Secure Your Health, Save Your Money: A Guide to Choosing the Right Health Insurance in Ghana Health insurance in Ghana offers valuable financial protection, allowing residents to access essential healthcare services without the burden of overwhelming costs. As healthcare expenses continue to rise globally, having a robust health insurance plan is increasingly vital to avoid […]
Heavy drinking in the United States spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued after it ended, according to Keck Medicine researchers at the University of Southern California (USC).
The large nationally representative study, published November 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that alcohol use among adults ages 18 and older rose by 4% from 2018 to 2020, with heavy alcohol use increasing by a staggering 20%. Researchers say the increases were sustained in 2022.
“These numbers reflect an alarming public health issue that could result in severe health consequences for far too many people,” said Brian P. Lee, MD, MAS, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine of USC and principal investigator of the study, said in a statement. “Our results suggest men and women under 50 are at special risk.”
Alcohol use rising among young adults
The population-based study included adults ages 18 and older who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2018 to 2022.
The data included 24,965 respondents from 2018, 30,829 from 2020, and 26,806 from 2022.
The researchers divided respondents into two categories: having any alcohol use or heavy alcohol use within one year of the survey.
They defined heavy drinking as greater than or equal to five drinks a day or 15 drinks a week for males and greater than or equal to four drinks a day or eight drinks a week for females.
The rise in alcohol use was seen across all age groups, genders, races, ethnicities, and regions of the U.S., except for Asian Americans and Native Americans. Adults ages 40-49 had the largest increase in heavy alcohol consumption.
The researchers did not assess what may have driven the increase but theorized the 2020 surge was linked to pandemic-related stressors that normalized heavy drinking, particularly among adults in their 40s.
“Heavy alcohol use increasing highest among young adults under 50 is something we see in the clinic and in the hospital and is showing up in the numbers,” Lee told Healthline.
“Three years ago, we showed there were increases in alcohol use,” Lee said of his prior research. “Now we’re showing that these increases are sustained. We’ve also shown that health consequences from increased alcohol use, whether it’s for liver transplants or alcohol-related mortality, have increased as well. It’s become quite clear that this has become a crisis.”
According to Lee, Americans have reached “historic highs” with their levels of alcohol consumption. “To me, that’s very concerning. We know that alcohol is a toxin. We know it has severe health consequences,” he said.
Alcohol is addictive
Alcohol use rose during the pandemic, likely due to stressors from lockdown to boredom to changes to the workplace or how children attended school, Lee noted.
“Before the pandemic, we were seeing stabilization toward a decline in heavy drinking. But the pandemic reversed that trend in very alarming ways,” he said.
“We know that alcohol can become a habit, and even if the trigger that initially started a new habit is gone, the habit might still be there,” Lee said, offering a possible explanation as to why alcohol use has persisted.
“And we know that alcohol is addictive — it can start as a habit, and then it can become an addiction. The more ingrained and entrenched alcohol use becomes, the harder it is to stop,” he added.
Joseph R. Volpicelli MD, PhD, executive director at the Institute of Addiction Medicine, told Healthline that pandemic-era drinking persisted among adults, particularly those in their 40s, for several reasons.
Increased stress, anxiety, and depression linked to work, parenting, reduced social interactions, and economic uncertainty may have led many people to use alcohol as a way to cope, he said.
“Habits formed during lockdowns and social isolation gave more opportunities to drink at home,” Volpicelli explained.
“Habits formed over months can become ingrained, making it hard to cut back when life returns to normal. Negative health effects from increased alcohol consumption might not show up immediately, allowing habits to continue unchecked until more serious problems arise,” he said.
Other health risks of alcohol use
Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, including heart disease and cancer, and is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lee, who is a hepatologist, pointed out that nearly half of all liver-related deaths are tied to alcohol, with alcohol-related cirrhosis a leading cause of liver transplants.
“I think liver disease needs to be prioritized in terms of not only research but also screening and treatment for people with alcohol use,” he said.
Moderate drinkers also face potential health risks, with emerging evidence linking adverse health outcomes to moderate drinking.
“The big picture of the health risks of alcohol should not be ignored,” David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline in response to the JAMA study.
“The evidence shows that alcohol, in any amount, can be harmful. We don’t tolerate it at all in pregnant women or minors. And prudent people should give serious thought to whether any alcohol consumption is in the best interest of their overall health,” Culter said.
Addressing heavy alcohol consumption as a public health issue may require targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the risks, Volpicelli noted, and improved access to mental health services.
“Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and providing support for changing habits can help individuals reduce their drinking to pre-pandemic levels,” Volpicelli said.
Limit alcohol at home and stock up on non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water or teas.
Choose lower-alcohol options or dilute drinks.
Designate alcohol-free days.
Find support, such as talking with friends or family or joining support groups.
Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional.
Consider medications like naltrexone, which can help reduce cravings.
Develop alternatives to drinking, such as hobbies or social activities that don’t involve alcohol.
Reward your progress and celebrate milestones when you reach your goals.
“Cutting back on alcohol is a personal journey, and different strategies can help you achieve your goals. Medications like naltrexone may offer additional support but should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes professional guidance and lifestyle changes,” Volpicelli said.
