging, is not without direction. The most effective defence against AMR is preventing infections in the first place. This means improving vaccination rates, investing in better sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene, and educating communities on responsible antibiotic use.
Professor Harwell stressed the importance of ensuring that antibiotics are used only when necessary and with the correct diagnosis and dosage. “It’s not about limiting access — it’s about using these powerful tools wisely to preserve their effectiveness,” he explained.
The Urgent Call to Action
Experts warn that if decisive steps aren’t taken soon, AMR could reverse decades of progress in global health. Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a microbiology lecturer at King’s College London, described the findings as “deeply alarming.”
“This research highlights how antimicrobial resistance is disproportionately affecting children, particularly in parts of the world that already face enormous health challenges,” she said. “Without urgent global action, we risk returning to a time when a simple infection could claim the life of a child.”
Moving Forward
Despite the daunting outlook, solutions are within reach. Increased investment in the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments is vital. Equally important is building stronger health systems, particularly in vulnerable regions, to ensure timely diagnosis and access to appropriate care. Global cooperation will be key. AMR knows no boundaries — and neither can our response.The loss of three million young lives in one year due to drug-resistant infections is a tragedy that demands immediate and sustained attention. This is not just a medical crisis — it is a moral one. The world cannot afford to wait. The time to act is now.
Eric Dane, best known for his unforgettable roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has opened up about a deeply personal and life-changing diagnosis. The 52-year-old actor has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common and severe form of motor neurone disease (MND).
Known for portraying Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and more recently, the enigmatic Cal Jacobs in HBO’s hit drama Euphoria, Dane revealed his diagnosis in a heartfelt interview with People magazine. Despite the daunting challenges ahead, the actor maintains a sense of gratitude and determination, saying he feels “fortunate” to still be working and is eager to return to the set of Euphoria as filming for season three begins.
“I’m grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” Dane shared. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week.” He also respectfully asked for privacy as he and his family adjust to this new reality.
A Beloved Star with an Iconic Career
Eric Dane’s presence in the world of television spans over two decades. While today’s younger audiences might know him as Cal Jacobs—the conflicted, secret-riddled patriarch in Euphoria—many remember him as the charismatic and charming Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan from Grey’s Anatomy. Dane’s portrayal of Sloan from 2006 left a lasting impression on audiences and became one of the most beloved characters in the medical drama’s history.
His earlier work includes playing Jason Dean in the fantasy series Charmed and taking the helm as Captain Tom Chandler in the action-packed show The Last Ship. On the big screen, he made notable appearances in Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque, showcasing a versatile acting range.
Off screen, Dane is married to actress and model Rebecca Gayheart. Together, they have two children, and it is clear that family remains the cornerstone of Dane’s strength and resolve as he begins his journey with ALS.
Eric Dane Battles ALS with Strength and Support: A Star’s
Understanding ALS: A Relentless Disease
ALS, often known in the United States as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The condition affects the motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements—gradually leading to loss of function.
The NHS defines MND as a group of diseases that result in the premature degeneration of motor nerves. ALS is the most common type, affecting nearly 90% of people diagnosed with motor neurone diseases. The early symptoms often include muscle twitching, limb weakness, and slurred speech. As the disease progresses, it can impair a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe on their own.
There is currently no known cure for ALS. Life expectancy after diagnosis typically ranges from three to five years, although some people live much longer, as seen in rare cases like physicist Stephen Hawking.
The diagnosis of such a devastating illness often comes with immense emotional, mental, and physical hurdles—not just for the individual, but also for their loved ones. For public figures like Dane, there is an added challenge of dealing with such personal news under the spotlight of fame.
Courage in the Face of Uncertainty
What stands out in Eric Dane’s story is not just his impressive career or his recognition as a household name, but his ability to face a daunting medical condition with grace and hope. His openness about his diagnosis and continued dedication to his craft serves as a reminder that resilience can coexist with vulnerability.
Fans and colleagues alike have responded with an outpouring of love and support across social media platforms. The news has reignited public interest in ALS and the importance of ongoing research, awareness, and support for those affected.
Lighting the Way
Dane’s announcement adds his name to a short list of well-known figures who have courageously shared their ALS diagnosis, helping to shed light on a condition that too often goes unnoticed. While there’s no denying the road ahead will be tough, Dane’s determination to keep working and his gratitude for his family highlight a resilience that mirrors the strength of many living with ALS.
