Your choice of mattress will impact your life for up to a decade. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a mattress will need to be replaced every seven to ten years. Signs it’s time to get a new mattress include excessive sagging or waking up with aches and pains. The search for a new mattress typically starts online as you pore over stats about thickness, materials, varieties, and price. One thing you probably overlook is flammability because all mattresses must meet specific requirements and will be pulled from the market if they don’t. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported on April 11, 2024, that a popular mattress brand is being recalled for failing these standards, typically involving a lit cigarette and a powerful open flame.

If you purchased a new mattress in the past two years, you should check to see what brand and model you have under your sheets. Innovative Bedding Solutions is recalling about 1,250 units of its GhostBed Natural Mattresses that violate the smoldering ignition requirements of the federal mattress flammability regulation. GhostBed mattresses are sold at GhostBed.com, GhostBedNatural.com, Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon, and other retailers.   

The recall affects GhostBed Natural mattresses with a model number that begins with 13GBNAT or “Natural.” These 12-inch mattresses have an ivory quilted top and a knit quilted side panel with horizontal lines. They were sold in several sizes including Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, and California King. They all have the signature black and green GhostBed Natural logo on the cover. You can find the model number and manufacture date on the label. All the recalled mattresses were made between June 2021 and March 2023 and cost between $1,200 and $2,500.

If you have one of the recalled mattresses, you should stop using it immediately. Thankfully, the fix is simple and requires a call or email to GhostBed. The company states:

Customers may register with GhostBed to receive a complimentary, custom-made mattress cover to place on top of the existing cover, which will ensure the mattress meets flammability standards. There are no charges for shipping and/or handling of the cover.

To request a mattress cover or for more information, visit the GhostBed recall page, email [email protected], or call the company at 877-557-5335 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. No injuries have been reported from the recall to date. No other GhostBed mattress types have been mentioned in the recall notice.

• Does Walking Lower Blood Pressure? Here’s What a Cardiologist Says
• Higher Intake of This Nutrient May Lower Violent Crime Rates, Says New Study
• Here’s How Much Sugar Is Really OK Per Day, with Expert Doctors’ Guidelines
• In 1967, She Broke Rules To Run the Boston Marathon—Today, She Says: ‘Women Have Hidden Potential’

If you eat gluten-free by choice or out of necessity, heads up on a recall that broke late Friday afternoon on two varieties of grocery bagels.

On April 12, 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an announcement that Feel Good Foods had issued a recall on gluten-free Plain and Everything flavored mini cream cheese-stuffed bagels. The announcement noted that the bagels “may contain undeclared gluten that may be present due to cross-contamination,” adding: “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to gluten run the risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume these products.”

It’s said both varieties of Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels were distributed nationwide through national retailers, and that the recalled products are displayed in the frozen section.

Feel Good Foods bagel recall details, as published by the FDA:

The recalled Cream Cheese Stuffed Plain Mini Bagels with UPC 89903900283 and Cream Cheese Stuffed Everything Mini Bagels with UPC 89903900286 are packaged in cardboard cartons labeled with ‘Feel Good Foods’ on the front panel and the bagel flavor listed below. The recall includes all Best By dates, ranging from 5/29/24 to 9/17/25 which is on the bottom of carton. Please see photos of carton labeling as product may contain two styles of labeling due to package re-design.

It’s reported the recall was issued voluntarily after the company received word that one consumer had experienced an adverse reaction. The FDA quoted Vanessa Phillips, founder of Feel Good Foods: “Once we were made aware of trace amounts of gluten cross-contamination to Feel Good Foods’ Gluten-Free Plain and Everything flavored Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels, we contacted the FDA and took swift action to voluntarily recall the impacted product.” Phillips continued, “As a founder who is personally affected by celiac disease, ensuring the integrity and safety of our gluten-free products is of the utmost importance. We take the health and safety of our consumers extremely seriously.”

Steps to take, per the FDA and Feel Good Foods brand, if you purchased these products:

Impacted consumers should stop consuming the product and may visit their retailer for a full refund or dispose of the products. For those who have additional questions, please contact Feel Good Foods’ Customer Care Center via email at [email protected] or via phone at 1-800-638-8949. Feel Good Foods’ hours of operation are from 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST every day.

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Kathrine Switzer may not have set out to become a champion for women’s athletics and equality, but she didn’t shy away from it, either. When Switzer talked her coach into training her for the Boston Marathon in 1967, another five years would pass before women were formally allowed to participate in the race.

It was, of course, an important era for the advancement of American woman in general. In her 2017 memoir Marathon Woman, Switzer tells the story behind the famous photograph of the race commissioner trying to pull her out of the race—an image some female runners, as well as many female professionals, often refer to as a symbol of strength and perseverance. In an exclusive interview with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest ahead of the 2024 Boston Marathon on April 15, Switzer revealed that the bib she wore that day donning the number 261 “is on its way to the Smithsonian, which is really wonderful.”

Today at age 77, Switzer leads 261 Fearless, a global nonprofit she founded. “The concept is to get a woman in a community really well trained as a coach—or two or three women—and they start a club or a group with the proper background and tools. Then the group coalesces, and they run with all ages, all abilities, no judgment.” 261 Fearless is a beneficiary partner of the November Every Woman’s Marathon, which is described as “the only marathon in the U.S. for women, by women, designed to unite runners of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds in an inspiring, community-driven wellness weekend.”

Of Every Woman’s Marathon, Switzer says, “We are really, really excited that we’re one of the designated charities. We’re going to give this race body and soul.”

Prepare to be inspired by this living legend—who, may we add, is every bit as feisty and energetic as we’d hoped. We snagged time with her between hiking trips to New Zealand, where she spends part of the year.

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The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: It’s exciting to have this conversation with you the same week the championship between Iowa and South Carolina became ESPN’s most-viewed college basketball game, men’s or women’s. Was gender equity one of your motivations to get into the race? Did you know you were making a daring choice that day?

Kathrine Switzer: Look, when I first ran the Boston Marathon, it was more of a gift from my coach [Arnie Briggs] to me because he and I had argued for many, many months about whether a woman could run a marathon or not. This was when I was a student at Syracuse University. He was a volunteer coach ex-marathoner. He was the University mailman, and he was a really, really humble, modest guy. He had run Boston 15 times, and the day in his life when he ran the Boston Marathon was the day he was somebody. So it was just wonderful to hear his stories.

