Amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths of two Ole Miss students, representatives of the kratom industry are speaking out about how the product may have been mischaracterized.

Court documents show that Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were discovered dead on Sept. 21 at separate locations.

Initial reports stated that products described as "packaged kratom" or "synthetic kratom" were found near both students. 

In a Sept. 30 statement, however, investigators said only that "packaging associated with kratom-related products" had been recovered at both locations.

WHAT IS KRATOM? RISKS OF POPULAR SUBSTANCE REVEALED AFTER COLLEGE STUDENTS' DEATHS

"During the investigations, packaging associated with kratom-related products was discovered at both locations," Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, a department in the sheriff's office, said in the statement Wednesday.

Toxicology results from the medical examiner are still pending.

Packaging found near both students bears the name Modus, according to court documents. 

The affidavit describes the tablets as Smax Pseudo-DHM, and lists pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM) among the ingredients on the pack found near Hamilton.

Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association in Virginia, spoke with Fox News Digital Thursday about the initial reports of packaged kratom at the two locations where the students were discovered.

OLE MISS NAMES STUDENTS FOUND DEAD AS OFFICIAL ADDRESSES POTENTIAL FOR FOUL PLAY

"We were deeply concerned with that characterization because it is highly unlikely, if not statistically improbable, that a natural kratom leaf product would be the cause of two deaths independently, let alone one," he said.

After attempting to contact the Oxford Police Department, Haddow said the association held a news conference in Oxford asking for clarification on why officials would have disclosed a packaged kratom product.

The clarification showed that the products recovered were "chemically manipulated opioids, not kratom," Haddow added.

"We are grateful for the clarification because what they have told us and disclosed is that these, in fact, were highly synthetic and importantly controlled substances under the Federal Controlled Substances Act," he said.

HEAVY DRINKING SURGES AMONG AMERICANS IN ONE AGE GROUP AS OTHER GENERATIONS CUT BACK

"Those products never should have been on the market in the first place in those locations."

The Mississippi Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is a state law that regulates the sale of kratom rather than banning it.

The law establishes standards for who may sell kratom, which products are permitted and how they must be labeled, while prohibiting certain adulterated or high-potency products.

"Why were they not enforcing it?" Haddow questioned.

According to Haddow, natural kratom leaves have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. 

He argued there have been no published reports of deaths linked to traditional leaf use in the region, although medical literature does describe some adverse effects associated with long-term use.

Haddow said he believes kratom first spread in the U.S. after the Vietnam War, when returning soldiers and Southeast Asian immigrants brought it back from the region. However, researchers note that this origin story remains unsubstantiated in the published literature.

"And then these amateur chemists got involved and started tinkering with the alkaloids in the natural plant and started to adulterate them, and that appropriately got kratom on the radar of both the DEA and the FDA," he said.

In 2012, the FDA issued an import alert on kratom products, and the DEA sought to temporarily classify kratom's primary alkaloids as Schedule I substances in 2016 before withdrawing the proposal following public comment.

More recently, the agencies have raised concerns about concentrated and chemically modified kratom products, including those containing high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

"What these bad actors have done is completely alter the composition of the natural kratom plant," Haddow said.

"They rearranged the molecules. They've chemically synthesized them with high-concentration chlorine and baking soda and other nefarious production methods so that they deliver what is in fact a signature opioid to consumers in the United States."

The association’s focus now is on banning synthetic products and protecting the natural leaf, Haddow said.

"It is improper for any government agency across the country to be blaming natural leaf kratom for any adverse event that is properly attributable to a synthetic opioid," he added, expressing his viewpoint.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"If we were to take coffee and extract caffeine from it and then highly concentrate it to a level in which it is fatal and someone ingested it and died, we wouldn't blame coffee. We would blame the bad actor that took and extracted that caffeine, because caffeine is in its natural form and coffee is not dangerous. The same is true for natural kratom."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Haddow said 7-OH products — including pseudoindoxyl and compounds known as MGM-15 and MGM-16 — should not be considered kratom.

"[They] are synthetic opioids, all of which should be enforced by both the federal and local law enforcement agencies," he said.

"We advocate strongly for proper clarification of these dangerous products as opposed to natural kratom, which is literally helping people with their health and wellness and saving lives."

Haddow cited an NIH-led study that is moving forward to evaluate whether purified mitragynine, the main alkaloid in the kratom plant, could help treat opioid use disorder.

Haddow said the association supports state regulations that require testing, labeling and age restrictions rather than outright bans.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Make sure the product formulations are safe, make sure the products are labeled correctly and make sure they're age-restricted," he urged. "Twenty-one and up should be the only people who have access to these products.

"We need to regulate them, and as we represent consumers, we're going to fight for that."

The FDA maintains that kratom has not been approved for any medical use and has warned of some risks, including dependence, contamination and adverse events, while researchers continue to study both the plant and its individual compounds.

A high-profile execution attempt in Nashville ended in chaos and raised urgent medical questions after Tennessee death row inmate Christa Gail Pike survived two separate doses of lethal pentobarbital, the Associated Press reported.

Pentobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate, according to medical authorities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Historically prescribed as a sedative, anti-seizure medication or sleep aid, pentobarbital enhances the activity of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, slowing activity throughout the central nervous system.

TENNESSEE DEATH ROW INMATE SURVIVES 2 LETHAL INJECTION DOSES IN FAILED EXECUTION ATTEMPT

In clinical medicine, pentobarbital has been used for several purposes, including:

Because newer, safer drugs with lower risks of overdose have largely replaced barbiturates in hospital settings, pentobarbital is now rarely used in routine patient care.

However, it remains a primary agent in veterinary euthanasia and lethal injection protocols across several U.S. states, according to the National Library of Medicine, FDA-approved veterinary drug labeling and the Death Penalty Information Center.

In a high-dose lethal injection protocol, pentobarbital is administered intravenously in large, ultra-lethal quantities — typically 2.5 to 5 grams (far exceeding clinical therapeutic doses).

JUDGE BLOCKS ALABAMA'S NITROGEN GAS EXECUTION METHOD, RULES IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONALLY CRUEL

When injected directly into a vein, the progression follows three stages, according to medical sources.

Pike, 50, who was convicted in the 1995 murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer, was slated to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years.

Media witnesses observed her asking if her arm was supposed to feel that way (burning), breathing raggedly, and audibly snoring behind closed curtains over an hour-long span.

The incident prompted Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to halt all remaining executions in the state pending an independent investigation.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

According to statements from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), officials administered two doses of pentobarbital, in accordance with the state's established single-drug execution protocol.

State officials maintained that they strictly adhered to the protocol and that the chemical supply was verified.

Media witnesses and defense court filings described several problems during the procedure.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Several possible explanations have been raised in court filings and medical literature, although no cause has been confirmed in Pike’s case.

As state officials investigate the failed execution, Pike remains under medical observation while legal challenges continue over whether Tennessee may legally attempt a second execution, per reports.

About one in eight new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 — 2.3 million cases — have been linked to infections, according to a new analysis from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The researchers identified 12 specific infections that were linked to human cancer cases, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, Schistosoma haematobium, HTLV-1, Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Merkel cell polyomavirus and HIV.

The following five infections contributed to nearly all the global cases.

POPULAR DAILY DRINKING HABIT COULD NEARLY TRIPLE RISK OF DEADLY CANCER, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

"The findings underscore the major role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden," said study co-author Dr. Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, in a press release.

"Despite progress in vaccination and screening, infection-related cancers remain a major global challenge, with the burden falling disproportionately on populations in low- and middle-income countries."

CANCER DOCTOR REVEALS 5 HABITS THAT MAY REDUCE DISEASE RISK AND IMPROVE OUTCOMES

The researchers say many of these cancers could have been prevented through vaccination, treatment or screenings.

The study, conducted in France, analyzed cancer data from 2024. The findings were published in The Lancet Oncology on Sept. 28.

