This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Chronic lack of sleep can cause a long list of physical and mental issues — and for one young man, his mother believes it led to his death.

Derek McFadden was just 23 when he took his own life on Aug. 17, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona.

His mother, Robin McFadden, who lives in Tuxedo Park, New York, said she believes her son’s insomnia was the "only driver" of his suicide.

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Derek McFadden was an "extremely funny kid" who loved swimming, snow-skiing and cuddling, his mother said — but for most of his life, he struggled with debilitating insomnia.

At around 8 years old, he started taking small doses of sleeping medication, which helped for several years.

Around the time he turned 18, during his senior year of high school, the medication stopped working, McFadden said.

"He never got a good night's sleep, but he soldiered through his school day and then would come home and lie down on his bed, exhausted, but couldn't fall asleep," she told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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McFadden took her son to multiple doctors and they tried different medications — none of which worked, she said. 

"Derek would just lie there at night, and he was so tired, but he couldn't fall sleep," she said.

Amid the sleep struggles, her son managed to graduate from high school — but things got even worse when he left for college at the University of Arizona.

He’d chosen Arizona because he was an "avid outdoorsman" who loved fly-fishing, going off-roading in his Jeep and spending time with his dog, which he'd adopted for emotional support.

"Our hope was that with Derek being in Arizona, the sunshine during the day would stimulate his brain to wake up so he could go to sleep at night, but it just didn't work," McFadden said.

The doctor’s visits continued, but none of the experts could figure out what was causing the insomnia. 

"Every doctor would assume it was sleep hygiene, and that he was doing something wrong," McFadden said.

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"They assumed that because he was 18, 19 or 20 years old that he was playing video games all night."

She added, "But Derek knew sleep hygiene. He had done so much research on his own. There was something wrong in his brain that was preventing him from sleeping." 

The family looked into holistic approaches, including hypnosis, acupuncture and "brain training," but "nothing seemed to work," McFadden said.

Many nights, he would go the entire night without sleeping — sometimes up to three days in a row, she said.

"It was really, really bad," McFadden said.

As the months went by and sleep continued to elude her son, McFadden said it began to take a toll on his immune system.

After consecutive nights without sleeping, he developed bruises all around his eyes.

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"Derek was constantly getting sick, and that made him feel like he was not a normal kid," she said. "He just couldn't fight anything off. He was always at Urgent Care."

Her son developed severe acid reflux and stomach pain, to the point where it became difficult for him to eat.

"Sometimes his insomnia got so severe that he couldn't keep any food or fluids down at all," McFadden said. 

Multiple times, he ended up in the emergency room with dehydration and severe cramping, she said.

The lack of sleep also changed her son’s demeanor and personality, McFadden said.

"Derek had tremendous mood swings — he became anxiety-ridden and depressed," she recalled.

"He would have hallucinations, and was constantly losing things. He couldn't think clearly."

On the rare occasion that her son had a good night’s sleep, McFadden said, he was "a completely different person, as happy as could be."

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"It broke my heart, because he was such a happy, funny, huge-hearted person, and it was really sad to watch his decline."

Unable to keep up with his studies, her son had to drop out of college.

"He couldn't even hold a job because he couldn't sleep at night," McFadden said. 

In July 2018, when her son came home from Tucson for the summer, McFadden knew something had shifted.

"We were sitting on the sofa and he said to me, ‘Mom, I'm gonna die young,’" she recalled. 

"And I said, ‘Derek, why do you say that?’ And he said, ‘Because my mind and body can't take the sleep deprivation.’"

Her son had also expressed that he didn’t want to have children because he didn't want to pass on the disorder, McFadden said.

"He saw there was no cure, no future, and he just didn't see a point in going on," she said. "Physically, he was starting to fall apart, and mentally, his cognitive ability was going."

Four weeks later, McFadden got an early-morning call from the Tucson Police Department notifying her that her son had taken his life.

After the tragedy, McFadden realized that her son had likely been planning his suicide in recent weeks.

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"He had contacted some old friends, and in his text messages and phone calls, he sounded very serene, relieved and calm," she recalled. "I truly believe Derek had made the decision. He just saw no future for himself."

Studies have suggested a likely connection between sleep and suicide.

Research published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports found that treating insomnia and nightmares, or addressing the source of those issues, could help prevent "the rising threat of suicide."

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with the firm Senolytix, said there is a "significant body of research" suggesting a link between sleep deprivation and an increased risk of suicide. 

"Sleep is crucial for emotional and psychological balance," he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"Lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances, irritability and decreased stress tolerance, all of which can worsen feelings of despair or depression — potentially leading to suicidal thoughts."

Sleep deprivation can also affect cognitive functions, the doctor continued. 

"This impairment can make it harder for individuals to see alternative solutions to problems or seek help, potentially increasing the risk of suicidal behavior," he said.

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Sleep problems are also commonly associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are themselves significant risk factors for suicide, according to Osborn.

"Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are particularly prevalent in these conditions," he warned. "This can be a source of diagnostic confusion and resultant treatment errors."

Sleep also affects various biological processes, Osborn noted — "including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (which is involved in mood regulation) and stress hormones like cortisol."

"Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to dysregulation in these systems, which could contribute to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation."

While the majority of insomnia patients respond to lifestyle changes and/or medications, Osborn noted, there is a subset of patients who are "more difficult to manage."

"Often, there are underlying medical problems, like reflux, that fly under the radar and predispose the individual to insomnia," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Another issue is the potentially reciprocal relationship between depression and anxiety," Osborn said.

"Sleep pathology is extremely complex and challenging, because sleep itself is poorly understood," he continued. "A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach — involving a psychiatrist and a sleep specialist — is always best."

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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, agreed that there is a proven link between insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.

"Since suicide is a manifestation of severe depression, I think there is a link there, too, though insomnia wouldn't be the entire cause," he told Fox News Digital.

Siegel refers to it as a "cycle of worry."

"Anxiety interferes with sleep, which then makes you more anxious and more sleepless, especially if you add caffeine to combat the grogginess," he said.

During sleep, the brain relaxes and "cleanses" itself, Siegel said.

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"Waking up refreshed can improve mood, especially when accompanied by exercise," he noted. 

For those with severe insomnia, Siegel recommends undergoing a full sleep study/evaluation — typically with an EEG or video monitoring — to help determine the causes.

"Severe, resistant cases require evaluations by sleep specialists, neurologists and psychiatrists," he added.

The most "disheartening" part of her son’s tragedy, according to McFadden, was a lack of support from the health community, in her view.

"Other than sleep apnea and bad sleep hygiene, the medical community does not seem to believe that severe insomnia really exists," she told Fox News Digital. 

"And that just infuriates me."

Today, McFadden’s goal is to raise awareness of chronic insomnia — "because there are so many people in this world who are suffering from this."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Dental hygiene is important — as is taking pride in your "pearly whites."

But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with various factors causing discoloration.

Dr. Ronald Santana, head of science and development at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the "staining or darkening of teeth" from internal or external factors.

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"Extrinsic discoloration is caused by color changes of the tooth enamel by external factors such as smoking, foods or beverages, including coffee, tea and red wine," he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Intrinsic discoloration affects the tooth dentin and is caused by some medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease)."

Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that numerous factors can cause the discoloring of teeth.

While there is "no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional," the expert said that diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and the wearing down of teeth via grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.

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"A good general rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth," she told Fox News Digital.

Santana and Fraundorf offered seven tips on how to get your teeth whiter and brighter.

Fraundorf recommended brushing at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).

"Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage enamel over time, making teeth darker," she said.

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"Transform mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience," she added.

While some people might feel inclined to try at-home teeth-whitening remedies, Santana stressed that "care should be exercised in selecting a safe and effective at-home approach for tooth whitening."

"Avoid trying at-home approaches before seeing a dentist, because some substances may damage the tooth enamel," he warned.

"Adequate" toothbrushing is an "effective" way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.

PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PERIODONTITIS

"Tooth brushing with a correct brushing technique, employing a whitening dentifrice and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources to reduce tooth discoloration."

Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, using a water flosser to remove plaque and using a tongue scraper daily to decrease bacteria can also promote whiter teeth.

Water is "the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white," according to Fraundorf.

"Next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, take a swig of water in between sips and briefly swish around," she advised. 

"Water will not only prevent the staining particles from clinging onto your teeth, it will also help neutralize the acidity of the beverage."

Fraundorf also recommended choosing flat water rather than sparkling.

"Drink and swish with it frequently to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains," she suggested.

Studies suggest that cavities are "significantly lower" in patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal, Fraundorf noted.

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"Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains."

Using a straw, especially when drinking dark, acidic or sugary beverages, can help decrease the contact these substances make with your teeth.

"For extra credit, try drinking beverages more quickly to reduce the amount of time your oral environment is exposed to a lower pH, therefore decreasing the amount of enamel damage," Fraundorf said.

Certain foods and drinks — such as red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — may stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.

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"Moreover, although the scientific evidence is limited, consumption of a balanced, healthy diet — containing strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds — may limit tooth staining," he noted.

Fraundorf agreed that "superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally."

"Strawberries, apples and watermelon all contain a lot of malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva," she said.

Other superfoods that can help whiten teeth include celery and leafy greens, since their "fibrous textures act like a natural toothbrush, exfoliating plaque off your teeth," Fraundorf added.

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"Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, counteracting the effects of acids, and an abundance of folic acid, which is essential to gum tissue cell growth."

"Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile," Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.

"Set a calendar reminder to get regular check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist."

Santana added, "Your dentist can prescribe safe and customized resources for tooth whitening tailored to your specific needs."

Although being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening could be necessary to "take your smile to the next level." 

"Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to seek customized care," she said. 