Takeaway
New research shows that heavy alcohol use among adults in the U.S. has persisted beyond the pandemic. Heavy alcohol use rose by 20% from 2018 to 2020 and remained stable in 2022, particularly among adults in their 40s.
Alcohol use is associated with over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The authors of the newstudy hope the findings will draw more awareness to the dangers of heavy drinking.
“We encourage healthcare providers to offer more screenings for harmful drinking as well as interventions for at-risk populations,” Lee said in a statement.
New research finds that taking a daily vitamin D supplement may help lower blood pressure, especially for older adults with obesity. Tatjana Zlatkovic/Stocksy United
A new study found that taking vitamin D supplements was associated with lower blood pressure.
People with obesity and high blood pressure got the best results.
Better calcium regulation may be one of the main reasons for this effect.
Before supplementing with vitamin D, people should get their levels tested.
According to new research published on November 12, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, supplementation with vitamin D plus calcium may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater than 30).
These supplements appeared to decrease both systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
However, they noted that more is not necessarily better when it comes to lowering blood pressure. The effect was independent of the dose administered.
The people who took part in the study had high blood pressure.
Anything greater than a systolic blood pressure of 130 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 is deemed to be high blood pressure.
Vitamin D supplements linked with reduced blood pressure
The study included 221 individuals ages 65 and older who were taking vitamin D supplements.
They were all classified as having overweight (BMI greater than 25).
Additionally, they had a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between 10 and 30 ng/mL. Anything below 30 ng/mL is considered insufficient, while values less than 20 are classified as vitamin D deficiency.
Two doses were examined: 600 IU/day (the Institutes of Medicine’s (IOM) recommended daily dose) and 3,750 IU/day. Both groups also took 250 mg of calcium citrate.
The study participants were followed for one year.
Upon comparing the two groups, they found that the higher dose of vitamin D did not provide greater benefit than the lower one.
However, both groups experienced a statistically significant drop in blood pressure, with their systolic blood pressure dropping by 3.5 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure dropping by 2.8 mm Hg.
The research further found that people with obesity and low vitamin D status improved their blood pressure the most.
Why vitamin D might affect blood pressure
Reimas Geiga, MD, a medical doctor, registered dietitian, and clinical nutritionist with Glowbar LDN, explained that vitamin D can affect blood pressure in several ways.
“One of the primary ways is by aiding in calcium regulation,” he said, “which is crucial for the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. By improving vascular function, vitamin D could help reduce blood pressure.”
Additionally, in those with obesity, there is chronic, low-grade inflammation, said Geiga. This can impair blood vessel health, contributing to high blood pressure.
“Vitamin D has known anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract this effect,” he explained. “Moreover, people with obesity are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency because fat cells can store vitamin D, reducing its availability to the body.”
According to Geiga, supplementation back to adequate levels can help improve vascular health and lower blood pressure.
“Additionally, vitamin D influences the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a key regulator of blood pressure,” he said. “Adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the activity of this system, leading to better blood pressure control.”
Are vitamin D supplements right for you?
Given that vitamin D is easy to obtain, patients may wonder how they can apply the study’s findings to their own lives.
Dr. Rita Hawle, a clinical dietitian and nutritionist with ClinicSpots, says the first step is determining whether you are actually low in vitamin D.
“A simple blood test can reveal any deficiency that may be contributing to blood pressure issues,” she said. “If levels are low, supplements or a bit of natural sunlight exposure (when safe) can help improve vitamin D status over time.”
However, she added that vitamin D supplementation really needs to be a part of a larger strategy.
“Blood pressure responds well to a combined approach—regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and effective weight management are all important for long-term benefits,” said Hawle.
Additionally, while the study looked at supplementation with 600 IU and 3,750 IU doses, she advises speaking with your physician about what is an appropriate dose for you.
Vitamin D can accumulate in the human body, leading to a toxic build-up of calcium.
“This study provides encouraging insights,” Hawle concluded, “but it’s best to view vitamin D as part of a larger wellness plan, particularly for individuals managing both obesity and high blood pressure.”
Takeaway
A new study reports that older people with high blood pressure who were taking a vitamin D supplement along with calcium had lower blood pressure after a year.
The best results were experienced by people with obesity and lower initial levels of vitamin D at the start of the study.
Improved calcium regulation, lower inflammation, and reduced activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system could account for the reduction in blood pressure.
Experts recommend getting a blood test to determine if you are actually low in vitamin D and following your doctor’s advice regarding the dose you take before supplementing with it.
Supplementation should be part of a combined approach that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been liked with strong relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Nazar Rybak/Getty Images
A new study suggests semaglutide use may help reduce severe knee pain.
People also lost weight during the course of the study.
The reduction in pain likely occurred because weight loss leads to less joint stress.
Semaglutide is also capable of balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
Experts say we are likely to see continued advances with drugs like semaglutide.
While semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) is best known as a drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, research is increasingly finding that it may have applications outside of these uses.
