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The same bacteria that commonly cause food-borne illnesses, like salmonella, E. coli and listeria, can fester in raw milk. Between 1998 and 2018, researchers linked over 200 outbreaks, which sickened 2,645 people and led to 228 hospitalizations, to raw milk. Can you catch bird flu from raw milk? Researchers and health officials are not sure whether bird flu can spread from raw milk to humans. “There’s not a tremendous amount of studies showing the infectivity related to this virus and raw milk products,” Dr. Prater said.

Persons: I’m, ”, Dean Blumberg, isn’t, Darin Detwiler, Rosemary Sifford, “ There’s, Dr, Prater Organizations: UC Davis Health, Food and Drug Administration, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Department of Agriculture

Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling English author of the “Shopaholic” book series, revealed on social media on Wednesday that she had been undergoing treatment for an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer. Kinsella said that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022, but waited to make the diagnosis public so her children could “ hear and process the news privately and adapt to our ‘new normal.’” She added that her condition was stable after a successful operation and ongoing chemotherapy and radiation at University College Hospital in London. Kinsella, whose real name is Madeleine Wickham, has written a string of hit novels, starting with “Confessions of a Shopaholic” in 2000, about a financial journalist in New York City with a serious shopping addiction. About a decade later, a movie starring Isla Fisher based on the original novel and a sequel was released. Since the smashing success of the first novel, nine sequels following the life of the protagonist Rebecca Bloomwood have been released, earning Kinsella, 54, a loyal following and a reigning position among authors of romantic comedy books.

Persons: Sophie Kinsella, Kinsella, glioblastoma, Madeleine Wickham, Isla Fisher, Rebecca Bloomwood Organizations: University College Hospital Locations: London, New York City

Women going through menopause raise concerns about weight and body changes almost as often as they do about hot flashes and night sweats, said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the Menopause Society and a director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health. Some estimates suggest that roughly 70 percent of women gain up to 1.5 pounds per year during the menopause transition, which can last as long as a decade. This weight gain can affect women’s self-esteem and quality of life and can also increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Excess weight is also correlated with more hot flashes and night sweats; the Menopause Society recommends weight loss as an effective nonhormonal treatment for those symptoms. Now, some women going through menopause are seeking drugs like Ozempic, despite the steep costs: Without insurance coverage, the drugs can run around $1,000 a month.

Persons: sweats, Stephanie Faubion, “, they’re, ”, “ We’re, Faubion, Daniela Hurtado Organizations: Mayo Clinic’s Center, Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic Locations: United States

When Ms. Coombes, 41, sat down to eat very small portions, an interrogation broke out at the Thanksgiving table. “There was a lot of ‘Why aren’t you eating?’ or ‘Why isn’t there more on your plate?’” she said. That reality has sent many people who take Ozempic and similar drugs into preparation mode. Dr. Scott Hagan, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington who studies obesity, said patients ask him if they can skip doses of Ozempic or similar drugs before a food-focused event like Thanksgiving. He advises them not to, for a few reasons: For people with diabetes, missing a dose of Ozempic and then consuming a high-carb meal could lead to a blood sugar spike.

Persons: Coombes, ”, Amy Bentley, Bentley, Scott Hagan Organizations: New York University, University of Washington

☆ Measles Cases Climb Across the Globe
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The report captures the continued burden of measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases. In 2022, there were an estimated nine million measles cases and 136,000 deaths, according to the report. Vaccination is highly effective at stopping the spread of measles, and preventing people from getting sick if exposed to the virus. The measles vaccine, which experts say is ideally delivered in childhood, also includes protection against two other infectious diseases, mumps and rubella. Low-income countries had the lowest vaccination rates, with only 66 percent of children receiving their first dose, and the highest risk of death from measles.

Persons: Cynthia Hatcher Organizations: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control Locations: Africa, Southeast Asia

☆ Wegovy Is Shown to Reduce Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes in Some Patients
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A pivotal new study suggests that the weight loss drug Wegovy cut the risk of heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular issues by 20 percent among overweight or obese people with heart disease — a striking benefit that could change the standard of care for these patients. “We’ve just identified a new best practice,” said Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of the division of cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, who was not involved with the study. Drug companies see potential for the medicines that extends far beyond obesity. Outside of statins, she said, no medication has so dramatically reduced cardiovascular risk among people with heart disease. “The uptake of this drug is going to be skyrocketing in the next couple of years,” she said.