"The most ideal whitening treatment is one specific to you, crafted based on your unique smile goals, teeth composition, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle."

She added, "A multitude of factors go into a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan for teeth whitening to ensure the best, most comfortable, beautiful results."

Artificial tooth structures, like crowns, veneers and composites, won’t whiten, according to the expert — which means whitening these teeth will require extra restorative work.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

CrossFit offers a unique fitness experience, blending a combination of high-intensity workouts with a supportive community.

It's important for beginners to equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to ensure a safe and successful start before diving into the program.

Read on to learn more about the program and how newcomers can make the most of their CrossFit journey.

CrossFit is a results-oriented fitness program with a focus on lifestyle changes through training.

The program's workouts feature constantly varied, high-intensity and functional movements.

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Founded more than 20 years ago in a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, CrossFit has since become one of the world's most popular training programs for improving health and fitness performance.

CrossFit aims to help its members excel in various physical activities and challenges both inside and outside the gym.

CrossFit is known for its workouts that blend elements from weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio.

The fitness company has more than 12,000 CrossFit affiliates spanning 146 countries, Austin Malleolo, senior director of strategy and operations of affiliates at CrossFit, told Fox News Digital.

"Our affiliates are staffed with trainers who are equipped to teach you how to move safely, effectively and efficiently," Malleolo said. 

The CrossFit program is based on three pillars: variance, functionality and intensity.

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Variance is the practice of regularly changing workout routines and exercises. 

By incorporating a wide variety of movements, variance provides CrossFit members with a broader range of physical challenges. This approach exposes the body to different stimuli, which promotes continual growth and adaptation.

Functionality is doing exercises that mimic real-life activities. By building strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination through functional movements, members can better navigate daily activities outside the gym.

Intensity is the level of effort exerted during workouts. While the word may seem intimidating, it's simply a guiding principle that symbolizes the importance of working hard to achieve tangible results.

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach.

Typically, sessions begin with a whiteboard brief, where a coach outlines the workout flow, provides timing examples and demonstrates movements.

WE TRIED IT: CROSSFIT

Next, the coach discusses the goals of the workout, explaining the intended stimulus for members to understand the purpose behind the session. Scaling options are then provided for movements in the workout, allowing members to adjust based on their skill level.

Physical activities begin with a general warm-up to get members moving and introduce movement patterns, followed by a specific warm-up tailored to the workout. The session's main focus is devoted to the workout itself, where participants engage in the exercises outlined.

The session concludes with a cool-down, which incorporates stretching and mobility exercises to reduce muscle soreness. This approach allows members to receive a well-rounded workout experience.

CrossFit classes are designed to meet members at their current fitness levels and abilities, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

"Coaches start by tailoring the workout of the day to allow for all members in the class to achieve the intended goals of the workout that day by having a robust warm-up that allows the members to properly warm up and practice the movements that they will be doing in the workout," Malleolo said. "The coach will adjust the loading, reps, and time of the workout based on the member's needs to align with that day’s workout."

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Throughout the class, coaches teach and refine movements, offering guidance to improve performance.

CrossFit promotes inclusivity and accessibility by accommodating those with a range of fitness levels, allowing participants to progress safely at their own pace.

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle.

"Trust that the hardest part is to walk through the front door of the gym," Malleolo said. "Once you are there, you will be taken care of! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, a CrossFit Affiliate is designed to be a part of that journey, no matter where you are today."

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You can begin the process by researching CrossFit locations near you and setting up an introductory session.

Many CrossFit facilities offer programs designed to teach newcomers the fundamental movements in a supportive environment, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

The program can be challenging, but it should also be enjoyable as well. 

Participants are encouraged to embrace the process, celebrate their achievements and cherish the friendships made within the CrossFit community.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

One in five women between ages 55 and 75 will experience a stroke in their lifetime, according to the American Heart Association.

There are two main types of strokes.

With an ischemic stroke, a blockage prevents blood from flowing properly to the brain. With a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel bursts in the brain and causes bleeding, which damages brain cells.

While some risk factors such as age, race and family history can’t be changed, others can be mitigated through healthy lifestyle choices.

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Parag Shah, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who practices at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida, shared some specific tips about how women can reduce their risk.

Here are five tips.

Research has shown that air pollution tends to impact women more than men in terms of inflammation, infection and heart disease.

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"According to a recent review, elevated levels of ambient air pollution — even just short-term exposure — can increase the likelihood of strokes," said Shah, who specializes in stroke rehabilitation.

"Health experts recommend checking the air quality in your area and, on high-pollution days, limiting time outside, turning on exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and using an air purifier in the home," he also said.

The Mediterranean diet — a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece — can reduce the health risks associated with strokes, according to Shah.

"Current research on preventing strokes is exploring an array of lifestyle factors," he told Fox News Digital. 

"This includes the Mediterranean diet, which highlights the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed." 

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Practicing exercises that promote heart health and lessen stress can help reduce the possibility of stroke, Shah suggested. 

"Participating in physical activities like yoga, tai chi and strength training, while also giving importance to mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, could provide additional advantages in lowering the risk of strokes," he told Fox News Digital.

Sudden confusion, difficulty understanding, slurred speech, double vision, and numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, are often overlooked signs of strokes, Shah warned.

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"Recognizing these signs is crucial, because quick identification and immediate medical attention greatly enhance the chances of recovery for stroke patients," he said.

Beyond the more obvious "textbook" stroke symptoms, there are some warning signs that tend to be overlooked until it’s too late.

"Factors like pregnancy, giving birth and hormonal changes such as menopause can heighten the likelihood of having a stroke," Shah told Fox News Digital. 

The use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy can also raise this risk, the doctor added, as can hidden biological factors that make women more susceptible. 

"Scheduling regular health check-ups and staying knowledgeable about stroke symptoms and prevention methods are essential for maintaining good health," Shah said.

"Preventing most strokes is similar to the prevention of heart attacks," Dr. Laxmi Mehta, a cardiologist and director of preventative cardiology and women's cardiovascular health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

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In her practice, Mehta typically recommends following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which provides steps to improve or maintain cardiovascular health.  

These include four healthy behaviors and four health factors, as listed below.

1. Quit tobacco. Avoid cigarettes, vaping and other nicotine products, which have been proven to increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

2. Eat better. Following a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds can reduce stroke risk.

3. Be more active. Experts recommend participating in 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly.

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4. Get healthy sleep. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to reduce stroke risk, according to experts.

5. Manage blood pressure. A "normal" blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80, according to the National Institutes of Health.

6. Manage cholesterol. High cholesterol levels have a proven link to stroke risk. A healthy range for LDL ("bad") cholesterol is 100 mg/dL or lower, as published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

7. Manage blood sugar. Excessive levels of glucose in the blood can increase the risk of fatty deposits or clots, which are a factor in strokes.

8. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors and is linked to nearly one in five strokes, according to the World Stroke Organization.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Patients who are treated by a female physician could live longer and have a reduced risk of hospitalization, new research has found.

These benefits were seen more in female patients compared to males, according to the study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

"Among older adults hospitalized for a medical condition, mortality and readmission rates were lower for patients treated by female physicians than those cared for by male physicians — and the benefit of receiving treatment from female physicians was greater for female patients than for male patients," lead study author Dr. Yusuke Tsugawa, associate professor-in-residence of medicine in the division of general internal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, told Fox News Digital.

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The study included 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older who had been hospitalized between 2016 and 2019. 

The mortality rate was 8.15% for female patients treated by female physicians — compared to 8.38% for those treated by male physicians, according to a press release from UCLA Health.

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, who was not involved in the research, noted that the findings are "clinically significant," as the difference translates to an additional 1,053 female patient deaths.

Male patients also had lower mortality rates when treated by female physicians, but the difference was smaller.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but called the findings "fascinating."

"Women tend to have a higher empathy quotient, which can impact patient care and diagnosis and treatment directly," he told Fox News Digital. 

"There has been a patriarchy in medicine for a long time, and there still may be some residual discounting of women's health issues or [doctors] seeing them as emotionally based," Siegel added.

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There is a "growing awareness" that doctors are more sensitive to health issues when they can relate directly to their patients, the doctor noted.

"This applies to screening, diagnosis and treatment," he said. 

The findings were not surprising to the researchers, they said.

"Previous studies have shown that female patients treated by a female physician (versus female patients treated by a male physician) are less likely to experience underappreciation in symptom/illness severity assessment and communication challenges," study co-author Atsushi Miyawaki, M.D., PhD, senior assistant professor in the Department of Health Services Research at the University of Tokyo, told Fox News Digital.

"Also, female physicians may help alleviate embarrassment, discomfort and sociocultural taboos during sensitive examinations and conversations [with] female patients," he said.

Other research has shown that female physicians are more likely to "adhere to clinical guidelines" and spend more time listening to patients compared to their male counterparts, which are "indicators of high-quality care," added Tsugawa.

Johnson agreed, pointing out that prior studies have found male physicians may underestimate pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart symptoms when experienced by women. 

"For instance, if a male and a female presented to the emergency room with upper stomach pain, the male would be checked for a heart attack and given medication for an upset stomach," she told Fox News Digital.

"The woman, however, may only be given medication for an upset stomach."

The study had some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

"Due to limited clinical information available in our data, we could not identify the specific mechanisms underlying better outcomes for female patients treated by female physicians," Tsugawa told Fox News Digital.

Miyawaki also noted that the study focused on older patients admitted to hospitals for medical conditions.

"Hence, our findings may not be generalizable to younger patients, commercially insured patients, those treated by other specialists or patients receiving care in an outpatient setting," he told Fox News Digital.

More research is needed to better understand the differences between female and male physicians, Tsugawa said. 

