Episodes

  • Lung cancer impacting younger patients

    Lung cancer impacting younger patients
    Nov 5 2025

    Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, affecting more people than breast, ovarian, and colon cancers combined. Yet misconceptions about who can develop the disease persist, according to Dr. Laurie Matt-Amaral, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

    "We see a lot of patients who get diagnosed with lung cancer and have never been a smoker," Dr. Matt-Amaral said during a recent interview for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "They have no exposure, potentially, and the cause is really unknown."

    While smoking remains a significant risk factor, Dr. Matt-Amaral explained that secondhand smoke exposure, asbestos, radon, pollution, and other environmental factors may contribute to lung cancer development. The medical community continues researching these potential triggers.

    A particularly concerning trend is the increase in younger patients being diagnosed with lung cancer and other cancers. Dr. Matt-Amaral noted that in recent weeks, she has treated patients younger than herself with metastatic cancers of various types.

    "There's really been a focus from a researcher's perspective," she said. "We're just seeing so much of it in younger people."

    The rise in younger diagnoses may stem from both increased awareness and an actual increase in cases. Dr. Matt-Amaral observed that younger generations are more proactive about seeking medical care when symptoms appear, while researchers work to identify potential causes and preventive measures.

    While vaping and marijuana use show evidence of causing lung damage, Dr. Matt-Amaral emphasized that researchers have not yet established a direct causal link to cancer. However, she noted that any changes to lung tissue DNA can increase cancer risk.

    One challenge facing younger patients is being taken seriously by healthcare providers. Dr. Matt-Amaral acknowledged this concern but said the oncology community has worked to educate physicians that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or exposure history.

    "Some people have had to see two, three, four doctors to sort of get their complaints addressed and come to find out it's a real cancer," she said.

    Current screening guidelines from organizations like the American College of Physicians and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have not changed, partly because researchers still do not fully understand all risk factors. However, Dr. Matt-Amaral suggested that unexplained symptoms warrant investigation.

    Warning signs include a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, chest discomfort, and new shortness of breath during normal activities. Dr. Matt-Amaral stressed that coughing up blood requires emergency attention.

    For those who smoke, Cleveland Clinic Akron General offers a smoking cessation program with specialized nurses who help patients access resources and develop quit plans. Dr. Matt-Amaral recommends a gradual approach rather than quitting cold turkey, such as reducing cigarette use by one or two per day or per week.

    Treatment advances, particularly immunotherapy, have improved outcomes for lung cancer patients. Dr. Matt-Amaral said researchers continue developing new drugs and personalized treatment approaches based on each patient's specific cancer characteristics.

    "I always look forward to being able to tell someone, hey, your cancer has this molecular abnormality, but good news, I have a drug to go with it," she said.

    Clinical trials are available locally through Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Cleveland Clinic's main campus, as well as through other major medical centers in the region and nationwide. Dr. Matt-Amaral encouraged patients to discuss clinical trial options with their oncologists.

    Her message for Lung Cancer Awareness Month is clear: lung cancer can happen to anyone. The best defense is open communication with healthcare providers, attention to symptoms, and smoking cessation for those who smoke.

    Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
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    14 mins
  • Busting Breast Cancer Myths

