Uncategorized

• Organic carrots have been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death.
• The CDC is warning consumers to check their refrigerators for the contaminated produce and discard it immediately.
• E. coli is a common foodborne infection that can result in both mild symptoms and severe complications requiring hospitalization.

A multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death so far, according to the CDC.

In a food safety alert issued this week, the CDC warned that E. coli infections have been reported from 18 states, with nearly 40 sickened. The outbreak has been traced to organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which are available in a wide variety of grocery stores under brand names including Cal-Organic, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and 365.

The outbreak is still considered active by the CDC, although the products are no longer on store shelves. Consumers are urged to check their homes and refrigerators for any affected carrots and discard them immediately.

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacterium that can live in human intestines and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. There are multiple species of E. coli, some of which are harmless. Others can result in mild symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, and even more serious, potentially life threatening symptoms. 

“This is definitely a recall that consumers should take very seriously to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Joseph Lambson, PharmD, Director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, and an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, told Healthline.

Which states and products are affected by the outbreak?

The E. coli outbreak has been linked to infections in 18 states across the US, from California to New York. Affected states include Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, and many more.

Currentl,y Washington, Minnesota, and New York are reporting the highest number of cases, followed by California and Oregon.

Grimmway Farms organic carrots and baby carrots are sold under many different brand names, including:

• 365
• Bunny Luv
• Cal-Organic
• Raley’s
• Sprouts
• Trader Joe’s
• Wegmans
• President’s Choice

A full list of states and products affected by the recall can be found here. 

The contaminated products can be identified through their best-if-used-by dates.

Baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates are approximately between 9/11/2024 and 11/12/2024, and whole organic carrots between 8/14/2024 and 10/23/24. However, not all brands will carry a best-if-used-by date on their packaging.

Consumers should check their households for affected products and discard them immediately. Any surfaces that the carrots have come into contact with should be cleaned immediately with hot soapy water. 

Signs and symptoms of E. coli infection

“E. coli is not a new toxin. It’s something that we’ve known about for a long time in medicine. And the good news is that we know what symptoms to look for. We’re pretty good at detecting and treating the infection. Most people recover, although some of the more severe cases are very tragic,” said Rais Vohra, MD, a professor of Clinical Emergency medicine at UCSF Medical and director of the California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division.

The symptoms of E. coli generally manifest within 3 to 4 days after infection. Mild symptoms are nonspecific and can feel like general “food poisoning”:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting, in rare cases

In some cases, the symptoms are more severe, particularly when the variety of E. coli produces shiga toxin. Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) can result in severe, bloody diarrhea (dysentery), and other serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and death.

“STEC actually gets into the lining of the gut, and the whole gut starts to kind of just peel off, which is where you get bloody diarrhea; it’s a much more invasive disease. Then the bacteria can actually get into your bloodstream, and then you can even get blood poisoning, also known as sepsis,” said Vohra.

Healthy adults will likely survive an E. coli infection with supportive care, but some groups are at increased risk of severe illness. 

“If you happen to be immunocompromised, if you happen to have some condition that makes you more vulnerable to dehydration, such as diabetes, you could be at increased risk,” said Vohra.

Elderly individuals and young children are also at increased risk of dehydration and severe symptoms from E. coli infection.

What to do if you think you are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection

The best medicine for foodborne illness is prevention. That means basic hygiene and food safety practices like hand washing and disinfecting surfaces. However, if you think you’ve consumed a contaminated product or already have symptoms, the best course of action is supportive care at home: make sure to rest and hydrate. 

Replenishing fluids and electrolytes that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea is the most important facet of care at this stage. 

However, in some instances, supportive care may be insufficient.

“If the symptoms are more severe, such as having a fever that’s above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or having diarrhea that’s occurring for longer than three days, or bloody diarrhea, any of the symptoms that the CDC on their website lists as more severe, in that situation, it would be recommended to then reach out to a healthcare profession,” said Lambson.

Vohra also recommends that everyone pay special attention to hygiene and food safety heading into the holiday season.

“Everyone’s getting ready to cook their best dishes and share them with families. Please, please be hygienic when you do that. If you’re going to be cooking meat, know how to prepare it. Clean your vegetables. Double check your list of groceries to make sure that they’re not being recalled at the national or at the state level, wherever you happen to be,” he told Healthline.

The bottom line

A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in nearly 40 reported illnesses, including 15 hospitalizations and one death.

Grimmway Farms sold the contaminated carrots under various brand names, including Trader Joe’s, Cal-Organic, and Bunny Luv.

The affected products are no longer on store shelves but may be in your refrigerator. Consumers are urged to check for contaminated products and discard them immediately.

