Almost half a million children face a life-threatening illness in the United States each year. For many, it means missing out on school, hanging out with friends and just doing the things kids do. We want to introduce you to a young woman who beat the odds and found a way to be a shining star, even when just eating put her life at risk.

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One in 31 American children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, three times higher than in the early 2000s. Diagnostic criteria have broadened significantly over time, likely contributing to this rise, though unlikely to be the sole reason for the increase.

WISH-TV Medical Expert Dr. Janel Gordon shares the basics, debunks a few myths, and shares some advice for parents in a new edition of Morning Checkup.

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The IU Motorsports Medicine Fellowship gives trainees a chance to specialize in everything a doctor might see while working with a motorsports team.

The program teaches the fellow about high velocity crash injuries, but they also manage primary care and injury prevention for these teams.

A fellow is a fully qualified doctor that has completed their required residency training. Working as a fellow is extra subspecialized training that allows better opportunities for a doctor in the future.

The team of doctors tackle the obvious, high velocity, and ultra high velocity crash injuries, but they also handle injury prevention and sit on safety panels to reduce serious injuries.

IU is increasing the amount of highly specialized motorsports doctors with this program.

These doctors work a lot with IndyCar, but get a chance to learn about other motorsports disciplines.

The program coordinates with multiple motorsports series, which gives the fellow a chance to travel with the teams and get as much real-world experience as possible.

The one-year program starts at the beginning of August, which means it wraps up with the greatest spectacle in racing as one of the final learning opportunities for the fellow.

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Shining a spotlight on the importance of emotional well-being for everyone: That’s the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Autism and mental health often overlap in ways that can be difficult for families to recognize. Experts at Easterseals Crossroads share advice on how to support people on the spectrum, especially when emotional or behavioral challenges arise alongside a diagnosis.

For people with autism, the world can be overwhelming and so can their emotions. Symptoms can sometimes look different in those with autism, but generally, they are the same.

Some services at Easterseals Crossroads include learning group activities, which Dreith says can improve mental health and reduce social anxiety. Dreith says gaming is a huge help with forming relationships and promoting a better mindset.

Easterseals Crossroads offers assessments, counseling and therapy tailored to children and teens with autism. They recommend starting as early as possible and checking in often.

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Acid reflux is a common issue across the U.S.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 20% of adults suffer from chronic acid reflux. But doctors say the good news is it’s treatable.

Some people know it all too well, the uncomfortable feeling after a big meal or eating certain foods.

Doctors warn it’s not only what you eat, but when you eat.

Experts say it’s best to finish eating three hours before going to bed. That means avoiding late-night snacks too. Sleeping on an incline, or on the left side can also help, and avoid clothes that are too tight or put pressure on the abdomen.

Doctors say to avoid alcohol and smoking. They also say losing extra weight can help relieve pressure on the stomach.

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A cervical teratoma is a rare, large tumor that develops in the neck, often in fetuses or newborns. The cancer often grows as the baby grows, and causes the airway to be restricted or even blocked. These cases require a specialized procedure during delivery to help the baby breathe and perhaps survive. News 8’s Brittany Noble has details of the lifesaving procedure in Monday’s Health Spotlight.

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Adults on average get one or two colds per year, with children getting up to six, and they usually last four to five days.

The symptoms are runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat.

But with the common cold, there are also some common myths that come with it.

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A new study from Australia shows that bacterial vaginosis (BV), commonly known as BV, should now be considered an STI/STD. BV affects 1 in 3 women, and is often recurrent in 50% of affected women following antibiotic treatment.  

Typical symptoms from BV include, vaginal itching, discharge, odor and pain with urination. BV can increase a woman’s risk of developing STIs/STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, which can increase a woman’s risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Becoming infected during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of premature birth or miscarriage.  

Though previous studies have shown BV is more common in sexually active women, to date, it has not been classified as an STI/STD. In the Australian study, the recurrence rate in infected women following antibiotic treatment was reduced by over 50% when male sexual partners were treated with oral and topical antibiotics. Prior studies also showed that women in same-sex relationships have a higher risk of BV. Additionally, having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, douching, having sex with an infected partner, and smoking increase the risk of a BV infection.   

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you have a history of recurrent BV infections, speak to your healthcare professional for further evaluation and possible partner treatment. 

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It’s becoming more common for people under 50 to be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, rates increased by more than 2% per year between 2012 and 2021. Could our everyday choices play a role?

It affects people from all walks of life.

The evidence does show that diet changes can help prevent the disease in all ages.

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A routine cancer screening led to a shocking diagnosis, now an Indianapolis man warns others to get the same screening.

People over 50 are at a higher risk for colon cancer, but now its becoming more common in younger adults. The American Cancer Society says early detection is key to survival.

Todd Carlson’s routine colonoscopy turned into a life-changing moment for him when he was 47-years-old.

The American Cancer Society now recommends regular screenings beginning at age 45, and even earlier if there’s a family history or symptoms. Black people are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.

If caught early, the survival rate is around 90%.

Now a year after his cancer diagnosis, Carlson is sharing his story in the hope that it will save lives.

The American Cancer Society suggests getting regular exercise, eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol to reduce your risk for colon cancer.

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