"Those include guideline concordance and communication style, which lead to better patient outcomes for female physicians."

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Johnson also noted that while the study is of "good quality," there are "inherent limitations to the study design."

She said, "With a retrospective review, unmeasured factors can affect and skew the results. The findings do align with other research in the area, however."

At the society level, Miyawaki said, the research suggests that increasing the number of female physicians could benefit women’s health.

"At the individual level, patient-physician interactions, rather than physician gender itself, are important for patient outcomes, our study suggests," he said. 

"Thus, individuals may focus on the importance of the doctor-patient relationship rather than on whether to choose a female doctor."

Tsugawa agreed, noting, "It is important to consider multiple factors about physicians, such as their clinical experience and training, your prior experiences with them, and their communication style, rather than focusing solely on the physician's sex."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

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Samples of pasteurized milk on grocery store shelves have tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has already infected herds of dairy cows, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Tuesday.

The FDA stressed that the material is inactivated and that the findings "do not represent [an] actual virus that may be a risk to consumers." Officials added that they're continuing to study the issue.

Bird flu virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or H5N1, is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry. 

Infection with the virus causes decreased lactation, low appetite and other symptoms in affected cattle, the FDA says.

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The FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process.

The pasteurization process involves killing harmful bacteria and viruses by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time to make milk safer. Federal regulations require milk that enters interstate commerce to be pasteurized.

"The pasteurization process has served public health well for more than 100 years," the FDA said. "Even if [the] virus is detected in raw milk, pasteurization is generally expected to eliminate pathogens to a level that does not pose a risk to consumer health."

"To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe."

Pasteurization is different from complete sterilization, which extends shelf life but is not required to ensure milk safety, the agency said. 

Officials with the FDA and the USDA had previously said milk from affected cattle did not enter the commercial supply. Milk from sick animals is supposed to be diverted and destroyed. 

FDA officials did not indicate how many samples they tested or where they were obtained. The agency has been evaluating milk during processing and from grocery stores, officials said. Results of additional tests are expected in "the next few days to weeks."

The PCR lab test the FDA used would have detected viral genetic material even after a live virus was killed by pasteurization or heat treatment, Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University told the Associated Press. 

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"There is no evidence to date that this is [an] infectious virus and the FDA is following up on that," Jaykus said.

Scientists confirmed the H5N1 virus in dairy cows in March after weeks of reports that cows in Texas were suffering from a mysterious malady. 

The FDA says HPAI has now been confirmed in domestic livestock in 33 herds across eight states: Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina.

While the virus is lethal to commercial poultry, most infected cattle seem to recover within two weeks, experts say.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) echoed the FDA’s assertions that pasteurization is effective against HPAI and that commercial milk supply is safe.

"Viral fragments detected after pasteurization are nothing more than evidence that the virus is dead; they have zero impact on human health," the NMPF said in a statement. 

"Further, the federal PMO prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain. Milk and milk products produced and processed in the United States are among the safest in the world."

The news comes after a goat in Minnesota tested positive HPAI in February, which marked the first U.S. case of bird flu in domestic cattle, sheep, goats or their relatives.

The positive juvenile goat was residing on a Stevens County farm that already had bird flu infected poultry, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. 

To date, two people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu. A Texas dairy worker who was in close contact with an infected cow earlier this year developed "eye redness" and has recovered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program caught it while killing infected birds at a Colorado poultry farm. His only symptom was fatigue and he also recovered.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.

Lisa Pisano’s combination of heart and kidney failure left her too sick to qualify for a traditional transplant, and out of options. Then doctors at NYU Langone Health devised a novel one-two punch: Implant a mechanical pump to keep her heart beating and days later transplant a kidney from a genetically modified pig.

Pisano is recovering well, the NYU team announced Wednesday. She’s only the second patient ever to receive a pig kidney -- following a landmark transplant last month at Massachusetts General Hospital – and the latest in a string of attempts to make animal-to-human transplantation a reality.

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This week, the 54-year-old grasped a walker and took her first few steps.

"I was at the end of my rope," Pisano told The Associated Press. "I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didn’t work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person."

Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, recounted cheers in the operating room as the organ immediately started making urine.

"It’s been transformative," Montgomery said of the experiment's early results.

But "we’re not off the hook yet," cautioned Dr. Nader Moazami, the NYU cardiac surgeon who implanted the heart pump.

"With this surgery I get to see my wife smile again," Pisano's husband Todd said Wednesday.

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Other transplant experts are closely watching how the patient fares.

"I have to congratulate them," said Dr. Tatsuo Kawai of Mass General, who noted that his own pig kidney patient was healthier overall going into his operation than NYU's patient. "When the heart function is bad, it’s really difficult to do a kidney transplant."

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant waiting list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. In hopes of filling the shortage of donated organs, several biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be destroyed by people's immune system.

NYU and other research teams have temporarily transplanted pig kidneys and hearts into brain-dead bodies, with promising results. Then the University of Maryland transplanted pig hearts into two men who were out of other options, and both died within months.

Mass General’s pig kidney transplant last month raised new hopes. Kawai said Richard "Rick" Slayman experienced an early rejection scare but bounced back enough to go home earlier this month and still is faring well five weeks post-transplant. A recent biopsy showed no further problems.

Pisano is the first woman to receive a pig organ — and unlike with prior xenotransplant experiments, both her heart and kidneys had failed. She went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated before the experimental surgeries. She'd gotten too weak to even play with her grandchildren. "I was miserable," the Cookstown, New Jersey, woman said.

A failed heart made her ineligible for a traditional kidney transplant. But while on dialysis, she didn't qualify for a heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device or LVAD, either.

"It’s like being in a maze and you can’t find a way out," Montgomery explained — until the surgeons decided to pair a heart pump with a pig kidney.

With emergency permission from the Food and Drug Administration, Montgomery chose an organ from a pig genetically engineered by United Therapeutics Corp. so its cells don't produce a particular sugar that’s foreign to the human body and triggers immediate organ rejection.

Plus a tweak: The donor pig’s thymus gland, which trains the immune system, was attached to the donated kidney in hopes that it would help Pisano's body tolerate the new organ.

Surgeons implanted the LVAD to power Pisano's heart on April 4, and transplanted the pig kidney on April 12. There's no way to predict her long-term outcome but she’s shown no sign of organ rejection so far, Montgomery said. And in adjusting the LVAD to work with her new kidney, Moazami said doctors already have learned lessons that could help future care of heart-and-kidney patients.

Special "compassionate use" experiments teach doctors a lot but it will take rigorous studies to prove if xenotransplants really work. What happens with Pisano and Mass General's kidney recipient will undoubtedly influence FDA's decision to allow such trials. United Therapeutics said it hopes to begin one next year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official health alert advisory on Tuesday warning about reports of fake Botox injections that have landed some patients in the hospital.

Along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health officials, the CDC said it is investigating a total of 22 cases across 11 states starting in Nov. 2023 through March 2024.

Cases have so far been reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York City, Tennessee, Texas and Washington — all affecting women between 25 and 59 years of age. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTOX?

The women have experienced "adverse effects" after being injected with "counterfeit botulinum toxin," the alert said.

The injections were all given by "unlicensed or untrained individuals" or in "non-health care settings, such as homes or spas."

The women's reported symptoms included blurred vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, fatigue, slurred speech, generalized weakness and shortness of breath.

Of the 22 cases, 11 women were hospitalized. 

None of the instances met the "case definition for botulism," the CDC noted.

No deaths have been reported.

Botulism is a "serious and sometimes fatal" illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.

Initial symptoms usually include muscle weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and throat — which could also spread to the neck, arms, torso and legs. 

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Other symptoms can include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty moving the eyes.

It is possible for people to experience some of these symptoms without having botulism.

Dr. Anne Truitt, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California, said that doctors or clinicians injecting Botox or other injectables should ensure that the products come from a reputable source.  

"Injecting an unknown product at unknown concentrations into your body is really dangerous and potentially fatal," she told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Craig Lehrman, director of aesthetic surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that fake Botox has been an issue since the early 2000s.

"Unfortunately, I treat several patients a year who have received non-approved injectables of things they are told to be safe — which ends up having serious consequences," he told Fox News Digital.

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"It has mostly been linked to injections in settings such as someone's home or a poorly regulated med spa."

Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.

"The people receiving the presumed counterfeit Botox are suffering from an illness that is similar to botulism, caused by the same bacteria," he said.

There are strict safety criteria for the use and storage of Botox, and serious risks come with the injection of fraudulent or poorly managed products, Lehrman warned. 

"Botulism can carry detrimental effects ranging from infection, to permanent deformity, to serious wound formation."

"​​Cosmetic injections should be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings," the CDC stated. 

There has been a large increase in the number of people offering these services who are not board-certified in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman. 

"I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just search for the cheapest option," he said. 

"I would recommend going to a center that has rigorous standards of education and a track record of safety."

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In most cases, when administered properly, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.

"Botox has been well-tested and researched for many years," Truitt told Fox News Digital. "Used appropriately, it is safe and one of the best tools to reduce the effects of aging."

"Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections of botulinum toxin are rare," the CDC said in its statement.

To ensure safety, Truitt said it's important to go to a licensed provider, and to avoid "Botox parties" and "pop-up" med spas.

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"The bottom line is that if it sounds too good to be true, then chances are it probably isn't true — or safe," she added.

Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms following an injection should seek medical attention, according to health officials.

Fox News Digital reached out to Abbvie (manufacturer of Botox) and the FDA requesting additional comment.

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Republic of the Congo has declared an epidemic of mpox after 19 cases were confirmed across five departments, including the capital Brazzaville.

No deaths have yet been recorded, Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki said in a statement on Tuesday.