For example, recent studies have found it could help reduce the risk of opioid overdose, early death, hidradenitis suppurativa, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, new research published on October 30, 2024, in The New England Journal of Medicine adds to the list, finding that once-weekly semaglutide usage was associated with relief from the severe knee pain associated with obesity and osteoarthritis.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition. It can cause:
cartilage breakdown
misshapen bones
chronic pain
inflammation
stiffness
loss of mobility
Obesity is one cause of osteoarthritis due to the strain that added weight put on joints, especially the knees, hips, and the spine.
How semaglutide use is linked to knee pain relief
The study enrolled 407 patients with an average age of 56 to evaluate the effects of semaglutide use on knee pain.
Their average body mass index (BMI) was 40.3. A BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obesity.
Additionally, these individuals had an average WOMAC pain score of 70.9 on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores meaning worse pain.
All were diagnosed with moderate to severe knee pain.
The majority of study participants (81.6%) were female.
Everyone, regardless of whether they received semaglutide or not, was provided with counseling on diet and exercise.
Over the course of the 68-week study, people using semaglutide lost an average of 13.7% of their body weight compared with only 3.2% weight loss in those who did not use the drug.
Those using semaglutide also experienced an average reduction in their WOMAC pain score of 41.7 points, whereas the untreated group had an average decrease of 27.5 points.
Why semaglutide might provide relief for severe knee pain
Sandeep Singh, MS, MBBS, an orthopedic surgeon with Clinic Spots, said the biggest reason that Ozempic might provide pain relief really comes down to weight reduction.
“In osteoarthritis, every pound of weight lost takes about four pounds of pressure off the knee joints,” he explained. “So, the study’s average13.7%weight loss likely brings considerable relief to the joints just from reducing that mechanical load.”
However, according to Singh, there may be more at play. The medication could have certain direct effects on relieving pain.
“We’re starting to see that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, may have anti-inflammatory effects,” he said, “which could help with knee pain beyond weight loss alone.”
Singh said that inflammation is a major factor in osteoarthritis which can lead to joint pain and deterioration.
“Even a slight reduction in inflammation can lead to a noticeable improvement in pain and stiffness,” he said.
Singh also pointed to semaglutide’s ability to stabilize blood sugar, which can bring down inflammation.
“This continues to be exciting evidence in the areas outside of weight loss that benefit improved quality of life issues and have profound effects on reducing healthcare dollars in the future second to the devastating effects of Osteoarthritis on the healthcare system,” he said.
Seeds added that he believes we are going to see continued advances in drugs like semaglutide.
“My belief is as we get better at improving the overall efficiencies of cellular mitochondrial function with continued advances in GLP1RAs we will be humbled by the continued beneficial signaling pathways that improve overall health,” he said.
Seeds further noted that we are seeing advancement in GLP-1 receptor agonists going from semaglutide (binds with GLP-1 receptors) to tirzepatide (binds with GLP-1 and GIP receptors) to retatrutide (binds with GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors).
“The evolution from GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide) to dual (tirzepatide) and triple agonist (retatrutide) represents a significant progression in enhanced cellular efficiencies, optimizing metabolic responses and therapeutic outcomes,” he said.
“These are exciting times in peptide development and clinical translation to life changing results!”
Takeaway
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using the type 2 diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide was linked with improved pain scores in those with osteoarthritis, a painful and degenerative condition affecting the joints.
The weight loss engendered by this medication reduces the strain on joints.
Additionally, semaglutide helps to balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation. The sum of these effects is likely what reduces osteoarthritis pain in the knee.
Experts say we are likely to see continued beneficial effects from drugs like semaglutide due to the ways GLP-1 drugs impact signaling pathways.
A recent study found significant reductions in opioid overdose and alcohol misuse among people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. FreshSplash/Getty Images
A new study shows a 50% lower risk of alcohol intoxication among people with alcohol use disorder who take GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss and diabetes.
The findings also show that people with opioid use disorder taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic had a 40% lower chance of an opioid overdose.
The study authors explained the medications interact with a part of the brain that can help suppress appetite, which may also help curb addictive behaviors.
Experts say the study results are promising, but more research is needed.
GLP-1 drugs prescribed for obesity and diabetes such as Ozempic and Mounjaro could help treat alcohol and drug use disorders, according to a new study.
The reductions were seen only in more extreme instances involving opioid and alcohol misuse. While the results are nonetheless promising, further studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1 drugs can curb the desire for pain medications and alcohol.
“These medications are promising new pharmacological treatments for addictions, including (but not limited to) alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder,” said Lorenzo Leggio, MD, a clinical researcher at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Leggio wasn’t involved in the study.
“That said, an important word of caution is the fact that we need double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trials to further test whether these medications work for patients with substance use disorders,” Leggio told Healthline.
Effects of weight loss drugs on substance use disorders
For their study, the researchers looked at 1.3 million health records compiled by Oracle’s Real-World Data system. The medical data for these cases was gathered between January 2014 and August 2022.
The study authors report that people with opioid use disorder who take a GLP-1 drug had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose compared to those who did not have a prescription.
The researchers also examined more than 800,000 people with a history of alcohol use disorder. Of them, about 5,600 had a prescription for a GLP-1 medication.
The study authors stated that people with alcohol use disorder who take a weight-loss drug had a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication when compared with those with didn’t have a prescription.
