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    Mysterious child hepatitis outbreak: UK study may identify a prime suspect

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    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their original Health Advisory on May 11 regarding their investigation of the mysterious worldwide outbreak of hepatitis in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) said a case-control study that will be completed this week should provide more clarity if adenovirus or COVID-19 is causally linked to the mysterious condition, according to multiple reports.

    “As of May 5, 2022, CDC and state partners are investigating 109 children with hepatitis of unknown origin across 25 states and territories, more than half of whom have tested positive for adenovirus with more than 90% hospitalized, 14% with liver transplants, and five deaths under investigation,” the CDC said.

    Approximately 18% of cases worldwide actively also tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Medical Xpress report.

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    “The big focus over the next week is looking at serological testing for previous exposure and infections with COVID,” Philippa Easterbrook, from the WHO’s global hepatitis program, told a press conference.

    Easterbrook said within the week the United Kingdom will have data on a case control study comparing whether the detection rate of adenovirus in the children who have hepatitis differs from that in other hospitalized children who don’t have the liver disease.

    “That will really help hone down whether [adenovirus] is just an incidental infection that’s been detected or there is a causal or likely causal link,” Easterbrook said.

    “At present, the leading hypotheses remain those which involve adenovirus — with also still an important consideration about the role of COVID as well, either as a co-infection or a past infection.”

    “A fundamental question is whether there is a characteristic pattern in the pathology of the liver in these patients. Such a pattern might be seen at the advanced stage when liver transplantation was performed, or earlier before the severe liver damage of the unknown process had perhaps obscured an earlier characteristic pattern,” said Dr. Daniel Lucey, clinical professor of medicine at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine.

    “If such a liver pathology pattern has been found, then it could be used to help identify the etiology of the hepatitis or at least serve to provide a unifying clinical-pathologic syndrome as soon as possible.”

    None of the U.K. liver samples ” … show any of the typical features you might expect with a liver inflammation due to adenovirus but we are awaiting further examination of biopsies,” Easterbrook added.

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 14:  (L-R) Illusionist Criss Angel, his son Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos and Shaunyl Benson visit as Angel helps to give out food and other items at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation pediatric cancer treatment center amid the spread of the coronavirus on May 14, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

    Because adenoviruses are used in some of the COVID-19 vaccinations, one theory on social media suggested a link between the jab and the hepatitis outbreak in the U.K., where most of the cases have been reported, according to Reuters.

    But these adenoviruses in the vaccines are “harmless transporters which have been modified so they cannot replicate or cause infection,” according to BBC News.

    “There is no evidence of any link to the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The majority of cases are under 5 years old, and are too young to have received the vaccine,” the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

    The United Kingdom International Health Regulations National Focal Point first reported 10 cases of severe hepatitis of unknown etiology on April 5, 2022, in children ranging from 11 months to 5 years old in Scotland, the WHO said.

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    “On May 11, the European CDC reported a total of 449 probable cases in 27 nations including from Europe, the Americas (North, Central and South), Asia and the Middle East,” Lucey said.

    “The highest numbers of cases so far are: U.K. (163), USA (109), Italy (35), Spain (22), Brazil (16), Indonesia (15), Israel (12), Sweden (nine), Argentina (eight), Japan (seven) and Canada (seven).” 

    More than five cases have only been reported in six countries. The United Kingdom have reported the most cases in the world, but no child has died so far in the country, according to a May 12 UKHSA statement. 

    Hepatitis, otherwise known as liver inflammation, is commonly caused by viruses, medications or exposure to certain chemicals, according to Healthline. 

    “Most of the children in the reported cases presented with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

    “These symptoms were followed by development of jaundice,” he added. 

    Jaundice is when the skin and eyes turn yellow because the liver loses its ability to clear bilirubin properly, per Healthline.

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    “Interestingly, fever was not described as a common symptom in these cases. In addition, all children were previously healthy,” Rodriguez-Baez said.

    “It’s important that parents know the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is extremely low. We continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned,” said Dr. Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA.