    Busting Breast Cancer Myths
    Oct 24 2025
    The biggest misconception about breast cancer continues to surprise Dr. Megan Miller almost daily in her practice at University Hospitals."I don't have a family history of breast cancer. Nobody in my family has ever even had a breast problem. Why do I have breast cancer?" Miller, a breast surgical oncologist, hears this question regularly from patients who are shocked by their diagnosis.The reality, she explains, is that the vast majority of breast cancer cases are sporadic events that don't stem from family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2."Everybody needs to get screened for breast cancer, whether you have a family history or not," Miller emphasized. "If you're a woman and you're age 40 or older, please, please, please get your mammogram once a year."Despite ongoing confusion about mammogram recommendations, Miller points to clear guidance from the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American Cancer Society: annual mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing as long as a woman's life expectancy makes screening beneficial."There's not like an age," Miller said, noting there's no specific cutoff at 75 or 80. "It's when your life expectancy is probably less than 10 years."Women with additional risk factors—including dense breast tissue, family history, or previous biopsies showing atypia—should consult with a breast specialist for personalized screening recommendations that may include supplemental MRI imaging.Miller also addressed another area of confusion: monthly breast self-examinations. While some women complain their breast tissue feels "lumpy bumpy," that familiarity is precisely the point."The idea of the self-exam is that you get to know your own breasts," she explained. "Are they lumpy bumpy in the same way each month? That helps us to know whether there's a change."Breast cancers typically present as hard nodules that feel distinctly different from normal tissue. Other warning signs include spontaneous nipple discharge that is bloody and one-sided, persistent skin rashes that don't respond to antibiotics, or unexplained lumps under the arm.Miller recommends performing self-exams at the same time each month—either when menstruation starts or on the first day of every month—along with annual clinical breast exams by a healthcare provider.Many women now see notifications about dense breast tissue on their mammogram reports. Miller explains that radiologists use this information, combined with personal health history questions about pregnancy, menstruation onset, and breastfeeding, to calculate lifetime breast cancer risk using models like the Tyrer-Cuzick or Gail model."If that risk is above 20%, in general, we will recommend supplemental screening with an MRI," Miller said.Dense breast tissue can make cancers harder to detect on mammograms because both appear white on imaging, while fatty tissue appears black. However, Miller stressed that this doesn't make mammograms ineffective—it just means some women need additional screening tools.Modern breast cancer treatment bears little resemblance to approaches from just 10 to 15 years ago, according to Miller. Early detection through regular screening means most cancers are found at treatable, often curable stages.While nearly all breast cancers still require surgery, far fewer patients need chemotherapy than in the past. Treatment has become increasingly individualized based on specific cancer characteristics including size, stage, lymph node involvement, and receptor types like ER-positive, HER2-positive, or triple negative.Even when chemotherapy is necessary, new technologies like cold cap therapy can significantly reduce hair loss—addressing one of patients' most common concerns.Radiation requirements have also decreased, and many women have choices about surgical approaches. Early-stage disease often allows for lumpectomy rather than mastectomy, meaning women can keep most of their breast tissue.Breast reconstruction has evolved from an afterthought to a standard part of treatment planning. Miller emphasized that reconstruction is not elective cosmetic surgery—federal law mandates insurance coverage for any reconstruction related to breast cancer treatment.Options include implant-based reconstruction and tissue transfer procedures using a patient's own tissue, typically from the abdomen or back. Symmetry procedures on the non-cancerous breast are also covered to prevent patients from being "left lopsided."Miller predicts that breast cancer treatment will continue trending toward less intervention as therapies become more targeted and effective.She cautioned women against comparing their experiences too directly with others, since breast cancer varies significantly based on multiple factors. Treatment plans are highly personalized, meaning one woman's experience may differ dramatically from another's. Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes...
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    19 mins
  • Future of medical research amid federal cuts

    Future of medical research amid federal cuts
    Oct 1 2025

    Medical research funding in Northeast Ohio continues to face significant challenges, with federal grant approval rates dropping to historic lows while private donations increasingly fill critical gaps in clinical trial support.

    Dr. Theodoros Teknos, President and Scientific Director of University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, reports that while NIH and NCI funding levels have remained stable, the competition for grants has intensified dramatically. Currently, only about 8% of submitted grants receive funding, down from approximately 20-22% when he began his career in medicine.

    "There's no question it's been very stressful because there's been a lot of uncertainty," Teknos said during a recent interview. The low funding rate means approximately 1 in 12 grants gets approved, leaving many important studies without government support.