E. coli infection is a common foodborne illness that may result in mild symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) or more severe complications, including dysentery (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Patients in British hospitals with serious, antibiotic-resistant gut infections have little in common with snakebite victims overseas. But when scientists made an unlikely connection in 2018, it led to trials for a potential new treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections. In this …

• A new study says that regular walking could help you live longer.
• Those who were most active moved the equivalent of 160 minutes of walking per day.
• People who are not very active could gain as much as 11 years of life by walking more.
• Walking increases life span by improving cardiometabolic health.
• It’s important to start slow and build up to your walking goal.

According to a study published online on November 14, 2024, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, getting less physical activity is linked with premature death.

However, the researchers found that increasing physical activity — for example, taking daily walks — could extend how long people live.

If people were as active as the top one-quarter of Americans, they could live around 5 years longer.

Additionally, if people who are among the least active brought their activity up to this level, they might add an additional 11 years to their lives.

The authors further speculated that infrastructure changes like walkable neighborhoods and green spaces, which help promote activities like biking and walking, could lead to greater longevity within the general population.

Greater physical activity linked to living longer

To conduct their study, the researchers gathered data from people older than age 40, which was collected via activity trackers for the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

They also used 2019 U.S. Census data as well as 2017 death data gleaned from the National Center for Health Statistics.

The team then created a mathematical model to predict how different levels of physical activity could influence how long people lived.

They found that the 25% of individuals who were most active engaged in activity levels equivalent to walking 160 minutes every day at a pace of 3 mph.

Based on this, they estimated that if all people boosted their activity to this level, they could increase their life expectancy from 78.6 to 84 years — an increase of over 5 years.

However, being in the lowest 25% of activity was associated with a decrease in life expectancy of around 6 years.

If these less active individuals logged an additional 111 minutes of walking each day, though, they could conceivably experience even greater benefits, living nearly 11 years longer.

How walking might increase longevity

John Lowe, MD, a physician at Restore Care specializing in preventive health and lifestyle medicine, who was not involved in the study, explained that regular walking has several beneficial effects that contribute to a longer life.

It can help you decrease your resting heart rate, manage cholesterol, and reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke.

“Walking … can be useful for glucose metabolism,” he added, “because [it is] known to enhance insulin actions, which would enable better blood sugar management and reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes. A walk after meals is particularly effective for blood glucose control.”

Regular walking can also protect the body from systemic inflammation, according to Lowe. Systemic inflammation has been associated with several chronic diseases in epidemiological studies.

“Maintaining a walking routine helps downregulate inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), which helps improve immune system responsiveness and maintain cellular health,” he concluded.

How to get started walking more daily steps

Dr. Sean Ormond, a pain management doctor with Atlas Pain Specialists, who was also not a part of the study, said that walking doesn’t have to take a large commitment to make a difference for you.

“Start with small, doable changes that fit into your daily life,” he said. “For example, instead of finding the closest parking spot, park farther away and enjoy the walk. Swap the elevator for the stairs when you can. Take five- or ten-minute walking breaks during your workday — maybe a quick lap around your house, office, or even your yard.”

Ormond added that taking a gentle walk after meals can be beneficial because it helps you digest your food and doesn’t feel like exercise.

“If you have kids or pets, make walking a family affair,” he suggested. “[I]t’s a great way to bond while staying active.”

If you’d like to take a more structured approach, Ormond said step-counting apps and fitness trackers can make walking more fun. “Set small, realistic goals, like an extra 500 steps a day, and build from there,” he said.

Also, he said that people shouldn’t become discouraged if the 160 minutes of activity mentioned in the study seems like a daunting goal.

“Every step you take is a step toward better health,” said Ormond. “What matters most is consistency.”

“So, lace up your shoes and see where a walk can take you — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s one of the easiest ways to nurture your body and mind for years to come,” he said.

Takeaway

A new study has found that greater amounts of physical activity are associated with living longer.

Setting a goal to walk 160 minutes per day could increase people’s lifespan by around 5 years.

Also, those people who are least active could increase their longevity by as much as 11 years.

Walking helps you live longer because it has beneficial effects on your cardiometabolic health.

To get started with walking, make small, realistic changes, keep things fun, and build up slowly.

• Eating certain foods can exacerbate GI discomfort and other common side effects associated with GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
• Navigating holiday meals can be challenging as they often include many of these foods, such as high fat, greasy, and sugary items.
• Health experts say it’s essential to understand what foods might worsen the side effects of the medication so that you can approach the holiday with strategies to minimize severe discomfort.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, (parade) floats, and, let’s be honest, food.

“Thanksgiving is all about food, eating, and over-indulgence: Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie,” says Chris McGowan, MD, a gastroenterologist, obesity medicine specialist, and the founder of True You Weight Loss. “For many, eating to the point of discomfort is the highlight of the holiday and a way of showing appreciation to the host and chef.”

