Health | Health: Fitness, Nutrition, Tools, News, Health Magazine

Study Finds Link Between Low Vitamin D and Inflammation—Here’s How to Boost Your Levels

-

August 16, 2023

0

Study Finds Link Between Low Vitamin D and Inflammation—Here’s How to Boost Your Levels

Older people with vitamin D deficiency may have more inflammation in their bodies, according to a new study.
It's not yet clear whether the lack of vitamin D was causing the additional inflammation, rather, the research simply found an association.
Supplements or dietary changes can help boost vitamin D levels, though a host of individual factors can determine how much a person might need, experts said.

Older adults who are deficient in vitamin D may be more likely to experience chronic inflammation, new research suggests.

The study, recently published in PLoS ONE, found an association among a group of older Irish people between low vitamin D levels and high levels of a protein that denotes inflammation in the body.

The link between the two held up even after adjusting for behavioral and lifestyle factors that might otherwise put someone at risk for more inflammation, explained study author Eamon Laird, PhD, a research fellow at the University of Limerick and Trinity College, Dublin.

It’s not yet clear, however, whether low vitamin D levels are driving chronic inflammation. But if researchers find causation, the implications could be significant for helping people avoid dementia, heart disease, cancers, and other chronic diseases as they age.

“As people get older, our immune system goes from a balanced to a more proinflammatory profile. We think this is something called inflammaging,” Laird told Health. “The more chronic inflammation you have over your lifespan, the higher your risk of chronic disease later in life.”

A recent study estimated that 22% of Americans have moderate vitamin D deficiency, and an additional 2.6% have a severe deficiency. Those who are younger, have lower education levels, have lower socioeconomic status, or are non-white are more likely to be deficient.

Study: Vitamin D Supplements May Help Reduce Risk of Heart Attack in Older People

Finding an Association Between Vitamin D and Inflammation

The new research builds off of a 2014 study in which Laird and his team found an association between vitamin D deficiency and inflammation in nearly 1,000 adults over the age of 60.

Drawing from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, the new study includes a broader population—more than 5,300 Irish adults over 50 with an average age of about 63.

Researchers used participant blood samples to measure vitamin D levels and concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation.

They then grouped participants based on their vitamin D levels. Concentrations of 50 nanomoles (nmol) per liter (L) or higher were deemed sufficient, while concentrations between 30 and 50 nmol/L were defined as insufficient. Deficiency was defined as a vitamin D concentration of less than 30 nmol/L.

To see the specific connection between inflammation and vitamin D levels in each group, the study authors discounted lifestyle factors that may have played a role—such as obesity, education, disease, and tobacco and alcohol use—in the analysis, Laird said.

“We looked at vitamin D levels and measured inflammation,” he explained. “[People who] were more deficient—[who had] less than 30 nmol/L—had a much higher CRP level, a much higher indication of inflammation.”

This link indicates that raising vitamin D levels could work to control inflammation among older adults with a deficiency.

Is It Better to Take Vitamin D Daily or Weekly? Here's What Experts Suggest

How Could Vitamin D Influence Inflammation?

It’s important to note that the study did not find that vitamin D deficiency caused the inflammation that researchers noticed, said Marilyn Tan, MD, chief of the endocrine clinic at Stanford Health Care.

“Association does not establish causation,” Tan told Health in an email. “It’s possible that the subjects had other chronic medical conditions that were associated with higher [inflammation] levels, and these conditions led to lower vitamin D levels (rather than low vitamin D levels leading to higher CRP).”

Genetics, additional lifestyle factors, or other elements not measured in the study could also explain the link between vitamin D deficiency and inflammation, added Laird.

But there are a few different theories as to how sufficient vitamin D levels may keep inflammation at bay, he explained.

There’s some evidence that vitamin D helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal immune cells to fight threats such as viruses and bacteria. They also help decrease the body’s inflammatory response when it’s no longer needed.

“When the vitamin D levels are out of whack, it leads to a bit of immune dysregulation,” said Laird, adding that it’s important to remember that factors such as diet, smoking habits, physical activity levels, and obesity also play a role in inflammation levels.

Having adequate vitamin D levels also has benefits beyond managing inflammation and the immune system.

The vitamin plays a vital role in bone health and regulates calcium and phosphorus balance, Tan said.

However, she noted that despite interest in vitamin D as a health promoter, research hasn’t substantiated links between vitamin D and conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and COVID. In fact, other research “did not show efficacy of vitamin D in preventing fractures, falls, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and respiratory infections,” she added.

It would be helpful to have a “randomized controlled trial to see what is the true link between vitamin D and inflammation,” Laird said.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that people maintain sufficient concentrations of vitamin D to maintain bone and overall health. According to the NIH, people in the U.S. should have at least 50 nmol/L of vitamin (the level deemed “sufficient” in the study).

Although the NIH recommends that people between the ages of 1 and 70 consume 15 micrograms or 600 IU of vitamin D daily, Tan said this may not be sufficient for many people.

“How much vitamin D replacement one needs depends on their baseline levels and other factors such as sun exposure, diet, natural skin color, kidney function, and other health conditions,” she said.

Unfortunately, it’s challenging to determine if a person is deficient or sufficient without a blood test. “There are no real symptoms,” Laird said.

But, added Laird, a person who doesn’t spend much time in the sun or eat enough oily fish or fortified foods may not have sufficient vitamin D levels.

While you can increase vitamin D levels by making foods such as trout, salmon, mushrooms, fortified milk or plant-based milk, and eggs a regular part of your diet, Laird said it’s “very difficult” to get sufficient levels from food alone.

Supplements can be a cheap and effective way to add vitamin D to the body, Laird said. He warned, however, that it’s possible to take too much vitamin D to the point that it becomes toxic (the upper limit is around 375 nmol/L), so he recommended sticking to a low dose—10 to 20 micrograms daily, for example.

12 Foods That Are Good Sources of Vitamin D

Think the 75 Hard Challenge Is Too Much? Try This Version First

fox news

-

August 16, 2023

0

Think the 75 Hard Challenge Is Too Much? Try This Version First

75 Soft is a beginner-friendly modification to the popular 75 Hard challenge.
The challenge includes guidelines around working out, drinking water, maintaining certain nutrition goals, and reading; these guidelines are less strict than the rules for 75 Hard.
Experts recommend beginners, as well as individuals who are more focused on balance, opt for 75 Soft if they're trying to add healthier habits into their life.

75 Hard is all over social media, but is it beginner-friendly?

It’s nearly impossible to scroll through social media outlets without seeing someone beginning 75 Hard. The challenge has a clear following, with everyone from seasoned workout enthusiasts to fitness newbies lacing up their sneakers to participate.