    Private philanthropy has become essential to maintaining research momentum. Kathy Coleman's recent $3.5 million gift to the "Because of You: The Campaign for University Hospitals" will fuel expansion of the Kathy and Les Coleman Clinical Trials Center. This donation brings her lifetime giving to more than $14 million, all given in memory of her late husband, former Lubrizol Corp. chairman and CEO Lester Coleman Jr. These funds help offset clinical trial costs, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per patient.

    The funding challenges are particularly concerning for young scientists entering the field. Dr. Teknos notes that many brilliant PhDs are choosing industry careers over academic research due to concerns about securing funding and job security.

    Despite these challenges, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center continues expanding its clinical trial portfolio. The center currently offers more than 400 clinical trials annually and plans to triple its capacity by 2030. As a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, UH Seidman is one of only seven cancer centers in the country with access to novel drugs from the National Cancer Institute.

    The institution is developing innovative CAR-T cell therapies through the Wesley Center for Immunotherapy, which can create these specialized cells in just 24 hours compared to the industry standard of 12-30 days. UH is one of only 11 academic medical centers successfully manufacturing CAR-T cells for patient use. Additionally, researchers are advancing theranostic treatments that combine imaging and targeted radiation delivery.

    Coleman's donation will relocate the clinical trials center into a dedicated 16,000-square-foot space on the main campus, centralizing care and making room for new machinery to expand theranostic investigations. The expansion will also enable University Hospitals to bring phase one clinical trials directly to community locations, making cutting-edge treatments more accessible to patients who cannot travel to the main campus.

    "Clinical trials are critical for so many reasons," Coleman said. "On a global level, they help advance research and move us closer to cures; but for individuals and families, I know personally the hope they bring."

    The institution maintains its commitment to serving Northeast Ohio patients while navigating an increasingly competitive research funding environment. More information about the "Because of You" campaign is available at UHGiving.org.

    Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
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    18 mins
  • How the NFL's Medical Teams prepare for games overseas

    How the NFL's Medical Teams prepare for games overseas
    Sep 30 2025

    Dr. James Voos, president of the NFL Physicians Society and head team physician for the Cleveland Browns, says the planning for international games begins more than six months in advance. Medical staff must obtain temporary licenses to practice medicine in other countries, establish relationships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, and coordinate supplies and equipment that may be needed during practice or game day.

    "It's the exact same consideration of the players knowing that when they walk out on the field, they have the same level of care no matter where they're at," Dr. Voos explained in an interview for the Health Yeah! With Monica Robins podcast. "It just adds another layer to it when we go to another country with different laws and temporary medical licensure."

    The NFL has expanded its international presence in recent years, with games now played in London, Dublin, and Brazil. As the league continues to add new locations, the process of replicating the comprehensive medical protocols used in home stadiums has become increasingly refined.

    All of the same sideline personnel travel with the teams, including unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants who monitor for potential concussions, airway management physicians, and athletic trainers who serve as additional eyes watching the game from above. The medical equipment and blue sideline medical tent that fans see at every NFL stadium are set up identically at international venues.

    Dr. Voos, who also serves as the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, says the collaboration with international medical professionals has created valuable exchanges of best practices. Many European and Brazilian healthcare providers have attended NFL games and the NFL Combine to observe protocols firsthand.

    "We've been able to translate and match those protocols from each of the different sports together," he said, noting that many international partners work with high-level soccer and rugby programs. "It's one of those exchanges of ideas where you see they're doing this in soccer, or they're doing this in rugby, and how can we integrate all of these together."

    One notable difference Dr. Voos observed is that many European stadiums have more comprehensive emergency facilities built directly into the venue—essentially small emergency departments where more thorough evaluations can be performed before a player needs to be transported to a hospital.

    The emergency action plans used internationally are designed to mirror those used in the United States. If a player requires hospitalization, protocols are in place to ensure a member of the team's medical staff remains with the athlete to provide continuity of care and help ease anxiety about being in an unfamiliar medical system far from home.