The researchers noted that this is the first large-scale study with humans on the potential use of weight loss drugs to reduce addiction risks.
“This study suggests that patients with heroin or alcohol addiction who are prescribed Ozempic (typically for diabetes or obesity) are less likely to be hospitalized for heroin overdose or alcohol intoxication, respectively,” Matt Field, a professor of psychology at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, told Healthline. Field wasn’t involved in the study.
“The findings add to those from other studies, particularly animal research, which suggest that this and similar drugs might one day be prescribed to help people with addiction,” Field added.
How GLP-1 drugs alter the brain’s reward response
The researchers explained that GLP-1 medications interact with the mesolimbic system in the brain to reduce appetite and trigger satisfaction after eating.
They said the mesolimbic system overlaps with the brain processes that govern addictive behaviors.
According to a news release, the overlap suggests that GLP-1 RAs and similar drugs may change the reward-response pathways that are linked to substance misuse.
Leggio said that although more study is needed, the future looks promising for the use of these medications to curb addiction.
“The preclinical and human data we have so far suggest that these medications may be beneficial for addiction in general by curbing cravings and reducing alcohol drinking, opioid use, smoking, etc.,” Leggio said.
Field noted a word of caution about the findings. “The outcomes are very extreme instances of substance intoxication,” he said.
“Those outcomes are very different from the outcomes used when researchers test new treatments for addiction, in which case we might look at whether the treatment helps people to stop taking the substance altogether (complete abstinence), or if it helps people to reduce the amount of substance they consume, or how often they consume it,” Field continued.
“Those things could not be measured in this study. This leaves open the possibility that while Ozempic may (for reasons currently unknown) prevent people from taking so much alcohol or heroin that they overdose and end up in hospital, it may not help them to reduce their substance use, or to abstain altogether,” Field noted.
What to know about alcohol use disorder
It’s estimated that nearly 29 million people ages 12 and older in the United States have alcohol use disorder. Around 17 million are male and 12 million are female.
“Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences,” according to the NIAAA.
The condition, considered a brain disorder, can be mild, moderate, or severe. Factors that can contribute to developing alcohol use disorder include:
drinking at an early age
genetics and family history
mental health conditions
history of trauma
Medical professionals generally ask people a series of questions to determine if they have developed alcohol use disorder. Among the questions:
Have you had times when you ended up drinking more or longer than you intended?
Have you ever wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
Have you ever continued to drink even though it was causing problems with family and friends?
Have you found yourself in a situation while drinking that increased your chances of getting injured?
There are treatments available to treat alcohol use disorder. Three medications are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat alcohol misuse:
Leggio noted the current medications can be effective in treating addiction, but they need to be more widely available.
“These medications are not widely used as they should and indeed, it’s very important to increase efforts toward expanding the use of these approved effective treatments for our patients,” he said.
A growing number of health benefits for GLP-1 drugs
Recent research reported that GLP-1 drugs with the active ingredient trizepatide such as Mounjaro and Zepbound were effective in helping people maintain weight loss over three years.
Medications with the active ingredient semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are also proven to be effective in helping people lose weight over an extended period.
Experts have said this consistent weight loss may also help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A 2023 study also indicated that weight loss drugs with semaglutide may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
Now, pharmaceutical companies are looking into the possibility that their GLP-1 medications may also help treat alcohol and opioid use disorders.
In addition to the new research, another recent study reported that Ozempic and Wegovy may help lower the risk of opioid overdose.
Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound from vetted and trusted online sources here:
In a new study, researchers say people with alcohol use disorder who take GLP-1 drugs had a 50% lower risk of alcohol intoxication compared to people not taking the medications.
The researchers also reported that people with opioid use disorder taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic had a 40% lower chance of an opioid overdose compared to people who aren’t taking the medications.
The study authors said GLP-1 drugs are effective in a part of the brain that can help suppress appetite. They said the medications may also work in other nearby parts of the brain to help curb addictive behaviors.
Experts say the study results are promising, but more research is needed.
The former “Dawson’s Creek” star’s diagnosis is part of a startling trend in rising colon cancer cases among young adults. Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty Images
Actor James Van Der Beek, formerly of “Dawson’s Creek, announced that he is battling colorectal cancer.
The 47-year-old actor’s diagnosis is part of a startling trend in rising colon cancer cases among young adults.
In 2021, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45 in response to the growing number of early-onset colon cancer cases.
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but is also highly treatable if found early.
Television and film star James Van Der Beek announced that he is battling colorectal cancer.
The 47-year-old former “Dawson’s Creek” actor announced the diagnosis on his personal Instagram page and later confirmed it toPeople. Van Der Beek had been keeping the news private but was compelled to come forward to prevent a tabloid from running the story.
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” Van Der Beek wrote in the post. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready,” he wrote.
Van Der Beek added that he hopes to be able to tell his story on his own terms and raise awareness about the disease.
“I hope because of his story that others will reevaluate some of their symptoms they may be having, and hopefully, meet with a physician to investigate further to ensure maybe that they can be diagnosed earlier rather than later,” Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, executive director of the Young Adult Cancers Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, told Healthline.