The rules of the challenge are as follows:

Complete two daily workouts at 45 minutes each, and one must be outdoors
Drink a gallon of water daily
Pick a diet to follow with no alcohol or cheat meals
Read 10 pages per day of a non-fiction book
Take a daily progress photo
If you skip a day for any of the above rules, you must start over at day one

Many agree that aspects of the challenge are not beginner-friendly—both in regard to fitness and habit-building.

"Depending on the level of beginner, they could be going from working out minimally to an increased workload of 90 minutes a day without rest days," said Cicely Berkey, CPT.

When someone is beginning a fitness routine, rest and recovery days are imperative to prevent muscle fatigue and injury.

And it's not just the workout elements that may be tricky for beginners.

“There are too many habits and changes to be made all at once,” said Celina Vitocruz, CPT. “When looking for long-term results, the best way to create sustainable change is to do it one habit at a time.”

Just because 75 Hard is not ideal for beginners, a modified version of the popular challenge could provide the same discipline-oriented habits and healthy routines. For many, 75 Soft may be the answer.

Woman running outside — Getty Images / Maskot

Transform Your Upper Body in Just 4 Weeks With a 30-Day Arms Challenge

75 Soft Provides a More Flexible, Beginner-Friendly Challenge

75 Soft is simply a watered-down version of 75 Hard.

The rules for 75 Soft are less strict and include:

Eat well and only consume alcohol during social occasions
Work out for 45 minutes per day (with one day of active recovery each week)
Drink three liters of water each day
Read 10 pages of any book each day

One of the biggest perks of 75 Soft is the element of grace on the participant. Unlike 75 Hard, there is no rule that requires you to start over at day one should you miss something one day.

Vitocruz pointed out how the fear of failing can mess with someone's mental health. Taking that fear out of the equation can be helpful for many people.

"I like to remind my clients that if you have a bad day, it’s not the end of the world and you’re not starting over from square one, you just wake up tomorrow and try again," she said. "It helps create a healthier relationship with fitness, food, and wellness.”

Berkey agreed that the flexibility built into the 75 Soft is a plus, and is great for someone who may work two jobs, be the primary caregiver in their family, or has time factors to consider when taking on a challenge.

"The 75 Soft challenge offers some flexibility for people to build sustainable habits while living their life and being able to enjoy time out with friends and family or any celebrations that occur during the 75 days," she said.

75 Soft also takes into consideration one of 75 Hard's biggest risk factors—overuse and the possibility of injury.

Brekey explained that completing two, 45-minute workouts every day is not always a safe option for everyone, especially if they aren't accustomed to being that active. It's in those instances that injuries pop up, she explained.

Vitocruz noted that 75 Hard also contains additional elements like lack of sustainability, lack of motivation, and the possibility of burnout that are hard for everyone, particularly beginners.

That said, the 75 Soft challenge might be beneficial if you are looking to create healthier habits with less pressure to perform. It encourages more balance in your routine.

According to Brekey, the 75 Soft acts as a framework to guide participants but allows people to make accommodations for celebrations.

"This allows you to be a human and make healthy choices allowing space for life as well," she said.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fitness Challenge

Ultimately the best fitness or health challenge is one you can do consistently. Strict programs make that difficult to do, and preparation is also key.

Brekey suggests finding out how much of a commitment a program is.

“Can you take on the allotted time requirements, including if you take on a specific diet that now requires you to prepare more food than you have been?” she asked.

She also suggests reaching out to a health professional for guidance with this or any new program.

“When choosing a health/fitness challenge, definitely learn where the challenge came from and why it was created,” said Vitocruz. "In reality, if we’re looking to become healthier, happier versions of ourselves, a gentler and more sustainable approach is the way to go."

A 30-Day Bodyweight Challenge To Tone and Tighten Your Entire Body

What Do People Think of Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic? New Survey Highlights Hesitations

fox news

-

August 16, 2023

0

What Do People Think of Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic? New Survey Highlights Hesitations

A new poll found that nearly half of U.S. adults would be interested in taking a prescription weight loss drug if it was proven safe and effective.
Injection, lack of insurance coverage, FDA approval, and continued use are all aspects of weight loss medications that negatively impacted public interest.
Experts recommend people speak to a healthcare provider to discuss what options are best for their personal weight management.

Nearly half of U.S. adults would be interested in taking a safe, effective prescription weight loss drug, according to the results of a new poll.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are growing in popularity. The new poll from KFF, formerly referred to as the Kaiser Family Foundation, reports that 70 percent of Americans say they have heard at least “a little” about these drugs being used for weight loss.

The new poll of 1,327 people across the U.S. was conducted July 11–19, 2023, online and via telephone. Of those interested in similar medications, nearly 61% said they are currently trying to lose weight and nearly half said they are trying to lose less than 40 pounds.

And, nearly half of the participants said they would be interested in taking a safe and effective prescription weight loss drug.

But, the poll also found that certain aspects of these weight loss medications impacted participants’ interest in them.

Female doctor talking to patient — Getty Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc

Concerns About GLP-1s Affect Public Interest

The poll found that certain aspects of weight loss medications provided an obstacle to public perception. The poll found that many people, upon learning of these characteristics of the drug, were turned off from the idea of taking them.

Firstly, when people learned these drugs are administered by injection, they lost interest; only 23% remained interested after this fact was shared with them.

However, clinical trials are underway to study the efficacy of these drugs when taken in pill form. When that option is available, interest may increase to where it was previously.

Insurance also provides a hurdle in the public perception of weight loss drugs.

To pay for these medications without insurance, individuals may be asked to pay about $900 to $1,000 per month.

And, more and more people are having to foot the bill.

Due to the high cost to insure these medications, some large employers are no longer covering them for their employees. For example, last month, Ascension notified its almost 140,000 employees that it no longer covers weight loss and anti-obesity medications.

The University of Texas put out a similar statement saying that in September it will stop coverage of the medications.

The KFF poll found that only 16% of people are interested in taking them in instances where the drugs aren’t covered by insurance.

“Lack of insurance coverage is a valid concern related to anti-obesity medications; however, individuals with obesity shouldn’t be discouraged if a certain medication isn’t covered,” Katherine H. Saunders, MD, member of Obesity Action Coalition and clinical assistant professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, told Health. “There may be other options in the armamentarium,” she said.

FDA approval—or the lack thereof—is also a hindrance to many potential consumers.

Only 16% of people polled remained interested in these medications if they are not approved by the FDA for weight loss specifically.

Currently, Ozempic is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.

Wegovy injection is FDA-approved to help people age 12 and older who have obesity or are overweight and also have weight-related medical problems, to lose weight, in addition to diet and exercise.