But after a while I got tired of him [laughs], and I said, “Well, let’s quit talking about running it, and let’s do it.”

And he said, “A woman can’t possibly do a marathon.”

And I said, “Oh, come on, we have been running 10 miles a night in a blizzard. We can do this.”

“A woman can’t do it,” he said. “If any woman could, I believe you could—but even you would have to prove it to me.”

I went on and on about it. I said, “Listen: Women throughout history have actually run marathons.” I mean, not many, six. And at Boston, a woman ran the year before I did. She jumped out of the bushes and ran the race. He didn’t believe it—many people didn’t believe it—but I saw it was in the newspapers. I knew a couple of guys who had had seen her in the race.

So we ran in practice, and the day we went to run 26.2 miles, when we were finishing up, he said, “You look really great.”

I said, “I don’t think we went far enough. Let’s do another five-mile loop.”

He said, “Can you do another five?”

I said, “Sure, come on. Can’t you?”

So we finished up, now it’s 31 miles, and by that time he was weaving all over the road—he was gone. When we finished, I clapped him on the back and said, “We did it! We’re going to Boston!”

And he fainted. When he came to, he said, “Women have hidden potential in endurance and stamina.”

It was a gift when Arnie helped me sign up for the race. He insisted I register for it. I said to him, “You know, I’m going to be noticed in Boston if I wear a bib.”

He said, “You have to wear a bib. It’s against the rules not to. You have to pay your registration. This is a serious race.”

So I said, “OK, I guess I’m gonna be noticed.”

And he said, “I’m proud of you.” It was really amazing. So I knew I was going to be noticed, but I went low-key. It was raining and snowing and sleeting, and so I was in my baggy warm-up suit, but underneath I had on a really cute-looking shorts and top. I was kind of proud of myself, but we were all wearing everything we owned. It was so miserable.

All the guys knew I was a woman. They were excited about it, and welcoming, saying, “I wish my wife would run, I wish my girlfriend would run!”

So you know, basically I was just there to run the race. That’s all I wanted to do: Put my head down and run. So I had no idea was making history. I thought I was following the rules. I thought it was no big deal.

The Healthy: So many of us have seen that iconic photo of you in the race—actually, a series of images a photographer caught. What was going through your mind as a 20-year-old woman, with grown men who were coming at you pretty aggressively?

Kathrine Switzer: What happened is that [at the] mile-and-a-half [point] is when the press truck came by. The race director saw me and absolutely lost his temper and attacked me—and he did it in front of the press truck! I mean, we wouldn’t even be having this interview if he hadn’t done that. He was out of control and my boyfriend, who was one of the guys who was running with me, decked the official … [and] screamed, “Run like hell!” And down the street we went again.

Also the press truck was haranguing me. All the guys on the bus—men, all men—were shouting at me: “What are you trying to prove? Are you a suffragette?”

Finally, I shouted back: “I’m not going to quit. You might as well go to the front of the race where you belong.”

When they left, I turned to Arnie, and I said, “I’m finishing this race in my hands and my knees if I have to.”

Arnie said, “OK, we’re going to slow down. We’re just gonna make sure we finish the race. That’s going to be our objective.”

So the series of pictures were literally flashed around the world before I even finished the race. As a journalism student, the aftermath of this was fascinating. Does the event make the history, or just capturing the moment on film make history?

The Healthy: Incredible. How had you gotten into running?

Kathrine Switzer: My dad. I went to a little country day school, there were only like 60 kids in the entire school. I was going into high school, which was eighth grade in those days, and there were 1,500 kids in this high school. I mean, they were grown up kids, you know, they were cool. And I wasn’t cool. I wanted to be a cheerleader because they were kind of pretty and popular. That’s really all there was for women.

And my dad said, “Oh honey. You don’t want to be a cheerleader. They cheer for other people. You want people to cheer for you.”

And I said, “What?”

He said, “I went to the PTA meeting. Your school has something new: It’s called field hockey. I only know that there they run, and you can run,” he said. “Why don’t you try for that field hockey team?”

I said, “Well, I don’t even know anything about it.”

He said, “If you ran a mile a day, you’d be the best player on the team.” My father was a very motivating guy.

I said, “I cannot run a mile!”

He said, “Sure, you can. Come on, let me show you. Just finish. It’s about finishing.”

So we measured the mile, I did it, and I said, “Oh, Dad, I did it!”

He said, “Yay! Guess what?”

I said, “What?”

He said, “Now you do it every day.”

Amanda Gorman Wants You To Run

The Healthy: So that’s how it started for you. Women’s fitness and athleticism arguably have come a pretty long way, and it’s exciting to see the Every Woman’s Marathon making a marathon more accessible. What’s your perspective on this?

Kathrine Switzer: You said “arguably,” but it is not arguable. It’s absolutely unbelievable. I mean, just look at it in my own lifetime, OK? Let’s say it’s been 55 years since women were allowed to run in a marathon. It’s only been 40 years since we’ve had an Olympic marathon. But now? Fifty-eight percent of all participating runners in the United States are women. They account for 85% of the retail sales—you know, clothing and shoes. I just talked to the guys at the New York City Marathon. Over half the field is now women. Do you know what that accounts for? Millions of dollars. It’s a huge economic impact.

But OK, let’s put that over here. The point is, it is not unusual anymore for a woman to run and to be accepted or to take part in sports, or to move her body, or to be out in public moving. I mean, there’s still some some slideback. Safety is still an issue for women when we go outside, particularly alone and in the dark. But men have had an Olympic Games for 3,000 years. If women have only had running events in the Olympic Games, let’s say for the last 50 or 60 years, you’ve got to understand: You’ve overcome eons and eons of backward thinking. The sense of freedom and the equality of women in the sport, and the equality of women in general in society. And I definitely think sports has led this charge.

The Healthy: You’ve seemed to stay healthy and active over the years. What’s your favorite way to exercise today?

Kathrine Switzer: Well absolutely it’s running. I mean, it’s easy, cheap, convenient and totally accessible. You go out the door, boom, you’re running and every second counts. I don’t have to drive to gym. I don’t have to drive to a pool. Why waste the 15 minutes to get to a gym and park the car when I could use every moment? I’ve even taken now to putting on a backpack and making it very heavy by putting all my groceries and stuff in it, and using that for really good kind of quad work just from carrying it around.