Colon cancer increasing in young adults
Colon cancer (CRC) has become more prevalent among younger adults in recent years.
Between 1995 and 2019, the number of CRC diagnoses in individuals under 55 has doubled. The number of deaths associated with CRC in those younger than 50 has also increased by 1% annually since 2005.
“CRC has now become the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women under the age of 50 years old. That is a remarkable finding, and this certainly goes with that trend,” Christina Annunziata, MD, PhD, senior vice president of Extramural Discovery Science at the American Cancer Society, told Healthline, referring to Van Der Beek’s diagnosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors associated with the increasing incidence of colon cancer among younger adults include excess body weight, processed meat consumption, and smoking.
Colon cancer is also more common in males than females. Racial and ethnic factors are also prominent indicators of risk: Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Blacks have the highest incidences of CRC.
“We do not know exactly why this is happening, but I would definitely say it is multifactorial at the end of the day. The numbers are concerning and alarming when you’re seeing a young patient in your clinic with stage 4 disease that is surgically unresectable and incurable,” Eng said.
Screening for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the cells of the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
At 47, Van Der Beek was narrowly within that window. The actor didn’t offer any additional details about the diagnosis, nor did he specify what treatment options he’s pursuing.
Colorectal cancer most often starts out as small growths known as polyps, which vary in size and shape from bumps and flat growths to mushroom-shaped growths.
Most polyps may be benign, but some will eventually develop into cancer. The size of a polyp and the number of polyps in the colon may be indicators of the likelihood of the polyp developing into cancer.
Without knowing the stage of Van Der Beek’s cancer, it’s impossible to say when it developed.
According to Eng, it takes an average of 5 to 10 years for a noncancerous polyp to develop into cancer, meaning that polyps could have been present as early as a person’s late 30s. “You can have a polyp without having any symptoms,” Eng noted.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
There are numerous signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, many of them are nonspecific, meaning they could be the result of other conditions and, therefore, difficult to diagnose.
“Some of the early warning signs may include blood in the stool, abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, and fatigue,” Christopher Chen, MD, an assistant professor of Oncology and director of Early Drug Development at the Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Medicine, told Healthline.
Rectal bleeding is the most obvious symptom of colorectal cancer and should be pursued with a doctor.
Ovunc Bardakcioglu, MD, FACS, chief of colorectal surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Las Vegas, told Healthline that people should not only be aware of these symptoms but pay particular attention to their frequency and duration.
Occasional abdominal pain isn’t out of the ordinary, but persistent cramping could warrant a discussion with a healthcare professional.
“I’ve seen in my practice patients having these symptoms for a long period of time, up to a year, and I think it would be very important, even in that young population — 20s and 30s — to get an immediate full workup,” Bardakcioglu said.
Takeaway
Former “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek was forced to go public with his colorectal cancer diagnosis in response to a tabloid planning to run the story.
Van Der Beek’s diagnosis is part of a growing trend in rising colorectal cancer cases among young people. Since 1995, the number of diagnoses of early-onset colon cancer in people under 55 has doubled.
Colorectal cancer affects the cells of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal include rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Seven out of 10 states that had abortion on the ballot during the 2024 presidential election voted to expand abortion access. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
Abortion was a key focal point of the 2024 presidential election, with abortion rights ballot measures passing in 7 of 10 states.
DonaldTrump’s victory over Kamala Harris marks a turning point for American politics and an uncertain future for reproductive rights.
While Trump has said he won’t sign a nationwide abortion ban, experts remain skeptical of the impending administration.
President-elect Donald Trump’s sweeping win over Vice President Kamala Harris ushered in a new era of uncertainty in the battle for reproductive rights.
Abortion became a major focal point of the November 2024 election following the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, with abortion rights ballot measures prevailing in 7 of 10 states.
Despite these victories for abortion protection, they won’t change overnight. States that passed abortion rights amendments in 2022 and 2023, like Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri, were mired in legal red tape. Months would pass before any new abortion protection policies could take effect, KFF Health News reports.
“Every day we live under Trump’s abortion bans, more people will suffer and die,” Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) said in a statement.
“Abortion is powerful and popular. The American people do not want politicians making their health care decisions. In poll after poll, voters said abortion mattered to them — mattered in their lives and mattered in the voting booth… the majority of voters were clear and unequivocal: people are dying. People are suffering. Fix this,” McGill Johnson continued.
Abortion protective ballot measures pass in 7 states
Abortion was on the ballot for voters in 10 states during the 2024 presidential election.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, the following states passed abortion rights ballot measures:
In Florida, an amendment to limit government interference with abortion fell short of the needed 60% support at just over 57%.
In Nebraska, where both abortion protective and anti-abortion measures were on the ballot. The anti-abortion measure passed.
In South Dakota, an amendment to prohibit the state from restricting abortion during the first trimester failed to pass. The state currently has an abortion ban that only allows abortions to save the life of a pregnant person.
Changes to abortion access will take time
In the seven states that saw victories for abortion access, the bans or restrictions in place are not automatically repealed, which means change will likely take some time. Abortion advocates will have to petition courts to overturn the anti-abortion laws in place to align with the new amendments, according to the Associated Press.