But McGowan says that, for the hundreds of thousands of people taking GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, the eat-until-you’re-full-and-then-get-seconds approach may present physically painful challenges.

These medications are associated with common side effects like nausea and vomiting, which can intensify when a person consumes certain foods, including high fat, high-sugar items that are often front and center on Thanksgiving tables.

“As we approach the food-centric holiday season, it’s essential to understand which foods might worsen the side effects of anti-obesity medications,” McGowan says.

Healthline spoke with McGowan and other obesity medicine specialists, who shared their tips for which Thanksgiving foods are the least likely to trigger side effects and which ones are best to limit or avoid for people taking weight loss drugs.

How GLP-1 drugs can affect appetite and tolerance for certain foods

GLP-1 medications are a class of antiobesity and antidiabetic drugs, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). They can help people lose significant weight, but they can also change how a person tolerates certain foods.

“GLP-1 medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in the small intestine. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion,” says Michael L. Glickman, MD, a triple board certified family and obesity medicine physician who founded Revolution Medicine. “The medication helps with weight loss by slowing digestion and increasing satiety. This helps reduce food portions.” 

Portions are generally large on Thanksgiving, but that’s not the only potential pitfall for people taking drugs like Ozempic.

“Thanksgiving favorites, which tend to be high in sugar, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, can be more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues when they stay in the stomach longer,” Glickman says.

GI issues, like nausea and vomiting, are common side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs, so consuming these foods can either trigger or worsen them, explains Mir Ali, MD, a board certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center.

Thanksgiving foods to avoid on Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs

First, it’s important to note that there is no specific “Ozempic diet,” and you can still enjoy all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes in moderation.

“It’s perfectly fine to enjoy all of Thanksgiving’s tastes and flavors, but be mindful of portions and keep the heavier foods to a minimum,” McGowan says.

Ali says greasy, fried, sugary, high carb, calorie-dense foods take a while to digest. Because of this, they may be more likely to trigger uncomfortable side effects.

According to McGowan, some Thanksgiving staples that fit this bill include:

• Stuffing
• Candied yams (often doused in butter, sugar, and marshmallows)
• Green bean casserole (often heavy in cream and fried onions)
• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Pecan pie
• Canned cranberry sauce (often high in sugar)
• Macaroni and cheese

Ali also advises people to be mindful of alcohol consumption.

“Alcohol contains a large amount of carbohydrate calories and can cause more nausea and reflux,” Ali says.

Ali also adds that foods affect people differently, so it’s critical to tune into your body.

Thanksgiving foods least likely to cause side effects on Ozempic, Wegovy

The holidays can feel emotionally nourishing — and they can be physically, too. 

 “For many, the holidays represent an important time for family and social gatherings and celebrations,” McGowan says. “It’s important to continue enjoying the season’s positive aspects without triggering troublesome or potentially dangerous medication side effects.”

Glickman suggests prioritizing foods like lean proteins, fiber, and non-starchy vegetables.

Glickman and McGowan said the meal’s star, the turkey, fits that bill if it’s roasted.

McGowan says some other foods include quintessential Thanksgiving menu items like: 

• Roast vegetables like oven-roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts
• Homemade cranberry sauce using a recipe that minimizes sugar
• Sauteed or steamed green beans

Tips for managing Thanksgiving while taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic

 McGowan recommends taking time before Thanksgiving to reflect on details like the menu, guest list, location, and potential challenges. 

“Anticipating these scenarios can help you stay in control and enjoy the day,” McGowan says.

The following simple tips can help you manage potential challenges during holiday meals.

Don’t skip meals

Glickman and McGowan say “saving” calories by ditching or severely limiting food intake ahead of a Thanksgiving meal is a common mistake for people trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss. It can backfire. 

“Skipping meals will only lead to excessive hunger and overeating,” McGowan says.

Glickman suggests prioritizing breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.

“Start your day with a healthy high protein and fiber breakfast and lunch,” Glickman says. “This will prevent you from starting Thanksgiving dinner with 10/10 hunger and limit overeating.”

Bring a food you’re excited to eat

Food is more than fuel for the body — it’s about taste, socialization, and memories. Hearing about the foods you “can’t eat” or “can’t have much of” ahead of a food-centered holiday like Thanksgiving can feel like a downer, especially if you aren’t the host or handling the cooking.

McGowan says you can avoid this pain point by adding some favorite dishes to the Thanksgiving meal that you know you’ll enjoy from a taste and lack of side effect perspective. 

Strategize the meal

Glickman recommends starting the meal by filling your plate with whole foods like veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins before adding smaller portions that can worsen GLP-1 side effects. Then, eat the nourishing foods that are less likely to cause discomfort first, like protein-rich roasted turkey and fiber-packed veggies.

