Medical Minutes with WISH-TV

Researchers say 8% of kids and 10% of adults have at least one food allergy. Of those, 86% are allergic to more then one food.

Epipens are life savers.

However, a new treatment may help block allergic reactions from ever happening.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and cost are appealing. But health experts say that long list of ingredients should make you think twice.

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be easy to eat, tasty, and have a longer shelf life. But doctors say they are not good for your health.

One way to tell easily: there is usually a long list of ingredients … many you’ve likely never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen, you’ll know it’s ultra-processed.

The Washington Post lists some other red flags of processed foods. Look for: added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end with “…ose” such as fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or available in many flavors.

Leaving these unhealthy, ultra-processed products on the shelf means more room in your cart for the foods that benefit your body.

Experts also warn us to be mindful of clever marketing tactics that can make processed foods look healthy but still include a lot of added ingredients or sugars.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People born in the U.S. today can expect to live an average of 79 years. A century ago, that age was closer to 54. A lot has been learned about what will help people reach 70, 80, 90, and even 100. Don’t smoke, alcohol in moderation, eat healthy and exercise—that advice always seems too broad. But there are five very specific science-backed things you can do today that will add a decade or more to your life.

A new study out of Tulane University found taking at least 50 steps up the stairs each day could slash your risk of heart disease by 20%.

As for your diet, a study analyzing almost a half million people found that those who switched from soda and processed meats to whole grains, nuts, fruits, veggies, and fish added an extra 10 years on average to their life.

Skip the salt. For the first time, salt intake has been linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Also, find ways to manage your stress. That will reduce your risk of early death by 22%. Other ways to combat stress: keep a daily routine, limit screen time, and stay connected with others. And get a good night’s sleep. The key word is good. That means seven to nine hours without interruption.

How much do your genes play a role in how long you live? The New England Centenarian study found that genes account for less than one-third of your chances of surviving to age 85. The rest is dependent on your lifestyle choices.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 800 thousand people have a heart attack every year. For 200 thousand of these people, it will be their second heart attack. Poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity are leading contributors to a heart attack, but your emotions can also take a toll on your heart.

In a report from the American Heart Association, researchers found social isolation can increase the risk for a heart attack by 29%.

Anger is also not good for your heart. A study from Columbia University found that after being angry, your blood vessels are impaired for up to 40 minutes. This can lead to heart problems and eventually a heart attack.

Even extreme happiness can damage your heart. A European study found that people can have a sudden weakening of the heart muscles after a joyful event like a wedding, surprise party, or a sporting event. So, what can you do to keep your emotions from breaking your heart? Try yoga.

Deep breathing during yoga is calming and relieves stress if done regularly. You can also exercise 30 minutes five times a week to improve your heart health and getting together with friends can lower your risk for high blood pressure and a heart attack.

For the Columbia University study on anger, the participants involved were all healthy and had no signs of heart disease or other chronic conditions.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many diets focus on what you eat but intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat. The idea is that when your body is without food for hours, your sugar stores are used up and your body starts burning fat.

But now we’re learning a type of intermittent fasting called nocturnal fasting may have more benefits than just weight loss.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. The CDC says high blood pressure contributed to more than 691,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. So, how can you lower your blood pressure without medication?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, not only for the people who are diagnosed but also for their loved ones. Often relationships are impacted by the stress of the unknown.Now, a new one-of-a-kind program has been developed to help couples cope with cancer together.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plastic isn’t just an issue for the environment. It’s a problem for our health too. Studies show microscopic pieces and chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates can end up in our bodies.

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at plaque removed from the carotid arteries of 257 people. More than half had measurable levels of microplastics and in checkups in the years to follow, there was a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in that group. Microplastics have also been linked to many other health issues. So, what can you do to protect yourself?

Here are some helpful tips: use glass, ceramics, or paper plates in the microwave, not plastic containers.

Buy plastics labeled “b-p-a free.” and avoid plastics with recycle codes of three or seven – those are sometimes made with BPA.

Doctors say microplastics can sometimes be found in beauty and skincare items. They also recommend avoiding “highly processed” meals like chicken nuggets. They say to heat up baby formula in glass containers instead of plastic bottles.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions that affects adults. About 37.5 million Americans 18 and older report experiencing some difficulty hearing, and 1 out of 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 in the United States has hearing loss.

How are we hurting our ears?

Some everyday things may be causing hearing loss.

So, what can you do about it?

Studies say to try to keep your earbud volume between 60 to 85 decibels.

The IPhone health app can check audio levels and the surrounding environment.

Also, medications may have side effects that may harm ears “People forget that some medications have major side effects. Simple things like antibiotics can cause hearing loss.”

So, remember to lower the decibels now or face the silence later.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 37 million Americans over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. And men are twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss. Not only can it impact your ability to enjoy life, but it also puts you at an increased risk of cognitive decline. In fact, there’s a five times increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease when you are hard of hearing. That’s why it’s imperative to get hearing aids if you’re having trouble. But only one in five people who need them use them. Now, a new type of hearing aid is revolutionizing the market—think of it as a contact lens for your ear.

Earlens can help patients whose hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Patients are able to swim and do anything they would normally do with the Earlens. The only limitation is that if you need an MRI, the doctor will have to remove it. But replacing it takes a matter of minutes. The total cost of Earlens is $12,000.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.