“Not everyone who is interested needs these medicines. There might be lifestyle interventions or other medicines that might be more appropriate once someone’s unique biology is considered,” Rekha Kumar, MD, practicing endocrinologist in NYC and Chief Medical Officer of Found, told Health.

'Ozempic Butt' and 'Ozempic Face': How Weight Loss Drugs May Affect Your Skin

Continued Use Greatly Impacts Public Interest

Perhaps the biggest hindrance to the public interest is the fact that these weight loss medications require continued use in order to work effectively.

When poll respondents learned that as soon as the GLP-1 medications are stopped, weight gain occurs, only 14% stayed interested.

“Of course, individuals who lose weight on anti-obesity medications regain weight when they stop medications because obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment for weight loss and, more importantly, weight maintenance,” Saunders said.

She drew the comparison to high blood pressure medication.

“Would you expect to cure your high blood pressure by taking an antihypertensive medication short-term and then stopping? Of course not,” she said. “Your blood pressure would increase after stopping the medication.”

Still, the drop in interest doesn’t surprise her because she said people are often interested in anti-obesity medications when they think of them as short-term “weight loss drugs” rather than long-term treatment.

“Despite our education and support, some of our patients end up stopping their anti-obesity medications for a variety of reasons,” said Saunders. “People sometimes report that they want to see how they do off medications. I can’t think of a single patient who didn’t regain most or all of their weight after discontinuing.”

Kumar noted that all the concerns around GLP-1s are valid.

“The people who are expressing these concerns seem to be thinking longer term about staying on medicine for weight management versus what we have seen over the past year where people impulsively wanted to start these medicines without a good understanding of longer-term implications,” she said.

What to Discuss With Your Doctor

Your doctor can help determine if a weight loss medication is appropriate for you. Saunders advised patients to bring up the following with their healthcare provider:

Whether you have other conditions that could be affected by the medication
If you are taking medications that could interact with the anti-obesity medication
That GLP-1s are a long-term treatment
The risks and benefits of taking the medication
Alternative options to help manage obesity
The need to incorporate lifestyle factors in addition to the medication and support to do so
Education and understanding about what contributes to weight gain, as well as the barriers to weight loss.

The Misunderstanding of Obesity and Weight Loss

As more and more people become aware of anti-obesity medications like Ozempic and other GLP-1s, Saunders said an increase in obesity awareness is also occurring.

“More people acknowledge that obesity is a complex, heterogeneous, chronic, and refractory disease that requires ongoing medical intervention for most individuals to lose weight and maintain weight loss long-term,” she said.

However, despite the public’s interest in these medications, she noted that they are still widely misunderstood by many people.

She reiterated that anti-obesity medications may be appropriate for people with obesity (BMI of at least 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of at least 27) with at least one weight-related medical condition.

“Even when people with obesity meet BMI criteria (and the utility of BMI is a big debate),” Saunders said, “not everyone is a good candidate for every medication.”

Does Ozempic Affect You Differently Depending on Your Age?

The Benefits of Wegovy May Go Beyond Weight Loss

fox news

-

August 16, 2023

0

The Benefits of Wegovy May Go Beyond Weight Loss

The results of a new clinical trial show that Wegovy is linked to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death.
Ozempic, a drug similar to Wegovy, had a similar clinical trial that saw a 26% reduction in cardiovascular events.
Experts recommend patients looking at taking Wegovy strictly for heart health consult with a trusted healthcare professional to review their options.

Wegovy is linked to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death, according to the results of a new clinical trial.

The findings from Novo Nordisk are the first to show that a diabetes drug commonly used off-label for weight loss can also provide protective benefits beyond weight reduction.

Wegovy’s maker released limited details of their findings earlier this month, including that the drug reduced the overall risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths by 20 percent.

It did not break out the effects of the drug on each individual outcome and did not detail how much weight patients lost or provide any description of the side effects that were experienced.

Novo Nordisk said the drug appeared to be “safe and well-tolerated,” which is in line with what has been seen and reported in previous clinical trials. The data has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal or reviewed by any outside scientists.

The company said it would present its full trial results later this year.

“I would bet that when the [full] study comes out, we will see decreases in risk factors including blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol,” Ronald Freudenberger, MD, Physician in Chief at Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, who was not involved with the trial, told Health.

“It will be important for it to go through the peer review process so we can see the details," he said. "The initial announcement, however, is logical and makes sense.”

Man looking at Ozempic — Getty Images / imyskin

Weight Management Directly Impacts Cardiovascular Health

Wegovy is currently FDA-approved for chronic weight management in the United States.

The company plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration to add cardiovascular benefits to Wegovy’s drug prescription label later this year.

“Weight management, even without the use of medications, is important as weight gain is directly tied to several cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes,” Salim S. Virani, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at The Texas Heart Institute who was not involved with the trial, told Health.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, so being able to control a direct contributor to cardiovascular risk factors can go a long way to slow the progression of these mortality numbers," he said.

The study results add to encouraging research that has found weight loss drugs to help reduce cardiovascular risks.

Ozempic, which uses the same ingredient, semaglutide, as Wegovy, had a similar clinical trial conducted that saw a 26% reduction in cardiovascular events. But unlike the new Wegovy clinical trial, that study was only done with participants who had diabetes.

The risk factors that contribute to poor cardiovascular health are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, and smoking. While you can’t change family history, you can reverse high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes with weight loss, Freudenberger explained.

“Weight loss has a direct, profound effect on decreasing the risk factors for cardiovascular events and cardiovascular disease, so it makes lots of sense that a drug that reverses the risk factors will decrease cardiovascular events,” he said. “It’s directly reversing the contributors to bad cardiovascular health.”

Maintaining a healthy weight, with or without medication has also been shown to cause a general sense of well-being, more energy, reduction in stress levels, better sleep, improved immunity, better mental health, balanced hormones, and an overall enhancement in the quality of social life.

What Is 'Food Noise'? How Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy Quiet Obsessive Thoughts About Food

How These Results Impact Insurance Coverage of Wegovy

A potential side effect of the clinical trial is that it could help improve insurance coverage, as the findings undermine the argument that Wegovy is merely a vanity drug.

Wegovy currently costs over $1,300 a month before insurance, making it out of reach for many Americans whose insurance providers do not deem the drug medically necessary.

Medicare does not cover weight loss medications—some employer insurance plans have refused to pay for them, arguing that the drugs are not essential medical remedies. This new trial could prompt more insurers to pay for the drug, at least for patients who, like the trial participants, already had evidence of pre-existing heart disease.

“This outcome study strengthens the case for the use of semaglutide in patients who are overweight and obese,” said Virani. “We hope that this will help improve coverage for this medication.”