    Beyond the immediate medical considerations, teams also address player health in the weeks leading up to international travel. Dr. Voos says education about managing jet lag begins several weeks before departure, with recommendations about sleep schedules, diet, and rest during the flight. Teams typically travel several days before game day to allow time for adjustment.

    "That process started several weeks ago of educating the players and really providing those tips and recommendations," he explained. "That way, we're not trying to figure it out when we get there."

    The goal, Dr. Voos emphasizes, is for the medical operations to be as invisible as possible so that players and fans can focus on the game itself. While fans at international venues may notice a few additional healthcare providers on the sidelines—the local medical partners working alongside the NFL teams—the evaluation and care processes remain unchanged.

    The NFL Physicians Society has made standardizing safety protocols across all venues a priority, working to ensure that the level of care is consistent regardless of location. As the league continues to expand its global footprint, these established relationships and processes will continue to evolve.

    "It really shows what a great job the NFL has done working with healthcare systems across the country," Dr. Voos said. "As the head team physician for the Browns and the president of the NFL Physicians Society, it's something we've taken great pride in—really being the leaders in medicine and the leaders in safety."

    Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
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    10 mins
  • Minority men face unique health challenges, but help is available

    Minority men face unique health challenges, but help is available
    Sep 25 2025

    Men of color in Cleveland face a dangerous myth that could be costing lives: the belief that they must "tough it out" until health problems become unbearable before seeking medical care.

    Dr. Randy Vince, director of minority men's health at University Hospitals in Cleveland, says this mentality prevents early detection of serious conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer—diseases that often show no symptoms until they reach advanced stages.

    "Usually it does not matter the medical condition when we're talking about hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, or even cancer like prostate cancer. You don't have symptoms until things are really advanced," Vince explained during a recent interview.

    The consequences extend beyond physical health. Suicide rates are increasing among Black men specifically, a trend Vince calls "very preventable" if men can be connected with mental health resources earlier.

    "The rates of suicide are actually increasing in black men specifically, and so I think if we can start to again dispel this myth that you can tough it out, I don't need to see a mental health professional, we can actually end up saving a lot of men," he said.

    Breaking down barriers to care

    Vince emphasizes that men need to understand their relationship with healthcare providers differently. "As physicians we work for you," he said, encouraging patients to seek second opinions and find new doctors if they don't feel heard.

    For men hesitant about traditional doctor visits, Vince points to alternative options. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can provide primary care services, and most preventative care is covered 100% by insurance with minimal copays.

    Men facing Medicaid cuts still have options, according to Vince. County boards of health, city resources, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can connect patients with care and insurance information.

    Critical screenings men shouldn't skip

    Starting at age 40, men should prioritize specific health screenings, Vince advises. Blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and cholesterol tests form the foundation of preventative care. Colon cancer and prostate cancer screenings become essential as these are "major cancer killers" with high survival rates when caught early.

    Mental health deserves equal attention. Vince recommends men start with resources they trust, including faith-based organizations that can connect them with professional help.

    "Depression, for instance, or anxiety, that is not abnormal," Vince said. "Many men face that, so I think if they can realize that this is not abnormal and you don't have to try to tough it out, you're not in this battle alone."

    Understanding the bigger picture

    Social determinants of health—factors like poverty, housing conditions, and access to nutritious food—significantly impact both physical and mental wellbeing. Vince points to environmental pollution causing respiratory conditions and limited access to healthy foods as examples of how external factors affect health regardless of medical care.

    "These social determinants of health all impact our health and it's despite whether or not you just go to the doctor or not," he explained.

    The stigma around mental health treatment is slowly lifting in communities, but "not fast enough," according to Vince. He encourages men to understand that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness.

    "Leaning into your struggles actually takes a lot of strength, not weakness," he said.

    Resources for men's health

    For mental health connections: The Cutler Center for Men connects men with mental health resources and can be reached by calling University Hospitals.

    For insurance and care resources: Contact your local county board of health or city health department for information about available insurance options and federally qualified health centers.

    For general health questions: Many health systems maintain websites with provider directories and appointment scheduling, and most offer telehealth consultations.