He called on the public to take precautions including avoiding close contact with suspected cases, avoiding contact with animals and avoiding handling game meat with bare hands.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the virus mpox to replace the older term monkeypox, citing concerns of stigma and racism associated with the name.

Mpox was first detected in humans in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, according to the WHO.

Symptoms include fever, aches and skin lesions.

In 2022, the WHO declared an outbreak that spread to Europe and North America a global health emergency.

We can’t slow down time — but we can slow down its effects on us, according to experts.

The key is to make healthier choices in the areas that we can control — and that starts with breaking bad habits.

"One of the primary hallmarks of aging is accumulated cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, death," Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with Senolytix, told Fox News Digital.

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"The key to staying healthy is minimizing cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is unfortunately what most Americans do." 

Doctors shared with Fox News Digital the eight most common unhealthy behaviors that speed up the aging process — and tips on how to avoid them.

Smoking has been proven to shorten life expectancy. 

Researchers from Action on Smoking and Health in the U.K. have reported that a 30-year-old smoker can expect to live for about 35 more years — compared to 53 years for a non-smoker. 

"Smoking speeds up aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, breaking down collagen and increasing oxidative stress," Dr. Dawn Ericsson, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director at AgeRejuvenation in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

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"The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss."

Smoking introduces toxins that impair skin elasticity and collagen production, which leads to wrinkles, Osborn added.

"Free radicals in smoke damage lung tissue — inducing cancer — and the walls of your blood vessels," he told Fox News Digital.

"The incidence of heart attack, stroke and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers relative to nonsmokers."

The quickest fix is to quit smoking immediately, the experts agreed.

To increase the chance of success in quitting, Ericsson suggested setting a "quit date," avoiding triggers and seeking support from friends, family and health care providers.

Some also get results with nicotine replacement therapy or medications like bupropion and varenicline, she said.

An excess of sun exposure can lead to aging by damaging the skin's DNA, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots, Ericsson noted.

Osborn agreed, also warning of an increased risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the latter of which can be fatal.

"Regularly using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can protect the skin," Osborn advised. 

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Other protective strategies include covering up with hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and seeking shade during the sun’s strongest hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), according to Ericsson. 

Staying hydrated and using antioxidants like vitamins C and E can also help protect the skin. 

A nutrient-deficient diet has been shown to accelerate aging, experts agree.

"A diet high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation, damage collagen and accelerate skin aging," Ericsson warned.

Diets high in processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation and free radical damage, Osborn added. 

"The induced insulin-resistant or pre-diabetic state places you one step closer to the dreaded ‘metabolic syndrome’ — a gateway to diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease," he told Fox News Digital.

To reduce aging signs, the experts recommend eating a balanced diet rich in low-glycemic index fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and anti-inflammatory fats (omega-3 and omega-9).

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"Antioxidants in these foods combat free radical damage, as do antioxidant supplements like vitamin C, green tea and omega-3 fatty acids," said Osborn.

Other tips include pre-planning meals and snacks — with a focus on focusing on whole, unprocessed foods — to avoid impulsive unhealthy choices, according to Ericsson.

Cooking at home, controlling portions and staying hydrated are also good ways to improve nutrition intake, she added.

"Lack of exercise contributes to aging by causing muscle loss, bone density reduction, weight gain and cardiovascular issues," Ericsson told Fox News Digital.

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining muscle mass, circulation and cognitive health as we age, she advised.

Osborn is also an advocate of staying active, noting that "our bodies are meant to exercise."

"Exercise turns over 100 genes associated with longevity, so don’t skip it! It benefits the body and the mind."

Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, is foundational to your health, according to Osborn. 

"This means you must lift weights and breathe hard during your workouts," he said. 

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On "off days," Osborn suggests doing 45 minutes of lighter endurance training, like walking, rowing, swimming or jogging, which will improve your cardiovascular fitness while allowing you to recover from heavy bouts of strength training.

To sustain a long-term exercise routine, it’s important to find activities you consistently enjoy, set realistic goals, stay flexible and "listen to your body," said Ericsson.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to liver damage and cognitive impairment, Osborn warned. 

"It also causes problems with blood sugar regulation and is intimately associated with obesity," he said. "As alcohol is a cellular toxin, it accelerates the aging process."

Ericsson agreed that excessive alcohol consumption accelerates aging by causing dehydration, nutrient depletion, inflammation, liver damage and collagen breakdown.

"Chronic drinking can dehydrate the skin, damage the liver and increase the risk of cognitive decline," said Ericsson.

As with smoking, the fix is to eliminate alcohol consumption, experts agreed.

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"I’m not saying to quit cold turkey, but aim to eliminate habitual drinking within the next six to 12 months," Osborn advised. "You’ll feel better and save a lot of money in the long run."

Other tips to stop drinking include avoiding triggers, staying busy with healthy activities and seeking professional help if needed, according to Ericsson.

While some degree of stress is normal and healthy, chronic high stress levels can shorten telomeres, which are DNA protein structures that "play a central role in cell fate and aging by adjusting the cellular response to stress and growth stimulation on the basis of previous cell divisions and DNA damage," according to the National Institutes of Health.

"Chronic stress can also exacerbate skin conditions and impact mental health, accelerating aging," Ericsson added.

Long-term stress affects the body’s ability to repair itself and can lead to premature aging, according to Osborn.

"Aging is a state of heightened inflammation — and once the body’s ability to temper inflammation via cortisol production has been exhausted, it reigns unchecked," he said.

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Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, therapy and regular physical activity can alleviate stress, Osborn said. 

"Strength training also reduces cortisol production (several hours post-workout) — and, by virtue, facilitates sleep, which is critical to stress reduction," he said. 

Lack of sleep accelerates aging by reducing skin health, increasing inflammation and causing hormonal imbalance, Ericsson noted.

"Inadequate sleep also hampers cell repair and affects cognitive function," she said.

Sleep is crucial for the body’s regenerative processes, Osborn noted.

"If you don’t sleep, you’ll have difficulty shedding that spare tire, as significant fat-burning occurs during sleep," he said.

"You’ll also set yourself up for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s."

Memories are also formed during sleep, he noted. 

LACK OF SLEEP COULD BE A FACTOR IN A 'SILENT EPIDEMIC,' EXPERTS WARN

"Sleep cannot be hacked — it is an essential part of health and well-being."

To optimize sleep health, Osborn suggested establishing a regular schedule, creating a restful environment and avoiding stimulants before bedtime. 

"Also, minimizing consumption of carbohydrates within several hours of bedtime can facilitate sleep induction," he said.

"In a similar context, ditch the cell phone, laptop and tablet as early as possible to minimize blue light’s interference with the production of melatonin, the body’s sleep hormone."

 Manage stress and seek professional help if needed, Ericsson added.

Poor oral hygiene accelerates aging by causing gum disease, tooth loss, stained teeth and bad breath, Ericsson warned.

"Gum disease and tooth loss not only affect oral health, but also impact overall well-being, contributing to an aged appearance," she added.

There is also a link between heart disease risk and the incidence of coronary artery disease and gingivitis, Osborn noted.

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"Inflammation is not only occurring in the mouth — it’s a systemic problem," he said. "So, if there is a state of accelerated aging in the mouth, you better believe it’s elsewhere, let alone your entire gut," he said.

Optimal oral hygiene requires regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antimicrobial mouthwash, Osborn said.

Limiting sugary and acidic foods, avoiding tobacco products, staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help with mouth health, Ericsson added.

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A young girl in the U.K. is in cancer remission thanks to her sister’s lifesaving bone marrow donation.

Ruby Leaning, 10, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after collapsing on the school playground in Jan. 2020, according to SWNS, the British news service.

The rare blood cancer required an urgent bone marrow transplant to keep the 6-year-old alive.

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After several tests, Leaning’s then 2-year-old sister, Mabel Leaning, came up as a "perfect match."

The Leaning sisters' grandmother, Amanda Fawcett, confirmed to SWNS that Ruby Leaning received treatment with Mabel Leaning’s stem cells.

Ruby Leaning was declared cancer-free in 2022 — meaning Mabel Leaning "saved Ruby’s life for sure," Fawcett said.

"We [weren’t] expecting her to be a match at first, but thankfully she was, so we just couldn't believe our luck," she said. 

"It was amazing – we were so thankful."

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Fawcett recalled the moment her granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

"It's just every parent and grandparent's nightmare," she said to SWNS.

"I was in the room with her mom when we found out, and you just can't take anything in at all. It was all just heart-shattering."

Fawcett described her granddaughters as "so close," telling SWNS that they are "amazing girls."

"They've got a great relationship between them," she said.

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"But Mabel will be asking to borrow Ruby's shoes when she realizes [she saved her life] – and we do laugh about how it will be fun and games."

Fawcett said Ruby Leaning has been "doing fantastic" in remission and is "back to her normal self."

"She's a happy, normal and healthy 10-year-old who loves swimming, dancing and piano lessons," she said.

The grandmother is currently raising money for the Parents Association of Children with Tumors and Leukemia (PACT), which supported the Leaning family, according to SWNS.

"None of us could be there for Ruby, which was horrendous for us, because of the pandemic," Fawcett shared.

"But they were an amazing support."

Fox News Digital reached out to Sheffield Children's Hospital for additional comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Nine months into the U.S. launch of the first drug proven to slow the advance of Alzheimer's, Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi is facing an unexpected hurdle to widespread use: an entrenched belief among some doctors that treating the memory-robbing disease is futile.

Alzheimer's experts had anticipated bottlenecks due to Leqembi's requirements, which include additional diagnostic tests, twice-monthly infusions and regular brain scans to guard against potentially lethal side effects.