The study had several limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

Because the study used population-level estimates rather than tracking individual patients over time, the results depended on the quality of available cancer data in each country.

Additionally, it only included infections already proven to cause cancer, so the total impact could be underestimated.

"We know that there are certain infections that we are exposed to over our lifetime that may result in an increased risk of certain cancers," Dr. Joshua Cohen, medical director of the Gynecologic Cancer Program of City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California, told Fox News Digital.

"However, most cancers are not caused by infection."

DOCTORS PUSH NEW BLOOD TESTS FOR COLON CANCER AS CASES SURGE IN YOUNGER ADULTS

HPV is one of the most common drivers of cancers that arise along the rectum, vagina or cervix, as well as the oropharynx (back of the throat), according to Cohen, who was not involved in the study.

"Eighty percent of the population has been exposed to certain types of HPV strains," he said. "About 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with these cancers each year."

For most people who are exposed to HPV, the body will clear the virus on its own, Cohen said.

"We don't know why some patients' immune systems allow them to clear the HPV infection and some don't."

Another very common cancer, although less so in the U.S., is gastric cancer, he noted, which is linked to H. Pylori, an infection in the stomach.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"We don't screen everybody for H. pylori in the U.S. — it's more common in other parts of the world, like Southeast Asia."

However, those who have peptic ulcer disease or significant epigastric pain should talk with a gastroenterologist about getting screened and treated for H. pylori, the doctor advised.

There are things people can do to reduce the risk of infection-related cancers, according to Cohen.

"As a patient, the most important thing is to think about your health, what you can do to prevent yourself from developing these infections or your family," he said.

"And if you do have one of these infections, what can you do to reduce your risk of developing a subsequent cancer?"

Cohen emphasized that Americans have access to an HPV vaccination that can help prevent many of these infections.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"If you’re under the age of 45 and you've not had an HPV vaccination, there is various good safety data that you should get vaccinated," he said. "That will cover, at least in the U.S., most risks regarding oropharyngeal cancers, vaginal cancers, cervical cancers, penile cancers and anal cancers."

The doctor reiterated that developing one of the listed infections doesn’t necessarily mean someone will develop cancer.

"The vast majority of patients who have an HPV infection or H. Pylori, or even hepatitis B or C, are not going to develop cancer," he said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

But because these infections have been associated with certain cancers, it’s important to seek treatment for them.

Symptoms such as epigastric pain (pain or discomfort in the upper middle part of your abdomen), acid reflux, abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain with swallowing could be related to medical conditions that may be associated with certain infections or cancer, the doctor warned.

"There are steps we can take as doctors to keep you safe and hopefully reduce the risk of developing cancer for those that have had an infection," Cohen added.

As GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to surge in popularity, experts warn that rapid weight loss and severe caloric restriction could deprive the brain of vital energy and nutrients.

Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, said the drugs' effects on the brain may depend on whether the body is getting enough energy and nutrients during weight loss.

"The best way to think about this is the spectrum of what we call energy availability," Wood told Fox News Digital at Strong NY, New York City's largest annual fitness and wellness festival. "The brain is your most energy-hungry organ in the body."

POPULAR GLP-1 WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS LINKED TO POTENTIALLY DEADLY BRAIN DISORDER

According to Wood, brain reserve — the physical amount and integrity of brain tissue — follows a bell-shaped curve relative to the body's energy availability.

Excess energy caused by obesity, high blood sugar and metabolic disease can lower the brain's resilience by damaging blood vessels and contributing to insulin resistance.

In these cases, GLP-1 medications can provide cognitive benefits by lowering blood pressure and improving blood sugar control.

However, Wood noted that the lower end of the energy spectrum poses its own structural risks to the brain. Because the brain relies heavily on continuous fuel, extreme caloric deficits can force the organ to consume its own tissue.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS CAN BECOME AN ‘ATOMIC BOMB’ AT HIGH DOSES, DOCTOR WARNS

"There was a study that looked at the brains of people who ran a marathon ... because the marathon is so energy-intensive, the white matter in the brain actually shrank during a marathon because the brain didn't have enough energy … so it was eating its own white matter," Wood said, noting that the participants' brains recovered after resting and refueling.

"It just shows that the brain is really energy-hungry, and it will decrease its size if it's not getting enough energy."

Concerns about lean muscle loss when taking GLP-1 medications are often nuanced, Wood said. Some of the early "lean mass" that's lost is actually fat that had built up inside the muscles.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"So technically, your muscles get smaller, but you don't get weaker," he told Fox News Digital. "And the quality and functioning of your muscles actually gets better."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

However, risks arise when individuals taking GLP-1 medications drastically reduce their food intake for extended periods. Chronic under-eating can deprive the central nervous system of essential structural nutrients, Wood warned.

"It is possible that you can end up going too far," he said. "If you're not eating enough, you're not getting the nutrients that are critical for the brain. So you're not getting in enough omega-3 fats, which we know are really important. You're not getting enough iron and protein and all those kinds of things."

To safeguard brain health while losing weight, Wood recommends pairing weight-loss regimens with resistance training twice a week to maintain functional muscle mass and to stimulate brain growth factors.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of core "neuro-nutrients" — including B vitamins (B12, folate, B6), vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids — prevents long-term cognitive impairment, according to Wood.

"For most people, I think it's going to be beneficial to start, but you just need to make sure that you don't push it too far, that you're now getting enough of everything that the brain needs," he advised.

New research shows that U.S. alcohol use has declined for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, but drinking remains above pre-pandemic levels — with one particular group showing a sharp increase in heavy intake.

A study led by the University of Southern California/Keck Medicine found that among adults ages 50 to 64, alcohol use increased by nearly 4% from 2018 to 2024, while heavy drinking increased by more than 36%.

Across all age groups, alcohol use declined by nearly 2%, and heavy drinking declined by more than 8% from 2022 to 2024. However, overall alcohol use remained above pre-pandemic levels.

BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR? MASSIVE STUDY REVEALS WHICH WAS LINKED TO LOWER DEATH RISK

Among Gen Z adults, alcohol use declined by more than 5%. Millennials drank approximately 17% less from 2022 to 2024.

The findings, which were published on Sept. 21 in Annals of Internal Medicine, were based on self-reported data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included 114,352 U.S. adults from 2018 to 2024.

Heavy drinking was defined as five or more drinks per day or 15 or more drinks per week for men within the preceding 12 months and at least four daily drinks or eight weekly drinks for women.

Men were found to have a larger alcohol decline than women (2.4% vs. 1.1%), but women had a larger reduction in heavy drinking (9%) compared to men (7.7%).

ALCOHOL TIED TO SURPRISING CANCER DEATH PATTERN IN ADULTS UNDER 55, RESEARCHERS FIND

"Women’s heavy drinking rose more than men's during the pandemic and is still about 13% above where it was in 2018," lead study author Brian P. Lee, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, told Fox News Digital. "Women develop liver damage at lower levels of drinking than men, so that number carries more weight than it looks."

The study was funded in part by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health.

The chief limitation of the study is that people reported their own levels of drinking, which tend to run low, according to Lee.

"It also can't tell us why drinking changed, only that it did," he told Fox News Digital. "And we have two years of decline after four years of increases, so I'd describe this as a promising turn rather than an established trend."

The researchers also did not investigate the reasons younger adults reduced alcohol consumption.

Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said many factors may contribute to the increased rate of drinking among older adults.

"As we approach our 50s and 60s, we start reflecting on our lives, and changes start to happen," Tuell, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

The loneliness epidemic in the U.S., and the fact that people are more "polarized" and "disconnected," may also come into play, according to Tuell.

Grief and loss may also lead to increased drinking as people seek a way to escape or cope with the loss of friends and family members.

"One out of four people will experience some mental health issue … depression, anxiety, loss, grief — these are real things that are impacting people," Tuell said. "And it's at a time where a person might feel very vulnerable."