    Connecticut reports its first case of tick-borne Powassan virus in 2022: What to know

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    The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced the state’s first reported Powassan virus infection of the year this past Wednesday. Powassan virus is a rare disease spread by the same tick that causes Lyme disease, according to a recent press release. 

    “The identification of a Connecticut resident with Powassan virus associated illness emphasizes the need to take actions to prevent tick bites from now through the late fall,” said Dr. Manisha Juthani, who is the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Health.

    “Using insect repellent, avoiding areas where ticks are likely, and checking carefully for ticks after being outside can reduce the chance of you or your children being infected with this virus.”

    Powassan virus, first discovered in Powassan, Ontario in 1958, is usually spread through the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick, officially known as Ixodes scapularis, and can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after a tick bite, but it can take a week up to one month to develop symptoms, per the release. 

    This is in contrast to Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, which is caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi and usually transmitted after 36-48 hours after the bite of usually the black-legged tick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Human infections secondary to the Powassan virus infections have been recognized in the United States, Canada, and Russia, with the cases mostly from northeastern states and the Great Lakes region in late spring, early summer and mid-fall when ticks are most active, per the CDC.

    Between 2011-20, in addition to Connecticut, the following states have reported cases to the CDC: Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

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    Powassan cases are rare, with 20 reported in 2020 to the CDC, but the reported cases are increasing, whereas usually 30,00 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the CDC each year, but the true number is likely closer to 476,000 each year because of underreporting, per the agency.

    People who work outdoors and engage in recreational activities in endemic areas for the virus are at increased risk of the infection.

    The Connecticut patient who contracted Powassan virus is a male patient in his 50s who started to feel sick during the fourth week of March after a tick bite. He was later hospitalized with a central nervous system disease with laboratory confirmed evidence by the CDC of antibodies to the virus, but is now discharged and recovering at home, according to the health department’s release. 

    Most people infected with Powassan virus will develop mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all, but some will experience severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which consists of the spinal cord and brain, per the health department.

    Wood Tick on finger

    Early symptoms of severe disease include headache, vomiting, fever and weakness that rapidly progresses to confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or seizures. Treatment is supportive care, which means there is no specific medication directed against the disease, but instead targeted to symptoms. 

    Approximately one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal, with an estimated half of survivors experiencing long-term complications. 

    There were 12 cases of Powassan virus from 2017 to 2021 reported in Connecticut, including three in 2021 and two out the 12 that were fatal, the release said.

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    Connecticut is a state well-known for tick-bites, with the CDC categorizing it a high-incidence region for Lyme disease, as of 2019. 

    Lyme disease was first described in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975 by a researcher, Dr. William Burgdorfer, who connected puzzling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms with the bite of deer ticks, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). 

    He discovered that a spiral shaped bacterium, known as a spirochete, carried by the ticks caused the condition now known as Lyme disease.  The spirochete was named Borrelia burgdorferi in 1982 in his honor, per the NIH.

    An early symptom of Lyme disease is a hallmark rash that looks like a “bulls-eye,” known as erythema migrans, but later can progress to joint pain and neurological issues, according to Mayo Clinic.

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    Blacklegged ticks not only can carry Lyme disease and Powassan virus, but also other tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis, so it’s possible to get infected with more than one infection at the same time, called a co-infection, per the CDC.

    Some tips to prevent tick bites include: avoiding grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, using CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, checking for ticks immediately after an outdoor activity and showering within two hours of coming indoors, per the release. 

    Kim Kardashian’s crash diet could lead to further weight gain: health experts

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    Kim Kardashian received a lot of backlash after touting her 16-pound weight loss in 3 weeks to fit into her Marilyn Monroe-style dress she donned for the Met Gala in New York City this week. Health experts cautioned that such rapid weight loss from her reported crash dieting could be detrimental to a person’s health. 

    “A lot of the time quick weight loss is water weight from being dehydrated; it could also be from drastic restriction which could lead to disordered eating. These types of dieting practices aren’t sustainable and could lead to the weight coming back plus a few extra pounds,” Dr. Deborah Salvatore, DCN, RDN, CDN who is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and the Director of Graduate Nutrition Programs at Long Island University in New York, told Fox News. 