“This will also help with satiety,” Glickman says.

Savor the meal

“Eating slower allows time for the sensation of fullness to become more apparent and helps avoid overeating,” Ali says.

McGowan says it also helps you enjoy the whole experience of the meal, including family, friends, and flavors.

Go for a post-meal walk

Glickman says heading out for a walk following a meal is useful.

“Going for a walk within 30 minutes of your Thanksgiving meal helps with motility, improves digestion, and limits insulin spikes,” Glickman says. “Walking after large meals can be a useful tip to help stay on track with your weight loss journey.”

Avoid leftovers

“Once-a-year” foods can become more than that because of leftovers.

“Keep Thanksgiving to one meal,” McGowan says. “If you are hosting, send your leftovers with guests. If you’re a guest, either decline the leftovers or take them home and toss them.”

Takeaway

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, eating certain foods can trigger common side effects such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.

Navigating holiday meals can be challenging as they often include many of these foods.

Health experts say it’s essential to understand what foods might worsen the side effects of the medication so that you can approach the holiday with strategies to minimize severe discomfort.

Experts say eating foods like lean proteins (including roasted turkey) and fiber-rich foods like roasted vegetables may be best to prioritize, while it’s a good idea to limit foods that are high in fat, carbs, and sugar.

Our scientists are tracking flu and other respiratory viruses and they need your help. Join our FluSurvey system and contribute directly to flu surveillance this winter. This UK-wide citizen science programme has now started, but there is still plenty of …

• In 2025, an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will keep costs low for Medicare enrollees on drugs covered by Part D plans.
• A payment plan will allow Medicare enrollees to pay for their drugs in capped monthly installments rather than paying the full cost upfront at the pharmacy.
• A drop in the number of stand-alone Part D drug plans will mean fewer choices for enrollees, which may simplify the process of choosing a Medicare plan.

Several changes are coming to Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could potentially impact enrollees’ benefits and costs, including changes in premiums, a new out-of-pocket cap, and a drop in the number of drug plans being offered.

“All in all, these 2025 changes offer a good balance between managing costs and adding protections for Medicare beneficiaries,” said Brandy Burch, CEO at BenefitBay.

“For most people, these updates will provide more stability and predictability in their healthcare expenses,” Burch told Healthline, “which can make a big difference when it comes to planning for the year ahead.”

Here’s a rundown of the top five changes coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Increase in Plan D prescription drug base premium

The Medicare Part D base beneficiary premium will increase in 2025 over the previous year. However, this doesn’t mean Medicare enrollees will pay more out of pocket each month for their Part D drug benefits.

Here’s why.

The base beneficiary premium will be $36.78 in 2025, a 6% increase from 2024, reports nonprofit KFF. This increase is capped at 6% due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act also provides a premium stabilization mechanism. This limits the actual premium increases for Part D plans to about $2 per month on average.

The base premium is not what Part D enrollees pay each month. It is the base amount allowed for premiums.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that, thanks to the government’s premium stabilization efforts, the average monthly premium for stand-alone Part D plans will decrease by 4% to $40.00 in 2025.

Actual monthly premiums will range from $0 to $100 or more, reports KFF. In addition, enrollees with higher annual incomes ($103,000 or greater for individuals; $206,000 or greater for couples) will pay an income-related premium surcharge on top of the regular premium.

CMS projects that the average monthly premium for people with a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage will fall by 13% to $13.50 in 2025.

However, a recent analysis by ValuePenguin found that overall Medicare Advantage premiums will increase by 4% for 2025 over the previous year — going from $24 to $25 per month. This rate change varies by state.

These are average changes, so your plan’s premiums may change by a different amount — up or down. It’s important to shop around during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, to find the best plan for your budget and needs.

In addition, over 14 million people with Medicare will have a $0 premium for Part D plans, thanks to the government’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program.

$2,000 out-of-pocket max and end of coverage ‘donut hole’

You may have heard about the “donut hole” — or gap in prescription drug coverage — about Medicare Part D. 

You enter this gap once your Medicare Part D plan has paid a certain amount for your prescription drugs during a single coverage year. At this point, you’ll pay more out of pocket for your prescription drugs until you reach your yearly limit.

Depending on your plan, when you hit your yearly limit, the plan may help pay for the cost of your prescription drugs again.

If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. The donut hole will disappear after 2024 and be replaced by a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025. This change, due to the Inflation Reduction Act, affects all Medicare plans.

Once you have paid $2,000 out of pocket for covered drugs during a calendar year, you will automatically get “catastrophic coverage.” As a result, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for drugs covered by Part D for the rest of the year.