BRAD PITT SAYS HE CAN DRINK IN ‘RESTRAINED MANNER’ AFTER 7 SOBER YEARS, BUT EXPERT RAISES RED FLAG

As people age, there may also be increased issues related to chronic pain and medical issues, resulting in reduced function.

"Now I have these aches and pains, or maybe I'm diagnosed with something more serious," Tuell said as an example. "So that becomes a problem that I now have to deal with."

Many aging adults are also approaching retirement age, which can result in a loss of structure and change the identity they’ve had for decades, the expert noted.

"I wake up and something I've done every day for many, many years is no longer happening. So I'm more bored. What do I do with my time? This is unfortunately a perfect storm for things like substance use."

As older adults experience body changes, they don't metabolize alcohol the same way they once did, Tuell noted.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"What I used to drink maybe five years ago … that same amount now can affect me differently, because I'm not metabolizing it like I used to," he said.

Women are especially impacted by alcohol, Tuell said, likely because they may have less body fat and don't have as much water in their bodies.

Lee noted that while alcohol doesn't harm everyone equally, the risk starts at low levels and goes up with every additional drink.

"There isn't a level the evidence shows to be safe."

To determine whether someone has a problem with alcohol, Tuell recommends using the "three Cs."

Alcohol can still be problematic even if someone doesn’t have an addiction, Tuell noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

For example, they might drink more than they should, to the point where they get a hangover or put themselves at risk.

"Maybe it's impacting my interactions with other people, interpersonal relationships, hobbies, interests," he said. "Maybe it's affecting my sleep."

In a normal sleep pattern, people go through a cycle four to five times per night, but when they drink, it's more like two to three times, Tuell said. "So, we're not getting good rest during that period."

It’s never too late to seek help with alcohol dependency, he pointed out.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"I've treated people in their 80s who still have a lot of life left," Tuell said, pointing out that Americans are living longer. "So we're aging, we're getting older, and there are a lot of life changes happening … physically, emotionally, psychologically."

For those who are over 50 and drinking more than they did before 2020, Lee recommends asking a doctor about liver health, "even if nothing feels wrong."

"There are clear increases in cancer and liver risk with alcohol, even at low levels," he warned. "Even advanced liver disease might have no symptoms, and the earlier alcohol-related liver damage is caught, the more of it can be undone."

Three Florida counties have declared states of emergency amid the spread of dengue fever in the state.

As of Sept. 23, Pasco County, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County have made the declarations due to a spread of the mosquito-borne disease, according to each county’s news release.

The local emergency declarations allow county officials to expedite mosquito-control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts and, where applicable, seek state or federal assistance or reimbursement, the releases state.

TROPICAL DISEASE SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES CLAIMS FIRST RECORDED DEATH IN SOUTHERN US STATE

Under Florida law, local emergency declarations expire after seven days unless they are renewed.

A total of 190 locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed across six Florida counties, according to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance report, which covered cases with onset through Sept. 19.

Of the 190 locally acquired cases, 170 were reported in Hillsborough County, seven each in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County and one in Palm Beach County.

The 190 locally acquired infections are separate from travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year.

TICK-BORNE 'RABBIT FEVER' SPREADS WITH CASES REPORTED NEAR MAJOR METRO AREA

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dengue is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa. Though less common in the continental U.S., locally acquired cases have been recorded in Florida, California and Texas.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"The Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida," an entomologist spokesperson at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health, makers of OFF!, said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

"As dengue cases continue to be reported in the Tampa area, taking steps to help prevent mosquito bites is especially important," the expert went on. "Staying aware of local mosquito activity and consistently protecting against bites are important steps people can take to help reduce their risk."

The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) previously said crews are increasing aerial and ground treatments in areas showing dengue virus activity, while also inspecting private properties for potential mosquito breeding sites, according to reports.

FMCA has urged residents to empty or cover standing water around their homes. The mosquito that spreads dengue is a container breeder, meaning it lays eggs in buckets, planters, plant saucers, tires, discarded toys and other objects that collect small amounts of water, experts say.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health entomologist shared the following recommendations to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne disease.

The FMCA also advises people to dress in long sleeves, light colors and closed-toed shoes outdoors.

Many people infected with dengue have no symptoms, and most people who do become sick recover within a week or two, according to Mayo Clinic.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

In some cases, however, the illness can progress to severe dengue, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Symptoms typically begin four to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Warning signs can develop quickly, often within a day or two after the fever subsides. Those may include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness and irritability, or restlessness.

People experiencing warning signs of severe dengue should seek immediate medical care.

Will Reeve, son of the late famed "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve, announced that he recently battled cancer.

The "Good Morning America" correspondent, 34, shared during Tuesday’s show that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this year, assuring viewers that he is "OK."

"The diagnosis was a shock and the treatments were a slog," he said. "Today, though, I am relieved to announce that we arrived at our destination and this cancer is in the rearview mirror. But what a journey."

WILLIAM SHATNER SAYS DOCTOR DISMISSED KEY WARNING SIGN BEFORE STAGE 4 CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Reeve said he found a "hard, tender lump in [his] left testicle" just a few months after his wedding to luxury event planner Amanda Dubin.

An ultrasound revealed that he had "a mass that had to come out." After undergoing surgery to remove the testicle (an orchiectomy), Reeve discovered the mass was embryonal carcinoma.

The aggressive subtype of testicular cancer can spread more quickly than some other forms, according to the American Cancer Society.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS MAY PLAY SURPRISING ROLE IN CANCER OUTCOMES

Reeve later underwent a second surgery to remove lymph nodes from his abdomen after some cancer cells had spread there.

The surgery took place at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which is where his mother, Dana Reeve, died from lung cancer in 2006 at age 44. His father died in 2004 at the age of 52.

Reeve shared that he also underwent two rounds of chemotherapy to lower the risk that the cancer would return. He said he experienced several side effects from the medication, including ringing in the ears, bone pain, night sweats, blood clots and constant headaches.

He did not lose his hair because he used a method called "cold capping," which is used during certain chemotherapy treatments to help reduce hair loss by cooling the scalp and constricting blood vessels.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

After finishing his second round of chemotherapy on July 31, Reeve said he received "clean scans" on Sept. 8.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In an interview with People, Reeve said he is "going to be fine," although it has been "one heck of a chapter."

"I’m fortunate that I caught this early," he said. "Yes, I had to jump through some flaming hoops to get to the other side, but it could have been much worse had I ignored it or delayed going to the doctor."

Reeve also praised his wife for serving as his "caregiver," similar to how his mother helped care for his father after a 1995 horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed.

"I learn[ed] more about what it was like to be my dad in the final nine years of his life, where he had my mom and our family taking care of him," Reeve said.

He added that the experience taught him how to "repurpose [adversity] into something hopeful."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Testicular cancer is among the most treatable cancers, particularly when detected early, according to the American Cancer Society. Experts recommend seeing a doctor promptly for any lump, swelling, pain or change in a testicle.

Fox News Digital reached out to Reeve’s representatives requesting comment.

As Americans increasingly turn to GLP-1 medications — which have been linked to a loss of lean muscle, especially during rapid weight loss — experts say preserving strength and mobility should be a priority as people age.

Jacob Zemer, a New York-based fitness coach who primarily trains clients ranging from 35 to 55 years old, said that beyond GLP-1s, there are several other reasons that adults start losing muscle as they get older.

"The biggest change is lifestyle," he told Fox News Digital. "When you're in your teen years or your 20s, you're running around, you're doing activities that lend themselves to building muscle."

FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS 6 THINGS PEOPLE OVER 35 SHOULD DO AFTER WORKOUTS TO STAY STRONG

That tends to change as people shift focus to career and family, the expert said.

"You simply become more sedentary, which lowers your metabolism and your level of activity, so you're going to have less muscle."