    Salvatore’s colleague, Laura Feldman MS, RD, CDN, CDE, is an assistant professor of nutrition and the director of Dietetics at Long Island University in New York and spoke to Fox News about the celebrity’s quick weight loss. Feldman further explained that in the long term, crash dieting and rapid weight loss could actually lower one’s metabolic rate, which makes it harder for an individual to lose weight in a healthy manner in the future.

    Kim Kardashian Marilyn Monroe (Getty Images)

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    Feldman also said that rapid weight loss could affect health negatively in both the short term and the long term. 

    Feldman, who is a registered dietician nutritionist said, “Diets that lead to rapid weight loss are going to be nutritionally inadequate by limiting one or more macronutrients and overall caloric intake.” Feldman commented on Kim Kardashian’s weight loss that was reportedly attributed to the reality star’s diet that cut out all carbohydrates and sources of sugar in the weeks leading up to the star-studded Met Gala event. 

    “Glucose (sugar) is the source of energy for your brain and the immediate source of energy for your muscles and body’s cells. Eliminating carbs can often lead to people feeling, lightheaded, fatigued, and have difficulty concentrating,” Feldman, told Fox News. The LIU director also said eliminating complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to stomach issues such as constipation since they are also a great source of fiber. 

    Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

     Salvatore also cautioned Fox News that rapid weight loss is dangerous. Salvatore, who is also a certified dietitian nutritionist, said, “Quick weight loss is usually the result of some extreme dieting practices and would not be considered sustainable. These practices could result in dehydration or other issues including fatigue, irritability and disordered eating.”

    Kim Kardashian (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo)

    When it comes to trying to lose weight, Salvatore told Fox News that healthy dieting for weight loss should include changes to your eating and your level of physical activity. She suggested that an individual should strive for a balance of a variety of foods and daily physical activity. 

    “Healthy dieting should include a balanced plate with half your plate focusing on fruits and vegetables,” Salvatore told Fox News. She also explained that these types of food include fiber and fluid, which helps increase that feeling of fullness when eating. 

    A STRONGER FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IS A STRONGER AMERICA

    Salvatore added that ¼ of the plate should consist of a lean protein source which can be meat or vegetarian options and a 1/4 plate filled with complex carbohydrates. “Again these have fiber to help us feel full longer; complex carbs are things like brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta or bread,” Salvatore told Fox News. 

    Besides healthy eating, the nutrition expert said exercise is also important.   

    “We really shouldn’t think of dieting; it should be lifestyle changes that you can sustain; cutting out entire food groups is not sustainable and can lead to weight loss followed by weight regain plus additional pounds because the practices are too extreme.”

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    Health experts told Fox News it is a good idea for individuals to discuss weight loss plans with their healthcare provider or consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist to establish a healthy daily calorie intake and meal plan that is appropriate for your individual needs. 

    Long COVID-19 may be caused by abnormally suppressed immune system in some people: UCLA-led study

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    A possible contributor of Long COVID -19 may actually be an abnormally suppressed immune system, and not a hyperactive one, according to a UCLA- led research group. The study, recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

    It contradicts what scientists previously believed, which was that an overactive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, often referred to as a “cytokine storm,” was the root cause of the perplexing syndrome. Health experts told Fox News this “cytokine storm” is an over-reactive inflammatory response in the infected person that can potentially cause damage to lungs and other organs, possibly creating severe illness or even death. 

    Long COVID, which occurs in a subset of patients recovering from COVID-19, is a syndrome where a multitude of symptoms including shortness of breath, muscle aches, fatigue, vocal fatigue, and brain fog persists for several months after the acute infection stage, health experts explained to Fox News. 

    A worker in a protective takes a swab for a COVID-19 test at a coronavirus testing facility in Beijing, Saturday, April 23, 2022. Beijing is on alert after 10 middle school students tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, in what city officials said was an initial round of testing.  (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

    TIME-RESTRICTED EATING NO MORE BENEFICIAL THAN CALORIC RESTRICTION IN OBESE PATIENTS, STUDY SAYS

    According to the press release about the UCLA study, limited understanding of the causes of long COVID makes treating the condition challenging. 

