What the Public Needs to Know About PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistoryProductsEnvironmental ExposureHealth RisksFederal ActionHow to Avoid ThemFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents History Products Environmental Exposure Health Risks Federal Action How to Avoid Them Frequently Asked Questions Toxic chemicals known asperfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkylsubstances(PFAS) might have harmful health effects.They are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down and, when taken in, remain present in the human body. PFAS are found in everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, carpets or upholstery, water-resistant clothing, and cleaning products....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2135 words · Natalie Johnson

What the U.S. Food Allergen Labeling Law Really Requires

If you have food allergies—especially common allergies like peanuts and milk—you probably have noticed that food labels specifically list whether the foods in question contain any allergens. That’s because a law known as the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires manufacturers to clearly list theeight most common food allergenson product labels. Commonly referred to as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food labeling law, it’s designed to make it easier for people living with food allergies to identify foods they can have, along with those they should avoid....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 984 words · Scott Osborne

What the Updated CDC Mask Guidance Means for K-12 Students

Key TakeawaysThe CDC reversed its previous recommendations, now saying students should wear masks indoors at school.The move is meant to protect students as well as staff and community members as new, highly contagious variants drive cases in unvaccinated people nationwide.Some states have prohibited mask mandates in schools and will not follow CDC guidelines under current legislation. Key Takeaways The CDC reversed its previous recommendations, now saying students should wear masks indoors at school....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1224 words · Erin Allen

What Thick Blood Means and How It’s Treated

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Thick Blood?SymptomsCauses of Thick BloodWhat Are the Risks of Thick Blood?Diagnosing Thick BloodTreatments for Thick BloodOutlook for Thick Blood Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Thick Blood? Symptoms Causes of Thick Blood What Are the Risks of Thick Blood? Diagnosing Thick Blood Treatments for Thick Blood Outlook for Thick Blood Having thick blood (known ashypercoagulability) means you are at increased risk for developing blood clots....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 761 words · Heather Nichols

What Thyroid Patients Need to Know About Decongestants

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHeart HealthDrug InteractionsAlternatives Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Heart Health Drug Interactions Alternatives Decongestants can pose a risk to people living with a thyroid disorder, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This article explains why some decongestants should be avoided and why it’s important to discuss medication use with your healthcare provider before taking them. Verywell / Emily Roberts...

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1395 words · Larry Vargas

What TikTok’s Pink Sauce Can Teach Us About Buying Food Online

Key TakeawaysTikTok’s viral Pink Sauce has been sold across the country for $20 a bottle.Complaints have emerged about both food quality and inaccuracies found on the food label, putting into question whether we should be buying food online from small businesses.The FDA dictates a set of rules companies need to comply with when selling food products across state lines. Key Takeaways TikTok’s viral Pink Sauce has been sold across the country for $20 a bottle....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1001 words · Jennifer Dalton

What Time of Day Is Best for Protein Intake If You Want to Gain Muscle?

Key TakeawaysThe “anabolic window” refers to the 30-60 minutes after exercise that is supposedly to best time to consume protein for muscle growth and recovery.Research shows that the window is much longer, around four to six hours before or after a workout.Instead of timing, experts say to focus on total daily protein intake and strength training for muscle building. Key Takeaways The “anabolic window” refers to the 30-60 minutes after exercise that is supposedly to best time to consume protein for muscle growth and recovery....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1144 words · Samantha Singh

What Time Should You Go to Bed?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Much Sleep to Get By AgeWhat Time Should You Sleep?When to Go to BedTips for Getting Enough SleepFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How Much Sleep to Get By Age What Time Should You Sleep? When to Go to Bed Tips for Getting Enough Sleep Frequently Asked Questions The amount of sleep you need each night changes over the course of your life....

January 17, 2025 · 16 min · 3233 words · Michelle Brown

What to Avoid (and Eat) With a Sore Throat

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat to AvoidWhat to EatOther Home RemediesWhen to Seek Care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What to Avoid What to Eat Other Home Remedies When to Seek Care Foods and beverages to avoid with a sore throat include crunchy or hard foods, acidic foods and drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, and more. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, and environmental irritants can cause asore throat, making it difficult to eat....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 824 words · Erica Vasquez

What to Avoid After a COVID Shot (and Do Instead)

Key TakeawaysThere are certain medications to avoid after your shot to lower the risk of your vaccine being less effective.Doctors recommend planning to rest the next day after your shot, just to be safe.The updated COVID-19 vaccine is widely available in many pharmacies and doctor’s offices across the country, making now a good time to book your shot if you haven’t already.You’ve probably heard that the vaccine comes with a risk of side effects....

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2360 words · Jennifer Robertson

What to Avoid With a G6PD Deficiency

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a G6PD Deficiency?What to AvoidWhat to Choose Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is a G6PD Deficiency? What to Avoid What to Choose Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiencyis a genetic condition that can be passed down from parents to their children. It’s a type ofhemolytic anemia, meaning oxygen-carrying red blood cells break down too fast (calledhemolysis), leading to a lack of red blood cells....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 866 words · Linda Walters

What to Consider at the End Stage of Multiple Sclerosis

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCare Options to ConsiderFinding the Right CareWhat to ExpectFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Care Options to Consider Finding the Right Care What to Expect Frequently Asked Questions Althoughmultiple sclerosis (MS) is not a fatal disease, it is highly unpredictable. The course of MS is different for every individual with the disease. Most people with MS will experience periods of remission, in which their symptoms lessen or disappear, and periods of exacerbation, in which symptoms become worse....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1728 words · Charles Anderson

What to Do (and Not Do) If Someone Is Having a Stroke

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhat to DoWhat Not to DoAfter a StrokeFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms What to Do What Not to Do After a Stroke Frequently Asked Questions Witnessing someone have astrokecan be a frightening experience. Because they can cause so much damage and lead to long-term disability or death, it’s important that everyone know the symptoms and what to do in the case of a stroke....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 983 words · Richard Mcmahon