    Vince's final message to men is simple: "Be empowered. Do not feel like you're in a struggle alone. There's actually strength in numbers, and we are here to help. Knowledge is power, so don't be afraid to seek that knowledge."

    Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
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    13 mins
  • Psychedelic science: How LSD could reshape anxiety treatment

    Psychedelic science: How LSD could reshape anxiety treatment
    Sep 11 2025
    Researchers have conducted a rigorous clinical trial examining LSD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, with results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showing promising outcomes for patients who have struggled to find relief with existing medications.Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Brian Barnett, who participated in the multi-site study, says the findings address a critical gap in mental health treatment. About one-third of patients with psychiatric conditions don't respond to any existing treatments, affecting millions of Americans with depression, anxiety and other disorders."Our existing treatments, there's a little variability depending on the particular condition, but generally about a third of patients with a particular condition will not respond to any psychiatric treatment," said Barnett. "So, when you think about that at scale, that's millions of people who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder that's not responding to treatment."The Phase 2b study, conducted by Mind Medicine Inc., involved 198 adults with moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder across 22 psychiatric research sites in the United States. Participants received a single dose of MM120, a pharmaceutical-grade form of LSD, at varying strengths or a placebo.The most effective dose, 100 micrograms, showed significant improvements in anxiety symptoms that lasted throughout the 12-week observation period. Patients receiving this dose experienced a 7.6-point greater reduction in anxiety scores compared to those taking placebo, with 65% showing clinical response and 48% achieving clinical remission by week 12."About half of people were in remission from their generalized anxiety disorder 12 weeks after receiving a 100 microgram dose, so they no longer met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder," Barnett explained in an interview with WKYC's Monica Robins. "It's pretty impressive findings.""This study is a true turning point in the field of psychiatry," said Dr. Maurizio Fava, study author and Chair of Mass General Brigham Department of Psychiatry. "For the first time, LSD has been studied with modern scientific rigor, and the results are both clinically meaningful and potentially paradigm-shifting for the treatment of GAD."While researchers aren't entirely sure how psychedelics work therapeutically, Barnett explains they're believed to activate certain brain receptors and enhance neuroplasticity, making it easier for patients to learn new behaviors and thought patterns.The treatment showed results that appeared twice as effective as traditional medications like Prozac or Xanax when compared to historical studies, though Barnett cautions that direct head-to-head comparisons would be needed to confirm this finding.Generalized anxiety disorder affects approximately 26 million American adults, causing persistent worry that interferes with daily activities. Current first-line treatments fail about 50% of patients, and no new medications have been approved for the condition since 2007.Safety protocols for the study were extensive. About 90% of people with generalized anxiety disorder wouldn't qualify for these trials due to medical conditions like heart problems or history of bipolar disorder that could make psychedelic treatment risky."Safety is our number one priority in these trials," Barnett said. "We know that drugs like LSD are extremely powerful drugs, and if we're going to use them in medicine, then we have to do everything that we can to control the experience."During treatment sessions, participants are continuously monitored by two trained staff members in a controlled medical setting. Emergency medications are available if needed, though no serious adverse events occurred in the trials Barnett has conducted."There will never be a point where the FDA is going to approve sending psychedelics home with people," he emphasized. "They are drugs with strong psychoactive effects, so that's something we take very seriously."Side effects were consistent with LSD's known perceptual effects, including visual changes and nausea, occurring primarily on the day of treatment. Most adverse events were rated as mild-to-moderate and temporary.Based on these results, the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to MM120 for generalized anxiety disorder.Cleveland Clinic is currently enrolling patients for the Phase 3 trials, targeting 10 to 20 participants locally among several hundred nationwide. The trials will follow patients for a full year and allow multiple doses if needed, providing crucial information about how long benefits last.Many participants in the Phase 2 study eventually returned to traditional antidepressants, but often not until a year or more later, suggesting the psychedelic treatment provided substantial lasting benefits.Barnett doesn't consider this a "cure" for anxiety, noting that symptoms may return over time as they do with other psychiatric treatments. However, ...
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    15 mins
  • Water Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