As more information from the clinical trial is released, its findings will hopefully allow researchers to study the relationship between cardiovascular events and weight loss, potentially providing more answers to how drugs like Wegovy can improve heart health.

Virani points out that patients considering taking Wegovy strictly for heart health should discuss their options with their treating clinicians.

Experts agree that this trial could change the outlook and narrative around obesity that has long been framed as the responsibility of the individual patient, and the result of their own personal choices.

“This study is indeed a landmark study," said Freudenberger. "It shows that this class of drugs, used specifically for weight loss, decreases cardiovascular mortality, which makes physiologic sense. This makes a lot of sense.”

Does Ozempic Increase the Risk of Suicidal Thoughts? Here's What Experts Say

Breast Cancer Screening in Older Women May Do More Harm Than Good, Study Finds

fox news

-

August 15, 2023

0

Breast Cancer Screening in Older Women May Do More Harm Than Good, Study Finds

New research found that breast cancer screenings may be unnecessary for women over 70.
The data showed that the likelihood of overdiagnosis—the detection of a cancer that would not have caused symptoms in a person’s lifetime—continues to go up with a woman's age.
Experts recommend that patients talk to their doctor to decide what breast cancer screening option is best for their individual circumstances.

Breast cancer screenings past the age of 70 may be unnecessary—and even harmful—for some women, a new study suggests.

The research, published earlier this month in the Annals of Internal Medicine, raises questions about the risks of overdiagnosis and the efficacy of blanket recommendations that apply to all women in this age group.

“A key message from our research is: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for older women,” Ilana Richman, MD, MHS, an internal medicine specialist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, and the first author of the new study, told Health.

“We don’t like to think about medical interventions being harmful,” she said, “but they have risks and benefits.”

The study highlights the importance of making an individualized plan with your doctor, Melanie Chellman, MD, a diagnostic radiologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Health.

“Individual situations vary, and what’s good for the average person may not be good for a majority of people,” she explained. “That average is a moving target.”

Below, experts explain what the current guidelines are for breast cancer screenings in women over 70, what factors should be considered before discontinuing screenings, and how too much screening can be harmful to some people.

Older woman talking to a doctor — Getty Images / FatCamera

How Changes in Breast Density Over Time May Influence Breast Cancer Risk

What Overdiagnosis Means and Why It's Harmful

The average age for breast cancer diagnosis is 62, according to the American Cancer Society. But breast cancer screening is available to women years after the average age of diagnosis has passed.

The research team analyzed data from 54,635 women, looking at breast cancer diagnosis among screened and unscreened women in three different age groups: 70 to 74 years; 75 to 84 years; and 85 and older.

They found that screened women in all age groups were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and that the risk of overdiagnosis increased with age.

The study defined “overdiagnosis” as the detection of a cancer that would not have caused symptoms in a person’s lifetime. Richman explained that many people see the detection and treatment of all cancers as beneficial, but that isn’t always the case.

“In the case of overdiagnosis, we find a breast cancer on screening, but that cancer would not have been destined to cause symptoms. It would have remained dormant,” she said.

The detection—and potential treatment plan—can be scary.

“Women who have an abnormal mammogram have to come back for at least additional imaging. [Potentially] a biopsy and ultrasound,” Richman said. “That experience is pretty anxiety-provoking.”

Overdiagnosis can take a toll on the body as well as the mind; sometimes, cancers that would never have produced symptoms end up being treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, Richman said.

Study Limitations

The new study authors noted that their research was limited in that it only looked at the risk of overdiagnosis; therefore, they weren’t able to draw conclusions about all benefits and risks of breast cancer screenings.

An editorial written by researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine stressed the downsides of overdiagnosis, noting how it often leads to overtreatment, which can then result in an increased risk of complications for older patients.

“Overdiagnosis…is associated with some harmful downstream consequences for both the individual patient and for public health,” the researchers wrote.

FDA's Updated Mammogram Regulations Aim to Protect People With Dense Breasts

Guidelines on When to End Breast Cancer Screenings Are Unclear

The question of when to stop breast cancer screenings is a murky one, Chellman said. This is because health authorities tend to disagree on the answer.

“Different medical organizations provide different guidelines,” she said.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Women can stop being screened for breast cancer at age 75.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Healthy women should continue breast cancer screenings as long as they have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
American College of Radiology (ACR): Women should continue breast cancer screening past the age of 74 “unless severe comorbidities limit life expectancy.”

The confusion stems in part from a lack of research on older women, Richman said.

“Fundamentally, older women were left out of the large, randomized trials done between the 1960s and 1980s, concluding in the 1990s,” she explained. “There’s this huge gap in our understanding, and when there’s a gap, we have trouble advising [patients].”

It’s also difficult to make a recommendation that will work for all women over the age of 74 since people age differently.

“There is a wide variety of health levels,” Chellman said. “Many women are medically fragile early in life, while others are active into their eighties.”

Breast Cancer Symptoms Every Person Needs To Know

Things to Consider When Evaluating Breast Cancer Screening

The lack of data and differing approaches from health authorities can make it difficult for women to determine when to stop getting mammograms.

“In the end, the woman needs to make an individual choice with her doctor,” Chellman said.

Richman explained that doctors consider many different factors when helping a patient decide whether to continue screening: other medical conditions, their risk for breast cancer, insurance coverage, and whether they’re physically capable of having a mammogram.

“When you get a mammogram, you have to be able to position [yourself] a certain way,” Chellman said. “If you can’t, it’s not very helpful. The patient has to be orthopedically flexible enough to get into the machine.”

Another consideration is whether or not the patient wants to continue screenings or feels safe discontinuing them.

“Some people are fine being done with screenings; other women want the security [they offer],” Richman said. “People’s preferences matter, too.”

It’s also worth noting that some women may want to continue screenings past the age of 74, even if they wouldn’t necessarily want invasive treatments should cancer be detected.

“Screening itself is just gathering information,” Chellman said.

If cancer is detected, doctors can help their patients determine what to do with that information, which may or may not include treatment. Ultimately, the new research emphasizes the importance of communicating with your doctor to decide what’s best for you.

“We don’t like to confront life expectancy,” Richman said. “But doctors can help people make screening decisions.”

Heart Failure Patients Can Improve Their Health With Just 1,000 Extra Steps a Day

fox news

-

August 15, 2023

0

Heart Failure Patients Can Improve Their Health With Just 1,000 Extra Steps a Day

Heart failure patients who took between 1,000 and 5,000 steps a day reported fewer symptoms and physical limitations, according to new research published in JACC: Heart Failure.
A decline in steps, however, did not worsen health outcomes.
Though the new study focused solely on people with heart failure, experts agree that walking benefits most people.

woman walking in a park at sunset — rbkomar/Getty Images

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartphones, have grown in popularity in recent years, allowing many people more precise monitoring of habits that could affect their health.