“Access to abortion clearly continues to mobilize voters across the country, even those where a measure did not pass this year,” Candace Gibson, director of State Policy at the Guttmacher Institute, said in a statement shared with Healthline.
“As we prepare for an incoming Trump Administration and additional attacks on reproductive freedom, we must continue to push policymakers at all levels to protect reproductive freedom, support state-based organizations, and donate to abortion funds,” Gibson continued.
Sarah Prager, MD, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, told Healthline she was “extremely gratified” by the passed ballot measures.
“This clearly shows that the American people want access to abortion in spite of what some legislators and legislatures are saying,” Prager said.
“I do think that over time, more state efforts to increase access to abortion and/or codify the right to abortion in state constitutions will be successful. However, that is not an option in all states — 24 states do not allow for citizen-initiated statewide initiatives or ballot measures,” Prager continued, noting how newly implemented barriers like the 60% majority rule in Florida caused the ballot measure to fail with just 57% of the vote.
“We will continue to see positive and successful efforts to restore the right to abortion and reproductive health care, but in the meantime, patients are suffering and even dying,” she said.
Will Trump ban abortion nationwide?
The impending 2025 Republican administration could further impact abortion access, even in states without bans, experts say.
If Congress were to approve a national abortion ban, it could potentially override any state protections, NBC reports.
Access to abortion medication, such as mifepristone, could also face scrutiny during Trump’s second term as president.
The uncertainty that lay ahead is rooted in the president-elect’s shifting position on whether he’d sign a national abortion ban.
During the tail-end of his campaign, Trump reversed his stance and said he wouldn’t and that the issue should continue to be left up to the states. Whether he’ll remain true to this position is unclear.
“Donald Trump ran from his record and said he would not ban abortion nationwide. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is going to hold him to that every day for the next four years,” McGill Johnson said.
Prager said she is certain Trump will sign a nationwide abortion ban.
“It may be called something else, it may not completely ban all abortions, but it will be introduced early, and if Republicans control the House and Senate, it will pass and Trump will sign it. It may take some time for that to go through the courts, but with our current Supreme Court, I have no doubt it will go through,” Prager noted.
“Of course, those are my beliefs — I cannot predict the future, but I can be informed by the past.”
Takeaway
Abortion rights ballot measures passed in 7 of 10 states during the November 2024 election. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris signals an uncertain future for reproductive rights.
While Trump claims he won’t sign a nationwide abortion ban, experts remain wary. If Congress were to approve such a ban, it could potentially override any state-level abortion protections in place.
Music legend Quincy Jones, known for producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album and other hits, managed living with two brain aneurysms and type 2 diabetes years before his death at 91. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
Quincy Jones, the iconic music mogul who produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” died recently at the age of 91.
Jones lived with type 2 diabetes for years and previously shared how he approached challenges managing the condition.
He also spoke publicly about health scares, including two brain aneurysms in 1974 and a diabetic coma in 2015.
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and many others, died this week at age 91. Jones, who had type 2 diabetes, was public throughout his life about his health problems.
He died on Sunday, November 3, at home with his family. With a decades-spanning career, Jones was a titan of the music industry, receiving 28 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades.
He worked with artists like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson, for whom he produced “Thriller” in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time.
But, alongside his many successes, Jones experienced health setbacks as well, including brain aneurysms and receiving a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Brain aneurysms are deformities, resembling balloons or berries, in the arterial wall of the brain that fill with blood. If an aneurysm bursts, the resulting brain damage can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
Jones recalled the incident in a post on his Facebook page in 2018.
“It felt like a shotgun was fired inside of my head. While operating for 7.5 hours, my doctors discovered a second aneurysm that was ready to blow, so they had to schedule a second operation. During this time, it didn’t look too promising, so my friends planned a memorial service for me at The Shrine in LA, & I basically attended my own funeral,” he wrote.
Though he recalls having a mere one in a hundred chance of surviving, the operations were both successful. But, to prevent further recurrences, doctors advised him that he could no longer play the trumpet, which he’d played since his teenage years.
His doctors had used metal clips to close off the aneurysms in his brain and were worried that intracranial pressure caused by playing the instrument would dislodge them.
In an interview with GQ magazine, Jones said he swore to give up his trumpet playing. But, while on tour in Japan shortly after recovering, he decided to pick it up again. This time, though, he felt an immediate pain in his head from the pressure.
After that scare, he put down the trumpet for good.
How Quincy Jones learned to manage type 2 diabetes
Jones lived with and managed type 2 diabetes for years, which required him to make major lifestyle changes.
“A diabetic coma refers to when you have diabetes and that you lose consciousness for some reason. It can be due to low blood sugar, or it can be due to very high blood sugar,” Sun Kim, MD, an endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline.
“It’s very serious. If you don’t present to medical attention, there’s a high degree of mortality associated with it,” she added.
Following the incident, Jones decided to give up drinking alcohol for good.
“I had enough alcohol to last multiple lifetimes, & the doctors told me I had to call it quits!! After substituting drinking with eating sugar-free popsicles, I lost 50 pounds, & started feeling 37 again,” he wrote.