Persons: “ We’ve, ”, Clyde Yancy, Yuan Lu Organizations: Northwestern Medicine, American Heart Association, Yale School of Medicine Locations: Philadelphia, statins

☆ It’s Covid Season. What Are the New Rules for Staying Safe?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

That means it might be time to take stock (yes, again) of how you can minimize your risk. As the holiday season approaches, here is a quick refresher on how to navigate the pandemic. You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again: Masks can help you protect yourself and others from becoming sick. So can washing your hands thoroughly and not touching your face with unwashed hands, said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Cleveland Clinic. The updated Covid vaccines can also reduce your chances of being infected, and especially cut down on your risk of serious illness, said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the V.A.

Persons: ”, Peter Chin, Joseph Khabbaza, Ziyad Al, Aly Organizations: University of California, Cleveland Clinic, Louis Healthcare Locations: San Francisco, St

☆ Covid Can Disrupt Your Sleep
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At this point, many of us recognize the hallmark symptoms of a Covid infection: an aching throat, a clogged nose, a persistent cough and an overwhelming sense of blah. But lying awake at night, during the peak of sickness or in the weeks or months following an infection, some people discover another downside: They can’t sleep. “We see it all the time,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the V.A. Here’s why Covid can be so disruptive to your sleep, along with tips for getting enough rest. This means that even if people linger in bed for eight hours, they may not be getting deep, restorative sleep, Dr. Al-Aly said.

Persons: ”, Ziyad Al, Aly, Peter Chin, Al Organizations: Louis Healthcare, University of California Locations: St, San Francisco

☆ You Won’t Lose Weight on Ozempic Forever
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

But doctors say some people seek out these drugs to lose as much weight as possible — and are dismayed and disillusioned when they stop. When they do, they tend to regain the weight they lost. Medications like Ozempic mimic a naturally occurring hormone and slow the emptying of the stomach, so that we feel fuller, faster and for longer. In clinical trials of semaglutide, the compound in Ozempic and Wegovy, people with diabetes have tended to lose less weight, less quickly, than people who did not have the condition, Dr. Hagan said. A small proportion of those who take these drugs won’t lose weight at all, he added.

Persons: ” Ms, Meinecke, Scott Hagan, Hagan, Andrew Kraftson Organizations: University of Washington, Michigan Medicine

☆ I Drink Alcohol Regularly. What Can I Do to Mitigate the Risks?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Q: I drink alcohol regularly. Chan School of Public Health — meaning no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. There’s no surefire way to offset the consequences of alcohol, said Mariann Piano, a professor and researcher at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing who studies the effects of alcohol use. It’s not like you can “run around the block one more time” to negate a night of heavy drinking, she said. If you do drink, though, it may be particularly important to prioritize other aspects of your health.

Persons: Eric Rimm Organizations: Harvard, of Public, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Locations: Chan

☆ A Decongestant in Many Cold Medicines Is Ineffective
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Pseudoephedrine, which is found in behind-the-counter products like Sudafed, is effective at clearing congestion, Dr. Dykewicz said; just keep in mind that it can come with side effects. After that, you run the risk of rebound congestion: when the mucosal surfaces in your nose swell, making you feel even more clogged up than before. There are some sprays that you can use for longer stretches, without the rebound risk, namely steroid sprays that contain ingredients like fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort), which are available over-the-counter. Can I treat congestion without medication? In many cases, you can treat a stuffed-up nose by standing in a steamy shower or using a humidifier to help clear your nasal passages, Dr.

Persons: ”, Jennifer Le, Dykewicz, Allegra, Mark Aronica, Le, Andrew Lane, Johns Organizations: Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Cleveland Clinic, Sinus Locations: San Diego

☆ What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

What is peptic ulcer disease? Around 5 to 10 percent of the general global population will develop peptic ulcers at some point in their lives, but many patients are asymptomatic. What causes peptic ulcer disease? A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease cases. Another common cause of peptic ulcers is medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like those that bring down a fever or relieve joint pain — think aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Persons: Scott Gabbard, Harold J, Boutte, Gabbard, It’s, Amy Oxentenko, Mark Pochapin Organizations: Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern Medicine, Mayo Clinic, gastroenterology, NYU Langone Health

☆ Is It Time to Wear a Mask Again?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As new Covid variants gain traction, reinfections become more common and cases climb in certain areas, a few schools and businesses are reinstating mask requirements. Here’s a refresher on where, when and how to mask. When should you wear a mask inside? Everyone’s risk tolerance varies, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said. “Certainly every time you add another person to the room, particularly people who are within three to five feet of you, that increases your chance of getting infected, exponentially,” Dr. Pekosz added.