And those issues have played a role in slow adoption since the drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to interviews with 20 neurologists and geriatricians from rural, urban, academic and community practices in 19 states.

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In interviews with Reuters, seven doctors treating patients for Alzheimer's attributed their own reluctance to prescribe Leqembi to concerns about the drug's efficacy, cost and risks. 

"I don't think it's a good Alzheimer's drug. I think that's the problem," said Dr. James Burke, a neurologist at the Ohio State University who has been an outspoken critic of Leqembi. "It's certainly nothing like the home run that we're looking for."

Another six scientists, all leaders in the field, said "therapeutic nihilism" – the belief that Alzheimer's is a hopelessly intractable disease – was playing a bigger role than anticipated in suppressing demand from primary care doctors, geriatricians and neurologists who could be sending patients to memory specialists for treatment.

Dr. Reisa Sperling, a neurologist and Alzheimer's researcher at Mass General Brigham in Boston, likens some doctors' skepticism to Leqembi to fatalistic attitudes about cancer treatment 30 years ago: "You can't really do anything about it, so why would you even want to get tested?"

Alex Scott, Eisai's chief administrative officer, acknowledged that skepticism has weighed on the launch along with slower-than-expected adoption by large health systems.

He suggested that some of the doctors' hesitancy could be a holdover from the decades-long journey to prove that removing the Alzheimer's protein beta amyloid from the brain could slow the course of the disease. Before Esai released the promising results of its Leqembi trial, some thought that area of research "a fool's errand," Scott said.

"We are beginning to make more and more progress every single month. So we're still quite encouraged," Scott said. "This is a new journey, and I think it takes some time for providers to figure it out."

Leqembi was the first amyloid-targeting drug granted full FDA approval after it slowed the decline in cognition in people in the early stages of Alzheimer's by 27% in a clinical trial.

Of the 10,000 Americans the companies hoped to treat by the end of March, Eisai announced only a couple thousand had begun treatment as of the end of January. An Eisai spokeswoman declined to provide updated numbers.

Even for treatments that do not require dramatic changes to medical practice, adoption of new drugs is notoriously slow. Several studies have estimated that it can take 17 years on average for clinical research to be translated into routine practice.

The disease is estimated to affect more than 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Fewer than half of U.S. neurologists recommend Leqembi to patients, according to a January survey by life sciences market researcher Spherix Global Insights.

Dr. Michael Greicius, a professor at Stanford University's Center for Memory Disorders, said there is little evidence that Leqembi benefits patients in a meaningful way.

"If we take the trial result at face value, the differences between placebo and treatment are likely small enough as to be undetectable by patients and family members or physicians," said Greicius, who does not recommend Leqembi to patients.

He said the long wait for an Alzheimer's drug has put doctors in the position of feeling obligated to offer a treatment "even if the evidence for it is very slim."

Other doctors have raised concerns about the risk of brain swelling and bleeding associated with Leqembi as well as the costs associated with the $26,500 annual drug, frequent MRIs and twice-monthly infusions.

"There are significant risks associated with these drugs, there are significant costs, and I would say there is marginal benefit," said Dr. Eric Widera, a geriatrician and professor at University of California San Francisco, referring to amyloid-lowering treatments.

In an editorial published in November in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Donna Fick, president of the American Geriatrics Society, advised doctors that the group recommends caution in the use of lecanemab, which is sold under the brand name of Leqembi. 

"It is not yet clear whether treatments such as lecanemab that remove amyloid from the brain produce clinically important slowing of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease."

Dr. Jonathan Liss, a neurologist from Columbus, Georgia, who serves on Eisai's scientific advisory board and has tested Leqembi in clinical trials, said he first warned about nihilism at a November 2022 conference following a presentation of Leqembi's breakthrough study.

Eisai had asked its scientific advisors how the drug might fare against future rivals. Liss cautioned that rivals were not the enemy; "your enemy is nihilism,'" he recalled. "All of the neurologists around the table started applauding."

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Dr. Nathaniel Chin, a geriatrician with the University of Wisconsin's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, said he was the target of negative comments on social media after he urged geriatricians to embrace such treatments in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Geriatricians, geriatric social workers and nurses objected, arguing that the drug's statistically significant benefit was not clinically meaningful to patients, especially given the risks, he said.

"I would ask the question, 'Is it ethical to withhold a medication that is FDA-approved and covered by insurance from someone who knows the risk and is willing to take it?'" Chin said.

Dr. Priya Singhal, executive vice president and head of development at Biogen, acknowledged some apathy among physicians about the treatment but said that infrastructure and lack of access to neurologists have been bigger issues.

Singhal said the companies are working with physician and patient advocacy groups and developing educational programs and materials aimed at diagnosing early-stage patients, managing side effects and understanding the drug's benefits.

The companies said they intend to increase their salesforce by 30% as they aim for 100,000 patients by 2026.

For the moment, Leqembi is the only Alzheimer's drug on the market designed to slow the course of the disease. A decision on Lilly's donanemab has been delayed until the FDA convenes an advisory panel.

Lilly neuroscience president Anne White said in an interview that she sees doctor hesitancy as an issue that the company hopes to address by making clear which patients benefit from such treatments.

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, many patients are still independent, and to be able to remain so for longer is very meaningful, she said.

Lyn Castellano, 64, who founded and ran a St. Louis breast cancer charity for 20 years and trained therapy dogs, started taking Leqembi last September, nearly a year after she found herself struggling with keeping track of appointments and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.

Castellano said the prospect of bleeding in the brain – a possible side effect of the drug - was her biggest concern, but her family believed the drug may offer a chance at slowing the disease.

She is one of more than 140 patients being treated by physicians from Washington University in St. Louis, and has had 13 infusions and two MRIs without incident.

Dr. Suzanne Schindler, an Alzheimer's researcher who is treating Castellano, said Leqembi "forces clinicians to completely change the way they have practiced medicine for many years."

She said she is candid about Leqembi's modest benefit as well as the risks. About 80% of those she believes are good candidates have opted for the treatment, she said.

While Castellano can't tell if Leqembi is helping, she says the treatment has given her hope, and she doesn't mind the twice monthly infusions.

"I get to go, sit back in a nice chair, have my dog with me and read a book for a couple hours. It's about the only place I get some peace and quiet."

A legendary rugby player has cited the fear and anxiety that has come into his life among the reasons for urging the Australian government to fund support services and education about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Wally Lewis, dubbed "The King" when he played rugby league for Queensland state and Australia in the 1980s, made an appeal on behalf of the Concussion and CTE Coalition for millions of dollars in funding during a National Press Club address Tuesday.

The 64-year-old Lewis said he’s living with probable CTE, which he described as a type of dementia associated with repeated concussive and sub-concussive blows to the head.

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Lewis, who worked for decades as a television sports anchor after retiring as a player in the early 1990s, relayed his own experience to get his message across.

"The fear is real. I don’t want anyone to have to live with the fear and anxiety that I live with every day, worried about what I’ve forgotten ... the fear of what my future will look like," Lewis said. "And living with the constant fear and anxiety that I’ll let people down – the people who all my life have been able to rely on me and looked to me for my strength and leadership."

Lewis led Australia’s Kangaroos in 24 international matches, was among the original players to popularize the annual State-of-Origin series, and was included in Australia’s Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008.

The National Rugby League has honored him as a so-called "Immortal" of the game.

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Yet his memories of it aren’t clear. He started playing rugby league as a young boy and also played rugby union at an elite level before embarking on a professional career in rugby league.

"It’s a journey marked by the twin shadows of fear and embarrassment, a journey through the fog of dementia and the erosion of my memory," he said. "I once had the confidence in myself to succeed, lead a team to victory, captain my country, remember the strengths and weaknesses of opposition teams, organize myself each and every day and feel well and truly in control of my life.

"Now, much of that confidence has been taken away from me by the effects of probable CTE dementia."

Lewis said better community awareness on concussion was needed and prevention programs, including a sharper focus on tackling techniques from young players through to professionals.

Awareness of CTE and concussion has grown since players in contact football sports, including the National Football League in the United States and rugby union in Britain, launched concussion lawsuits.

The Rugby World Cup took place last year against the backdrop of a concussion lawsuit in Britain that had similarities to one settled by the NFL in 2013 at a likely cost of more than $1 billion.

CTE, a degenerative brain disease known to cause violent moods, depression, dementia and other cognitive difficulties, can only be diagnosed posthumously. It has been linked to repeated hits to the head endured by football, rugby and hockey players, boxers and members of the military.

"As Wally Lewis I have influence – I have a platform – and I intend to use it at every opportunity to bring about change for all Australians like me who are impacted by CTE," Lewis said, "and to do whatever I can to protect the brains of Australian children from CTE."

A chemotherapy alternative called immunotherapy is showing promise in treating cancer — and a new artificial intelligence tool could help ensure that patients have the best possible experience.

Immunotherapy, first approved in 2011, uses the cancer patient’s own immune system to target and fight cancer. 

While it doesn’t work for everyone, for the 15% to 20% who do see results, it can be life-saving.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Like any medication, immunotherapy has the potential for adverse side effects — which can be severe for some. 

Studies show that some 10% to 15% of patients develop "significant toxicities."

Headquartered in Chicago, GE HealthCare — working in tandem with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, Tennessee — has created an AI model that's designed to help remove some of the uncertainties surrounding immunotherapy.

Over the five years it’s been in development, the AI model was trained on thousands of patients’ electronic health records (EHRs) to recognize patterns in how they responded to immunotherapy, focusing on safety and effectiveness.

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"The model predicts which patients are likely to derive the benefit from immunotherapy versus those patients who may not," said Jan Wolber, global digital product leader at GE HealthCare’s pharmaceutical diagnostics segment, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"It also predicts which patients have a likelihood of developing one or more significant toxicities."