An estimated 1.4 million Medicare Part D enrollees without low-income subsidies are expected to benefit from the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, reports KFF. These people had annual out-of-pocket spending above this limit.

Burch said the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will have a big impact for Medicare enrollees.

“For people who rely on costly medications, having this cap means they can finally plan their healthcare budget without worrying about unexpected high costs,” she said. “It’s a big step in providing peace of mind and knowing that once they hit that $2,000 threshold, they’re covered for the rest of the year.”

This change will not only lower out-of-pocket drug costs for enrollees — especially for those taking multiple or high-priced medications — but it is also likely to help them take their drugs as prescribed, which can improve their health outcomes.

Payment plan to spread out drug costs

Also coming in 2025 is the option for Part D enrollees to pay their prescription drug costs in capped monthly installments instead of all at once at the pharmacy.

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is available for all plans at no cost, including Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. However, participation is voluntary.

If you choose this option, instead of paying for your drugs at the pharmacy, you will get a monthly bill from your Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan.

”This [payment plan] makes the cost [of drugs] feel more manageable by breaking it down over time,” said Burch. “It’s like having a bit of breathing room, rather than facing a large payment all at once. And that flexibility can be a relief for those on a tight budget.”

Jenn Kerfoot, chief strategy and growth officer at DUOS pointed out that people on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can’t be sent to a credit collector for not paying their bills. However, the plan can kick them off the payment plan if they don’t pay their bills, she told Healthline.

Fewer stand-alone Part D plans

KFF reports that in 2025, there will be 26% fewer standalone Part D plans than in the previous year and 5% fewer Part D plans for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries.

These drops are due to changes stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, which takes effect in 2025, including the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Part D plans and drug manufacturers will also have to pay a larger share of drug costs above the cap, and Medicare will pick up less for drug costs.

However, KFF said enrollees in each state will still be able to choose from at least a dozen standalone plans and many Medicare Advantage drug plans.

While some people may end up losing their current plan, having fewer plans overall could help simplify things for people during Medicare Open Enrollment.

“Fewer choices mean people don’t have to spend as much time evaluating and comparing endless options, which can be overwhelming,” said Burch. “For a lot of older adults, a streamlined set of options can make the process easier and help them focus on finding the best fit, without all the guesswork.”

New Manufacturer Discount Program

At the start of 2025, the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program will end. This program helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for Part D beneficiaries who reach the donut hole. 

Since the donut hole is going away due to the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, the Coverage Gap Discount Program is no longer needed.

It will be replaced starting in 2025 by the Manufacturer Discount Program. Under this program, the manufacturer will typically pay a 10% discount for brand-name drugs and biologics during the initial Part D coverage phase, said CMS. 

When a beneficiary reaches the catastrophic phase—after the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap—the manufacturer will typically offer a 20% discount on these drugs and biologics.

“This change may alter how drug discounts are applied, particularly for brand-name medications,” said Burch. “but the good news is that financial relief [for enrollees] for prescriptions should still be there.”

However, “it’s important for enrollees to double-check how this update might affect their specific medications during open enrollment,” she added. “That way, they can avoid any surprises when it comes to costs.”

Kerfoot recommends that people consider several things when shopping for a Medicare drug plan this year, including whether their plan from 2024 is still offered, whether their existing plan cut their benefits, whether the medications they are taking are still covered by the plan, and whether the premium changed.

Burch also suggests that people keep in mind the five major changes happening next year.

“With the adjustments to out-of-pocket limits, payment options and plan choices, it’s important to pick a plan that best aligns with their specific healthcare and financial needs,” said Burch. “Taking a little extra time now to understand the new landscape can help save a lot of worry, and potentially a lot of money, throughout 2025.”

Takeaway

Several changes are coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could impact drug costs and plan coverage. One change is an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Once enrollees hit this limit, they won’t have to pay out of pocket for their drugs for the rest of the year.

A new payment plan is also starting up in 2025 that will allow enrollees to pay for their drugs in the form of capped monthly installments rather than all at once at the pharmacy. This free option is available for all Part D plans, including Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. Participation is voluntary.

In 2025, there will be 26% fewer stand-alone Part D plans than in 2024 and slightly fewer Part D plans for low-income older adults. However, at least a dozen stand-alone plans are available in each state, so enrollees will still have options.

• Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) appear to be leveling off after decades of growth in the U.S., according to the latest statistics from the CDC.
• STIs remain at record levels, but new cases of chlamydia and syphilis could finally be stabilizing, while cases of gonorrhea have declined for two years in a row.
• Large discrepancies in STIs persist for certain populations, with adolescents, gay men, and Black individuals bearing much of the burden.

The STI epidemic in the United States could finally be leveling off, according to a recently released report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2023, chlamydia, the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI), stabilized at pre-pandemic levels. Gonorrhea cases fell for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, cases of syphilis, including reporting for different stages of the disease and congenital syphilis, continued to grow. Still, there’s been a steep decline in syphilis cases compared to prior years.