Persons: reinfections, ”, Andrew Pekosz, William Schaffner, Pekosz Organizations: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

☆ Wait, Is That Rapid Test Really Expired?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

If a test is delivered to you on a sweltering day, for example, the agency recommends bringing the package inside and waiting at least two hours before opening it. And always make sure the control line — which typically appears next to the “C” — shows up when you use a rapid test; otherwise, the test may be damaged or faulty. If you have Covid symptoms and someone you had been spending time with is now positive, test immediately. says to wait at least five days before testing because swabbing too early can give you a false negative. “Especially people who have been recently boosted,” he said, “if they get infected, they might become symptomatic 24 hours post-exposure, 48 hours post-exposure — really fast.”

Persons: Peter Chin, Sala, . Chin, Hong, Michael Mina, Harvard epidemiologist, ” Organizations: University of California, Harvard Locations: San Francisco

☆ How Bad Is a Second (or Third or Fourth) Case of Covid?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Reinfection and long CovidThe chances you will get long Covid from a reinfection are fairly unpredictable — several experts interviewed for this story used the metaphor of Russian roulette. The milder your symptoms, the less likely you are to get long Covid, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. But every time you get infected, no matter the severity, there is always a chance that you can develop longer-term symptoms. Dr. Sala said he frequently sees patients who were more or less fine after their first couple of infections wind up with long Covid in the wake of a third or fourth infection. Still, it’s not a foregone conclusion that reinfection definitively raises the risk of long Covid, said Fikadu Tafesse, a virologist at Oregon Health & Science University.

Persons: Peter Chin, Ziyad Al, Aly, Sala, that’s, ”, it’s, reinfection, Fikadu Tafesse, “ Organizations: University of California, Nature Medicine, U.S . Department of Veterans Affairs, Louis Healthcare, Oregon Health & Science University Locations: San Francisco, St

☆ Even 4,000 Steps a Day Can Have Big Health Benefits.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The study could not definitively prove whether the steps themselves decreased the risk of developing diseases and dying, or if people who tend to be healthier anyway also get more steps in throughout the day. “I wouldn’t want people to look at that as a magical number, that you must be above that exact step count,” Dr. Martin said. But the new research emphasizes that fitness is not “all or nothing,” she said: Every little bit of exercise helps. The small snippets of movement built into our day — trailing from the bedroom to the bathroom, darting out to get coffee — add up and make a difference, she said. Taking an extra loop around the block, or stepping out for a 10-minute walk break, can have a big impact.

Persons: Jennifer Heisz, ”, ” Dr, Martin, “, Min Lee, Heisz, Lee Organizations: McMaster University, Harvard Medical School

☆ 5 Wellness Trends to Watch
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The internet metabolizes wellness trends the way it churns through celebrity divorce announcements or song snippets on TikTok. Health hacks like slurping down olive oil or chugging bone broth burble up, break through, then slink into obscurity. All these frenetic fads make the concept of “wellness” squishy — wait, we’re drinking lettuce water? Now that summer has slouched into August, here’s a roundup of the health and wellness trends that keep popping up in 2023. There’s Ozempic itself, an injectable diabetes medication that has become increasingly popular as people use it as an off-label tool to lose weight.

Persons: Emily Moquin, here’s, Ozempic ”, Ozempic, There’s

☆ Alcohol-Related Deaths Are Rising Among Women
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A new study shows that alcohol-related deaths among women are rising at a faster rate than those among men, particularly for people 65 and older. Over the past 15 years, alcohol-related deaths have steadily increased in the United States and, historically, more men have died from alcohol-related causes. From 2018 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths increased by 12.5 percent per year for men, but by 14.7 percent per year for women. The study highlighted rising rates among older women, in particular: From 2012 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths among women 65 and older increased by 6.7 percent per year, compared with an increase of 5.2 percent per year for men in the same age range. The study does not pinpoint the reasons behind the rise in female alcohol-related deaths, said Dr. Ibraheem Karaye, an assistant professor of population health at Hofstra University and the lead author of the study.

Persons: That’s, Ibraheem, Karaye Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Hofstra University Locations: United States

☆ What You Should Know About the Potential Risks of Kratom
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Across gas stations, smoke shops and the internet, consumers can easily buy kratom — an herbal substance that some users claim is an antidote to opioid dependence and a lifeline for alleviating mental and physical pain. In 2021 alone, roughly 1.7 million Americans used kratom, although the F.D.A. has not approved it for any medical use. Despite those warnings, kratom largely remains legal and accessible across the United States. It’s up to consumers to weigh the allure of what some consider a more “natural” alternative to opioids against the stark warnings from health officials.