Now, researchers from the University of Michigan have used data from wearables to glean insights into how physical activity levels impact health outcomes.

Their study, published July 26 in the journal JACC: Heart Failure, found that people with heart failure who walked just 1,000 steps a day reported fewer symptoms and physical limitations. Participants who took more steps appeared to have even better outcomes, the research showed.

“Our research demonstrated that increases in step count over time were associated with improved health status,” lead study author Jessica R. Golbus, MD, a heart failure cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, told Health. “This is one of the first studies to look at the relationship between wearable device-measured physical activity and health status.”

She said inspiration for the study came from her patients, who often ask her to interpret wearable device data and explain its relationship to health—something that she said "has historically been challenging" to do. This research is a first step in helping patients like hers "understand what their data means in terms of their health," she added.

Forget Taking 10,000 Steps a Day—Here's the Number You Should Actually Be Focusing On

Health Insights From Smartwatches

The study included 425 people with heart failure enrolled in a clinical trial.

Researchers asked participants to wear a Fitbit Versa 2 for twelve weeks and use a smartphone app to complete the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaires (KCCQs), which is a survey designed to measure a patient’s perception of their health status. The questionnaire has previously been found to be a predictive measure of health for people with heart failure, said Golbus.

The team then examined the relationship between daily step counts, floors climbed, and questionnaire scores relating to "physical limitations" and "total symptoms," such as swelling and shortness of breath. Scores were taken at baseline and between two and 12 weeks.

Researchers found a link between a baseline daily step count between 1,000 and 5,000 and questionnaire scores indicating improved symptoms and fewer physical limitations. Participants who walked 2,000 steps a day had even fewer symptoms and physical limitations, as reflected by their questionnaire scores, than those who walked just 1,000 steps a day.

People who increased their step counts throughout the study had clinically significant health improvements, the research showed.

Notably, the researchers found that a decline in steps, however, didn't worsen health status. This “finding surprised me,” said Dr. Golbus, noting that life circumstances that reduce physical activity but "do not impact upon health status" could have played a role.

"I would certainly, however, still encourage clinicians to discuss decrementing physical activity levels with their patients—though an intervention may not necessarily be warranted," she said.

While the new research provides a more nuanced understanding of how movement could help people with heart failure manage their health, Dr. Golbus noted that more research needs to be done outside the clinical trial setting to paint a more comprehensive picture of how changes in physical activity could benefit people with heart failure.

"Future research will also need to focus on whether the observed findings persist in extended follow-up beyond 12 weeks and whether these results pertain to patients with chronic diseases other than heart failure," she said. Using wearables to measure health outcomes in people without chronic disease could also be another future research avenue, she added.

Taking 4,000 Steps a Day Can Reduce Dementia Risk—But More Walking Is Even Better

How To Add More Steps to Your Day

While this study focused solely on people with heart failure, experts agree that walking benefits most people.

Physical activities, such as walking, engage and strengthen skeletal muscles and thus improve “cardiac efficiency,” Tajinderpal Saraon, MD, a heart failure cardiologist at NYU Langone Heart who is unaffiliated with this research, told Health. In other words, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump more blood to the muscles.

To add more daily steps, Saraon suggested thinking about them in terms of flights of stairs or other measurements, which can make goals feel more manageable. (He said that in New York City, where he works, 2,000 steps equate to about 10 blocks.)

He also recommended developing a walking routine with a friend or family member, which can make exercise more enjoyable. “Many patients have been receptive to this,” he said.

Eating More Plant-Based Protein Could Help Lower Your Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

fox news

-

August 14, 2023

0

Eating More Plant-Based Protein Could Help Lower Your Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

New research found that a higher intake of plant-based protein could reduce a person’s risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
According to researchers, preclinical trials indicate that plant-based protein results in less inflammation than animal protein—inflammation is a potentially relevant factor in CKD.
Experts recommend people implement small, sustainable habits like Meatless Monday into their routine, to gain some benefits from plant-based eating.

A higher intake of plant-based protein could reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease, a new study finds.

The kidneys are critical organs, filtering the blood to remove toxins, control blood pressure, and regulate blood chemicals. But for a significant portion of the population, these filtration organs face certain obstacles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 15% of American adults—about 37 million people—live with chronic kidney disease. This condition is defined by a gradual loss of kidney function over time, which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, anemia, and other serious health outcomes.

New research published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases suggests that a higher intake of plant-based protein could reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the study, people who ate more plant-based protein were less likely to experience CKD over a nearly 10-year period than those who ate more animal protein.

Researchers have long known that the type of protein we eat can significantly impact the health status of our kidneys.

“There has been accumulating evidence that animal protein consumption may have detrimental effects on vascular health, potentially contributing to the development of kidney disease,” Seung Hyeok Han, MD, PhD, co-author of the study, told Health.

According to Han, preclinical studies have indicated that animal protein might trigger more inflammation than plant-based protein—a potentially relevant factor in kidney health.

Despite this, neither the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines nor the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines explicitly address the best source of dietary protein for people with CKD.

The latest KDOQI clinical practice guideline says, “there is insufficient evidence to recommend a particular protein type (plant vs animal) in terms of the effects on nutritional status, calcium or phosphorus levels, or the blood lipid profile.”

These factors led Han and his team to study how choosing plants over animals for dietary protein could enhance kidney well-being.

Woman eating vegetarian salad — Getty Images / Natalia Gdovskaia

A Link Between Plant-Based Protein and Kidney Health

Numerous studies have established the benefits of shifting your eating habits in a plant-forward direction. A plant-based diet has been linked with improved heart health, lower weight, reduced risk of some cancers, and more.

Han and his colleagues began their study with the theory that protein from plants offers several advantages over animal protein for the kidneys.

“[These include] a lower acid load, reduced saturated fat content, rich fiber content, and antioxidant properties, among others,” Han said.

The research team tracked over 117,000 participants in the U.K.’s Biobank study, a large wellness research cohort. Subjects had no history of chronic kidney disease and their glomerular filtration rate (the chief indicator of kidney function) ranged from early-stage kidney disease to healthy levels.

Han and his team examined the association between plant-based protein intake and the development of chronic kidney disease, following up with participants, on average, after 9.9 years.

The more plant-based protein people ate, the less likely they were to experience the disease. People with higher levels of plant protein in their diets also had healthier blood pressure, BMI, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers.

The study did note, however, that people who consumed more plant protein were also more likely to maintain other healthy behaviors, such as not smoking and being physically active. They also had fewer co-morbidities.

These additional factors somewhat muddy the waters of whether plant-based protein is directly responsible for healthier kidneys.

Still, the positive effects of plant-based foods affected all groups in the study.