As people approach their 40s, hormone levels begin to change for both men and women, Zemer noted.

"That means we partition the calories we're using less and less for protein and building muscle, and more and more for simply storing as fat," he said.

THIS EXERCISE HABIT MAY SLASH DEMENTIA RISK AND HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY FINDS

"We see this all the time … people start to store fat in their tummies, and they start have less muscle."

Zemer said he believes that everyone should be "very mindful" about building muscle, starting from a young age.

"All the way up into your 50s, your goal should be to build muscle so that when you enter your golden years — your 60s, 70s, 80s — it's kind of like your 401K," he said. 

"You're going to be depleting from it as you go through life. So in your 30s and 40s, you just have to be more strategic about it, because your lifestyle has changed. You need to go to the gym and train in order to have that muscle later in life."

Zemer shared the following strategies that can help people slow down muscle loss as they age.

Protein helps to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, the body's process of repairing and building muscle, according to Zemer.

EATING TOO MUCH PROTEIN COULD BACKFIRE, EXPERTS WARN AFTER LONGEVITY REVIEW

Including enough protein in your daily diet can help reduce the risk of sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.

While people’s protein needs will vary based on age, activity level and fitness goals, Zemer said people who regularly strength-train generally benefit from higher intake.

"If you're a sedentary person, you don't need to be obsessed with protein," he told Fox News Digital. "Very few people aren't getting enough protein in terms of macronutrients. But if you're training and going to the gym, you want to be getting somewhere between 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight."

For general health, the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults strength train at least two days per week, working all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using moderate or greater intensity until it's difficult to complete another repetition with good form.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The guidelines also recommend pairing the strength training with 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity) each week.

Lifting weights isn’t just about building muscle, but also preserving muscle, according to Zemer.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Even if you have a busy week, and you went to the gym and you lifted weights 30 minutes twice a week, that may not be enough to build new muscle, but that is certainly enough to maintain muscle," he said.

"So it's very important that you lift weights a couple of times a week as you age."

For beginners, Zemer recommends focusing on a few basic functional movements. Body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups and pulling movements help build strength for everyday activities, while carrying weighted objects — known as a farmer's carry, Zemer said — can improve grip, balance and overall stability.

For people who feel intimidated by the gym, working with a qualified trainer for a few sessions can help boost confidence and refine technique, according to Zemer.

Perhaps the most difficult strategy for maintaining muscle is to get enough quality sleep — seven to nine hours, Zemer emphasized.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Now, if you don't get that every night, you're not going to lose muscle," he noted. "But when you start to look at actual serious sleep deficiency, like we're talking five hours consistently, that is when you see rapid muscle loss."

"The worst thing you can do, even if you're injured, is to stop doing anything," Zemer said.

"Find things you can do. Even if something hurts you, even if your knees aren't like what they used to be."

Even without structured workouts, regular movement can help slow age-related muscle loss, while being sedentary is associated with rapid declines in muscle mass and strength, the expert cautioned.

The above strategies are especially important for people who are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, Zemer noted, as these drugs can lead to muscle loss in the absence of strength training or adequate protein.

"If you are on a GLP-1, just remember you're accelerating the rate of fat loss, but you're also accelerating the rate of lean muscle," he said.

"You want to make sure you're getting that protein and training, so that you are not losing muscle on top of the fat loss."

Sylvester Stallone is sharing some health obstacles he has faced while playing physically demanding roles over the decades.

The Academy Award-nominated actor, 80, revealed during an interview with The New York Times that he has suffered from an eating disorder.

While prepping for his role in the 1982 movie "Rambo," Stallone — who has authored a new memoir, titled "The Steps" — said he took pains to appear more "animalistic," drawing inspiration from jaguars and cats.

MEN FACE NEW PRESSURE TO STAY ‘HOT’ AS THEY AGE — AND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT LIVING LONGER

"Then it became an obsession. Really bad. It got to the point where I became bulimic," he said during the interview.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by episodes of binge eating — consuming a large amount of food while feeling a loss of control — followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

"I couldn’t hold anything down. Or I didn’t want to keep it down because I became so obsessed with staying at that point of fitness, literally an obsessive body-worship kind of thing," Stallone shared.

CONTROVERSIAL STREAMER CLAVICULAR EXPLAINS VIRAL 'LOOKSMAXXING' TREND AS GEN Z ADOPTS EXTREME REGIMEN

The actor said that while filming "Rocky III," he reached his lowest body fat of 2.6%. The National Academy of Sports Medicine classifies body fat as "dangerously low" if it falls below 8% for men ages 20–69 and below 14% for women ages 20–69.

Stallone also admitted that he took steroids during some time periods. "You have to," he said. "But you do it in a sensitive way — six weeks on, six weeks off … that also took a terrible toll."

Years of injuries sustained while doing his own stunts — something he described as "very masochistic" — have also taken a toll on Stallone’s body, he said, leading to multiple surgeries on his back, shoulder and neck.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"I’ve abused my body," he said. "Everything is held together with baling wire, but I still want to stay in good shape."

Stallone also revealed that he has dealt with anxiety over the decades, recounting the first incident while watching footage from one of his films when he was 36 years old.

"All of a sudden, I stood up and the hair on my neck went up and I started getting hot and I go, ‘I’m dying, this is it, I’m on my way out,’" he said in the interview.

The actor said the panic attacks happened "again and again and again," often resurfacing before high-profile television appearances. As he aged, Stallone continued to experience anxiety and sometimes felt compelled to leave crowded rooms.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Brian Pollack, a licensed clinical social worker and certified eating disorders specialist at Hilltop Behavioral Health in Summit, New Jersey, said it was "incredibly admirable" for Stallone to share his experience.

"There are so many examples of what can take place in Sylvester Stallone's life that have led him to moments of objectivity and body awareness," Pollack, who has not treated Stallone, told Fox News Digital.

The expert suggested that a desire to maintain his success may have fueled Stallone’s rigid routines, steroid use, intense performance expectations, fear of failure, and the pressures associated with the entertainment industry.

"The idea that a man enhances his appearance to remain consistent with his own public image and internal comfort goes back decades — [Stallone] isn’t the first, and he isn’t the last," Pollack said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"He has to almost keep himself in this homeostatic state where people expect Sylvestor Stallone to be Rocky, which is his quintessential role," he went on.

"And through his career, one could surmise the need to be able to put all of that together and keep it consistent as he goes through the development and life cycles of maturation, not only in his brain, but also in his body."

Giulia Suro, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified eating disorder expert at Monte Nido in Washington, D.C., added that the Sylvester Stallone revelation was a "game-changer."

"Eating disorders continue to be misconstrued as primarily female illnesses," she told Fox News Digital.

As interest in peptides continues to grow, experts are increasingly looking beyond weight loss to their potential role in healthy aging.

Functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole told Fox News Digital that peptides are "intimately connected" with longevity, cellular healing and metabolic health.

"[Peptides] help with cellular communication," said Cole, co-author of the upcoming book "Heal Your Cells." The recommendations for peptides depend on the context in which they're used, he said, noting that the answer often falls "somewhere in the middle."

THINKING ABOUT PEPTIDES? DOCTORS REVEAL KEY DOS AND DON’TS AS ‘WILD WEST’ MARKET GROWS

Citing previous research, Cole noted that an estimated 93% of U.S. adults are metabolically unhealthy, leaving only about 7% who meet the criteria for optimal metabolic health — a figure he described as "wild."

"That's common, but not normal," Cole said. He added that while GLP-1 medications can be beneficial, improving metabolic health also requires addressing lifestyle and other underlying factors.

FDA TO REVIEW 7 POPULAR PEPTIDES TOUTED FOR WEIGHT LOSS, HEALING AND LONGEVITY

Cole shared that he does not believe "macro-dosing" GLP-1s "forever and ever in perpetuity" is the solution to improving metabolic health.