I also make sure I have a very big living room. I push all the furniture back and do all my stretching, my Pilates and my weight work on my living room floor, saving time, combined with watching Turner Classics or something. Just me and movement is my favorite form of exercise.

The Healthy: How far do you try to run each day?

Kathrine Switzer: I would say every day I do at least at least 50 minutes to an hour [and] five [minutes], around that range. Basically I run how I feel. Some days when I’m really tired, I just take it easy, but then I find myself moving into it and picking it up. Then one day a week, a long run, perhaps an hour and a half.

The Healthy: What’s another form of self-care you refuse to skip?

Kathrine Switzer: Good food. Milk has been an enormous, enormous part of my life. My dad was grew up on a dairy farm, and … I remember my brother and I drinking at least a quart of milk each day. I still have a glass of milk, at least one every night before I go to bed, because it helps you sleep and rebuilds the tissue. You look at the calcium, potassium and magnesium content of of milk, it’s overwhelming. I look at myself and say, You know, you’re 77, you’re still out there running sometimes three and four hours. Or I do a 10K hike in 57 minutes, and people tell me, “And you’ve never had a stress fracture!”

I eat actually extremely healthy food, so almost everything is fresh. That’s why I went berserk on this [most recent New Zealand] trek. We went four days, and the dehydrated food came—you know, all these bars and processed stuff. But I had packed four huge, thick almond butter and honey sandwiches and bananas, and my powdered milk.

Everybody laughed at me, but I gotta tell you that at the end of that walk, I was the best-fueled person there.

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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rightly earns the nickname “the silent killer” as it often arrives without any noticeable symptoms. The World Health Organization reported in 2023 that an estimated 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 worldwide are affected by it. Over time, high blood pressure can quietly cause damage, raising the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes. Certain meaningful lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet choices or regular exercise, can help manage the condition. The good news is that you don’t need to engage in extremely intense workouts to see remarkable results, though; something as simple as a consistent walking routine can yield excellent results in lowering blood pressure.

Ahead, experts weigh in on how walking can lower blood pressure, with tips to make your walking routine even more beneficial for your heart health.

How walking impacts blood pressure

Walking is such a routine part of our day that you may overlook its potential as a powerful form of exercise. “Walking helps make your heart more efficient,” Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Tamanna Singh, MD, explains on the institution’s blog. “As you’re improving your fitness, your heart actually becomes more effective with each heart pump that it provides for that type of exercise.” This improvement in heart efficiency leads to a stronger heart, which can pump more blood with less effort. The outcome? A reduction in the pressure against your blood vessels, ultimately leading to lower blood pressure.

Supporting this, a comprehensive review in 2021 involving 5,763 individuals revealed that engaging in a regular walking routine could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by 4.11 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 1.79 mmHg, and resting heart rate by 2.76 beats per minute. The regimen involved walking three to five times per week at moderate intensity for 20 to 40 minutes, accumulating to at least 150 minutes of activity weekly.

To help put these findings into context, the American Heart Association (AHA) offers these benchmarks for understanding blood pressure levels:

• Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/less than 80 mmHg
• Hypertension: 130/80 mmHg or higher
• Hypotension (low blood pressure): Below 90/60 mmHg

The AHA also advises at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, or a mix of both spread throughout the week.

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How long does it take for walking to lower blood pressure?

The time frame for reducing blood pressure from walking can vary based on individual health factors, the intensity of the exercise, and consistency. Typically, it can take one to three months of regular exercise such as walking to observe a noticeable decrease in blood pressure, with the benefits enduring only as long as the exercise is continued. Research has also shown that splitting exercise into shorter sessions throughout the day, such as three 10-minute walks, may better manage high blood pressure than a single 30-minute session.

Before beginning a walking routine or any exercise regimen, it’s wise to measure your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff to monitor your progress and adjust as needed. Exercise caution with smartwatch blood pressure monitors, as they may not always provide accurate readings.

For optimal results, adding specific strategies to your walking can help. Natural arm swinging increases the intensity, and keeping a brisk pace (no less than 2.5 miles per hour) can maximize health perks without overexerting.

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What is the best exercise to lower blood pressure?

Walking is a reliable method of lowering blood pressure, but it’s just one option among many aerobic exercises that are good for heart health. This group also includes activities like cycling, hiking, swimming, jogging, and even dancing, with the addition of strength training two to three times a week.

The key is to pick an exercise that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and physical abilities so you stay consistent and enjoy your workouts. Walking is often the go-to choice for its ease and low injury risk.

Ready to start walking to lower blood pressure? Harvard Health suggests these tips for refining your technique:

• Stand tall to improve breathing and reduce backaches.
• Keep your gaze ahead, about 10 to 20 feet in front of you, to avoid stress on your neck and upper back.
• Position shoulders back, down, and relaxed, allowing for a freer arm swing.
• Swing your arms freely from your shoulders in a forward and back motion without crossing your body or going above your chest.
• Maintain a neutral pelvis, keeping abs tight without overarching or tucking.
• Step lightly, rolling from heel to toe to minimize joint impact and promote a smooth stride.

For the latest health research and answers to common health curiosities delivered to you daily, get The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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If you spend time around the Internet, social media, the news or true crime podcasts, this may come as a surprise—but some statistics show that violent crime has dropped over recent decades in the U.S. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported that homicides have largely trended downward from 1991, when they peaked around 1.1 million nationally, to around 450,000 cases in 2014. The FBI also shared data suggesting that violent crimes in general followed a similar pattern.

Interestingly, a team of medical and criminal justice researchers is highlighting another phenomenon that has coincided with these rates. The effect that they found may have something to do with the American diet.

To start, in 2024 it’s more widely understood than it’s been in the past that food affects overall wellness, including psychological aspects of mood like happiness, depression and agitation. In fact, some foods are so essential for brain and nervous system function that they’re recommended even before birth.

Folate is a big one. Many obstetrics doctors instruct their pregnant patients to eat or supplement with plenty of folate, also known as vitamin B6. Past research has demonstrated that folate supplementation can have profound effects on fetal development and can help prevent severe neural tube birth defects, like spina bifida.