“This beneficial association [of plant-based protein on kidney health] was also evident in individuals with hypertension, diabetes, higher BMI, and higher inflammation level,” Han said.

Kidney Disease Diet: 8 Foods That May Be Beneficial

How Plant-Based Protein Could Boost Kidney Function

A variety of factors might explain why plant-based protein could promote well-running kidneys. For one thing, a diet with more plant protein is more likely to include vegetables.

“Diets rich in vegetables and low in animal protein contain higher levels of specific amino acids like glutamic acid, cystine, proline, phenylalanine, and serine,” Han said.

These differences in amino acid content might help the kidneys by alleviating their nitrogen load and reducing acid production.

Veggies and other plant-based proteins also have the advantage of containing more fiber than animal proteins.

“Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in changing the composition of gut microbiota, leading to reduced circulating cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body,” Han said.

Nephrologist Silas Norman, MD, MPH, co-medical director of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at the University of Michigan and chair of the American Kidney Fund’s board of trustees, agreed that plants’ cholesterol-lowering effects increase their health factor.

“Similar to this study, we’ve seen it suggested in various studies over time that plant-based diets might result in better blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can ultimately impact kidney disease risk,” he told Health.

Another possibility behind plant-based protein’s impact on kidney health is inflammation.

“One remarkable finding from our study was the significant correlation between higher plant protein intake and improved metabolic profiles and reduced inflammation,” Han said.

He pointed out that, compared to animal proteins, plant-based proteins contain higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of saturated fat. Both of these nutritional elements can reduce overall inflammation, a key risk factor for kidney disease.

What This Research Means for People at Risk of Kidney Disease

“Broadly, all of us with or without kidney disease might benefit from a plant-based diet to help improve our overall health,” Norman said.

In other words, you don’t have to be at risk of kidney disease to benefit from eating more plant foods. But people with known risks for CKD (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) may especially benefit from swapping animal proteins for plant ones.

“There’s certainly growing evidence in the literature demonstrating the benefits of plant-based proteins in the management of CKD, and this study aligns with these other findings,” Ryan Woolley, MSPH, RDN, director of public education at the American Kidney Fund, told Health.

If you’re new to plant protein, start small. Try implementing Meatless Monday or substitute half the ground meat in casseroles or tacos with a plant alternative like tofu, beans, or lentils. Or, reserve animal protein meals for when you’re dining out, making primarily plant-forward meals at home.

As much as possible, just focus on plant-based changes around minimally processed protein choices—such as soy foods, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils. These are better options for kidney health than highly processed faux meats or frozen dinners.

“Ultra-processed plant-based proteins such as meat substitutes or prepared vegetarian products are typically high in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium,” said Woolley. “Those with kidney disease may need to limit their consumption of these nutrients, as the kidneys may not be working as well as they should to filter these from the body.”

Diet High in Added Sugars May Increase Kidney Stone Risk

Having As Little As One Alcoholic Drink a Day Could Raise Your Blood Pressure

fox news

-

August 14, 2023

0

Having As Little As One Alcoholic Drink a Day Could Raise Your Blood Pressure

New research finds that any amount of alcohol can impact high blood pressure, even in people who don't struggle with hypertension.
For people without hypertension, drinking may increase their risk of hypertension.
Experts recommend prioritizing healthy weight management, proper diet, and regular physical activity to maintain proper blood sugar levels.

As little as one alcoholic drink a day may negatively impact high blood pressure, a new study finds.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition causing blood vessel damage from blood pumping too forcefully. But research shows that even individuals without this condition can see their blood pressure take a negative turn due to alcohol consumption.

The new meta-analysis from the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests drinking any amount of alcohol on a daily basis can lead to high blood pressure. This supports the AHA’s recommendation to limit alcohol intake to manage blood pressure and to not start drinking alcohol if you do not already.

“Alcohol’s direct impact on blood pressure has been known for years, but the real question that has been vexing is what happens to blood pressure with low levels of alcohol intake,” said Paul K. Whelton, MD, MSc, study-coauthor, Show Chwan Chair in Global Public Health in the department of epidemiology at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans.

Woman pouring a glass of red wine — Getty Images / alvarez

Alcohol’s Impact on Blood Pressure

Whelton and the team reviewed thousands of studies, ultimately utilizing data from seven cohort or group studies involving some 20,000 participants with light-to-moderate alcohol intake across different continents including North America and Asia.

“What we saw was a direct and pretty linear relationship that was continuous from the lowest level of alcohol intake to the highest level of intake, particularly for systolic blood pressure,” said Whelton, who serves as the president of the World Hypertension League.

Systolic blood pressure is the first number in a blood pressure reading. Whelton explained it’s also the key number that identifies most of the cardiovascular risk.

He added that the risk of high blood pressure is consistent whether you drink wine, beer, or higher percentage alcohol.

“For people (both with and without hypertension), drinking alcohol will raise blood pressure,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center.

Chen explained that for people without hypertension, drinking may actually contribute to a new diagnosis of hypertension, adding a new risk factor for heart disease.

“For patients currently with hypertension, drinking could further increase their risk of such diseases as heart attack or stroke,” he said.

How Much Alcohol is Too Much Alcohol?

The new research suggests that no amount of alcohol is heart-healthy.

“Our advice is in line with every guideline including the World Health Organization’s (WHO) that says if you’re not already drinking, don’t start drinking,” said Whelton.

Whelton notes the higher the intake of alcohol, the greater association with high blood pressure and the higher the blood pressure levels.

Some guidelines contain a limit to alcoholic drinks instead of advising against alcoholic drinks. Such guidelines include those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association.

Chen explained that for a long time, the consensus was that it might be "safe" to drink in moderation. “I expect that our medical recommendations regarding alcohol consumption are going to change in the future.”

He added that he tells patients that no amount of alcohol intake can be considered "heart-healthy."

“People have to consider their individual risks, and moderate their drinking as much as possible depending on their individual factors," Chen said.

Drinking Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk—But Very Few Americans Are Aware of the Link

Reducing Blood Pressure Risk Factors Is Possible

Whelton stresses that lifestyle plays a huge part in blood pressure levels. "With or without hypertension, the more lifestyle risk factors you have, the greater the risk of developing high blood pressure," he said.

Many risk factors, including alcohol consumption, are modifiable. Whelton recommends trying to identify the factors that are most likely contributing to higher blood pressure and the factors you're most willing to work on changing, first.

Weight, diet, and physical activity can all contribute to someone's risk for high blood pressure.

A 2017 study showed that weight loss can reduce the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in overweight and obese persons with hypertension. The AHA explains having excess weight puts a strain on the heart which increases the risk of high blood pressure and blood vessel damage, leading to serious health complications.