While GLP-1s can reduce food cravings — often referred to as "food noise" — and promote weight loss, Cole said he’d like to see more research on how decreasing the desire for food could also decrease cravings for love, relationships and other mood-boosting factors.

Cole questioned whether suppressing food cravings could have unintended effects on other reward-related behaviors, including social relationships.

"So, are we circumventing pathways and pathologizing things that don't have to be pathologized?"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Cole argued that some degree of hunger signaling is healthy. "Food noise is actually a decent thing in balance, so shutting down your hunger cues with an 'atomic bomb' peptide dose is not the solution."

He added that he believes overreliance on GLP-1 medications may contribute to disordered eating patterns and a growing fear of hunger.

Cole attributed the trend to a culture that favors simple, fast solutions over sustained lifestyle changes. "We want a magic pill," he said.

"And the truth is somewhere in the middle: Can we micro-dose? Can we do it cyclically? And can we pair it with lifestyle?"

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The expert questioned why there has been an "epidemic rise" of metabolic problems, pointing to factors such as diets high in ultraprocessed foods, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins and the presence of stress and trauma.

"That is why we're seeing a rise of chronic health problems, not a pharmaceutical deficiency," he said.

Cole said he supports wider access to peptides, but emphasized the importance of transparency, product purity and clear labeling so healthcare professionals and consumers can make informed decisions.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Despite those concerns, Cole said he believes GLP-1s also hold significant therapeutic promise, citing their potential to reduce inflammation, help manage autoimmune conditions and improve gut health.

"But again, what's the lowest dose that yields a beneficial result paired with lifestyle? I think that's where peptides can really shine," he said.

"And I am actually more excited about some of these other [peptides], like the inflammation ones or the longevity peptides."

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lourdes from Paris on Saturday evening for his first-ever visit to the renowned place of miracle cures.

Back in 1858, a 14-year-old peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous reported having 18 visions of the Virgin Mary at the Lourdes Massabielle Grotto. This ultimately led to her being named a saint.

The pope prayed at the Grotto Saturday night before leading an open-air Mass on the Prairie on Sunday, with hundreds of thousands expected to be in attendance. 

POPE LEO DRAWS STAGGERING 800,000 FAITHFUL TO HEART OF PARIS FOR MASSIVE OUTDOOR MASS

He also planned to meet with bishops, the sick and the support staff.

I spoke with Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, who recently retired as president of the Lourdes Office of Medical Observation after 17 years of reviewing treatments and possible miracle cures.

He discussed his upcoming meeting with the pope, who he said was visiting Lourdes in the name of purification and healing, including healing from the Church's recent sexual abuse scandals.

JUST 5 MINUTES OF PRAYER COULD HAVE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY FINDS

"I think I love him," he told me. "I think he's doing very well (as pope). He's talking of the challenges that we have. You must have heard about his first encyclical letter on artificial intelligence ... all the good that this technology can bring to today's world. He's a guy from Chicago. I love him. We all love him!"

Dr. de Franciscis said the pope would meet with people whose miracle healings were investigated and later recognized by the Church. 

Those include Sister Bernadette Moriau, who was cured of a spinal condition and was able to walk again, and Antonietta Raco, who in 2009 was cured of the severe neurodegenerative disease primary lateral sclerosis.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"He's also going to meet with a young woman (Delizia Cirolli) who was cured when she was only 7 years old of a Ewing's Sarcoma, a right knee cancer, back in the late '70s."

But for Lourdes, as well as for the pope, spiritual and physical healing lead to both minor and major miracles, according to de Franciscis.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

He also spoke with me for my new book, "The Angels Among Us," about the hospitaliers, the aptly named "angels of Lourdes," who care for the sick there.

In the book, de Franciscis emphasizes the vital role of the hospitaliers, as well as the fact that much of the healing associated with visits to Lourdes and the Grotto is spiritual and often goes unrecognized — remaining below the radar.

"I think that statistically, these so-called spiritual cures are so, so much more numerous than the physical ones that we know," he said to me from Lourdes, as he eagerly anticipated the pope’s visit.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"People come here to serve, they think they come here to help others — and instead they come out of this experience being so much better," de Franciscis went on.

"And they go back to their work and their lives and their families, and they're so relieved, I would say, they've really changed. So I think this aspect is very, very interesting."

In Lourdes this weekend, in the name of repentance and accountability, the pope also planned to sit down with seven victims of sexual assault committed by clergy of the Church.

Fox News' Kat McCollough contributed reporting.

Everyday memory lapses, like misplaced keys or forgotten names, are often overinterpreted as early signs of dementia, but neuroscience experts say actual early cognitive changes may be reversible if addressed promptly.

Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, said minor forgetfulness is often caused by fatigue or stress rather than the beginnings of a neurodegenerative disease.

"For most people, it's just because you're stressed or you're tired and weren't paying attention," Wood told Fox News Digital at Strong New York, the city's largest annual fitness and wellness festival.

DOCTOR REVEALS '10-YEAR RULE' FOR EVALUATING BRAIN FOG AND DEMENTIA SYMPTOMS

"If you want to remember something ... you need to actually be focused, be paying attention. You need to tell your brain it's important to remember it."

Wood said memory formation works in three stages: encoding (forming a memory), consolidation (storing it) and retrieval (accessing it).

When someone is stressed or sleep-deprived, the issue is typically retrieval, he said — the memory exists in the brain, but the individual struggles to access it in the moment.

In contrast, people experiencing a neurodegenerative disease often fail to encode the memory in the first place.

‘MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON’ HERO SULLY SULLENBERGER REVEALS ALZHEIMER’S WARNING SIGNS HE MISSED YEARS AGO

"They don't even remember or notice that there's something going on," Wood said. "If you're noticing something's not quite right, that's usually a good sign."

Dementia is clinically defined as the loss of cognitive function that's severe enough to impair an individual's ability to manage daily life independently. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia account for 70% to 90% of cases, with many individuals showing signs of both.

Research indicates that at least 50% of dementia cases can be prevented by modifying lifestyle and health risk factors.

Key preventable risk factors include heart and metabolic health problems, as well as hearing and vision loss.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Wood emphasized that addressing physical health issues — such as obtaining hearing aids or undergoing cataract surgery — directly lessens cognitive decline risk.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"If you expect decline, you won't do the things that will prevent decline from happening," Wood told Fox News Digital. "Believing that it's possible means you'll actually engage in these processes, and then through that, you can prevent a lot of this decline."

Wood's focus on reversible causes of cognitive symptoms aligns with guidance from Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, which note that several treatable medical conditions can mimic early dementia symptoms or contribute to subjective cognitive decline.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Common reversible causes include the following.

Cleveland Clinic highlights that early clinical intervention is critical when individuals notice changes in "brain fog" or executive function.

"How your brain functions on a day-to-day basis is kind of the output of everything your brain is dealing with," said Wood. "But if you start to notice something, there's still time to make some changes if you need to."

An encounter with an elderly delivery driver in Texas has captured attention after the reason he was still working came to light.

Donald Johnson, 81, was delivering lost luggage to a home when Erin Howell, a resident at The Colony, saw him struggling to carry a heavy bag up a steep set of stairs — a moment captured by her doorbell camera, according to reports.

Howell went outside to help and learned that Johnson had been making luggage deliveries as an independent contractor for the past three years to help cover medical expenses for his wife, Josephine Johnson, who is battling cancer, FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth reported.

MILITARY VETERAN’S PAINFUL WALK ACROSS AIRPORT TARMAC SPARKS STRANGERS TO RAISE OVER $135K

The couple has been married for 57 years. Donald Johnson continued to work during his wife's medical treatment.

He was continuing to make deliveries because he had struggled to find other work, he told Howell during their encounter. 

"It's the only job that will hire me," Johnson told her, according to the outlet.