When pulling data from the patient’s health record, the model looks at demographic information, imaging scans, preexisting diagnoses, lifestyle habits (such as smoking), medication history and more.

"All of these data are already being collected by the patient’s oncologist, or they’re filling out a form in the waiting room ahead of time," said Travis Osterman, a medical oncologist and associate chief medical information officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

(Osterman is working with Wolber on the development of the AI model.)

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"We're not asking for additional blood samples or complex imaging. These are all data points that we're already collecting — vital signs, diagnoses, lab values, those sorts of things."

In a study, the AI model showed 70% to 80% accuracy in predicting patients’ responses to immunotherapies, according to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics.

"While the models are not perfect, this is actually a very good result," Wolber said. "We can implement those models with very little additional effort because there are no additional measurements required in the clinic."

This type of technology is "a natural progression of what we've been doing in medicine for a very long time," Osterman said.

"The only difference is, instead of surveying patients, we're taking the entirety of the medical record and looking for risk factors that contribute to an outcome," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

With immunotherapy, there is generally a lower response rate than with chemotherapy, Osterman noted — but some patients have "incredible responses" and ultimately become cancer-free.

"I would be horrified to know that one of my patients that I didn't give immunotherapy to could have been one of the tremendous responders," he told Fox News Digital. 

Conversely, Osterman noted that in rare cases, immunotherapy can have some serious side effects.

"I would say about half of patients don't have any side effects, but for those who do, some of them are really life-altering," he said. 

"We don't want to miss anyone, but we also don't want to harm anyone."

At the core of the AI project, Osterman said, is the ability to "put all the information into the exam room," so the oncologist can counsel the patient about the risks and benefits of this particular therapy and make the best, most informed decision about their care. 

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the AI model’s development but commented on its potential.

"AI models are emerging that are helping to manage responses to cancer treatments," he told Fox News Digital. 

"These can allow for more treatment options and be more predictive of outcome."

AI models like this one are an example of "the essential future of personalized medicine," Siegel said, "where each patient is approached differently and their cancer is analyzed and treated with precision using genetic and protein analysis."

As long as physicians and scientists remain in charge — "not a computer or robot" — Siegel said that "there is no downside."

The AI model does carry some degree of limitations, the experts acknowledged.

"The models obviously do not return 100% accuracy," Wolber told Fox News Digital. "So there are some so-called false positives or false negatives." 

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The tool is not a "black box" that will provide a surefire answer, he noted. Rather, it's a tool that provides data points to the clinician and informs them as they make patient management decisions.

Osterman pointed out that the AI model uses a "relatively small dataset."

"We would love to be able to refine our predictions by learning on bigger data sets," he said.

The team is currently looking for partnerships that will enable them to test the AI model in new settings and achieve even higher accuracy in its predictions. 

Another challenge, Osterman said, is the need to integrate these AI recommendations into the workflow.

"This is pretty new for us as a health care community, and I think we're all going to be wrestling with that question," he said. 

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Looking ahead, once the AI model has achieved the necessary regulatory approvals, GE HealthCare plans to make the technology available for widespread use by clinicians — perhaps even expanding to other care areas, such as neurology or cardiology.

There is also the potential to incorporate it into drug development.

"One of the things that drug makers struggle with is that some of the agents that may be really useful for some patients could be really toxic for others," Osterman said.

"If they were able to pick which patients could go into a trial and exclude patients with the highest risk of toxicity, that could mean the difference between that drug being made available or not."

He added, "If this means that we're able to help tailor that precision risk to patients, I'm in favor of that."

Ultimately, Osterman said, "it's a really exciting time to be in medicine … I think we're going to look back and regard this as the golden age of AI recommendations. I think they're probably here to stay."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health.

As whooping cough cases are surging globally, some may wonder if it’s necessary to get a booster.

Cases of the childhood respiratory disease also known as pertussis are surging internationally and in parts of the U.S., according to a recent report.

Bordetella pertussis is a type of bacteria that causes a very contagious respiratory infection that spreads from person to person through small respiratory droplets, per the CDC.

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"Reports indicate that whooping cough outbreaks are surging across Europe, Asia and parts of the United States, including Northern California, marking the largest uptick since 2012, with cases rising sharply since December," Maggie Rae, president of the Royal Society of Medicine’s epidemiological and public health section in London, told Fox News Digital.

In the U.K., there were an estimated 555 cases in January of this year and 913 cases in February — compared to 858 cases for all of 2023, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Cases in China totaled more than 15,000 this January. That's 15 times higher than the same time period last year, reports stated.

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"Concerns are mounting in Europe, especially in the Netherlands, where 1,800 cases were reported in the first two weeks of April, leading to four deaths, with declining childhood vaccination rates cited as a possible cause by public health officials," Rae said.

"This is a very important public health issue, and I would urge those members of the public who require a vaccine for pertussis to take this up."

Whooping cough is mostly controlled in the United States, although "breakthrough cases" can occur in people who are fully vaccinated. 

Clusters of cases in certain parts of the U.S. are expected for this time of year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There have been small "clusters" of cases of whooping cough in the U.S., extending from San Francisco to New York City.

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A Catholic high school in San Francisco, California, has reported more than 12 cases since January, according to local reports.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimated 244 cases from Oct. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024. 

That's a 200% increase compared to the same time period in the prior year, a recent health advisory stated.

Most unvaccinated cases involved infants, while most vaccinated individuals were school-aged children. 

A majority of adults had an unknown vaccination history, the advisory noted.

The U.S. typically has approximately 20,000 cases of pertussis per year. Yet as people donned masks and practiced physical distancing during the pandemic, annual cases dropped to 6,124 in 2020 and 2,116 in 2021, according to the CDC.

Clusters of cases often occur where there are large groups of young people, such as child care centers and schools.

"The symptoms of pertussis are initially like a cold, with a runny nose, and progress to a cough," Jennifer Duchon, M.D., hospital epidemiologist and director of antimicrobial stewardship at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital in New York, told Fox News Digital.

Patients tend to develop a cough that can become severe — sometimes to the point of vomiting, Duchon said.

"The characteristic ‘whooping’ sound is a gasp that is made when trying to breathe after a long episode of coughing," she added.

The cough can linger for weeks after a person catches pertussis.

When outbreaks occur, babies are at a high risk of getting sick and dying from the infection, health officials warn.

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"Pertussis is most severe in infants 6 months of age or less, especially in infants who were born preterm or are not immunized," Duchon said.

"Young infants can have a severe cough that impairs their ability to breathe, and can lead to episodes where they vomit, struggle to breathe or even cease breathing after bouts of coughing."

Babies often won’t make that whooping sound, so a warning sign is when their face turns blue as they struggle to breathe, the CDC noted.

The infection can progress to bacterial pneumonia or a condition called pulmonary hypertension, in which heart function is affected by the disease, Duchon warned.

Health care providers typically test for the disease with a nasal swab.

"If pertussis is caught early, patients can take an antibiotic called azithromycin, but this only helps make the disease less severe and does not cure the disease," Duchon noted.

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"If someone is exposed to pertussis and is at risk for severe disease or had a lot of contact with the ill person, doctors will sometimes recommend a short course of an antibiotic to act as a ‘prophylaxis’ against the disease."

Currently, there are two kinds of vaccines for whooping cough available in the U.S., according to the CDC.

"The best way to prevent the disease is to make sure that all family members and health care workers are up-to-date on their vaccinations — not only for pertussis, but also other vaccine-preventable diseases," Duchon told Fox News Digital.

The DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

The DTaP vaccine is for babies, while the Tdap "booster" vaccine is for pre-teens, teenagers and adults, per the CDC.

"Before vaccination became available, the disease used to be a major cause of mortality in young children," Duchon noted.

Due to the high risk to babies, the CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy, regardless of their prior vaccination status.

This prevents 78% of cases in infants younger than 2 months old and decreases hospitalization by 90% for infants younger than 2 months old who are infected with pertussis, according to the CDC.

It is recommended that babies get immunized with the DTaP vaccine series, which provides immunity for three separate infectious diseases — diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

"Children should get their primary series of vaccines at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months, and then at 15 months through 18 months, and at 4 years through 6 years," Duchon advised.

Adolescents should receive the Tdap vaccine at 11 to 12 years old to boost their immunity, the CDC recommends.

In children who receive the full series, 98% have full protection against the infection within a year after the last dose, but the response decreases to 71% after five years, the agency states.

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As pertussis immunity wanes from the original vaccination series in childhood, adults should get regular boosters, Monica Gandhi, M.D., professor of medicine and an infectious disease specialist at UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital, told Fox News Digital.

"Although the exact frequency of the need for booster vaccination has not been precisely worked out, we recommend a tetanus vaccine every 10 years," she said.

As the pertussis vaccine comes formulated with tetanus immunization in the form of the Tdap vaccine, many practitioners recommend a pertussis vaccine every 10 years when the booster for tetanus is provided, according to Gandhi.

Other providers may only recommend routine pertussis boosters in certain circumstances, such as for pregnant women or adults who have never been vaccinated, Duchon added.

"Everyone in close contact with a very young infant should be vaccinated against pertussis," she said. 

"We call this strategy ‘cocooning,’ where those around the baby form a protective wall against the disease."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Toddler milk products have grown into a multibillion-dollar global business, despite warnings from health authorities that the benefits of this milk formula are unproven.

The products are marketed with claims of improving brain development or immune function, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an Oct. 2023 report that toddler formula is "unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children."

"For healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of a need [for] or benefit from toddler milk," Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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In spite of these warnings, toddler milk has grown into a $20 billion worldwide business, according to a recent report.  