When it comes to understanding the role nutrition plays in blood pressure, Whelton recommends people first assess their sodium intake.

"Sodium is very well-related to blood pressure,” he said. “In many countries including the US, there’s an excess of sodium which comes almost entirely from food processing."

Too much sodium can cause a deficiency in potassium as it will leach potassium from the cells to try to establish homeostasis or balance, he explained.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, or DASH diet, is specifically formulated to lower blood pressure, although any heart-healthy diet such as vegan or Mediterranean will also work, said Whelton.

Lastly, increasing physical activity has been shown to prevent and treat high blood pressure.

Whelton recommends brisk walking, dancing, running, and swimming when focusing on lowering blood pressure.

One meta-analysis including data from over 1200 people with hypertension found aerobic activity—like those Whelton mentioned—to be beneficial for lowering blood pressure.

The AHA recommends most healthy people get 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of physical activity per week to see heart health benefits.

Whelton noted that these modifiable lifestyle risk factors for high blood pressure are not consistent across the globe.

While we may see high blood pressure associated with aging populations in North America, he pointed to places like southwest China and Vietnam where blood pressure stays fairly consistent throughout the lifespan.

If someone starts adopting Western diet and lifestyle, he said, this is when high blood pressure can start presenting.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Consumption on the Brain?

If You Have Heavy Periods, You Might Want to Try This Product

fox news

-

August 14, 2023

0

If You Have Heavy Periods, You Might Want to Try This Product

Menstrual discs may be the best option for people with heavy menstrual bleeding, new research shows.
A new study compared the absorbency or fillable capacity of 21 different menstrual products on the market right now.
Heavy bleeding is quite common among people who menstruate, but it could be indicative of an underlying condition and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

woman looking at period products in store — zoranm/Getty Images

For people with heavy periods, menstrual discs might be the best choice in more ways than one, researchers say.

For a new study, published last week in the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, scientists tested the absorbency or fillable capacity of different menstrual products on the market right now, using blood instead of water or saline.

Menstrual discs were the clear winners, holding the most blood at 61 milliliters. Meanwhile, absorbent period pants held the least amount of blood at just 2 milliliters, on average. Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups all held about the same amount, ranging from 20–50 milliliters.

Though knowing the capacity for certain period products is useful purchasing information, it may also better help doctors quantify menstrual blood loss to see which patients might benefit from additional evaluation or monitoring, according to experts.

Here's what to know about the new research, and how the new information can impact a person's reproductive health.

What Is a Menstrual Disc?

Menstrual discs are period products that fit inside your vaginal canal, just beneath your cervix, according to Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. The discs have a firm, round rim with a more flexible center that collects period blood. They’re reusable and typically made from medical-grade silicone.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Is Common, but Sometimes Difficult to Diagnose

Among people who menstruate, heavy bleeding is quite common. About one-third of menstruating people seek treatment for heavy flows—but extremely heavy periods aren't considered normal and could be a sign of an underlying condition like fibroids and bleeding disorders.

Currently, heavy menstrual bleeding can only really be diagnosed through more traditional period products, like tampons and pads. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the following are signs of heavy menstrual bleeding:

Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row
Having to wear more than one pad at a time to soak up menstrual blood
Getting up at night to change pads or tampons
Period blood that contains blood clots that are the size of a quarter or larger.

These criteria are based on what's known as the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC), which only includes information on the absorbency capacity of pads and tampons. But what the chart doesn't take into consideration is newer period products like menstrual cups, pads, and absorbent period pants. That's where the new research comes into play.

According to study co-author Bethany Samuelson Bannow, MD, she and her colleagues decided to test the capacity of additional period products when they realized they didn’t have a good metric to diagnose heavy bleeding in menstrual cups and discs, similar to what’s known about pads and tampons. That turned out to be a problem, especially as more women are opting for alternative products.

"I practice in Oregon and take menstrual histories on virtually every patient I see,” said Bannow, who works as a hematologist who specializing in caring for women with bleeding and clotting disorders at Oregon Health & Science University. “We have noticed that a lot of folks—particularly those with heavy periods—are moving toward cups and/or discs."

How Many Days Should Pass Between Periods?

Menstrual Discs As the Clear Winners for Period Blood Capacity

For the new study, Bannow and her colleagues tested a variety of commercially-available menstrual products—21, to be exact—in laboratory to determine how much blood they could hold. The products included pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and super-absorbent period pants. The blood used was expired human packed red blood cells.

Menstrual discs had the greatest capacity for blood, being able to hold 61 milliliters, on average (one brand of menstrual disc, Ziggy, held the most blood at 80 milliliters). Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups all held similar amounts, ranging from 20–50 milliliters each. Absorbent period pants came in last, holding just 2 milliliters of blood.

The study authors also noted that there were inaccuracies between what period products claimed to hold versus their actual capacity.

"The majority of products reported that they had greater capacity than our testing found," the authors wrote. "We suspect this is due to product testing with non-blood liquids, such as water or saline."

Authors of the study also acknowledged that it had a few limitations, including how tests results from a lab aren't the same as obtained on real people.

The blood used was also a limiting factor. The human packed red blood cells are just red blood cells separated from whole blood, but it's different than menstrual blood, which also contains endometrial cells and vaginal secretions. It's still better than using water or saline to test period product capacity, which is what's been used in the past, said the authors.

Still, the authors said that the new findings and future information like it "can help clinicians better quantify menstrual blood loss, offer diagnostic testing, and accurately treat [heavy menstrual bleeding."

More Research on Menstruation Is Needed

Menstruation has historically been somewhat of a taboo subject, argue doctors in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University in a linked editorial to the new study. In some countries, women are even excluded from daily activities or discriminated against in other ways. This has hindered research on the subject, despite the fact that 800 million people around the world are on their periods every single day.

"Consistent with women's health research in general, menstruation-focused research has been, and continues to be, underrepresented in the medical literature," authors of the editorial wrote.

The doctors pointed out the discrepancy between women's sexual and reproductive health research and men's sexual and reproductive health research. Since 1941, only 400 studies have been published relating to menstrual blood. Meanwhile, 10,000 studies have been published related to erectile dysfunction.

Not only is more data needed to potentially aid in improving the lives of people who menstruate, but also to understand how menstrual blood may be an important diagnostic tool for endometriosis, diabetes, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

"With so many future possibilities for deriving clinical value from menstrual blood, one can almost imagine a future in which menstrual stigma is replaced by clinical opportunity," the authors wrote.