Kevin Peterson, MD, MPH, Vice President of primary care at the American Diabetes Association, told Healthline that quitting drinking is an important step in managing diabetes, alongside other lifestyle changes.
“The most important lifestyle changes are maintaining a healthy diet and a healthy weight. Maintaining blood sugars in a healthy range is more difficult with alcohol consumption since alcohol changes the way that the liver processes blood sugar. Unhealthy drinking habits make it difficult to maintain healthy blood sugars and pose a health risk in themselves,” he said.
Complications commonly associated with type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease that can significantly increase an individual’s risk for other health problems. These risks include:
Heart and blood vessel damage
Kidney damage
Eye damage
Foot damage
Dementia
Individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. The disease is also a leading cause of blindness in adults due to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which is when the blood vessels in the retina of the eye are damaged.
“Diabetes affects the entire body. In particular, it damages blood vessels. Over time, this damage can take a toll on eyes, kidneys, and on the nerves. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease,” said Peterson.
However, there are ways to manage the condition, including lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication.
“The way you’re supposed to live with diabetes is how we’re all supposed to live, but it just becomes more real when you have diabetes. We all could eat less sugar. We could all eat less processed foods. We could all eat less refined carbs and more whole grains,” said Kim.
Doctors and researchers also continue to make improvements to diabetes care and management year after year.
“Many advances in diabetes have occurred since Mr. Quincy was first diagnosed with diabetes several decades ago. New labs, medicines, and devices make the treatment of diabetes simpler and more effective now than it has ever been,” said Peterson.
The bottom line
Quincy Jones, the famed producer behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” has died this month at the age of 91.
Jones lived with type 2 diabetes for many years and learned to manage it through lifestyle changes, including avoiding drinking alcohol.
He was also public with other health scares throughout his life, including having two brain aneurysms in 1974 and falling into a diabetic coma in 2015.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease that damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of multiple other conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetic retinopathy.
A new study shows an extra 5 minutes of daily heart-pumping exercise could help control blood pressure. Twenty47studio/Getty Images
New research shows adding a few minutes of vigorous “everyday” physical activity to your daily exercise routine could help control blood pressure.
Heart-pumping activities like cycling, running, and stair climbing were linked to lower blood pressure readings among study participants.
An extra 5 minutes of exercise led to mild improvements in blood pressure, with clinically meaningful results at an additional 10 and 20 minutesof physical activity.
Experts recommend aiming for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily to control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.
Exercise is universally linked with positive outcomes, like maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Short bursts of physical activity can help get your heart pumping, but regular exercise is key for overall health.
A new study published November 6 in the journal Circulation suggests that adding a few minutes of vigorous physical activity to your daily exercise routine can help lower blood pressure.
The researchers found that an extra 5 minutes of stair climbing, cycling, and running was linked to slight reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while clinically meaningful improvements were seen at an additional 10 and 20 minutes of daily exercise.
Less strenuous forms of movement, such as standing or walking, had minimal effects on blood pressure.
“Our findings suggest that, for most people, exercise is key to reducing blood pressure,” first author Jo Blodgett, PhD, a senior research fellow at UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, said in a statement.
“The good news is that whatever your physical ability, it doesn’t take long to have a positive effect on blood pressure. But if you want to change your blood pressure, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system through exercise will have the greatest effect,” Blodgett continued.
Everyday activities help control hypertension
Researchers from University College London and the University of Sydney conducted this study with support from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The research team analyzed health data and blood pressure measurements from 14,761 participants with an average age of 54 from six cohorts in the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting, and Sleep consortium (ProPASS).
They tracked blood pressure changes over 24-hour periods comprising six different activities with the following average durations:
sleeping — 7.1 hours
sedentary behavior (i.e., sitting) — 10.7 hours
slow walking (fewer than 100 steps per minute) — 1.6 hours
fast walking (more than 100 steps per minute) — 1.1 hours
standing — 3.2 hours
exercise (i.e., running, cycling) — 16 minutes
They estimated the impact of replacing one type of activity with an additional 5, 10, and 20 minutes of exercise.
They note that a 2mmHg reduction in SBP and a 1mmHg reduction in DPB equates to a 10% reduction in heart disease risk.
They also estimate that 20 additional minutes of daily exercise could lead to clinically meaningful improvements in SBP, and 10 extra minutes of exercise per day could improve DBP.
The researchers emphasize that everyday activities that get the heart pumping may promote healthy blood pressure.
“What’s unique about our exercise variable is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing the stairs to a short cycling errand, many of which can be integrated into daily routines. For those who don’t do a lot of exercise, walking did still have some positive benefits for blood pressure,” Blodgett continued.
Exercise lowers blood pressure, benefits heart health
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, told Healthline the study reinforces physician-backed recommendations for regular daily exercise.
“It is encouraging to see measurable changes in blood pressure with just a few minutes of exercise, something that can be incorporated into even a busy schedule,” Chen said.
“We know that physical activity directs our organs and tissue to undergo changes that improve their performance and efficiency, which can then lead to improved blood pressure control. By increasing the intensity of exercise, you are accelerating the physiological changes that are providing the benefits to heart health,” he explained.
How much physical activity do you need?