"It is disappointing that regulations have not been strengthened, given package claims and marketing messages that imply toddler milks are beneficial, or even necessary, for a toddler’s healthy growth," Fran Fleming-Milici, PhD, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, told Fox News Digital.

Most infants in the U.S. receive some or all of their nutrition from formula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods at around 4 to 6 months of age, ensuring intake of essential nutrients like iron, calcium and zinc, the AAP said in a previous statement.

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Infant formula is regulated under The Infant Formula Act, which requires that the products meet nutritional requirements as the only source for babies through the first 12 months of age, the statement added.

If a toddler beverage is intended for infants younger than 12 months, the product must comply with the FDA’s infant formula regulations in addition to all other applicable food regulations, an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

There are two different types of toddler milk on the market: transition formulas for infants and toddlers 9 months to 24 months old, and toddler milk for children 12 months to 36 months age, according to a previous research report from the NYU College of Global Public Health. 

Unlike infant formulas, toddler milks are not nutritionally complete, experts said.

Approximately 80% of toddler milks have higher sugar content than whole milk and 100% have less protein, the AAP stated.

After toddlers are weaned off breast milk or infant formula, Ferry recommends that they drink milk and water, with the majority of their nutrients coming from solid foods.

"A healthy diet for toddlers would limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar," she said.

"Toddler beverage products intended for children 1 year and older are regulated as conventional foods and must comply with the FDA’s labeling regulations," an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"This includes providing the Nutrition Facts label, specifically for children 1 to 3 years of age."

When it comes to marketing toddler milks, manufacturers must adhere to certain rules.

"Manufacturers cannot make claims regarding disease conditions, but can use language relating to symptoms, even if they are not supported by evidence," he told Fox News Digital in an email.

They can claim their product is lactose-free, for example — but cannot claim that it is helpful for lactase deficiency, he said.

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"Nutrient content claims or health claims are not allowed on food products intended specifically for use by infants and children under 2 years of age unless specifically provided for by regulation," added the FDA spokesperson.

"In general, the product labeling must be truthful and not misleading."

Some experts warn that infant formula and toddler milk are often marketed and packaged in a way that may lead parents to believe they are the same in terms of nutritional content.

"The cross-promotion of toddler milks with infant formula … allows for the trust caregivers have for formula brands to be transferred to a product that is not regulated, contains added sugar, and is not recommended by the AAP," warned Fleming-Milici.

"Research shows that these messages lead caregivers to believe toddler milks are superior to their family meals and plain cow’s milk – which is much less expensive and is what experts recommend."

A WHO report noted that "formula milk marketing, not the product itself, disrupts informed decision-making and undermines breastfeeding and child health." 

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Showing parents educational videos to correct misleading marketing can help to reduce sugary drink consumption in the first few years of a child’s life, Fleming-Milici’s research found.

"Exposure to the videos significantly reduced positive attitudes toward toddler milks and fruit drinks, and reduced intentions to serve both," she told Fox News Digital.

Advocates, however, argue that toddler formula is helpful to many young children who don’t get the proper nutrients in their diet.

"Research demonstrates that nutrient intake for young children often falls below adequate levels for iron, vitamins D and E, calcium, choline, potassium and fiber," a spokesperson from the Infant Nutrition Council of America (INCA) told Fox News Digital.

INCA is a Washington, D.C.-based association of manufacturers of infant formulas and toddler milks, representing brands including Abbott Nutrition, Perrigo Nutritionals and Reckitt Benckiser.

"For kids 12 months to 36 months who need nutritional support, toddler nutritional drinks have been shown to contribute to nutritional intake and potentially fill nutrition gaps, as recognized globally in the international Codex Alimentarius standard," the INCA spokesperson added.

When children need extra nutrition because of a medical condition — such as failure to thrive or an intestinal or metabolic disorder — they should receive specialty liquid nutrition rather than products marketed as toddler milk, Ferry noted.

A spokesperson from Nestlé, which makes a variety of powdered milk products for toddlers, said in response to an earlier Fox News Digital query that the company "seeks to provide a range of foods and beverages to support consumers at all stages of life."

The spokesperson added, "Nestlé has consistent standards that apply to our responsible marketing for products intended for babies and young children. Those standards and practices fully comply with the WHO [World Health Organization] code and follow either local law or our own policy — whichever is stricter."

A spokesperson from Similac also submitted a statement to Fox News Digital in response to an earlier query as well. 

"National health studies indicate that U.S. toddlers have nutritional gaps in their diet often related to picky eating," the spokesperson said. "When they don’t do well transitioning to table foods, or won’t drink milk, our toddler drinks contain many of the complementary nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that they may be missing in their diet."

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The spokesperson also said, "Toddler drinks may be an option to help fill nutrient gaps for these children 12 to 36 months of age. Abbott does not recommend or indicate its toddler drinks for infants under 12 months of age."

Fox News Digital also reached out to other companies that make powdered milk products for toddlers.

Parents of young children should always check with their pediatricians for the best and latest nutrition advice.

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.  

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

After 17 years of serving his country, Mark Kelm is now providing a different type of service: He's advocating for others who, like him, are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Kelm, who lives in a small Minnesota town with his wife of 23 years and three children, was just 38 years old when he was diagnosed with PD, a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, loss of balance and other movement issues.

He credits his military background for preparing him for this latest challenge.

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"I believe the times that I had in the military really prepared me to handle living with a disease like Parkinson's — knowing how to adapt and overcome in any given circumstance," he told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

"And I think those life skills that I learned in the Army are still quite useful today."

Raised by a police deputy and a nurse, Kelm said that for as long as he can remember, his life has been geared toward service.

Since enlisting in the Army Reserves in 1989, Kelp has served many years of active duty, spent time in the National Guard and held a role as a military chaplain.

In 2006, Kelm transitioned to a role as a chaplain for a federal law enforcement agency.

Two years later, at just 38, he was alarmed when he started experiencing involuntary twitching. 

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"One muscle in my arm kept twitching, and it was causing my finger to twitch as well, and it just wouldn't stop," he recalled. 

That began Kelm’s journey toward a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s, which he received at the Mayo Clinic’s neurology department in Minnesota.

"That was a pretty dark day — knowing that it's a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder that currently does not have a cure or any disease-modifying drugs," he said. 

"As a chaplain, I performed funerals for people who had died from complications of Parkinson's. So I was very familiar with some of the end-stage aspects of the disease."

Kelm started taking Levodopa, a central nervous system drug that helps to manage Parkinson's motor symptoms.

For eight years, he "stayed quiet" on the disease. In 2016, he said, "It was affecting me enough that I no longer could hide it."

That’s when Kelm retired from full-time work — but his next chapter was just beginning.

"After having my own little pity party after my diagnosis, I realized that wasn’t really helpful," he said. 

Kelm’s older daughter, who was in high school at the time, immediately started researching his disease. She soon became involved with fundraising and awareness efforts through the Parkinson’s Foundation.

He was so impressed by his daughter’s efforts that he decided it was time to "get off the bench and get back into the game."

Kelm has since "jumped in with both feet."

He became the national chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Council, which ensures that the perspective of people living with PD is integrated into the foundation’s program development.

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In 2020, Kelm helped create an annual Parkinson's Awareness Day at Target Field, in partnership with the Minnesota Twins.

He has also organized events to raise funds for the Minneapolis-based Struthers Parkinson's Center, and volunteers on the U.S. Department of Defense's medical research programs for Parkinson's.

"My service is connected to Parkinson's now," Kelm told Fox News Digital.

"It has been an absolute blessing, because it's allowed me to meet people from all around this great nation and even the world," he went on. 

"It's been very positive for me, and I’m very hopeful that there's a lot of research being done right now."

Kelm’s advocacy could also indirectly benefit his health, according to Dr. James Beck, PhD, chief scientific officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation in New York City.

"The symptoms of PD – slowness of movement, difficulty in movement, etc. – can shrink a person’s world," Beck told Fox News Digital. 

"Mark’s effort to be involved and make a difference has helped him learn more about his own disease and to be a model advocate for his own care and health."

People who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 50 are considered early-onset patients.

Just 4% of people are diagnosed before the age of 50 — and Kelm was one.

Early-onset patients are three times as likely to have a genetic form of the disease, according to Beck.

"People with EOPD typically have a much slower rate of progression of their disease than those diagnosed at an older age," Beck noted.

Younger patients, however, are more likely to notice stiffness earlier in the course of the disease.

"They will often experience dystonia (e.g., cramping of a hand or toes) as an early symptom," Beck said. 

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Patients with early-onset disease will also often experience levodopa-induced dyskinesia (involuntary movements of body parts) more frequently than those diagnosed after the age of 50, according to Beck.

Kelm said he does experience dyskinesia from time to time.

"At first, I thought, ‘I’m going to beat this,’" he said. "And after a few years, I started having some swallowing issues, which led to choking while eating."

"It was a wake-up call, and an awareness that I needed to do more to manage the disease."

Coming to terms with his mortality was tough, Kelm acknowledged — but he found some comfort in knowing.

"You don't die from Parkinson's — you die with Parkinson's," he said. "You die from complications of the disease, especially if you're younger. And I found peace in knowing that everything is going to be OK."

He added, "All of us are going to leave this earth one way or another. Some of us are given knowledge beforehand, while others are not."

There are currently more than 110,000 veterans with Parkinson’s disease who receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

In 2009, the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report stating that there is "suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing Parkinson's disease."

As the Parkinson’s Foundation stated, PD is a "presumptive condition for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and certain other toxins during military service."

Due to this designation, veterans with Parkinson’s who were exposed to these toxins are automatically eligible to receive health care and disability benefits from the VA.

Beck of the Parkinson’s Foundation said it makes sense that there could be a link between PD and military service.