5 Period Side Effects That Aren't Cramps

Seeking Medical Advice for Heavy Bleeding

Despite how common heavy bleeding is among people who menstruate, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

“Anyone with heavy periods interfering with their quality of life should be evaluated by a physician, rather than just trying to find a higher capacity product,” Bannow said.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a sign of an underlying health issue, including fibroids, bleeding disorders, or endometriosis; but the heavy bleeding itself can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

When evaluating heavy menstrual bleeding in patients, ob-gyns may conduct a physical exam, along with lab tests and imaging tests like an ultrasound exam or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

First-line therapies for heavy menstrual bleeding include hormonal birth control and pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, other medications, like hormone therapy, may be tried; surgery may also be an option for some patients.

Beat the Heat With These 10 Cooling Products—and They’re All FSA-Eligible

fox news

-

August 14, 2023

0

Beat the Heat With These 10 Cooling Products—and They’re All FSA-Eligible

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Learn more.

Cooling Products You Can Buy With Your FSA Money — Health / Reese Herrington

Summer sun means green grass, blue skies…and heat. In fact, July was the hottest month on record, according to NASA. Thankfully, there are countless cooling products designed to combat the powerful rays and help you beat the heat. Whether you’re looking for a cooling neck wrap or soothing ice packs, we found some of the best cooling products to help you regulate your temperature—and they’re FSA-eligible.

If you aren’t familiar, Amazon has a storefront specifically dedicated to items that are eligible for FSA and HSA coverage. There, you can save your FSA/HSA card information to your Amazon profile for a quick and easy shopping experience.

If you have FSA/HSA money to spare and want some quick cooling relief during these last few weeks of summer, these are our top picks, including migraine cold caps, compression garments, gel ice packs, and more.

TheraIce Migraine Headache Relief Cap

An Amazon best-seller, this TheraIce cold cap won the top spot in our roundup of the best migraine hats. However, a gel cooling cap like this can do a lot more than help with migraines: It wraps around your head for near-instant relief when you need a quick way to cool off, and since it’s medical-grade, it shouldn’t take long to freeze. (And it should stay frozen even longer.)

To buy: TheraIce Migraine Headache Relief Cap $30 (was $50); amazon.com

TruHealth Gel Bead Eye Mask

TruHealth Gel Bead Hot and Cold Eye Masks — Amazon

Cooling eye masks are great for relieving headaches and soothing puffy eyes (especially for fall allergies). They’re also excellent for keeping you cool in the heat. With the help of cooling gel beads, this mask lies across your eyes like a sleep mask. It’s covered with a layer of soft fabric so your eyelids don’t get too cold, and you chill it by placing it in the fridge or freezer. You can microwave it for some heat therapy, too.

To buy: TruHealth Gel Bead Eye Mask $11 with on-site coupon (was $12); amazon.com

Cara Cold Therapy Ice Pack

An ice pack is a classic solution to muscle aches, swelling, sprains, and overheating. Placing one of these packs on various pressure points on your body, such as the back of your neck or your wrists, will allow you to cool off. This one can be filled with crushed or cubed ice, and since it has a secure screw cap, there are “no leaks,” one happy customer found. Plus, the material is free from latex, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin.

To buy: Cara Cold Therapy Ice Pack $11; amazon.com

Perfect Remedy Gel Ice Packs

Amazon 6 Inch Pack Gel Ice Packs for Injuries Reusable - Gel Cold — Amazon

Sectional ice packs cover more of your body than a standard cold pack. These gel compresses can be placed over or wrapped around your knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists for instant relief from the heat. The packs are reusable, so you can put them pack in the freezer once you’ve used them, and they’re designed to remain soft—even when frozen—for added comfort.

To buy: Perfect Remedy Gel Ice Packs $17 (was $18); amazon.com

Arctic Flex Neck Ice Pack

A reusable neck wrap is a quick and easy way to cool down. Even when frozen, it’s malleable enough that you wrap it around the back of your neck. One shopper, who is “prone to heat exhaustion,” has found that this ice pack “does stay soft, moveable, and doesn’t seem like it will leak even after weeks of being in the freezer.”

When you’re done using the vinyl ice pack—it stays cold for about 30 minutes—just pop it back in the freezer, and it’ll be ready to go next time you need to cool off.

To buy: Arctic Flex Neck Ice Pack $20 (was $33); amazon.com

ComfiTech Elbow Ice Pack

While it’s mostly tailored to injuries and tendonitis, this compression sleeve helps you cool off, too. The sleeve slides right around your arm, encircling the entire elbow for 360-degree relief. It’s flexible even when frozen, for “easy on, easy off,” one shopper shared. The compression garment is available in two sizes and several color options.

To buy: ComfiTech Elbow Ice Pack $18 with on-site coupon (was $40); amazon.com

Thrive Hot & Cold Body Wrap

Amazon Thrive Hot & Cold Therapy Body Wrap â FSA HSA — Amazon

This therapeutic wrap can be frozen or microwaved to provide cold and heat therapy, depending on your needs. On a hot day, the clay bead-filled wrap can be popped in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes and then placed on pressure points to regulate your body temperature. According to one pleased owner, the body wrap “has no scent at all,” as compared to some options with herbs and scents, making it ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.

To buy: Thrive Hot & Cold Body Wrap $23 (was $29); amazon.com

NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks

Relieve hot feet with these cold therapy socks, which are filled with two chillable gel packs. According to the brand, they’re also helpful for sore and achy feet, especially for those who are pregnant or deal with plantar fasciitis. Boasting nearly 10,000 5-star ratings, the gel packets in these socks “get really cold and are so soothing on my feet,” shared one owner.

To buy: NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks $25; amazon.com

Thermal-Aid Cooling Teddy Bear

Amazon Thermal-Aid 100% Natural Heating and Cooling Packs for Kids — Amazon

We love this cooling teddy bear for kids who get overheated from playing outside in the summer sun. Place the 100% cotton bear in the freezer, then remove it when your little one needs to cool off or has a boo-boo.

Compared to regular ice packs, the bear’s medical grade cotton covering “feels nicer for little ones than cold plastic,” one pleased customer found. It holds its temperature for up to 45 minutes, and it can even be microwaved as well.

To buy: Thermal-Aid Teddy Bear $20; amazon.com

Comfytemp Ice Pack

This cold therapy ice pack provides chest, neck, and shoulder coverage. On one side, plush fabric makes you more comfortable and combats condensation, while on the other, a smooth nylon material allows for increased contact between the cold and your skin. Shoppers appreciate that it “snaps in the front to keep it in place.”

To buy: Comfytemp Ice Pack $25 (was $32); amazon.com

Shop More Health Deals

COVID-19 Is on the Rise This Summer—Here Are 10 Masks That Will Ship Right Away
I Have Chronic Fatigue—These 7 Products Help Me Combat the Brain Fog
One of Our Top Picks for Best Cooling Sheets Just Went on Major Sale