Now a study led by U.S. and Australian medical and criminal justice researchers has picked up on a potential connection between violent crime rates and levels of folate consumption among the population. A study published in the journal Nutrients on April 6, 2024, notes how the 30% decrease in violent crime between 1991 and 2001 happened along a similar timeline that the U.S. government mandated that U.S. diet staples like rice, bread, pasta, and cereal should be fortified with folic acid. (In the 1940s, B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin were added to grain products to combat deficiencies.)

Analyzing national data, the team also noted a “significant” increase in blood levels of folic acid during the same period. They conclude that this sudden and substantial rise in tissue folate levels might have contributed to reducing violent crime in the United States, due to folate’s role in synthesizing serotonin—one of the main “happiness” hormones that’s demonstrated to stabilize the mood.

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It’s a positive takeaway, but the researchers caution that this association does not necessarily imply that folate was solely responsible for the decline in crime. Factors like economic conditions, changes in law enforcement practices and drug legislation could have contributed to the improvements, especially in the 1990s. “It is understood that violent/non-violent suicide and homicide are complex subjects, and rates of both can be influenced by many environmental and socioeconomic factors, regardless of optimal folic acid intakes,” the researchers add.

While folate cannot definitively be linked to crime rates, it does exhibit a documented association with depression in other studies. In one from the journal Nutrients published in 2023, researchers suggest folate can be a powerful adjunct treatment to medication for people with depression. “Low folate levels are common among individuals with depression, influenced by various factors such as lifestyle, medications, and genetic predisposition. But even individuals with normal folate levels may still experience benefits from folic acid or L-methylfolate supplementation,” conclude researchers from that paper. 

If you find yourself feeling down or experiencing mental health issues, know that the national crisis hotline is available when you dial 988. It’s also advisable to discuss your dietary habits with your healthcare provider to determine if supplementation is appropriate for you. Individuals who are not pregnant require 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day, obtainable through fortified foods or naturally rich sources such as beans, dark leafy greens, and orange juice.

If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, it is essential to consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding your nutritional requirements.

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The connection between relative high meat consumption and certain types of cancer has been well established. The World Health Organization classifies processed meat—like bacon, sausage, and other cured meats—alongside smoking and asbestos as a “Group 1” carcinogen (but notes that processed meat consumption should be limited, unlike smoking and asbestos exposure, which both should be avoided completely).

Most organizations concerned with cancer prevention agree that people should limit processed meat, as it is linked with cancers of the colon, stomach, and other sites of the body. Now new research reveals how even some fresher animal protein can lead to a heightened risk for yet another type of cancer.

A new study was conducted by chemistry and cancer researchers at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, the largest medical school in Poland, and subsequently published in the journal Nutrients on April 7, 2024. 

The research team reported: “Oral cancer is one of the world’s research priorities due to the ever-increasing incidence rate,” highlighting this trend among younger adults. They theorized that this rise could be connected with an increase in red meat consumption. Past research has shown that when red meat is heated (which, of course, is done to destroy pathogens and make it safer and more palatable), chemical compounds form that can lead to cancerous changes in the digestive tract. High heat and longer cooking times can increase these compounds. 

The study involved two groups of Polish citizens who completed food questionnaires about their eating habits. The first group had been diagnosed with oral cancer between 2022 and 2023 with an average age of 67. Meanwhile, the control group consisted of people with no diagnosis of cancer or other chronic disease with an average age of 53.

When the two were compared, researchers found that while smoking, drinking alcohol, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) correlated with the highest risk of oral cancer, red meat consumption also increased risk. The higher the total intake of meat, the more the risk for oral cancer increased.

Higher levels of red meat, in particular, increased risk—but the risk increased even further when it was processed. Smoked meat most of all was associated with the highest risk of developing oral cancer versus fried, roasted, and boiled meat. 

Surprisingly, grilled meat didn’t show as high of a connection, but researchers theorized that it’s likely because Polish culture generally only grills meat on certain occasions. More studies would have to be done outside of the tested population to see if that correlated with other areas of the world where grilling is more popular, as it’s known to develop carcinogenic compounds. For instance, in Brazil, consuming grilled meat four or more times per week was connected with increased oral cancer rates, they noted.

The study did have some good news: consuming vegetables seemed to have a protective effect against oral cancer.

Overall, the researchers concluded that “limiting the consumption of meat products and modifying the methods of preparing meat dishes may … reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.”

This aligns with the overall message of the American Institute for Cancer Research, which advises people to consume as little processed meat as possible and to limit fresh, cooked meat to a maximum of 18 ounces per week. 

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It’s better to get your mammogram a little late than to miss it altogether, right? Absolutely—but this story will illustrate that in some cases, time truly is of the essence.

Breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer among women in the United States. In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, plus 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a relatively less aggressive form of breast cancer. Unfortunately, in 2024 breast cancer is expected to claim the lives of approximately 42,250 women.

You are probably familiar with the hallmark signs of breast cancer, which include but are not limited to feeling a lump in the breast, changes in the skin or nipple area, experiencing nipple discharge, or seeing an indentation in the skin. However, Wassim Mchayleh, MD, MBA, FACP, who’s a medical oncologist at AdventHealth and Clinical Program Director for the Breast Cancer Program at the Central Florida Division, makes an important point about breast cancer symptom awareness and early detection: “It’s important to say that we don’t want to wait for the symptoms,” Dr. Mchayleh says. “Breast cancer is better diagnosed with a mammogram before having any symptoms.”

This breast oncologist emphasizes the value of self-examinations and clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional, but he highlights that the recommended test to diagnose breast cancer is a mammogram with or without ultrasound for an earlier and more accurate breast cancer diagnosis, with standard screening starting at the age of 40. (Note: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women at average breast cancer risk begin mammogram screenings at age 40 and continue every two years until age 74. Women with a mother or birth sister who had breast cancer should start screenings 10 years earlier than the age at which their relative was diagnosed.)

Dr. Mchayleh also addresses a misconception to clarify that most breast cancer cases are not genetic, despite widespread belief. Genetic forms of breast cancer constitute only about 5% of cases. He notes that while the general risk of breast cancer is about 11% to 12% for women, this risk doubles with a first-degree relative diagnosed, and triples or quadruples with more than two first-degree relatives. In some instances, such as for women with dense breasts or a high-risk profile (over 20% risk), adding an ultrasound or breast MRI to the screening process is advised.