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"Although I have not seen a report of a direct increase in PD after military service, given the environmental exposures of many of our service members – head trauma, solvent exposure, etc. – it would not surprise me to see a higher prevalence of PD among veterans," he told Fox News Digital.

Kelm noted that although the U.S. veteran population is getting smaller, the Parkinson's rate within the community is "increasing significantly."

He told Fox News Digital, "I suffered two TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) in service, which the VA believes likely contributed to my Parkinson's, along with chemical exposure." 

The Parkinson’s Foundation partnered with the VA in 2020 in an effort to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for veterans with PD and their loved ones.

Many military veterans with Parkinson’s find it difficult to bring themselves to ask for help after so many years of supporting others. This was the case for Kelm after his diagnosis.

"I was in a pretty dark place at first," he recalled. "As a chaplain, my job was for people to come to me — not for me to seek them out."

A doctor at Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minnesota recognized that Kelm needed help and physically walked him to a psychologist’s office.

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"I sat down and started talking, and it really was my awakening — an awareness of how much I needed to listen to another person and have them sort through things."

The psychologist helped Kelm realize that he could continue to serve others while also allowing others to serve him.

Over time, people in the Parkinson’s community began calling on Kelm to help others with young-onset PD who had recently been diagnosed.

"I want to reach out to as many people as possible and get them the help they need to live the best quality of life that they can," he said.

"I want to let them know that there is hope. It’s not all darkness — there is light. They still have a lot of life to live."

During the harder days, Kelm finds encouragement and comfort in his faith.

"It’s the belief that no matter what happens, I don't have to fear, because I know God is is with me," he said. 

"I have hope that as my body becomes weaker, God's strength will become more and more evident."

Kelm said he is also optimistic that headway is being made toward improved Parkinson’s treatments and a future cure.

He is encouraged by the increases in fundraising and research.

"I'm hoping that I get to live until I'm 80 and chase grandkids around. But for that to happen, we're going to have to do the research, so that science can point us in the right direction."

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For others who are newly diagnosed, Kelm urges them to seek help and build a network — which may include a counselor or therapist, religious leaders, doctors, physical therapists or a speech therapist.

"Allow others to help you," he encouraged. "It's hard at first. You might think you can fight the disease and manage the struggle on your own. But even Jesus had help carrying the cross."

For veterans with Parkinson’s, Kelm urges them to seek support from the VA.

"Look around, ask and talk to others, and you will find dedicated people who will allow you to flourish as you live with your Parkinson's disease."

Beck echoed the importance of being open about a diagnosis to "help bring Parkinson’s out of the shadows … It can be a difficult first step, but is worth it in the end," he said. 

"Loved ones will often already know something is amiss. Sharing your PD diagnosis with them will often result in relief at knowing what is wrong, and the opening of tremendous support."

People can call the Parkinson’s Foundation’s free helpline at 1-800-473-4636, or can visit parkinson.org or parkinson.org/veterans for information about where to get support. 

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requesting additional comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on a range of wellness topics: health care access, innovative surgeries, cancer research, mental health trends and much more — plus, personal stories of people and families overcoming great obstacles.

Check out some top recent stories in Health as your weekend continues — and prep for the week ahead.

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These are just a few of what's new, of course. 

There are many more to see at http://www.foxnews/health. 

For Ruby Smart, 15, Levemir is the insulin medication that works best to control her type 1 diabetes — but the manufacturer is discontinuing it. 

Alison Smart is on a mission to protect her daughter's access to the drug. Click here to get the story.

Is extreme heat a public health threat? 

Fox News Digital reports the findings in the latest Mortality & Morbidity Report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including a spike in emergency room visits due to heat-related illness. Doctors chime in on the potential risk. Click here to get the story.

If you're having trouble falling or staying asleep, you might be overlooking one important lifestyle factor. 

Two sleep specialists reveal essential ingredients for high-quality sleep. Click here to get the story.

Tayla Clement, 26, was born with a rare disorder that has made it impossible for her to smile — but she says she is grateful for it. 

The New Zealand woman discusses with Fox News Digital how she overcame trauma and learned to celebrate her differences. Click here to get the story.

A new study found that higher amounts of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) were found in drinking water in certain parts of the U.S. 

Public health experts weigh in on the risks of the toxic chemicals. Click here to get the story.

Is the "post-lunch coma" slowing down your productivity? 

A nutritional biologist shares six proven energy-boosters to to prevent post-meal fatigue. Click here to get the story.

A new study found that people who drank 100% orange juice consumed fewer calories than those who drank a sugar-sweetened orange beverage. 

Nutritionists reacted to the findings. Click here to get the story.

Many U.S. adults are getting too little sleep and have too much stress, according to a new Gallup poll. 

Dr. Marc Siegel of New York and a sleep expert and behavioral scientist discuss the connection between disordered sleep and dangerous stress levels. Click here to get the story.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Many Americans are getting too little sleep and have too much stress.

A new Gallup poll revealed 57% of adults would "feel better if they got more sleep," while 42% said they get "as much sleep as they need."

These findings have nearly reversed in the last decade, Gallup noted in a press release. The last measurement in 2013 found that 56% of Americans got the sleep they needed while 43% did not.

LACK OF SLEEP COULD BE A FACTOR IN A ‘SILENT EPIDEMIC,' EXPERTS WARN

Overall, however, Americans are getting fewer hours of sleep than they did in past decades.

In 1942, 59% of Americans were getting eight hours or more of sleep per night, while only 3% were getting five hours or less.

In 2024, only 25% of Americans get an average of eight hours of sleep, and 20% reported sleeping for five or less.

Young women are the least likely to get enough sleep, according to the study — with 36% of females versus 48% of males reporting getting enough shuteye.

SLEEP DISORDERS AND SUICIDE: A MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT REVEALS THE CONCERNING LINK

Sleep amounts for both men and women showed "significant declines from previous readings in 2013 and 2004," according to Gallup — and are the lowest measured for each group to date.

The decline was found across all age groups, although young adults between ages 18 and 29 saw the smallest difference.

Gallup suggested that an uptick in stress could be driving this downward trend in sleep, as the American Psychological Association reports a "strong connection between stress and sleep quality."

The poll showed that 63% of Americans who reported wanting more sleep also "frequently experience stress."

"Over the past 30 years, the number of Americans who are stressed has been on a steady incline after a sharp drop in 2003," Gallup reported.

"The most recent data show that nearly half of all Americans, 49%, report frequently experiencing stress — up 16 points over the past two decades and the highest in Gallup’s trend to date."

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP BY OPTIMIZING 6 BIOMARKERS: ‘INTEGRAL TO HEALTH’

Young women are also most likely to frequently experience stress, "exceeding men their age by 14 points," according to Gallup.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, confirmed this relationship between sleep and stress, calling it the "cycle of worry" during a Thursday appearance on "America’s Newsroom."

"They’re connected," he said. 

"If you get more stressed, you don’t sleep; if you don’t sleep, you get more stressed."

Siegel explained that "all of this spirals out of control," since sleeplessness is often remedied with caffeine — yet caffeine "interferes with your sleep cycle."

The same goes for drinking alcohol before bed to induce sleep, which "wears off and you wake up in the middle of the night," the doctor warned. 

Exposure to the blue light of smartphone screens can keep people awake, Siegel said.

WANT TO BE A MORNING PERSON? THESE 6 EXPERT TIPS MAY GET YOU THERE

"All of this is very bad for health," he said. "It leads to heart disease, it increases your risk of stroke, it causes you to gain weight."

For young women in particular, several factors could be causing them to lose sleep, including the use of social media, which can "feed anxiety," Siegel said.

A potential fix for the sleep-stress cycle is practicing "sleep hygiene," Siegel suggested, which includes sleeping in a dark room away from your cell phone.

"I treat stress and sleeplessness as the same thing," he said. "That’s why I don’t believe in sleeping pills … You’re just covering up the problem."

He added, "I want to get at why you’re worried and what I can do about the worry."

SLEEPING WITH LIGHTS OFF AND CLOSED BLINDS MAY PROTECT YOUR HEALTH: STUDY

Dr. Wendy Troxel, a Utah-based sleep expert and senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, told Fox News Digital in an interview that stress levels have remained "very high" since the COVID pandemic.

"[For] populations navigating multiple demands, including young people who are going to school or starting new jobs in this topsy-turvy world, it's understandable that they are experiencing increases in stress, and that's manifesting increases in sleep disturbances," she said.

In some instances, Troxel pointed out, lack of sleep has been worn as a "badge of honor" to prove that people are busy or productive.

"But I think that that cultural misconception is starting to wane," she said.

"The reality is, as a culture, we've just become more aware of the importance of sleep over the past 10 years, which is a great thing."

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To break the "vicious cycle" of stress impacting sleep and vice versa, Troxel offered several tips, including maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule to ensure that stress doesn’t "invade your life."

Incorporating a wind-down routine prior to bed can also bring down stress levels, the sleep expert noted.

These routines can involve relaxing activities such as deep breathing exercises, cuddling with a partner, journaling, doing gentle yoga or listening to music.

"It’s just about finding something that you can ritualize and do on a nightly basis to set the stage … to put aside all the demands and stress of the day and prepare for winding down and [going] to sleep," Troxel said.

For people who wake up in the middle of the night due to stress, she advised getting out of bed, performing a wind-down activity and then returning to bed.

This technique, called stimulus control, prevents the brain from forming the habit of waking up at a certain time to ruminate on stressful thoughts.

"We all have occasional stress-related sleep disturbances, but if that starts happening night after night, it becomes habit-forming," she said. 

"And that's where we see more chronic problems like insomnia. So, if you see that happening, treat it as a habit that your brain is learning — and break it."

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.