    “While this was a small pilot study, it does suggest that some people with long COVID may actually have under-active immune systems after recovering from COVID-19, which means that boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment,” Dr. Otto Yang, a professor of medicine, division of infectious diseases, and of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA said in a press release. 

    A woman gets tested at a mobile COVID-19 testing van (Liao Pan/China News Service via Getty Images)

    While investigating the notion that long COVID-19 is triggered by an underlying hyperactive immune response, the UCLA-led team of researchers studied the effect of the monoclonal antibody Leronlimab on Long COVID-19, in a small exploratory trial that involved 55 people with the condition. Leronlimab is an antibody that attaches to an immune receptor involved in inflammation called CCR5, the study authors explained in the release.

    Participants were randomly selected to receive weekly injections of the antibody or a saline placebo for eight weeks. During that period, the investigators tracked changes in 24 symptoms associated with long COVID, according to the release.

    In the report, the investigators explained that they initially thought blocking CCR5 with Leronlimab would weaken the overactive immune system’s response after a COVID-19 infection.

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    “But we found just the opposite,” Yang, who is also the senior author, said in the release. “Patients who improved were those who started with low CCR5 on their T cells, suggesting their immune system was less active than normal, and levels of CCR5 actually increased in people who improved. This leads to the new hypothesis that long COVID in some persons is related to the immune system being suppressed and not hyperactive, and that while blocking its activity, the antibody can stabilize CCR5 expression on the cell surface leading to upregulation of other immune receptors or functions.”

    The researchers stated in the release that the findings suggested “a complex role for CCR5 in balancing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, e.g. through T regulatory cells.”  

    A woman is tested for  COVID-19 at the Lenasia South Hospital, near Johannesburg, South Africa,  Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1021. South African doctors say the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases attributed to the new omicron variant is resulting in mostly mild symptoms. (AP Photo/ Shiraaz Mohamed)

    Dr. Aaron Glatt, a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, who was not affiliated with the study, commented on the findings to Fox News and said, “This preliminary study presents intriguing new information regarding the COVID-19 long-haul syndrome.” Glatt, who also serves as the Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital on Long Island, New York, added, “At this point in time however, our understanding of the pathogenesis of “long COVID” remains unclear. This study supports doing further research to investigate a different potential mechanism.”

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    The study authors did state that the results needed to be confirmed in a larger, more definitive study. Also noted in the release, is that the study was funded by Leronlimab maker CytoDyn Inc. and conducted by researchers either employed by or serving as consultants to the company.

    Time-restricted eating no more beneficial than caloric restriction in obese patients, study says

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    Time-restricted eating limited to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. did not lead to a greater reduction in body weight, body fat or metabolic risk factors compared to a daily caloric restriction, according to a study published in New England Journal of Medicine this week. 

    The researchers at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China randomly assigned 139 obese patients to two groups: one group who participated in a time-restricted eating regimen where they ate only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. along with restricting their daily caloric intake and another group of participants who only engaged in daily caloric restriction without a time-restricting regimen. 

    The male participants were instructed to restrict their daily caloric intake to only 1500 -1800 calories while women followed a caloric restriction of 1200 to 1500 calories every day.

    The primary outcome of the study was the difference in body weight between the two groups from baseline and secondary outcomes were changes in waist circumference, body-mass index, amount of body fat, and measures of metabolic risk factors.

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    The participants were encouraged to weigh foods to ensure accurate reporting on calories, were required to keep a food diary and to photograph the food that they ate during the first six months of the study, and recorded food pictures and meals three times a week during the last six months.

    118 out of 139 participants completed the study with researchers noting, “Changes in weight were not significantly different in the two groups at the 12-month assessment.”

    “In addition, time-restricted eating and daily calorie restriction produced similar effects with respect to reductions in body fat, visceral fat, blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid levels over the 12-month intervention period,” the researchers said. 

    Following a Mediterranean-like diet could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, suggest the findings of a new study.  (Credit: iStock)

    The authors added even though caloric intake restriction explained most of the beneficial effects associated with the time-restricted–eating, their findings suggested that time-restricted eating could be an alternative to restricting calories for weight management. 

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    “We speculate that these data support the importance of caloric intake restriction when adhering to a regimen of time-restricted eating,” the study noted.

    The authors cautioned their study cannot be generalized to diabetic patients, to those with heart disease, to different periods of time-restricted eating while also noting their study was limited because physical activity was not controlled since total energy expenditure was not measured.

    “Almost every type of diet out there works for some people,” said Dr. Christopher Gardner, director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center.

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    “But the take-home supported by this new research is that when subjected to a properly designed and conducted study — scientific investigation — it is not any more helpful than simply reducing daily calorie intake for weight loss and health factors.” 

    US heat wave turns deadly: How to stay safe

    About a dozen deaths may be tied to an intense heat wave blanketing the Northwest, officials said, with several fatalities involving heat stroke and hyperthermia. 

    Temperatures are expected to remain high in the interior West and some areas in the East Coast will experience spikes, which is why health departments and the medical community are warning about signs of heat-related illness to be on the lookout for. 

    President Biden, who met with West Coast governors on Wednesday, said the heat is “a threat in and of itself.” 

    NORTHWEST TO COOL OFF AS NORTHEAST REMAINS HOT

    “People are hurting, it’s more dangerous for kids to play outside, roads are buckling under the heat,” Biden said. “Again, I need not tell all of you – we need people to check on their neighbors especially seniors who may need a helping hand.” 

    He also called for frequent water breaks and shade for outdoor laborers, and thanked local officials for setting up cooling centers which can help provide relief. 

    Salem Fire Department Capt. Matt Brozovich and Falck Northwest ambulance personnel help treat a man experiencing heat exposure at a cooling center during a heatwave in Salem, Oregon, on June 26, 2021. 
    (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

    Anyone can develop a heat-related illness, especially those who are not acclimated to high temperatures, Dr. Lane Tassin, FastMed’s chief medical officer, western region, told Fox News.

    “What you’re seeing in the Pacific Northwest, lots of people don’t have air conditioning they never needed it before, plus they’re not acclimated to the heat so the body is not accustomed to heat stress,” he said. 

    RECORD TEMPERATURES GRIPPING NORTHWEST LINKED TO AT LEAST 2 DEATHS IN WASHINGTON

    People with underlying heart disease, elderly people, children and those on certain medications may also be at increased risk for heat-related illness, he said. People with disabilities are also at an increased risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Tassin, who described the body as a bag of water covered by a thin envelope on the outside, explained that there is a narrow window of internal temperature that humans need to maintain in order to keep it working well. When the air temperature is greater than the internal body temperature, the body temperature will start to rise, setting off a physiological response to the heat that includes sweating, accelerated heart rate and dilated blood vessels as the body attempts to cool off. 

    “It’s a cascading event, with an increasing heat load there’s more and more demand on your cardiovascular system and some people just can’t respond to the increased demand,” he said, adding that they may slowly slip into a heat-related illness. 

    WHAT IS A HEAT DOME?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises being aware of signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps and knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. The agency compiled a list of symptoms to look for and actions to take for the following: 

    Heat stroke: A heat stroke may cause body temperatures to spike to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It can cause hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or even passing out. In the event of possible heat stroke, you should call 911 right away and move the person to a cooler place. Place the person in a cool bath or use cool cloths to lower their temperature. You should not give the person anything to drink. 

    Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache or passing out. In the event of possible heat exhaustion, the person should be moved to a cool place, loosen clothes, take a cool bath or place cool cloths on body, sip water, and get medical help if symptoms progress, last longer than one hour or cause vomiting. 

    Heat cramps: Heat cramps may cause heavy sweating during intense exercise and can result in muscle pain or spasms. In the event of heat cramps, stop physical activity and move to a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink and wait for cramps to go away before resuming physical activity. Get medical help if cramps last longer than an hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or you have heart problems. 

    Tassin stressed that heat-related illnesses often land in a “gray zone,” so it’s not “one minute you’re totally normal, you have heat exhaustion and then the next minute you have heat stroke.” 

    He described it as more of a continuum but cautioned that it’s not well-defined. Heat illness can occur quickly, within a half-hour, or it could develop over a period of several days. He said recognizing the early signs, which staff like coaches and athletic directors should be trained on, can help prevent a dangerous situation before it escalates. 

    While at-risk groups have additional safety measures they can take, the CDC advises that everyone stay cool by wearing appropriate clothing, stay in air-conditioned spaces, schedule outdoor activities carefully, pace yourself, wear sunscreen, avoid hot and heavy meals and never leave children in cars. 

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    The agency also recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, staying away from sugary or alcoholic drinks, replacing salt and minerals lost through sweat with a sports drink, and remembering to keep pets hydrated as well. 

    Tassin advised monitoring the color of urine to check for adequate hydration as well. 

    “The darker the urine gets, the more and more concentrated it is because the kidneys are working double time,” he said. 

    He also said reducing exposure to heat load, like planning exertional activities for first thing in the morning or after the sun goes down, can help lower your risk.

    Poor sleep, burnout may up coronavirus risk, study claims

    Sleep specialist on ‘Pandemic Dreams’ phenomenon

    Behavioral sleep medicine specialist, Michael Grandner, explains why you may be experiencing more intense dreams than usual during these unusual times, and ways to get your sleep back on track.

    Hoping to avoid a coronavirus infection? Avoid burnout and get good sleep, suggests the findings of a new study. 

    In a study recently published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, researchers from July to September 2020 surveyed more than 2,800 health care workers across six countries who were considered at high-risk for a COVID-19 infection, as they worked in critical care, emergency care, or internal medicine.

    Study participants were asked several questions about their sleep habits, including daytime napping and severe sleep issues, as well as their work-related burnout levels. 

    By the end, the researchers concluded that each additional 1 hour of sleep resulted in a 12% decreased risk for COVID-19. Meanwhile, those who said they were suffering from work-related burnout every day were nearly 3 times more likely — 2.6 times to be exact — to be infected with COVID-19, battle a coronavirus infection for a longer amount of time, as well as being more likely to have severe COVID-19-related symptoms. 

    CORONAVIRUS CAUSING ‘PERSISTENT FATIGUE’ IN MORE THAN HALF OF RECOVERED PATIENTS, STUDY FINDS

    Poor sleep and burnout are known to be associated with a general increase in infectious diseases. Poor sleep, in particular, can affect one’s immune system, making them more likely to get sick following exposure to a virus such as the common cold. The study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health is said to be the first to link poor sleep and burnout directly with an increased risk for COVID-19, per the researchers. 

    NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS WOULD TAKE THIS MUCH OF A PAY CUT FOR BETTER SLEEP

    “In six countries, longer sleep duration was associated with lower odds of COVID-19,” the study authors concluded, in part. “Greater sleep problems and high level of burnout were robustly associated with greater odds of COVID-19. Sleep and burnout may be risk factors for COVID-19 in high-risk [health care workers].” 

    “Our results highlight the importance of healthcare professionals’ well-being during the pandemic. Awareness of these risk factors in [health care workers] will be helpful in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce,” they added. 

    Trying to burn belly fat? Intermittent fasting may be hindering progress, study suggests

    Intermittent fasting diets may add years to your life: study

    A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University finds diets that involve intermittent fasting may add years to your life. Studies have linked fasting to improved metabolism, decreased blood pressure and improved control of blood sugar levels.

    Hoping to rid yourself of unwanted belly fat? If your diet involves intermittent fasting — abstaining from food for several hours at a time — it may be hindering your progress in shedding fat around this area of the body, suggests the findings of a new study. 

    In the study conducted by researchers with the University of Sydney in Australia and published earlier this week in the journal Cell Reports, researchers found that visceral belly fat — the fat tissue surrounding organs, including the stomach — is particularly resistant to releasing energy during intermittent fasting. In other words, this type of fat goes into “preservation mode” to protect its energy in anticipation for the next period of fasting, possibly making it more difficult to bust unwanted belly fat. 

    For the study, conducted with mice, the researchers “examined fat tissue types from different locations to understand their role during every-other-day fasting, where no food was consumed on alternate days,” per a news release on the findings.

    They found that two types of fat, visceral, the type mentioned above, as well as subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin and is associated with better metabolic health, “undergo dramatic changes during intermittent fasting,” said Dr. Larance, senior study author, in a statement. 

    SKIPPING DINNER MIGHT LEAD TO WEIGHT GAIN, NEW STUDY SAYS

    During a fast, fat tissue acts as an energy source for the body by releasing fatty acid molecules. In the study, however, the researchers found that visceral becomes resistant to this energy release during periods of fasting, suggesting that visceral fat “can adapt to repeated fasting bouts and protect its energy store,” Larance said. 

    “This type of adaptation may be the reason why visceral fat can be resistant to weight loss after long periods of dieting,” he added. 

    Mice were used in the study because their physiology is similar to humans. However, their metabolism is much faster, which better allowed the researchers to observe changes in a quicker amount of time, compared to if they had conducted a human trial. 

    MOST AMERICANS FEEL OLDER THAN THEIR BIOLOGICAL AGE, STUDY CLAIMS

    The researchers used specialized instruments to examine “more than 8,500 proteins located in fat deposits, creating a catalogue of changes that occurred during intermittent fasting, using a technique called proteomics,” or the study of all proteins, per the release, which adds: “It was via proteomics that the research team were alerted of major cellular changes caused by intermittent fasting and, after further analysis, highlighted the visceral fat’s preservation mechanism in action.”

    It’s important to note that the study focused on alternate-day fasting, with Larance warning the findings “may not apply to different diet regimes such as the 5:2 diet (fasting 2 days out of 7) or calorie restriction, which is common in people wanting to lose weight.”

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    That said, “the results lay the foundation for future studies, which will dissect the molecules responsible for why visceral fat is resistant to energy release during fasting, and help determine what diet plans would be most beneficial for metabolic health.”

    “Now that we’ve shown ‘belly fat’ in mice is resistant to this diet, the big question will be to answer why, and how do we best tackle it?” questioned Larance, noting that more studies on this topic are needed. 

    Eating this ratio of fruit and veggies could help you live longer, study suggests

    How many servings of fruits and veggies should you be getting each day to live a longer life? A new study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, aims to provide an answer. 

    In an analysis of data representing some 2 million people around the world, researchers identified five daily servings of fruits and veggies — two servings of fruit and three of vegetables, to be exact — as the ideal ratio to live a longer life. Diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables “help reduce [the] risk for numerous chronic health conditions that are leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer,” per a news release on the findings.

    It’s important to note that not all fruits and vegetables are created equal, with the researchers also finding that the greatest benefits were seen in those who ate green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, and kale. 
    (iStock)

    For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, two robust studies that included more than 100,000 adults who were monitored for up to three decades. 

    The researchers noted that both datasets “included detailed dietary information repeatedly collected every two to four years.”

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    For the meta-analysis, the researchers pooled data on fruit and veggie intake and death from 26 studies that included nearly 2 million participants across 29 countries, finding that consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables each day was associated with the lowest risk of death. Eating more than five servings “was not associated with additional benefits,” they found. 

    Additionally, the researchers through the meta-analysis also determined that two servings of fruit and three of vegetables were “associated with the great longevity,” noting that those who ate five servings a day had a 13% lower risk of death overall, including a 12% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. They also were found to have a 10% lower risk of death from cancer, as well as a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    It’s important to note that not all fruits and vegetables are created equal, with the researchers also finding that the greatest benefits were seen in those who ate green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, and kale. Benefits were also greater for those who ate vegetables “rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and carrots,” the researchers said. 

    Meanwhile, “starchy vegetables, such as peas and corn, fruit juices and potatoes were not associated with reduced risk of death from all causes or specific chronic diseases,” they said. 

    “Our analysis in the two cohorts of U.S. men and women yielded results similar to those from 26 cohorts around the world, which supports the biological plausibility of our findings and suggests these findings can be applied to broader populations,” said lead study author Dong D. Wang, M.D., Sc.D., an epidemiologist, nutritionist and a member of the medical faculty at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in a statement. 

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    “This amount likely offers the most benefit in terms of prevention of major chronic disease and is a relatively achievable intake for the general public,” he said of the five servings. “We also found that not all fruits and vegetables offer the same degree of benefit, even though current dietary recommendations generally treat all types of fruits and vegetables, including starchy vegetables, fruit juices, and potatoes, the same.”

    “This research provides strong evidence for the lifelong benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and suggests a goal amount to consume daily for ideal health. Fruits and vegetables are naturally packaged sources of nutrients that can be included in most meals and snacks, and they are essential for keeping our hearts and bodies healthy,” added Anne Thorndike, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, in a statement. 

    Strengthen your immune system amid coronavirus: Experts offer simple tips

    This fall and coming winter, protecting yourself against the novel coronavirus in addition to the flu are imperative as the pandemic rages on.

    Deaths from the virus in the U.S. surpassed 200,000 earlier this week, and dozens of states across the country are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases. While the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has stood by his timeline for a possible coronavirus vaccine, (he expects a “safe and effective” vaccine by the end of the year or early 2021), the pandemic is unfortunately far from over.

    “We can be greatly helped by [a] vaccine, but it’s not vaccine alone,” Fauci recently said.

    “There really is no absolute time I can tell you now unless certain things fall into place. It’s going to depend on the efficacy of the vaccines being tested right now and the uptake in the community of the vaccines,” he added, noting that a vaccine would be in addition to safety measures such as physical distancing and mask-wearing, at least for a while.

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    “Food is medicine, and eating fruits and vegetables is now more important than ever,” Dr. Whyte said.
    (iStock)

    With most Americans are likely still vulnerable to a coronavirus infection, experts have pleaded with the public to receive the flu vaccine this year in an effort to keep flu infections low, ultimately preventing hospital systems from becoming overwhelmed treating both flu and COVID-19 patients.

    But getting vaccinated is just one (albeit major) factor in keeping yourself and loves ones healthy. So how else can you keep your immune system in tip-top shape?

    “The best things you can to do keep your immune system in good shape are exercising (at least 30 minutes five days a week at moderate intensity), eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting a good night’s sleep (eight hours, ideally), not smoking, drinking in moderation, and minimizing stress,” Dr. Michelle Lin, an emergency room doctor and professor of emergency medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Fox News.

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    “We know getting enough exercise and avoiding stress has been more difficult because of COVID, but even a brisk walk outdoors or a home exercise routine can be highly effective in maintaining mental and physical fitness and supporting a healthy immune system,” she added.

    Lin also spoke to the importance of hand hygiene, noting that the practice is “always a good habit, but particularly this year: wash your hands, wear a mask especially when indoors, and get a flu shot.”

    “In general, there’s not great evidence that supplements or vitamins outside of a varied, healthy diet do much to ‘boost’ immunity,” she said.

    Dr. John Whyte, the chief medical officer of the health care website WebMD, echoed Lin.

    “We know getting enough exercise and avoiding stress has been more difficult because of COVID, but even a brisk walk outdoors or a home exercise routine can be highly effective in maintaining mental and physical fitness and supporting a healthy immune system,” Dr. Lin said.
    (iStock)

    “We do know the importance of restorative sleep and our immune systems. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep is important to help our body [stave off] infection. After all, what do we do when we have the flu? We stay in bed and sleep,” he said.

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    “Being physically active most days of the week is of importance, too. Do some pushups, jumping jacks, [or] jogging in place,” he said.

    Whyte, like Lin, noted that he’s not a “big fan” of supplements, as “our bodies may respond differently when it is in food vs. manufactured in a lab.”

    “Food is medicine, and eating fruits and vegetables is now more important than ever,” he added.

    In addition to fruits and vegetables, adding healthy fats into your diet — such as olive oil, salmon, avocado, and certain nuts such as almonds, for instance — “may boost your body’s immune response to pathogens by decreasing inflammation,” according to Healthline. Eating more fermented foods or taking a probiotic supplement may also be of benefit, as is limiting your intake of added sugar. Additionally, staying hydrated is important for overall health, according to the health and wellness website.