Dr. Mchayleh warns that while most cancers develop over a period of six to 12 months, the more aggressive types can emerge between regular mammogram screenings. Because of this, it is essential to seek further evaluation if you detect any changes in your breasts, even after a negative mammogram, given the diversity of breast cancer types: Estrogen receptor-positive (the most common that grows in response to estrogen), HER2-positive and triple-negative (which are more aggressive).

The story of breast cancer survivor Simona Lazinsk highlights the importance of early detection. Now 46, Lazinsk was diagnosed at age 41 with a HER2-amplified tumor after seeking a second opinion with Dr. Mchayleh and the AdventHealth team. Their practice uses a care model they call the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, which in one appointment gathers the patient and several specialists—in Simona’s case, a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist—all at the same time to evaluate newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and develop a personalized care plan together. This innovative approach ensures timely patient evaluation, encourages specialist collaboration, standardizes care, and expedites treatment initiation, leading to overall improved patient outcomes and survival rates. Dr. Mchayleh says his team has seen improved outcomes exceeding the national average using this particular model.

In Simona’s case, this collaboration and thought-sharing between doctors was especially beneficial because starting chemotherapy before surgery can optimize a breast cancer prognosis. This contrasts with scenarios at other hospitals, where patients might first undergo surgery before seeing an oncologist.

Continue reading Simona’s breast cancer survival story to understand why making sure that mammogram is finally scheduled can be lifesaving.

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Here’s how I knew I had breast cancer

By Simona Lazinsk, as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

My journey to America began when I was just a young girl. Originally from Guyana in South America, my family harbored dreams of a better life in the United States. Upon our arrival, my mother dedicated herself to our home, while my father, despite holding a PhD and a career as a professor, found his qualifications unrecognized. Consequently, he worked tirelessly in a restaurant to support us.

Over time, even though our living situation began to improve, things didn’t get easier. My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after a two-year fight, she passed away at age 53. Devastated, my father succumbed to alcohol, and my sister passed away as well.

In an attempt to escape the memories that South Florida held of my mother, I relocated to Central Florida, leaving everything behind and immersing myself in my real estate career. It was also in this field that I met my future husband, though our romantic relationship did not begin until years later—on Valentine’s Day 2019, he proposed center court of an Orlando Magic game to mark what we expected would be a joyous new chapter in our lives.

It so happened that my life was so busy around this time that I postponed scheduling my first mammogram in 2019 at age 40. It didn’t help months later when the Covid pandemic struck and many healthcare organizations put all elective procedures on hold. As I’d find out, getting a mammogram that year would have been insightful.

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Finding a lump on my breast

In March of that same year, I found myself on a business trip to Chicago. Realizing I had forgotten my personal shower gel and loofah, I resigned myself to using the hotel’s soap. It was then, while washing, that I discovered a small lump on my right breast. Initially, I brushed it off as a possible pimple, though of course concern lingered in the back of my mind.

In my hotel room I turned to the internet to search for symptoms of breast cancer, finding that only the lump itself seemed to fit the profile. I didn’t have the other symptoms—like nipple discharge, nipple inversion, breast irritation—but I promised myself I’d schedule an appointment with my primary care doctor when I got home. That was one of several checkups I’d let slip when the pandemic started.

When I called her practice, they couldn’t get me in for another month. I didn’t want to alarm my fiancé but mentioned it to him. He was glad I was getting it checked out.

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My breast cancer diagnosis

During my appointment with my primary care doctor, she reassured me the bump was likely nothing serious but advised me to go for a mammogram just to be sure.

Scheduling the mammogram was easy. Most hospital systems have a designated line to call, and often they can get you in within a couple days or a few weeks at most.

After my mammogram, I learned some concerns had been discovered. The radiologist who read my imaging suggested that I undergo an ultrasound for a closer look.

The ultrasound results raised more alarms, leading to a biopsy next. The biopsy procedure—particularly the unexpectedly large needle involved—was a bit intimidating, and the doctors’ questions heightened my own questions and fears. I also underwent a breast MRI for further clarification.

After the biopsy results came back, I received the call from my doctor: I had breast cancer, she said. I was genuinely shocked. My doctor instructed me not to wait: My cancer was classified as stage one but grade three, meaning the cancer was highly aggressive.

I remember hanging up the phone feeling stunned…then tears started to flow. I remember thinking: Would I make it to my next birthday?

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Seeking a second opinion

My primary care doctor had recommended an oncologist in Orlando. My first impression of this doctor was striking. He entered the room with a certain briskness, which was especially jarring after having just gotten such serious news about my health. As I sat there in my hospital gown, looking down, he began outlining my diagnosis and treatment plan in a rather matter-of-fact manner without offering explanations or pausing for my input. He quickly mentioned chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery as my treatment pathway.

When I asked for clarification, especially about the necessity of chemotherapy before surgery, he responded, “Because that’s what we do.” This answer surprised me. I listened to my gut and hurried to seek opinions from other breast cancer specialists, searching for someone who could explain the treatment in a way that resonated with me.

This search brought me to the team at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs, led by Dr. Devina McCray, a breast surgical oncologist, and Dr. Mchayleh. These two physicians took the time to thoroughly explain the treatment process and the advantage to me as a patient of having all necessary doctors in one location through their multi-disciplinary model to treat breast cancer.

Being able to consult with my oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist under one roof in just one afternoon was incredibly beneficial. Facing cancer treatment is overwhelming enough without the added stress of commuting between multiple offices and not feeling confident that your doctor will be sensitive to your questions.

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Treatment after I knew I had breast cancer

Given the aggressive nature of my cancer, my doctors recommended starting with chemotherapy to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread to other areas of my body. My chemotherapy regimen consisted of the medications Perjeta, Herceptin (trastuzumab), and docetaxel. This is the first-line treatment for HER2+ breast cancer that has metastasized. Even though my cancer hadn’t yet metastasized, which means “spread,” my doctors told me it was highly aggressive which meant that it was likely to spread soon. It was a tough journey, undergoing eight rounds of chemo before surgery.

Following chemotherapy, in August of 2019—so much had happened in the six months after my fiancé had proposed!—I underwent a double mastectomy with Dr. McCray. I decided against radiation, having witnessed the profound impact it had on my mother during her fight with pancreatic cancer. It was a personal choice that I felt was right for me in my healing journey.

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Life after breast cancer

Today, I am doing great! This year marks a significant milestone—five years cancer-free. My visits to the doctor and blood work have become a regular part of my life every six months, and I just had an appointment with Dr. Mchayleh recently. I’ve come to view these doctors as family.