More than 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported last year; the vast majority (1.6 million) were chlamydia, followed by gonorrhea (600,00) and syphilis (209,000).

Overall, the total number of STIs decreased by 1.8% between 2022 and 2023. 

While new cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis — the three most common STIs — are still at or near record levels, experts are cautiously optimistic about the new CDC data.

Declining condom usage and a changing landscape for sexual education are possible reasons for the high number of STIs in the U.S.

“We’re at an inflection point in the epidemic. This report is encouraging in a number of areas, but it also shows that we have a lot of work to do,” Bradley Stoner, MD, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at the CDC, told Healthline. “We still have a lot of STIs in the U.S., and they’re not equally distributed,” he said.

The data confirms discrepancies in disease burden, Stoner noted. Rates of STIs are not equally distributed, with certain groups, including gay and bisexual men, Black people, and young adults (ages 15-24) disproportionately affected.

‘Alarming’ number of syphilis cases

Syphilis, an STI that can lead to serious health problems, including nerve and brain damage remains the most pressing concern for doctors, and particularly congenital syphilis, which is when the disease is spread to a baby during pregnancy.

In 2023, cases of syphilis increased by 1%, marking more than a 10% decrease compared to the prior year, and the first substantial decrease since 2001.

But, the U.S. still reported nearly 210,000 cases, the highest number since 1950.

“I think the most important part of the report is the fact that we’ve seen a decline in the growth of syphilis cases. The fact that the overall syphilis rate only ticked up by one point. This is really profound,” David Weismiller, MD, ScM, professor of family and community medicine for the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, told Healthline.

There were also nearly 4,000 reported cases of congenital syphilis reported in 2023, the largest number of cases since 1992. Among those cases, 279 resulted in congenital syphilis-related stillbirth and infant death.

Jake Scott, MD, clinical associate professor of infectious disease at Stanford Medicine, called the congenital syphilis statistics “alarming.”

“Congenital syphilis should never, ever occur. No child should die from syphilis. It’s so easy to prevent,” Scott told Healthline.

Gonorrhea declines, chlamydia stabilizes

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is spread through genital contact and bodily fluids.

This STI can infect the genitals, as well as the rectum, eyes, throat, mouth, and female reproductive tract. While it may be asymptomatic, common symptoms of gonorrhea may include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina.

The disease fell to historic lows in 2009, but subsequently climbed for more than a decade. The CDC data shows that 2023 marks the second straight year of decline in the U.S.: gonorrhea decreased by 9.2% between 2021 and 2022 and 7.7% from 2022 to 2023.

Chlamydia, also a bacterial STI, is often asymptomatic, but left untreated can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. Symptoms may include painful urination and discharge.

Cases of the disease have been on the rise for roughly two decades, except for a brief, unexplained dip between 2011 and 2013.

Chlamydia cases declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did rates of other STIs, but subsequently rebounded. Experts believe the dip has more to do with a lack of sexual health resources at that time, including disease screening, rather than changes to sexual behavior.

“Society opened back up and STIs rose to beyond pre-COVID levels. What we think happened there was a lack of clinical care, because STI clinics were closed for the most part,” Stoner said.

The latest data indicates that chlamydia has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but, the authors of the CDC report warn, this may be an artifact of reductions in chlamydia screening.

Prevention, screening key to ending STI epidemic

It’s too early to tell whether 2023 will signal a renewed downtrend for STIs in the U.S. or not. Experts emphasized the need for more resources, particularly for STI education and screening, and safe sex practices.

“One of the goals of our field is to destigmatize STIs so that people aren’t afraid to ask for the tests that they want or need and for clinicians to have those discussions with their patients,” Stoner said.

Using latex condoms is still one of the simplest ways to prevent STIs, pregnancy, and HIV.

Scott said while the report is “encouraging,” discrepancies in care need to be addressed.

“Nearly half of STI cases were in people ages 15 to 24, and so that’s clearly a sign that we are failing to provide effective sexual education to those ages. We aren’t providing enough resources in terms of not only education, but routine testing and treatment,” he noted.

The CDC now also recommends doctors to discuss Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) or taking a course of doxycycline after a potential STI exposure to prevent disease with gay and bisexual men.

“It’s basically like the morning-after pill for sexually transmitted infections…And it’s clearly quite effective at lowering rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis,” Scott added.

Since many STIs may not have symptoms, regular screening is key to prevention.

“STI are oftentimes spread without any awareness and without any symptoms. So, for that reason, when people are sexually active, especially if they’re sexually active with multiple partners, and if they’re not using barrier protection, meaning condoms, then regular screening tests are essential because that’s going to be the only way to diagnose,” Scott said.