    Water Safety Tips Every Family Should Know
    Jul 22 2025
    Flash flooding dangersThe National Weather Service emphasizes a simple but critical message for flooding situations: "Turn around, don't drown." Driving or walking into flood waters is a major cause of fatalities, as water often moves faster or runs deeper than it appears.Flash flooding remains one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities in the United States and can happen at any time of day or year. According to meteorologist Meredith Garafalo, flash flooding can occur in as little as a few minutes or after hours of continuous rain in the same location."It's especially dangerous at night because you can't always see the floodwaters," Garafalo explains.Two major contributing factors include the amount of rainfall and how long it persists. Urban areas, low-lying locations, and areas near rivers face particular risks due to limited water absorption and natural drainage patterns.Understanding the difference between watches and warnings is crucial. A flash flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, while a warning indicates conditions are imminent or already occurring.Different water environments present unique risksChildren aged five through fourteen are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and rivers compared to swimming pools. These environments present distinct challenges that require specific safety awareness.Natural water bodies often have unpredictable currents, varying depths, and limited visibility. Unlike pools with controlled conditions, lakes and rivers can have sudden drop-offs, underwater obstacles, and changing weather conditions that affect water safety.Retention ponds, commonly found in residential areas, present particular dangers. As noted by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, "they're not bodies of water to swim in." These man-made water features may appear calm but can have steep sides and murky water that conceals hazards.City officials have identified retention ponds as an ongoing concern, particularly for children with autism who may be drawn to these water sources near their homes. The challenge is that many of these drownings occur on private property, limiting municipal oversight and intervention capabilities.The tragedy becomes more pronounced for children with autism, who face drowning rates 160 times higher than their typically developing peers. This population is often drawn to water near their homes, making awareness and protective measures especially critical. An incident in Jacksonville, FL involved a 4-year-old boy with autism who was found in a retention pond in the Baymeadows area, highlighting the specific dangers these water features pose.Pool safety concernsDrowning deaths, particularly among children, increase during summer months, with July representing the peak period. For children between ages one and four, drowning is the leading cause of death, with a significant number of incidents occurring in home swimming pools.Tragic incidents underscore these dangers. Eight-year-old Christopher's body was discovered at the bottom of a swimming pool at a Holiday Inn in Strongsville where his family was staying. According to police call logs, the pool was checked at least three times before Christopher's body was found, almost nine hours after he was reported missing. The pool was described as "murky" and "cloudy," conditions that create serious safety hazards beyond just visibility issues.Murky pool water can harbor algae, harmful microorganisms, and bacteria that cause skin, respiratory, ear, and gastric infections. Such conditions can also host viral infections including norovirus and hepatitis A.Recognizing drowning signsContrary to Hollywood portrayals, real drowning incidents are much harder to spot than many people realize. For several years, Kevin Kreeger, Aquatics Director for Hastings Water Works, trained approximately 450 Northeast Ohio lifeguards each summer and emphasized that drowning is typically silent."The movie typically shows the person yelling and screaming for help. That's not what happens in real life," Kreeger explains. "They go into survival. They're trying to breathe. They don't call out for help."Drowning can progress to unconsciousness in less than two minutes, making constant vigilance essential for parents and caregivers.Prevention strategiesThe CDC recommends several key prevention steps: learning to swim, using life jackets, building barriers around pools, and maintaining constant supervision of children near water. Additional measures include avoiding alcohol and drugs before swimming, understanding natural water risks, and learning CPR.The National Drowning Prevention Alliance identifies five layers of protection: barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets, and emergency preparedness.Bruce Barton, Chief of Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Recovery Team, emphasizes that many drowning incidents involve people not wearing personal flotation devices. He ...
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    17 mins
  • Summer Health and Safety: Protecting Yourself from Heat, Medications, and Hidden Dangers