It’s a blessing, truly, to have reached this side of my journey. I’m happily married, have published my autobiography and was crowned Mrs. Central Florida and Ms. Florida International. Life blooms, even after cancer—something hard to imagine in the thick of the battle, but profoundly true.

Remember that if you’re ever uncertain or uncomfortable with your care, seeking a second opinion is always an option.

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Maybe you’re seasoned enough to remember when Lunchables debuted in 1989: That bright yellow box containing a pint-sized kit of meat, cheese, and crackers suddenly made lunchtime more appealing for kids…and less of a fight for the grownup responsible for packing that lunchbox.

Thirty-six years later, it’s often the price that gives some parents pause from purchasing this type of prepackaged meal or snack kit, as well as the ingredients lists: Processed meat, preservatives, and “anti-caking agents” on cheese don’t always read like the most wholesome meal. Now, a new report that investigated Lunchables and competitive products, as well as their packaging, found that a few of these foods may pose some risk to children’s growing brains and bodies.

Led by chemist Eric Boring, PhD, Consumer Reports recently conducted lab tests and a nutritional content analysis to rank Lunchables and several other kid-targeted snack kits that are positioned to retailers and families as whole mid-day meals. From the scientific analysis, Dr. Boring and his team found that some of these foods contained heavy metals, potentially harmful “forever” chemicals, and high sodium levels.

The research team examined the contents of 12 kits from Lunchables, Armour LunchMakers, Target’s Good & Gather, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., and Oscar Mayer, all containing a variety of meats and cheeses, crackers, sauces, and nuts. The scientists tested for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, and phthalates from plastic packaging, referring to California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead or cadmium as a basis for their findings.

The lab team also assessed each product’s sodium content based on the percentage it comprised of the overall daily recommendation.

The good news is that none of the products exceeded legal limits for heavy metal levels. However, since there is no federal limit for heavy metals in most foods, this wasn’t very revealing. Nearly 40% of the products, five out of 12, would expose a person to half of the MADL. “That’s a relatively high dose of heavy metals given the small serving sizes of the products, which range from just 2 to 4 ounces,” Dr. Boring said.

These kits equate to about 15% of a child’s daily calorie needs, and they could be exposed to other sources of metal from other foods or the environment. Lead accumulates in the body, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that there is no safe level, particularly for children’s growing brains. If a product is found to have excessive levels per government regulations, it will generally be recalled and investigated, as was the case with the apple cinnamon pouches that sickened several children in late 2023.

Another concerning finding in these lunch and snack combos was the presence of phthalates. These plastic-based “forever chemicals,” which can act as hormone disruptors, were found in all but one of the foods tested. Once again, the levels did not exceed legal limits but were troubling given the small serving size, Dr. Boring said: “Many researchers believe those limits are far too permissive, considering the emerging research on the harms of phthalates.”

Lastly, most of the products contained excessive sodium and relied heavily on ultra-processed ingredients and preservatives. While these could be viewed as an occasional snack, they should not be considered a substitute for a balanced lunch for kids. “We don’t believe anyone should regularly consume these products, and they certainly shouldn’t be considered a healthy school lunch,” Dr. Boring said.

The FDA notes that “food manufacturers have a responsibility to significantly minimize or prevent chemical hazards when needed.”

In response to the report, Heinz, the maker of Lunchables, stood by their products: “All our foods meet strict safety standards,” they stated. Armour LunchMakers also noted that they have “strict programs and policies that promote food safety and quality in every step of our value chain.”

Here were the best and worst snack kit combination products ranked by lead levels, based on the findings of Dr. Boring and his team:

3 Worst Products

• Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stackers – Serving size: 3.2 oz.
  • Lead: 74%
  • Sodium: 49%

• Lunchables Pizza with Pepperoni – Serving size: 4.3 oz.
  • Lead: 73%
  • Sodium: 45%
• Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza – Serving size: 4.2 oz.
  • Lead: 69%
  • Sodium: 34%

3 Healthiest Products

• P3 Turkey Colby Jack Almonds – Serving size: 2.0 oz.
  • Lead: 7%
  • Sodium: 31%

• P3 Turkey Ham Cheddar – Serving size: 2.3 oz.
  • Lead: 10%
  • Sodium: 36%

• Oscar Mayer Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Ham – Serving size: 3.3 oz.
  • Lead: 21%
  • Sodium: 46% (Note: This product had one of the highest levels of sodium.)

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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Sugar is a carbohydrate that naturally sweetens many of our foods and is also added to many processed products to enhance their flavor. While reducing sugar intake is widely recommended for your health, knowing which types of sugar to enjoy, and which to limit, is essential.

There are naturally occurring sugars, like fructose in fruit and lactose in milk, that come bundled with nutrients, fiber, and minerals. On the other hand, added sugars—which can include table sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and others—are introduced during food processing or preparation. These added sugars deliver tastebud-tingling sweetness, but no nutritional value and unfortunately, even health hazards.

Jessica Tilton, MS, a senior clinical dietitian with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains that while sugar is a primary source of energy, the body processes added sugars differently than added sugars. Added sugars are used up quickly for energy, or else swiftly converted to fat storage. That’s in comparison to the slow energy release from natural sugars found in whole foods, which support hormones, heart and bone health, aid digestion, and contribute to a balanced diet.

Ahead, clinical experts break down how much sugar you should eat in a day to help lower your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Here’s how much sugar is safe per day, according to expert doctors

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, everyone aged two years and older should keep their added sugar consumption below 10% of their daily calorie intake. For someone following a 2,000-calorie diet, this means no more than 50 grams of added sugar, or approximately 12.5 teaspoons, per day.

The American Heart Association says the daily sugar limit is even more conservative.

• Men should aim to consume no more than 36 grams (or nine teaspoons, 150 calories) of added sugar daily.
• Women should aim to consume no more than 25 grams (or six teaspoons, 100 calories) of added sugar daily.

To put this into perspective, a single 12-ounce soda can contain up to 32 grams (eight teaspoons) of added sugar. “If a woman is consuming one of those sodas a day, she’s already gone over on her sugar,” Tilton says.

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How many grams of sugar does the average person eat a day?