Howell shared the elderly man's story online and even started a fundraiser to help with medical expenses and give him the chance to stop working and care for his wife.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

As his story spread, thousands of strangers responded with donations and messages of support.

"I think I'm going to be able to stop working, and that's amazing," Johnson told FOX 4. "So we're not quite totally over the hump yet, but we're getting there very quickly."

The outpouring of support and prayers had given her encouragement as she continued her cancer battle, Josephine Johnson told FOX 4.

"I can face it. I think that's the big difference," she said. "Some have made comments and they're praying for us. And it's just — it's a joyful feeling."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

The family's circumstances, however, took another turn after the fundraiser was eventually removed from GoFundMe.

In a recent TikTok video, the couple's daughter, Amy Johnson, said the campaign had collected more than $700,000 — but that her parents would not receive the money because the donations were being refunded due to "a technicality."

Sitting alongside her parents in the TikTok, the daughter said the money that was raised was intended to help cover her mother's medical expenses as she battles pancreatic cancer and would also give her 81-year-old father the opportunity to stop working.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

GoFundMe told FOX 4, however, that its trust and safety team determined the organizer account and fundraiser violated its terms of service. The company did not specify the exact reason for the decision.

It said its policies require "authenticity and transparency for donors."

Fox News Digital reached out to Amy Johnson as well as GoFundMe for further comment and details.

The most effective strategy for prolonging life might be at the end of a leash.

Dan Buettner, longevity expert and founder of the organization Blue Zones in Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighted a growing body of scientific evidence showing that owning a dog is strongly associated with a reduced risk of early death, particularly from cardiovascular disease.

"The best thing you can do to add years to your life may surprise you. Get a dog!" Buettner advised during a recent episode of "The Dan Buettner Podcast." "Research shows that dog owners live longer, suffer fewer heart attacks and experience less loneliness. Why? Because a dog forces you to walk every day, gives you a purpose and provides unconditional love."

LEADING ONCOLOGIST REVEALS 6 HABITS THAT COULD PROMOTE LONGEVITY AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC ILLNESS

Dog ownership is associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality for the general population compared to non-owners, according to research published by the American Heart Association in its journal Circulation.

For individuals who have already suffered a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, living with a dog reduced the risk of death by up to 33%.

Epidemiologists and psychologists point to three reasons why canine companions may extend human lifespans.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Studies published in BMC Public Health indicate that dog owners walk an average of 22 more minutes per day than non-owners, making them significantly more likely to meet standard weekly physical activity guidelines.

Interacting with a pet lowers levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone —while boosting oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. A 12-year Swedish study analyzing 3.4 million participants found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and reduced rates of cardiovascular disease.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared chronic loneliness a national public health epidemic, comparing its health risks to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Dogs act as natural "social catalysts," fostering community interaction and providing emotional attachment that combats isolation, particularly in single-person households, experts say.

The links between human longevity and caring for a pet aligns with principles found in the "blue zones" — regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians.

These key principles include natural daily movement, a strong sense of purpose, stress reduction and deep social connections, according to Buettner.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

By incorporating a dog into a daily routine, owners can incorporate these habits without having to engineer complex health regimens.

"So if you want to live longer," Buettner advised, "go adopt a dog!"

It might not take an all-out sprint or long trail run to lift your mood and sharpen focus, according to a new study.

A new study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan looked at 24 healthy young adults who completed a slow, 10-minute run on a treadmill in one session and rested in another.

After the easy jog, participants performed faster on a test of attention and self-control and reported feeling more alert and pleasant than they did after the resting phase, according to the small study published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience in August.

'PERFECT' WORKOUT FORMULA CAN TAKE JUST 10 MINUTES A DAY, HILARIA BALDWIN SAYS

Brain monitoring after the jog also showed more activity in parts of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for focus and decision-making.

The jog was purposely kept easy, with participants going at speeds from 1.9 to 3.7 mph on the treadmill. Their average heart rates clocked in at 105 to 107 beats per minute.

"A single bout of running, even at very slow speed, elicits a pleasant mood and improved executive function," the researchers found.

SIMPLE BODY MOVEMENT COULD HELP THE BRAIN 'CLEAN ITSELF,' RESEARCHERS FIND

The finding "sheds light on the slow running benefits to brain health," they added. 

The benefits, they noted, stuck around even after participants' heart rates returned to baseline.

JUST 10 MINUTES OF DAILY FLOOR EXERCISES MAY IMPROVE BALANCE AND AGILITY, STUDY FINDS

The greater the up-and-down head movement during the jog, the more positive the participants' mood was afterward, though that finding was exploratory and does not necessarily prove cause and effect.

5 COMMON WALKING MISTAKES THAT COULD HURT YOUR PROGRESS, ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT

"Easy movement triggers the norepinephrine and dopamine pathways that wake up the part of the brain that is in charge of focus and self-control," said Dr. John La Puma, a California-based internist and author of "Indoor Epidemic," who was not involved in the study.

Experts agree, however, that it does not mean one brief workout could be a cure-all.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"A brief jog should help someone get some energy in their system, which may make them feel better about themselves mentally and help them focus," said Dr. Scott Nass, a California-based family medicine physician at SwiftCareMD.

But Nass, who also wasn't involved in the research, said the effect is likely temporary.

For people living with depression or anxiety, a jog may briefly clear the mind but is "no substitute for medical care," he told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The study was also limited in that it included just 24 healthy, young adults and measured outcomes immediately after just one exercise session. 

The findings cannot be assumed to apply to older adults, novice runners or people with health conditions, and larger studies are necessary to confirm the results, Nass said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

For a practical approach, La Puma suggested taking a 10-minute walk outside before the most mentally demanding part of the day. 

Add 30-second jogging intervals, keeping the pace easy enough to speak in full sentences without becoming breathless, he said.

People with heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 1 diabetes, recent surgery or joint pain should check with a clinician before starting a new routine, La Puma advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Dr. Marc Siegel, physician and Fox News senior medical analyst, explores the intersection of spirituality, clinical treatment and unexplained medical recoveries in his new book, "The Angels Among Us."

Examining how faith, human empathy and modern medicine converge during health crises, the book draws on medical research, historical cases and firsthand clinical experience.

"You don't draw the line between an explanation that's medical or spiritual. They're combined," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "And the more doctors that remember that, the better."

DR. MARC SIEGEL: 'THE ANGELS AMONG US' — A DYING WOMAN, THE SHOFAR AND THE MIRACLE THAT FOLLOWED

Siegel cites survey data indicating that 70% of physicians believe in God, and 55% report witnessing medical miracles in practice.

In the book, out in November, he expands the definition of "angels" beyond ethereal beings to include doctors, nurses and ordinary people whose timely interventions have led to unexplained recoveries or vital support.

"The messengers are either actual angels from God that come down, that can take human form, that are voices where you don't have a visualization, or they can be humans that God appoints to do angel-like work," Siegel said.

"I started to identify humans who play the role of angels in our lives."

RUDY GIULIANI REVEALS HE HAD 'SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE' WHILE IN PNEUMONIA-RELATED COMA

Among the cases featured in the book are U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Spencer Milo, who received a terminal brain tumor diagnosis after suffering severe trauma in Iraq.

While seeking a second opinion at the University of California, San Francisco, Milo met a Benedictine monk. Subsequent imaging revealed that the tumor was benign.

Milo also credits former President George W. Bush with providing pivotal emotional support during a later personal crisis, identifying both as instrumental to his recovery.

Siegel references his residency training in intensive care units, sharing the story of an ICU patient who remained in a coma for three months following severe brain trauma. Despite receiving a negative prognosis, the patient unexpectedly regained consciousness and eventually returned to work.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"That embroidered on me the need to not give up, the need to look for explanations beyond just the purely physical," Siegel said. 