Persons: ” Organizations: Drug Administration, Drug, Administration, Disorders, University of Louisville School of Medicine Locations: United States, ”, Rif

☆ A Simple 14-Minute Workout That Could Lower Your Blood Pressure
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

“Everybody feels this incredible threat to their time — everybody feels like they don’t have enough time,” said Dr. Tamanna Singh, co-director of the Sports Cardiology Center at Cleveland Clinic, who was not involved with the study. Even though isometric exercises may appear relatively easy, they are often quite intense, Dr. Edwards said — as you hold yourself in place, sweating and straining. He recommends a 14-minute routine you can add to your regular workout perhaps three times a week: a two-minute wall squat, followed by two minutes of rest, repeated four times in total. The last bout should be around an eight, he said. You should feel reasonably exhausted by the end.

Persons: ”, Tamanna Singh, “, Jamie J, Edwards, —, Jim Wiles Organizations: Sports Cardiology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Canterbury Christ Church University Locations: Canterbury

☆ The Risks of Taking Drugs Like Ozempic When You’re Over 65
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

That’s particularly a concern for older adults, obesity medicine experts say. The more muscle someone over the age of 65 loses, the greater their risk of becoming frail or suffering a fracture or fall (which can be fatal in older adults). It is crucial for older adults to maintain muscle mass so that they can stay mobile and independent. Muscle mass naturally dwindles with age. Clinical trials on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, have typically enrolled people in their 40s and 50s.

Persons: — you’re, Scott Hagan, Janice Jin Hwang Organizations: University of Washington, University of North Carolina School of Medicine

☆ The W.H.O. Says Aspartame Is ‘Possibly Carcinogenic.’ What Does That Mean?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

According to the W.H.O., it is safe to consume up to 40 milligrams of aspartame per kilogram of body weight per day. The Food and Drug Administration is slightly more permissive with its daily safety limit. It states that people can have up to 50 milligrams of aspartame per kilogram of body weight each day. as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ does not mean that aspartame is actually linked to cancer,” the official wrote. Reaching that upper daily level of aspartame intake “isn’t casual consumption,” said Dr. Dale Shepard, a medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Persons: ”, Dale Shepard Organizations: Drug Administration, Cleveland Clinic

☆ Raw Milk Is Being Legalized in More States. Is It Safe?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On July 1, Iowa officially became one of more than two dozen states that have legalized the sale of raw milk, or milk that has not been pasteurized. Over the past decade, a growing number of states have made raw milk more accessible, said Dennis D’Amico, an associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut. Some of those states, including Iowa, allow raw milk producers to sell their products directly to consumers; others allow grocery stores to sell such products, and some states allow raw milk to be sold only as pet food. But federal health experts have linked those new laws with increasing food-borne illness outbreaks associated with raw milk. Between 2013 and 2018, the agency reported, states that had legalized the sale of raw milk at retail stores had three times as many outbreaks as states that prohibited such sales.

Persons: Dennis D’Amico Organizations: University of Connecticut, Centers for Disease Control, Prevention Locations: Iowa, United States

☆ Cottage Cheese Makes a Comeback
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In July, Google searches for “cottage cheese” rose to the highest levels recorded since 2004. “It’s definitely really trendy right now,” said Leah Goebel, a registered dietitian at Northwestern Medicine, adding that cottage cheese contains plenty of nutrients. Compared with other dairy products, cottage cheese is relatively low-calorie. A half-cup serving of full-fat cottage cheese contains around 100 calories, whereas an equal serving of ricotta cheese contains about 190 calories and a three-quarter-cup serving of full-fat Greek yogurt has about 160 calories. Cottage cheese also contains riboflavin, she said, a vitamin that helps our cells grow and produce energy, and phosphorous, which maintains our teeth and bones.

Persons: “ It’s, ”, Leah Goebel, Julia Zumpano, Goebel, don’t Organizations: Google, Northwestern Medicine, Cleveland Clinic

☆ What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Ozempic, a drug used to treat diabetes, keeps gaining attention as celebrities, a tech mogul and TikTok influencers have described taking it to lose weight in short time frames. Elon Musk, when asked about how he looked “fit, ripped and healthy,” tweeted that he was taking Wegovy. On TikTok, the hashtag #Ozempic has been viewed over 273 million times, with people alternately expressing shock over their supposed medication-induced weight loss and swapping stories about side effects. Ozempic and Wegovy are not the only medications gaining popularity for their weight loss effects. Dr. Narang herself has seen patients “who have somehow gotten their hands on this,” taking the medication off-label, she said.

Persons: TikTok, Elon Musk, ”, Andy Cohen, “, Ozempic, Eli Lilly, Disha, Narang Organizations: Drug Administration, Variety, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Novo Nordisk Locations: Britain, Northwestern, Ozempic

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