As production kicks off for Euphoria’s much-anticipated third season, viewers can expect to see more of Dane on screen. But perhaps more than ever, fans will now see not just a character—but a fighter, a father, and a man facing one of life’s most difficult challenges with inspiring resolve.
Kenan Thompson has spent the better part of his life bringing joy and laughter to millions. From his early days on All That and Kenan & Kel to becoming Saturday Night Live‘s longest-running cast member, Thompson has earned his place as a comedic icon. But behind the punchlines and sketches lies a more serious side of his life — one he’s opening up about for the first time.
The beloved comedian is now shining a spotlight on a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood: gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD.
“GERD is no joke. It’s uncomfortable,” Thompson told Healthline, sharing his personal journey with the chronic digestive disorder.
A Diagnosis Years in the Making
For years, Thompson lived with persistent heartburn and discomfort, symptoms that became increasingly difficult to ignore. In his mid-30s, what began as the occasional night of indigestion evolved into restless nights, vocal strain, and physical fatigue — a tough combination for someone whose job depends on timing, energy, and voice projection.
“I’ve had nights where I couldn’t sleep and then had to perform the next day,” he said. “It messes with your energy and your confidence.”
Even simple tasks like singing during a sketch could lead to hoarseness or a lost voice, something he never expected to happen just from performing. Thompson began to realize there was more at play than just a few bad food choices.
But as many with GERD can relate, it wasn’t easy to connect the dots. He often brushed off flare-ups, attributing them to something spicy or overly acidic he’d eaten — not recognizing the larger pattern until the symptoms became impossible to ignore.
From Pizza to Prescription
Thompson’s diet, like many Americans’, included frequent indulgences in pizza and soda — two known triggers for reflux. Over time, he started to see a direct correlation between what he ate and how he felt.
“I would have flareup moments and not really understand what was necessarily going on or just not putting two and two together that I was doing this to myself,” he admitted.
Eventually, in his early 40s, Thompson was diagnosed with non-erosive GERD, a subtype of the condition that doesn’t damage the esophagus but causes many of the same symptoms as erosive GERD, such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and chronic throat irritation.
After years of relying on over-the-counter remedies that provided only short-term relief, his doctor prescribed Voquezna (vonoprazan) — a newer treatment that finally gave him a handle on the condition.
“It was almost like I couldn’t eat pizza without having a no-sleep night,” Thompson joked. “And you can’t live like that. I’ve got to eat my pizza!”
Now, with his symptoms under control, Thompson feels more empowered to manage his condition without fear of flare-ups. Though he still avoids some trigger foods, he no longer lives in fear of occasional indulgences — thanks to having the right treatment plan and understanding what works for his body.
kenan-thompson-real-life-with-gerd-no-laughing
A Platform for Awareness
As part of the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign, Thompson is using his voice not for punchlines — but for purpose. By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage others who might be silently suffering to seek help, find answers, and make changes that could improve their lives.
“If I can change one life, great. If it’s more based on the following that I have, even better,” he said. “It will definitely help me sleep at night knowing I helped someone else sleep better too.”
And while no skits are confirmed yet, Thompson isn’t ruling out the possibility of bringing GERD to the comedy stage in the future.
“You never know — I might just have to do the Weekend Update version of myself,” he teased.
Food, Lifestyle, and GERD: What Helps?
Managing GERD, experts say, is a personalized process. There’s no universal food plan, but there are some common culprits that can trigger symptoms. According to Anna Beery, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, acidic foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, coffee, peppermint, and alcohol are among the most frequent offenders.
She also recommends keeping a food journal to track symptoms and identify personal triggers. Alongside dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments can also make a significant difference — like eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding lying down shortly after eating, and elevating the head during sleep.
“Better sleep in general may decrease GERD,” Beery explained.
The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, olive oil, and lean proteins, has also shown promise in managing GERD. Beery adds that maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can reduce symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
Finding Relief and Paying It Forward
For Thompson, the journey from symptom confusion to clarity has been both challenging and enlightening. Through trial, error, and finally a proper diagnosis, he’s found relief — and a mission to help others do the same.
His message is clear: GERD might be common, but it’s not something to brush off. And when someone like Kenan Thompson — a man who makes a living off making us laugh — tells you something’s no joke, it’s worth listening.
Whether through awareness campaigns or maybe even a future SNL skit, Thompson’s candidness is already breaking the silence around GERD — one laugh, and one real talk moment, at a time.
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