"My role is not to decide who lives and who dies. My role is to relieve suffering and prolong life."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The book also includes personal accounts drawn from Siegel's own family, including his father’s four-year survival on dialysis via a catheter after surviving severe COVID-19 and complex emergency surgery at age 98.

Other cases highlight sudden medical reversals, such as a critically ill ICU patient who reported seeing comforting spiritual figures just before her condition stabilized.

Additionally, the book incorporates historical accounts, including an interview with Dr. David Gens, a lead surgeon who treated President Ronald Reagan after a 1981 assassination attempt. Gens detailed emergency room triage decisions, Secret Service dynamics and Reagan's recovery.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Siegel also discusses the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on co-founder Bill Wilson's spiritual awakening at Towns Hospital in New York and the peer support model that followed.

Siegel emphasizes that while faith and prayer do not replace clinical care or guarantee survival, spirituality remains a key factor in patient resilience.

"Spirituality affects outcomes because it's a prerequisite to the courage to overcome," Siegel said. "Great doctoring helps enormously, but prayer and hope give patients the strength to keep fighting."

"The Angels Among Us" is available for preorder. 

Losing a train of thought, struggling to recall once-familiar words or forgetting the reason for walking into a room can leave older adults wondering if they are experiencing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

However, these brain blips can often be tied to hormone shifts later in life, medical experts note, and women who experience a loss of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause are particularly affected.

According to Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a professor of neurology at UCLA and co-founder of Cleopatra RX in Los Angeles, women experiencing memory struggles in midlife should compare their cognitive function to their own past performance before assuming something is seriously wrong.

WOMEN WHO START COMMON HORMONE THERAPY IN THEIR 50S MAY HAVE 23% LOWER DEMENTIA RISK

"I think they should listen to themselves," Voskuhl told Fox News Digital at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit in New York City Friday. "They know. Just ask yourself."

To help women gauge whether their memory lapses are tied to hormonal shifts, Voskuhl recommends using a quick benchmark of comparing a current mental state to where it was a decade ago.

"The first question is, are you worse than you were 10 years ago?" she said, referencing the Voskuhl Brain Fog Menopause Assessment used at UCLA's Comprehensive Menopausal Program.

KATIE COURIC COULDN'T REMEMBER THE YEAR OR THE PRESIDENT DURING FRIGHTENING BRAIN EPISODE

"Ten years is a pretty good spot. And they think, ‘What was I doing 10 years ago? What was I like? Was I having problems finding the words? Was I at the point where I couldn’t multitask anymore? Was I slow in my processing?’ And they’ll remember."

This comparison can help reveal whether a woman’s cognitive changes may be linked to menopause, while giving patients and physicians a baseline for tracking symptoms over time.

Standard memory tests don’t always catch subtle shifts in everyday cognitive function. In the medical community, this is known as subjective cognitive decline, when patients notice changes even though neurological testing remains normal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly one in nine adults report subjective cognitive decline, yet less than half discuss these memory concerns with a healthcare professional.

To illustrate why routine tests can miss early menopausal brain fog, Voskuhl compared it to a high-performing athlete.

"If somebody is an NFL football player, and he says, 'I'm weaker than I used to be,' and I go and do my neurological test, I say, 'Oh no, you're still strong,'" Voskuhl said.

What the player is feeling still matters, even if a standard test shows no obvious decline, she noted.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Women, too, can often recognize when their cognitive abilities have changed from their own baseline and should trust those observations, according to Voskuhl.

Understanding the difference between hormonal brain fog and neurodegenerative disease comes down to how memory loss impacts daily function, experts agree.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Menopausal brain fog typically involves temporary, inconsistent lapses like misplacing items or experiencing slower processing speed, but overall reasoning skills and independence remain intact, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms often fluctuate and can be exacerbated by stress or poor sleep.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

By contrast, early dementia causes persistent, progressive memory loss that interferes with basic daily tasks like managing finances, following familiar routes while driving or exercising sound judgment.

Amid cognitive concerns, experts advise seeking a full medical evaluation, including brain MRIs or vascular screenings, to rule out underlying issues like blood vessel disease or thyroid imbalances.

For women who feel their concerns are being dismissed, Voskuhl offered this advice: "When they have doctors who don't listen to them, they need to find another doctor."

A rare genetic mutation could put people at a dramatically higher risk of developing lung cancer even if they’ve never smoked.

A rare mutation in the gene EGFR T790M was found to increase lung cancer risk by 25 times compared with people who did not have the mutation, according to a new study published in the journal Science.

Among people who had never smoked, carriers of the mutation had about 62 times the odds of lung cancer compared with never-smokers who did not have it.

PANCREATIC CANCER VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE IN FIRST HUMAN TRIAL, PREVENTING DISEASE IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS

The study, led by investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and 23andMe Research Institute, analyzed data from more than 3.3 million people.

The gene variant showed no increased risk across 17 other cancers studied.

"Today, lung cancer screening is driven almost entirely by smoking history," study co-author Jaclyn LoPiccolo, attending physician and lung cancer researcher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in a press release.

CANCER WARNING SIGNS MAY APPEAR IN DNA YEARS BEFORE BLOOD TESTS DETECT TROUBLE

"Our findings raise the possibility that, in the future, screening could also be dictated by inherited genetic risk. If further studies confirm the benefit, people with EGFR T790M could be identified through genetic testing and offered personalized CT screening to identify lung cancers when they are at their most curable stage."

Most U.S. carriers of the mutation were traced to a shared ancestry linked to British and Irish settlers in Southern Appalachia about 200–225 years ago, the researchers found.

The mutation remains rare nationwide, affecting roughly one in 15,000–16,000 people. It is more common in some parts of Southern Appalachia, where researchers estimate as many as one in 2,000 people may carry it.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"We found that the vast majority of carriers inherited the mutation from the same ancestral lineage," said LoPiccolo. "We could trace that lineage to British and Irish settlers in the United States and show that the mutation became enriched after a founder event and genetic bottleneck in Southern Appalachia about 200 years ago.

"It's a fascinating example of how human migration and genealogy can shape disease risk, generations later."

One of the "remarkable" findings of the study was the fact that a single mutation could have such a strong effect, according to Alexander Gusev, a quantitative geneticist at Dana-Farber.

"To my knowledge, it's one of the strongest, if not the strongest, cancer risk-increasing mutations that has ever been found," he said in the release.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Smoking is bad for lung cancer. This mutation is bad for lung cancer. When you do both, your risk is the sum of those two risks," he added. "So, you definitely don't want to smoke."

The researchers suggest that people with a strong family history of lung cancer, multiple lung nodules or tumors or family roots in parts of the southeastern U.S. should consider speaking with a genetic counselor about whether genetic testing or lung cancer screening makes sense for them.

There were some limitations to the study.

Because the mutation is so rare, researchers identified relatively few carriers even among the millions of participants, meaning the exact size of the increased risk remains uncertain.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The analysis also relied heavily on 23andMe research participants, who may not represent the broader population.

Because the mutation is much more common in certain parts of the U.S., the risk estimates may not apply equally to everyone, the researchers noted.

While the study establishes a strong association with lung cancer risk, it does not demonstrate that genetic testing improves mortality or other health outcomes.

The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

As GLP-1 medications continue reshaping the treatment of obesity and diabetes, researchers are also investigating whether the drugs could influence cancer risk and outcomes.

The American Association for Cancer Research's 2026 Cancer Progress Report, released earlier this month, noted that obesity is a major risk factor for many cancers.

As glucagon-like peptide-1 medications – including semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatides like Mounjaro and Zepbound – are known to cause substantial weight loss and improve metabolic health, they have attracted significant interest among cancer researchers.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS MAY HELP PROTECT AGAINST A DEADLY DISEASE, DOCTOR SAYS

While the AACR report cited studies suggesting GLP-1 medications may reduce the risk of certain cancers, it emphasized that the overall evidence is mixed and more research is needed.