Takeaway

The three most common STIs in the U.S. — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — remain at or near record levels, but could be leveling off, according to a new CDC report.

The data show that 2023 marked two years of declining cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia that since returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Syphilis and congenital syphilis remain alarmingly high, however the number of new cases in 2023 only grew by 1%, representing about a 10% drop from the year prior.

Condom usage (or other barrier protection) and regular screening remain the two most effective tools for STI prevention.

• Actor Dave Coulier, known for playing Uncle Joey on Full House, announced he has stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Non-Hodkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system.
• It can cause symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, chest pain, or fever.
• Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy.

Full House actor Dave Coulier, 65, has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The actor was diagnosed in October after a respiratory infection caused his lymph nodes to swell, reports PEOPLE. 

When the swelling increased rapidly, Coulier’s doctor advised him to undergo PET and CT scans and have a biopsy.

“Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s called B cell and it’s very aggressive,’” he told PEOPLE. 

What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that helps fight germs.

In this type of cancer, white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow abnormally and can lead to the growth of tumors in other parts of the body.

“The most common presentation of it is usually a swollen lymph node that is painless, and soft and rubbery,” said Jack Jacoub, MD, medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, Calif.

You have lymph nodes throughout the body, but the ones that you can easily feel with your hand are those in the neck, the armpits, and the groin, he said.

Other things can cause lymph nodes to become swollen, such as an infection. But in this case, they return to their normal size when the infection is over.

If a lymph node continues to be large or is painless, or if a lymph node is swollen on only one side of the body, then you should have it checked by a doctor, said Jacoub.

“Symptoms [of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] can also include things like fevers or sweats that you can’t explain or unexplained weight loss,” he told Healthline.

According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers.

There are many subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has B cell lymphoma, which he described as “very aggressive,” reports PEOPLE. Most cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma arise from B cells.

Coulier revealed that a test of his bone marrow showed that his cancer had not spread.

“At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day,” he told PEOPLE.

How non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated

Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends upon the types of cells involved and how aggressive the lymphoma is.

If the lymphoma appears to be growing slowly and is not causing any signs or symptoms, you might not need immediate treatment. Instead, your doctor will monitor your condition every few months to see if your cancer is progressing.

But there are “more aggressive forms of lymphoma, where if you don’t do something, someone could die in a few months,” said Jacoub.

For more aggressive lymphomas, or if it is causing signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment such as:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• targeted drug therapy
• engineering your own immune cells to fight the lymphoma, known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy
• bone marrow transplant
• immunotherapy

Coulier told PEOPLE that he started chemotherapy two weeks after his diagnosis, adding that he shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.”

In general, “treatment [for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] is extremely effective and can cure the majority of people,” said Jacoub, “even when it’s stage four.”

How to reduce your cancer risk

Most people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma don’t have obvious factors that increase their risk of developing this type of cancer.

There are some factors that may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, although not everyone who has these risk factors will develop this cancer. These include:

• Medications that suppress the immune system, such as those taken after an organ transplant.
• Infections with certain bacteria and viruses, such as HIV, the Epstein-Barr virus, or the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori.
• Certain chemicals, such as insect- and weed-killers.
• Being older than 60 years.

“Sometimes certain families seem to have a higher risk of lymphoma. This is why knowing your family history is important,” said Jacoub. “But there is no hereditary disorder that has been identified to say that these people have a higher risk of lymphoma.”

You can’t eliminate your risk entirely. But you can help catch this and other cancers earlier — when they are easier to treat — by having concerning symptoms checked by a doctor and ensuring you have recommended screenings.

“Take great care of yourself because there’s a lot to live for,” Coulier told PEOPLE. “And if that means talking with your doctors or getting a mammogram or a breast exam or colonoscopy, it can really make a big change in your life.”

Jacoub also recommends living a healthy lifestyle in general, which can reduce the risk of other cancers.

“Limit drinking, stop smoking, lose weight as much as you can, exercise, and eat a plant-based or health-conscious diet,” he said.

Takeaway

Full House star Dave Coulier, 65, revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of cancer begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.

There are several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has a type that arises from B cells. He revealed that his cancer is “very aggressive,” but a test showed that it had not spread to his bone marrow, which improves his chances of being treated successfully.

Coulier is undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer. Other treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and bone marrow transplant. 

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, such as exposure to insect- and weed-killers. However, many people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have no known risk factors.

• Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
• The drink is typically made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake.
• Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value.
• Instead, experts recommend focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss.

Protein Diet Coke is the latest viral drink trend that’s taken over TikTok.

The beverage isn’t an official product of the Coca-Cola Company, but rather — as its name suggests — a combination of vanilla protein shake and Diet Coke.