Studies reveal that the typical American adult consumes roughly 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily. This amount is well above the recommended limits, almost doubling for men and tripling for women. This amounts to around 60 pounds of added sugar per person each year!

The main culprits of this excessive sugar intake should be no surprise: Sugary drinks like sodas, fruit-flavored beverages, sports and energy drinks, and even flavored coffees and teas, not to mention processed snacks and sweets.

However, sugar also sneaks into snacks often perceived as “healthy,” such as yogurts and granola bars. Depending on their brand and flavor, these might pack around 19 grams of sugar. Check out the amount of Added Sugar on the label to help determine how much sugar is naturally occurring from the product’s ingredients. Also, for a clear visual, divide the “added sugar” amount in grams by four. That reveals the number of teaspoons of added sugar you’re eating per serving.

Regarding sugar in vitamins: Remember to look at your vitamins’ nutrition facts, especially if you prefer gummy vitamins, which can contain two to eight grams of added sugar per serving.

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The signs of too much sugar, say experts

Understanding the recommended sugar intake and your actual consumption is an important first step in managing your sugar intake. However, your body might also be sending signals that indicate you’re overdoing it with sugar that can manifest in both the short and long term:

• Weight gain
• Blood sugar spikes
• Cavities and tooth decay
• Irritability and mood swings
• Acne and eczema
• Fatigue
• Cravings for more sugary foods and drinks
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
• Impaired cognitive function

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Tips for reducing sugar intake

Making dietary changes can seem like a big hurdle to overcome, but taking small steps can lead to significant improvements. Start by reading food labels to become aware of sugar content, even in products marketed as healthy. “The best advice is to simply eat less sugar,” Tilton says, except for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which contain natural sugars, essential nutrients, and fiber your body needs. With these changes, you’ll begin to notice a shift towards better health.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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While low-carb diets have long been touted for weight loss, reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar readings, new research suggests that lessening carb consumption might also stabilize the mood and mental health.

Maybe you’ve heard of “grain brain,” which is the phrase neurologist and author David Perlmutter, MD, coined in his 2013 book by that title. “Grain brain” is said to describe the effects that refined flours and starchy foods can have on the brain, as Dr. Perlmutter asserts that “carbs are destroying your brain” by contributing to conditions such as dementia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, anxiety, chronic headaches, and dampened libido, to name a few.

Epilepsy is one neurological disorder that in past studies has illustrated an effect of carbohydrates on the brain. When carbohydrates are kept very low, the brain stops burning glucose as a fuel and instead turns to ketone bodies. This switch in the body’s metabolism has been successful as a treatment for epilepsy. Epilepsy patients who keep their carbs low enough have seen reductions in seizures even in cases where medication didn’t work well enough.

The keto diet appears to play a factor by calming the parts of the brain that cause seizures. Some researchers believe these neurological benefits could potentially extend to treating psychiatric disorders.

A May 2024 study published in the journal Psychiatry Research, led by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medicine, aimed to put the keto diet to the test with people who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The researchers stated that dietary management of certain psychiatric disorders would be a game-changer, as medications can often be life-altering as they result in weight gain, metabolic side effects, and reduced life expectancy. If reducing carbohydrates were to work, these medications could potentially be lowered or stopped.

The study recruited 23 participants, who were being treated for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who were either overweight based on their body mass index (BMI), or who were suffering from at least one “metabolic abnormality,” such as insulin resistance or elevated triglyceride levels.

The researchers requested that the participants eat a ketogenic diet for four months. The participants, who were an average of 43 years old, were instructed to eat no more than 20 net grams of carbohydrates per day after they subtracted the grams of fiber from the “total carbohydrate” content. They were also instructed to eat six times more healthy fat grams than carbs, and three times more grams of protein than carbs.

The participants were assessed at the beginning of the study, the mid-point, and after four months. Even with varying levels of adherence to the strict diet, all participants saw a reversal of metabolic syndrome and several other positive mental effects.

Overall, there was a 69% improvement in bipolar symptoms and a 32% improvement in schizophrenia symptoms.

Other metabolic markers also improved, such as triglyceride levels, blood sugar stability, and inflammation markers. Additionally, 17% of participants reported improved life satisfaction, and 19% reported better sleep.

Participants also experienced an average weight loss of 10%, and a 27% reduction in belly fat without counting calories. Those who could fully adhere to the strict diet, approximately 65%, saw even better results.

If those results sound life-changing, it’s probably because they were. Several participants praised the study for its impact on their wellbeing—one shared, “Since being on the diet, I haven’t noticed any significant anxiety level or attacks.” Another considered the changes lifesaving: “It can honestly save a lot of lives, it saved mine. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for keto.”

The study, though small, highlights the important need for more studies surrounding diet and mental wellness. “Mental health and physical health are interconnected, and addressing metabolic issues can complement psychiatric treatment to enhance overall well-being,” say the researchers. 

If you want to try the keto diet or you want to reduce carbohydrates, be aware there can be side effects like lowered energy, the “keto flu,” constipation, and potentially bad breath. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider if you are considering any change to your way of eating to ensure it is safe for you.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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We’d finally reached that window after the holidays when you find the discipline to slide into your routine again—but who needed discipline when my parents decided to come and visit us in February for the first time since we moved to San Francisco last year? They’d been cooped up for the Pennsylvania winter, and on a group text we had so much fun brainstorming all the outdoor restaurants my husband and I would take them to.

When they arrived we had a ball, including on the patio of an adored neighborhood pub where we watched the Super Bowl…right after we’d just been to brunch at the diner my husband and I love. Do we enjoy life? We do, and science says that’s arguably one of the secrets of longevity. But between prepping our new house for their visit, spending every minute with them that we could, and exploring legendary Bay Area bars and a few of our personal favorite restaurants, safe to say gym time hadn’t been a priority for a couple weeks. Everything from small plates to big steaks, we savored.

After a four-day weekend of consuming extra salt and fat from restaurant meals, including Friday night Chinese delivery (which doesn’t exist back home!), by the time my mom and dad caught their 6 a.m. Uber back to the airport, I was feeling both disappointed it was over…as well as a little puffy. My face, my hands, my belly: It was evident, and I wasn’t feeling my best.

It didn’t help that the day after they departed, along came Valentine’s Day. We had to have a little something special. Italian was the one type of fare we hadn’t crossed off our list during my family’s visit. Pesto gnocchi and rigatoni in vodka sauce it was.