"Randomized clinical trials remain the gold standard ... however, such trials have not yet been conducted specifically to assess cancer outcomes associated with GLP-1 RA use," the report stated.

Sai Yendamuri, M.D., a thoracic surgeon at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, reiterated that obesity is a leading cause of cancer, second to smoking. Additional risk factors include alcohol and poor nutrition, he noted, "which are all layered into obesity."

"So if obesity is related to cancer – both in terms of causing it and increasing its progression – the logical question is, would a drug that decreases obesity have an impact?" the doctor, who was not associated with the AACR report, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

OZEMPIC-STYLE DRUGS LINKED TO MAJOR SLOWDOWN IN CANCER SPREAD, NEW STUDY FINDS

There are "many lines of evidence" that suggest this would be the case, Yendamuri suggested.

"For example, when people studied patients who were having metabolic surgery to decrease obesity, for example, the incidence of cancer decreased in those patients."

Researchers then started looking at patients who were on GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic.

"And then they compared the incidence of cancer in those patients to patients who were not taking GLP-1 receptor agonists – and many of those studies found that the risk of cancer was lower and the survival was higher in the patients taking GLP-1s," the doctor said.

DR OZ LINKS OBESITY TO CHRONIC DISEASE SURGE, SAYS GLP-1S CAN 'JUMPSTART' BETTER HEALTH

Although the majority of studies showed this effect, Yendamuri noted that some did not identify a relationship – and a couple of studies even showed an increased risk of some specific cancers, such as thyroid cancer.

"The reason you find this disconnect … is because these are retrospective studies," he said. "That is, they look at existing data, and they're trying to derive associations from existing data … but there are many other variables that can impact the result."

Yendamuri and his team of researchers have conducted their own studies of the relationship between obesity and lung cancer.

"We have found in every investigation we've done that obesity does increase the risk of lung cancer," he shared.

CANCER TREATMENT DELAYS SURGE ACROSS US AS DOCTOR WARNS SYSTEM ‘NEEDS FIXING IMMEDIATELY’

Obesity also depends on how it's defined and measured, Yendamuri noted. While body mass index (BMI) has traditionally been the standard measure, many obesity researchers are moving away from relying on BMI alone and instead using more precise assessments of body fat composition.

Yendamuri shared two key findings from his research.

"If someone's having a resection, a lung cancer surgery, for patients who are on GLP-1 receptor agonists, the recurrence rate seems to be lower."

Additionally, patients with advanced-stage cancers who are in immunotherapy and taking GLP-1s had lower recurrence rates, he noted.

Based on preclinical laboratory studies, Yendamuri said he believes GLP-1 medications have only a limited direct effect on cancer cells.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"What we think is happening is that it changes the body’s immune response to cancer cells, and thereby improves its ability to fight cancer cells," he told Fox News Digital.

The effect may differ depending on the type of cancer, Yendamuri said, because the immune response is more important in some cancers than others.

"For example, in some cancers like melanoma, we know that the immune response is incredibly important," he said.

Yendamuri acknowledged that at least some of the cancer benefit likely stems from weight loss.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Not every patient who takes GLP-1 receptor agonists responds with a substantial weight loss, so in future trials, it would be interesting to see if the benefit for patients depends on the weight loss," he said.

"If those patients who have weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists have the same cancer benefit as patients who do not have weight loss, that will answer that question."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Depending on the outcomes of future trials, the doctor said he is hopeful that GLP-1 drugs could one day be regarded as a preventive mechanism for cancer.

"More and more, we are realizing that apart from the treatment that you get for cancer, lifestyle modifications – exercise, decreasing weight and now GLP-1 receptor agonists – will all have a role in both enhancing the treatment of cancer as well as preventing second cancers," he said.

Yendamuri emphasized the importance of continued funding for the National Cancer Institute, noting that it supports researchers working to advance cancer research and develop new discoveries.

Stroke incidence more than doubled among young adults in a recent study.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati analyzed data from 2,076 first-ever strokes among adults ages 20–54 in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region from 1993-1994 to 2020.

Over those three decades, the incidence increased from about 34 to 62 strokes per 100,000 people per year.

HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES RISING WITH EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

The increase was primarily driven by ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.

Among the younger adults who experienced strokes, there was an increase in hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and substance use.

"This has major implications, since young people who develop disability from a stroke may no longer be able to work or provide for their families," study co-author David J. Robinson, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

"We don't know for sure why strokes are becoming more common, and we really need to study this in more depth if we are going to reverse this trend."

8 COMMON FOOD PRESERVATIVES LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART DISEASE

There was also a sharp increase in documented substance use, which rose from 4.6% to 40.2% in the study period, primarily marijuana.

"It's hard to say whether this is responsible for any of the rise in stroke; there is a relationship between marijuana use and stroke, but most of the evidence is with heavier use," Robinson said. "The relationship between marijuana use and cardiovascular disease needs more study so that we can properly advise our patients."

In contrast to younger adults, stroke rates declined among older adults, falling from about 619 to 453 strokes per 100,000 people per year.

Short-term survival after stroke also improved, the researchers found. The share of younger adults who died within 30 days of a stroke declined from 11.7% to 9.4% – primarily for bleeding-related strokes, including intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKE, AFTER JILL BIDEN REVEALED DEBATE-NIGHT FEARS

"Our study might provide evidence that we have gotten better at treating people who have hemorrhagic strokes and helping them survive, which is encouraging," said Robinson. "Still, prevention is the most important thing to focus on, because just surviving a stroke doesn't mean you aren't left without disability."

The findings were published in the journal Neurology on Sept. 23.

Dr. Jason A. Gluck, vice chair of the Heart & Vascular Institute and system chief of cardiology at AtlantiCare in New Jersey, noted that while stroke is still uncommon in young adults, that doesn’t mean they have zero risk.

"The concerning findings in this particular trial is that stroke rates are moving in the wrong direction for the younger population," Gluck, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.

"While many of the risk factors are things that we can identify and treat before a stroke occurs, when you're young, sometimes you don't know about it – so awareness is key."

Risk factors are pervasive across all age groups, the doctor noted.

POPULAR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER LINKED TO POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS HEART RISK

"The same things that happen to 70-year-olds can happen at 40 – if you have high blood pressure, if you have diabetes, if you’re smoking, if there's obesity, abnormal cholesterol and activity, all those things can lead to [stroke]," he warned.

"Vascular disease doesn't suddenly begin when you're 65; it develops over time."

The main limitation of the study is that it did not include comparable risk factors for people without stroke.

"We can't say for sure how many of the stroke risk factors are changing in people without stroke in our region," Robinson noted. "This makes it really hard to determine what is causing this rising incidence. We will need to look in other studies to really understand the ‘why’ of this trend."

Also, the findings may have been affected by changes in medical documentation and diagnostic methods over the nearly three decades. One example provided was an increase in MRI use, which could potentially improve the detection of stroke. It was also possible that the rise in substance use was due to increased documentation or disclosure.

The study was also geographically limited, including just five counties in one U.S. state.

"While stroke is still relatively uncommon in younger individuals, it can happen and be really devastating," Robinson said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The doctor emphasized that hypertension is the risk factor most tightly associated with stroke.

"Younger people may not have a lot of opportunities to get their blood pressure and other risk factors screened, and we need to come up with solutions that can meet them where they are," he said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Robinson recommended using the American Heart Association’s "Life’s Essential 8," which is a checklist for optimizing your cardiovascular health.

"It includes blood pressure control along with eating better, being less sedentary, quitting any tobacco products, sleeping well, managing your weight, controlling cholesterol and managing blood sugar."

Gluck recommends using the "BE FAST" guide to determine whether someone may be having a stroke, as follows.

"If you're having these symptoms or your loved one is having these symptoms, don't drive yourself to the hospital," he advised. "Call 911. Be fast."