    Summer Health and Safety: Protecting Yourself from Heat, Medications, and Hidden Dangers
    Jul 7 2025
    Summer Health and Safety: Protecting Yourself from Heat, Medications, and Hidden DangersSummer brings fun in the sun, vacations, and relaxation for many of us. But with the season's pleasures come serious health risks that require our attention. From extreme heat waves to pesky mosquitoes carrying dangerous viruses, understanding summer safety is crucial for staying healthy during the warmer months.The Deadly Reality of HeatSummer arrived with a vengeance in parts of the country this year with sweltering heat waves, and it's likely not going to be the last. Many of us often forget the impact heat can have on us. According to the CDC, heat is the number one weather killer in the U.S., with heat-related illness claiming more than 1,200 people annually.Overexertion during the hottest time of the day is incredibly dangerous for those with heart or lung diseases. And if you take medications, the heat can cause serious side effects.How Your Medications React to HeatMost of us never think twice about the weather and our chronic illness, but that pill you take to treat your condition may not mix well with the heat."One thing that I think a lot of people don't know is that many medications can increase your risk and there are so many that can do it, most people are on one or another," said Dr. Ryan Marino from UH Cleveland Medical Center Emergency Medicine.Certain heart medications, such as beta blockers, blood pressure medications, and ACE inhibitors can imbalance electrolytes, cause dehydration, reduce thirst sensation, decrease ability to sweat, and reduce blood pressure, which increases risk of fainting and falls.Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and impair sweating. What's worse is you may not even realize it's happening."It can kind of blunt the response where you might have more of a warning sign and it might be that people might not realize it until they are significantly affected," Dr. Marino explained.Protecting Your Medications from HeatIt's important to stay hydrated and limit your exposure to heat and sunlight but remember to never let your medications get hot either. Never leave them in a hot car - they need to be stored in a cool, dry place.What about medications that get delivered in the mail? Dr. Brian Kuhn, a pharmacist at Banner University Medical Center, explains that medications typically want to be stored between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and about mid-80s."We don't expect that those medications degrade into toxic or potentially harmful substances. For the most part, if there's likely some alteration that's going to occur because of heat, it's likely that the medication will lose some potency or efficacy," Kuhn said.Your medication isn't going to magically turn into something harmful, but it might not do exactly what it needs to do. Pharmacists say you shouldn't worry so much about pills, but certain liquids might pose a problem.Kuhn notes that heat could cause things like insulin, Wegovy, or EpiPens to start breaking down, which means they won't work as well. Some mail order pharmacies say their packaging is weather resistant, but to make sure, you can have medications delivered to your office or somewhere else that's air conditioned.Pregnancy and Extreme Heat: A Serious RiskWhen it comes to heat, we know the young, old, and immunocompromised can be at risk, but many may not be aware of the serious risk extreme heat can have on pregnant women.Dr. Lyndsey Darrow, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Reno, has made it her mission to study these effects. One of the pregnancy complications that has been associated with extreme heat is hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. These conditions pose serious risks to both the mother and baby and are predictors of maternal mortality.There are numerous other pregnancy complications linked to extreme heat, including gestational diabetes. Studies indicate that extreme heat is associated with preterm birth and fetal death, including miscarriage and stillbirth."We know that extreme heat increases the risks of cardiovascular and renal-related deaths, and it makes sense that these would be vulnerabilities during pregnancy when these organ systems are already under enormous strain," Dr. Darrow explained.The outcomes associated with extreme heat include preterm birth and early birth, which are strong predictors of both infant mortality and health trajectories over the life course. They're associated with neurological development and respiratory diseases like asthma.Once infants are born, they are more vulnerable to extreme heat due to immature thermal regulation and more surface area relative to their size. Research shows increased hospitalizations during heat waves for issues including diarrhea, digestive issues, and breathing problems. Multiple studies in the U.S. and Canada have shown an increased risk ...
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    18 mins