The findings of this study do not suggest that 5 minutes of exercise a day is enough but rather encourage people already getting regular exercise to increase their output, particularly those with high blood pressure.
Current CDC guidelines for physical activity recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for adults, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, or a combination of moderate and vigorous exercise.
For heart health, Chen said he typically recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity daily on most days of the week.
To effectively lower blood pressure, Chen echoed the findings from this study and recommended aerobic forms of exercise, such as:
walking
jogging
cycling
swimming or water aerobics
“It is also helpful to incorporate some strength training, as this also helps to improve the function of blood vessels and improve blood pressure,” Chen said.
“Patients who do not have their blood pressure under control should avoid very high intensity exercises such as sprinting or heavy weights, as these activities can lead to a spike in blood pressure,” he advised.
Other ways to lower blood pressure
Chen noted that many people may not realize the health benefits of adding a little exercise to their daily routine.
“There are many easy ways to incorporate physical activity throughout the course of the day,” he noted. Some examples may include:
short 5-minute brisk walks while at work
taking the stairs instead of the elevator
parking farther from the store and walking
Chen noted that if you live with high blood pressure, you should talk with your doctor about lifestyle factors that can help control it.
Regular physical activity aside, other ways to lower blood pressure may include:
A new study showed improvements in blood pressure with an additional 5 minutes of daily exercise. The findings became more significant with an extra 10 and 20 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each day.
Aim for around 30 minutes of aerobic daily exercise to control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. If you have high blood pressure or live with another chronic health condition, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is sharing details about the earliest warning sign of dementia her husband exhibited and why it was dismissed. Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Bruce Willis’ wife has stated that an early sign of his dementia was first dismissed as stuttering.
Experts say frontotemporal dementia itself does not cause stuttering.
However, its associated language issues can make an existing stutter worse.
Early warning signs can also include changes in personality, behavior, or motor function.
If you spot the warning signs, it’s a good idea to speak with your primary care provider.
According to Emma Heming Willis, wife of action hero Bruce Willis, her husband’s frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was initially dismissed as a return of childhood stuttering.
Speaking in an interview with Katie Couric for Town & Country, she explained: “He had a severe stutter as a child. He went to college, and there was a theater teacher who said, ‘I’ve got something that’s going to help you.’”
Heming Willis said this is where Bruce got his start in acting since he realized that he could memorize a script and say his lines without stuttering.
“Bruce has always had a stutter, but he has been good at covering it up,” she said. So, when he began to experience difficulties with language, it seemed like it was just a part of his stutter.
“Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young,” said Heming Willis.
How common is stuttering as a warning sign of FTD?
Stephanie Jeret, who is a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speak with Stephanie, said stuttering is not commonly associated with FTD.
This condition mainly impacts people’s ability to understand and use language, she said.
“For instance, Bruce Willis had developmental stuttering that likely persisted into adulthood,” said Jeret.
“He may have developed coping strategies to manage it, but with the onset of FTD, he could have experienced a regression in his language skills, leading to overt stuttering as a symptom of this decline rather than a direct symptom of FTD.”
Jason Krellman, PhD, a Neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, agreed with Jeret.
“Stuttering is itself not considered a typical first symptom,” he said. “But stuttering could be caused by more common early symptoms such as changes in word finding and sentence construction or changes in the person’s ability to physically articulate words.”
According to Krellman, changes in personality and behavior, language, or motor functioning are usually seen early in the development of FTD.
“People can become withdrawn or impulsive, rigid, and socially inappropriate,” he said. “They can have difficulty finding words or understanding language. They can have spasms, tremors, or weakness.”
How to get help when you spot FTD warning signs
Krellman added that it can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike to tease out whether what’s being seen is indeed FTD symptoms or just a natural part of aging, stress, psychological problems, or, as in the case of Willis, another medical condition.
“For example, word-finding difficulty is a common feature of normal cognitive aging, motor changes can be due to musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, and people can tend to socially isolate themselves or become irritable, more easily agitated, and therefore appear socially inappropriate when they’re depressed,” he said.
Additionally, FTD can come on slowly and progress so gradually that you might not notice the differences right away, said Krellman, comparing it to noticing the hands of a clock moving.
However, Krellman says people should contact a primary care provider any time they have concerns, keeping in mind that the person themself may not notice the changes.
“A PCP can do an initial evaluation to decide whether to refer the person to a neurologist for further evaluation,” he said.
Krellman went on to offer reassurance, stating that “FTD is pretty uncommon, and it is much more likely than not that any concerning symptoms are due to normal aging or a more common and potentially treatable condition.”
He noted, however, that if symptoms are getting worse over time and having a negative impact on a person’s daily functioning, it’s always a good idea to get a checkup.
In a recent interview with Town & Country, Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis, discussed her husband’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, revealing that they first thought his worsening stuttering was simply a part of a condition that he had had since his youth.
Experts say that stuttering itself is not a symptom of FTD.
However, the language difficulties associated with FTD can make it more difficult for a person to control their existing stuttering.
People can also experience changes in personality, behavior, and motor functioning.
If you or someone you know is showing early warning signs — especially if they are growing worse or negatively affecting daily functioning — you should seek an evaluation with a primary care provider.