Rebecca Gordan, an elementary school teacher from Utah, helped popularize the drink after a video she posted of herself enjoying a cup of the bubbly brew quickly went viral on TikTok.

@beccers_gordonn

Protein diet coke gets a 10/10 for me. Gotta love utah gas stations #utah #gasstation #soda #proteindietcoke #dietcoke #utahcheck #swig

♬ Did Somebody Say HipOpera – Latto & Christina Aguilera

Since then, videos of people trying the beverage and sharing their twists on the recipe have racked up millions of views on social media platforms, with many singing the drink’s praises as a delicious way of meeting their daily protein goals.

But is this trendy beverage really a “healthy” way of getting more protein in your diet?

Healthline spoke with nutritionists to help break down the pros and cons of Protein Diet Coke and reveal whether the viral soda is really worth a sip or one you should skip.

What is Protein Diet Coke?

Protein Diet Coke is an offshoot of the “dirty soda” trend, which exploded in popularity in 2022.

A “dirty soda” typically consists of a base soft drink with added flavored syrups, creams, or fruit juices — such as “Pilk” (Pepsi + milk) — similar to a root beer float or an alcohol-free mocktail.

Protein Diet Coke most often includes two simple ingredients: your choice of diet soft drink mixed with a bottle of ready-made protein shake.

Is Protein Diet Coke healthy?

“I wouldn’t label Protein Diet Coke as a healthy drink, but I don’t think that it’s unhealthy either,” said Destini Moody, a certified registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching.

“I do find it a bit odd that we are mixing ready-to-drink protein in soda when we could just…drink the protein. The soda really doesn’t add anything of value considering it doesn’t have any calories and certainly doesn’t contain any additional protein or micronutrients.”

However, Moody noted that adding more protein to your diet in the form of whey protein shakes can pack a nutritious punch, especially if you’re trying to increase your daily protein intake.

She personally favors the Fairlife Core Power protein shakes, which are frequently used as a primary ingredient in many #proteindeitcoke videos posted on TikTok.

“They provide a good amount of high quality protein with all of the essential amino acids, half of your daily requirement of calcium, and can certainly go a long way in helping you stay full between meals,” said Moody.

Can Protein Diet Coke help you lose weight?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 suggest that adult males should eat at least 56 grams of protein daily, while adult females should eat at least 46 grams daily.

Research suggests, however, that eating higher amounts of protein may help you lose weight weight while retaining and building muscle mass.

Protein can help increase the body’s production of hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, which can help you feel fuller longer.

Protein can also help reduce ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”).

Moody said that, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Protein Diet Coke may help aid with weight loss when consumed in moderation.

“Adding more protein to the diet in the form of whey protein shakes is always an excellent way to both build muscle and lose weight, so if mixing it with [diet] coke encourages more protein intake, I totally co-sign,” Moody said.

“Drinking this beverage between meals to curb cravings can help you lose weight compared to eating high calorie, carb-based snacks like chips and granola bars that leave you feeling hungry again shortly after you eat them.”

However, she stressed that it’s better to simply “drink the protein shake” without adding the additional soda.

“The Diet Coke does not add any additional benefit for either building muscle or weight loss. I’d label it as more of a flavor enhancer if anything,” she said.

Healthier ways of increasing your daily protein intake

While drinking beverages like Protein Diet Coke in moderation may help you beef up your daily protein intake, Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at Entirely Nourished, said focusing on an overall healthy diet should be a higher priority.

“For sustainable muscle growth, weight loss, and overall health, it’s better to focus on a balanced meal post-exercise that ensures nutrient adequacy. This approach is more effective because it provides consistent, long-term results and fuels the body appropriately for optimal recovery,” she said.

She also noted that relying on protein shakes as meal replacements “could lead to nutritional gaps, hinder proper recovery post-workout, and potentially contribute to increased oxidative stress, which can impair muscle repair and overall recovery.”

Instead, she recommended increasing your protein intake by including more whole foods in your diet, such as:

• lean meats
• fish
• eggs
• dairy
• legumes
• nuts
• seeds

Rather than drinking a Protein Diet Coke for a protein-rich snack, Routhenstein recommends trying healthier options like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or edamame to meet your daily protein needs.

However, if you plan to incorporate protein shakes into your diet, Moody suggests beefing them up with healthier natural ingredients.

“I love to take strawberry core power shakes and blend it with frozen strawberries, bananas, Greek yogurt (for even more protein) and chia seeds,” Moody said.

“In this example, you are getting fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and more micronutrients like calcium and Vitamin C along with the protein. You get none of that with Diet Coke.”

Takeaway

Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.

The drink is made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake.

Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value.

Instead, focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods is recommended, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss.