Over 20 travelers returning to the United States from Cuba have been infected with Oropouche virus disease, commonly referred to as "sloth fever." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory due to the increase in cases, recommending surveillance for those coming from regions where the virus is prevalent, such as parts of South and Central America and the Caribbean. The Pan American Health Organization has raised the public health risk level to "high" for the Americas. Symptoms of the Oropouche virus include fever, muscle aches, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. The virus is transmitted primarily by biting midges and shares similarities with Zika and dengue fever. Health officials are concerned due to the virus's spread to new areas and reports of fatal cases in Brazil. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, and prevention focuses on avoiding insect bites. The risk of local transmission in the U.S. is currently low, but travelers are advised to take precautions.

Improving your diet involves identifying and limiting unhealthy foods. Registered dietitian Brogan Taylor suggests focusing on nutrient-dense foods rather than labeling foods as "good" or "bad." She and other experts recommend reducing intake of processed meats, sodas, white bread, french fries, fast food burgers, donuts, processed cheese, potato chips, processed snack foods, and alcohol. These foods are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can contribute to chronic health issues. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like grilled chicken breast, whole-grain bread, oven-baked potato wedges, salmon or veggie burgers, homemade muffins, fresh cheeses, roasted chickpeas, and whole food snacks. For alcohol, consider mocktails or nonalcoholic beverages. Making informed swaps can lead to better eating habits and overall health.

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A recent study indicates that postmenopausal women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience a slower rate of biological aging compared to those who do not. Biological age, which is distinct from chronological age, measures the functional effectiveness of the body. The research, led by Yufan Liu from Capital Medical University in Beijing, suggests that the decline in estrogen during menopause can accelerate biological aging. However, HRT, which replenishes estrogen, could mitigate this process. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 women, revealing that those who used HRT showed a smaller discrepancy between their biological and chronological ages. The most significant benefits were observed in women who started HRT after the age of 50 and used it for approximately four to eight years. While the study is not conclusive, it supports the idea that there might be an optimal window for initiating HRT to delay aging. However, it also acknowledges the need for further research and highlights potential differences between HRT users and non-users that could influence the results.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all Americans aged 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious complications from the virus. This fall, Americans can choose from updated shots by Pfizer and Moderna, as well as a new vaccine from Novavax, a U.S. biotech company. The Novavax vaccine, authorized by the FDA for those 12 and up, is a protein-based vaccine,不同于 the mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. It is particularly recommended for those who have experienced severe side effects from mRNA vaccines or are concerned about the newer technology. All three vaccines offer strong protection against infection complications, and the updated vaccines target recent virus strains for improved efficacy. The CDC's Bridge Access Program, which provided free vaccines, ended in August, but most adults can access COVID vaccines through insurance or assistance programs. The retail price for a COVID vaccine without insurance is $190 at CVS, and children under 18 have their vaccine costs covered by a federal program.

A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that reaching out to healthcare providers for assistance with medical bills can be beneficial. The research involved 1,135 individuals, with 20% of them receiving a bill they disagreed with or couldn't afford, often from doctor's offices, emergency rooms, or urgent care centers. Of those with billing issues, over 60% contacted the provider's billing office, and about 25% had their bill corrected, while 14% received a discount or payment plan. The study, led by Erin Duffy from the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, found that 74% of the time, billing errors were fixed when addressed. Additionally, 75% of those with unaffordable bills received financial relief, and 62% who negotiated got a reduced price. The study encourages patients to question the accuracy of medical bills and explore financial options, as it is often worthwhile and can take less than an hour. It also noted that individuals who were less educated, uninsured, or had less familiarity with financial documents were less likely to seek help. The study's findings are reassuring, indicating that proactive communication with healthcare providers regarding billing issues can lead to positive outcomes.

A recent large-scale study involving over 31,000 individuals aged 40 to 70 has found a link between type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with accelerated brain aging. The research, published in the journal Diabetes Care, utilized medical data from the UK Biobank and a machine learning model to estimate brain age relative to chronological age. It revealed that type 2 diabetes corresponded to brains that were 2.3 years older, while prediabetes aged the brain by approximately four months. Notably, poorly controlled diabetes could make the brain appear over four years older. However, the study also indicated that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption, could mitigate the effects and help preserve brain health. The findings underscore the importance of managing blood sugar levels and adopting healthy habits to prevent cognitive decline and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.

A recent study has revealed the presence of microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations significantly higher than those found in samples from 2016. The research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, discovered that microplastics made up approximately 0.5% by weight of the brain tissue examined. The study's methodology, which involved analyzing tissue samples from autopsies conducted earlier this year, indicated that the brain may be particularly susceptible to environmental pollutants, with microplastic levels 7 to 10 times higher in the brain compared to the liver or kidneys. Despite the study's limitations, including the use of unestablished chemistry methods and a small sample size, the findings underscore the need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of microplastics. Experts suggest that reducing exposure to microplastics through lifestyle changes, such as avoiding single-use plastics, is a prudent step.

Human parvovirus B19, a highly contagious respiratory virus, is experiencing a surge in the United States, particularly among children. The virus, often referred to as "fifth disease," typically causes mild or no symptoms but can lead to flu-like symptoms, a "slapped cheek" rash, and joint pain. The CDC has noted an increase in test positivity, with a significant rise in children aged 5 to 9. The virus can pose risks to pregnant individuals, potentially causing severe fetal anemia, and to those with sickle cell anemia or compromised immune systems. While there is no specific treatment or vaccine, symptom management and preventive measures such as handwashing and covering coughs can help. The increase in cases may be attributed to an "immunity gap" due to reduced human contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article discusses the impact of joy on mental and physical health, especially in the context of political stress. It explains that joy can help regulate the nervous system and alleviate the effects of chronic stress. The piece suggests that joy is not just a fleeting emotion but can be cultivated through daily practices. Strategies for fostering joy include appreciating small moments, connecting with others, and performing acts of kindness. The article also warns against the concept of "toxic positivity," emphasizing the importance of acknowledging negative emotions to experience authentic joy. Studies mentioned in the article show that even small, daily moments of joy can significantly increase happiness, and that helping others can be a powerful way to initiate feelings of joy.

Dreams are the enigmatic narratives our minds weave while we slumber, a tapestry of imagery and emotions that can range from the mundane to the surreal. Although we all dream, the vividness and recall of these nocturnal tales often elude us upon waking. The question of why we dream remains one of psychology's great mysteries, with theories spanning from the banal to the profound.

The "Orange Peel Theory" is a recent TikTok trend where young women ask their partners to bring them an orange, using the act of peeling it as a test of thoughtfulness and love. If the partner peels the orange, they're seen as caring; if not, they're deemed inconsiderate. This trend raises concerns among therapists, as it may lead to harmful comparisons and misunderstandings within relationships. Instead of using such tests, therapists suggest focusing on the concept of love languages, which identifies five ways people give and receive love: words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, receiving gifts, and quality time. Couples are encouraged to communicate openly about their love languages and work together to meet each other's needs. If communication breakdowns occur, seeking couples therapy is recommended to foster deep healing and connection.

Anxious attachment style, stemming from inconsistent childhood care, can lead to fears of rejection and abandonment in romantic relationships. Individuals with this style may exhibit clingy or needy behaviors in an attempt to maintain their relationships. However, recognizing one's triggers and openly communicating them to a partner can be beneficial. It's crucial for both individuals to establish healthy boundaries, maintain consistency, and engage in open dialogue to address anxieties. A partner's understanding and support, along with the anxiously attached individual's self-awareness and potential therapy, can strengthen the relationship. Working on self-esteem, learning coping skills, and practicing emotional regulation can also help manage the effects of anxious attachment. Remember, it's important to communicate needs and work together to create a supportive and secure relationship environment.

Research indicates that healthy social relationships are essential for overall well-being, leading to better health outcomes and potentially a longer life. To assess relationship health, consider factors such as trust, respect, support, honesty, individuality, communication, and equality. Characteristics of healthy relationships include trust, openness, self-disclosure, healthy boundaries, mutual respect, love and affection, good communication, and a balance of give-and-take. Unhealthy relationships may exhibit controlling behavior, avoidance, fear of sharing opinions, criticism, pressure to change, lack of privacy, poor communication, and unequal control over shared resources. To build healthier relationships, commit to working on the relationship, show appreciation, keep things interesting, and seek professional help if needed. It's important to recognize and address issues within the relationship to foster a more fulfilling partnership.

Resentment is a complex emotion that arises from feelings of being mistreated, taken advantage of, or unheard. It can stem from various sources such as jealousy, betrayal, or unmet needs and can be toxic in relationships if not addressed. This article explores the causes, signs, and effects of resentment, highlighting its potential to poison relationships if left unchecked. It also discusses the benefits of resentment, such as providing a sense of control and power, and why it's crucial to manage these feelings for healthy relationships. The article suggests strategies for managing resentment, including developing self-compassion, viewing situations with empathy, practicing gratitude, and seeking professional help if necessary. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing resentment to prevent its negative impact on mental health and relationships.

Weaponized incompetence is a behavioral pattern where an individual deliberately demonstrates incompetence to avoid tasks or responsibilities, leading others to take over. This can create an imbalance in relationships, with one partner over-functioning and the other under-functioning. The term has gained popularity on social media, but similar concepts have been discussed in various contexts for years. People might weaponize incompetence to shirk responsibilities, avoid discomfort, seek attention, or maintain control. It's important to differentiate between genuine incompetence and weaponized incompetence, as the latter can have negative impacts on a relationship, such as resentment, lack of trust, and emotional disconnection. To address this issue, it's crucial to recognize the pattern, discuss it openly with your partner, establish boundaries and expectations, and possibly seek professional help if needed.

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Navigating a friendship when you dislike your best friend's partner can be challenging. It's essential to understand the root of your feelings to decide if it's something you can overcome or if you need to set boundaries. Disliking a partner can stem from personality flaws or concerns about their behavior towards your friend. If you're worried about your friend's well-being due to toxic behavior, it's crucial to communicate your concerns respectfully. If the issue is less severe, consider investing time to get to know the partner better, which may lead to a change in your perception. However, if you still can't stand the partner despite efforts to connect, maintaining the friendship may require honesty, clear boundaries, and open communication with your friend. It's possible to preserve the friendship by finding ways to spend time together without the partner or by engaging in activities they wouldn't be interested in. The key is to approach the situation with empathy and a willingness to adapt the dynamics of your friendship.

Dating apps have revolutionized the way we connect with potential partners, offering convenience and a vast pool of options at our fingertips. However, they can also induce stress due to time consumption, competition, an overemphasis on physical appearance, and the fear of rejection. To mitigate this stress, it's crucial to maintain realistic expectations, stay true to your values, remain emotionally flexible, set boundaries on app usage, and seek support from friends and family. By doing so, you can navigate the dating app landscape with a healthier mindset and increase your chances of forming meaningful connections.