Early the next morning, my husband took off for a long weekend to visit his side of the family while I stayed home to do the most sedentary activity in the world: Work on my book. I was on a publisher deadline and needed to make the most of a quiet weekend with only our two dogs to keep me company.

The morning he flew out, I felt mildly queasy, some headache, and my cheeks and eyeballs felt warm with fever, like I was fighting off some version of the flu. Two COVID tests were negative, but the rainy weekend forecast was all the permission I needed to snuggle up on the couch and take it easy for a couple days.

Who can eat pasta every day?

There’s an answer: the Italians. I was 26 the first time I visited my great-grandparents’ native Italy and was stunned to learn that the Italians could eat pasta literally every day and still manage to stay so collectively trim. It seemed that old Sophia Loren quote was true: “Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti.” Just…how?!

I was, and still am, convinced that the ingredients in Italian-made pasta are different than U.S.-made pasta. Some quick research suggests that’s true: Many homemade pasta recipes in Italy call for “double-zero” flour, which is said to have less gluten than American all-purpose flour. Also, many Italians often eat fresh pasta. (Living in Italy for a year, I learned to think of the word pasta as a translation of our paste, or what we call “dough.”)

The following summer when I moved to Italy, I also learned that their pasta preparation is so thoughtful and intentionally delicious that a single serving size is enough. People in Italy measure out their dry pasta and multiply one serving by however many people it will need to feed before they drop it into boiling water. This way, everybody gets their share and all are less likely to be tempted to reach for another heaping helping.

I didn’t pick up that practice, exactly, but hey: That’s why I’m Italian-American.

How I ate pasta every day

The day following our Valentine’s dinner delivery before my husband turned in early to catch a 7 a.m. flight, I was trying to think of what we had in the house that might help me fend off whatever illness I was feeling. In the pantry I discovered some Italian-made armoniche pasta, a large roundish noodle whose name is inspired by a harmonica with wavy ruffles, which we’d recently bought from World Market.

Research has shown that ingredients in chicken soup really can support immunity, but by the time my hunger hit, I wasn’t sure whether we had chicken and didn’t feel up to making much of anything from scratch. I wanted something fast for my stomach, and flavorful for my tastebuds. That’s where another culinary trick I’d learned from the Italians came in, which is to always have bouillon cubes on hand. Some people in northern Italy boil their rice in flavored broth…then, sometimes, they add parmesan or fontina cheese. (This is the ultimate comfort dish.)

Feeling crummy, I didn’t even crave the cheese (unusual for me). I just wanted some pasta boiled in chicken broth, which I anticipated would feel gentle on my belly and hopefully give me a little immune boost. I curled up with my bowl, which immediately hit the spot.

The next day I was feeling well enough after five hours of writing to take a rainy late-day walk to the park with our younger dog, but I still wanted to take it easy on my system. I also didn’t want to venture out for fresh produce: I’d reached the point when I was “in the zone” with my writing and could not let anything distract me. (Even washing the dishes suddenly seems like the most interesting task in the world when I have a deadline to meet. I have to guard myself so well against procrastination.)

Again, by the time I got hungry, I needed something fast without fuss…and I also wanted to start getting back into my more conscious routine with food. I remembered we had a box of chickpea pasta, which is a regular on our grocery list. I cooked the box’s full contents, again in chicken broth and this time with parmesan cheese stirred throughout my bowl.

No, it didn’t deliver quite the same satisfaction as “real” pasta. While most experts say chickpea pasta is considered to deliver the same serving of vegetables as chickpeas do—and while chickpeas are considered one of the 10 “perfect proteins“—in my experience chickpea pasta tends to be a little dry to the bite. That is, unless, you cook it just a minute too long, at which point it swiftly turns to mush.

Still, I love chickpea pasta because it’s a nutrition-friendly alternative to traditional pasta and sometimes I just need the feeling of that bowl sitting in front of me. As a health editor who reads nutrition labels carefully, Chickapea chickpea pasta is my favorite brand because it contains zero additives besides chickpea flour and lentil flour. Chickapea also happens to be made in Italy. (Living with two Italian families for a year, I learned that many Italians, too, seek alternatives to traditional wheat pasta; in part because celiac disease pops up in some regions.)

On day four of eating pasta, I needed to remain hunkered down to write. Glancing into the the pantry, I discovered a bag of red lentil pasta we’d gotten from Trader Joe’s. I pulled a bag of turkey meatballs out of the freezer and cooked them on simmer in the contents of two small jars of Trader Joe’s roasted red pepper and almond pesto sauce. I ate a bowl—it was wonderfully filling—then added my leftover chickpea pasta from the day before to the leftovers from this lentil pasta dish in red sauce. That would yield meals for the next two days.

What I discovered on day three of eating lentil pasta flabbergasted me. Traditional wheat pasta had helped give me comfort when I hadn’t been feeling well, while chickpea pasta had delivered vegetables in non-perishable form when I needed to skip grocery shopping.

After a few days of eating lentil pasta, I realized the bloat in my stomach was gone. Both Chickapea pasta and Trader Joe’s red lentil pasta are generous sources of natural fiber and prebiotics (providing six grams and three grams per serving, respectively). That, combined with the plant-based protein from each, apparently had helped flush my system. All this also fueled me enough to write 2,000 words a day, which is double my already-ambitious daily quota.

I’ll add that this daily pasta venture isn’t for every stomach: All that fiber was evident to me after a couple days of eating vegetable-based pasta…my system was clearly on cleanse. But if you can have your pasta and trim your tummy too, these varieties might be worth a try.

Keep a happy belly and a healthy system when you subscribe for FREE to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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It might seem like the moon’s passage with the sun would make eye protection unnecessary during an eclipse, but March 2024 research led by a medical doctor of ophthalmology and published in Journal Francais d’Ophtalmologie reveals what can happen if you look at a solar eclipse without protection.

Experts say the April 8, 2024 eclipse will be observable across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During this extraordinary event, the moon will pass in front of the sun, creating a striking spectacle in the daytime sky. In light of the enthusiasm, three medical researchers in Morocco urge viewers to take precautions to avoid long-term damage from the eclipse’s harmful rays.

What can happen if you look at a solar eclipse, from expert doctors

This research documents what the scientists call “the toxic effects of the interaction between light and the eye” based on clinical cases of solar retinopathy from watching a solar eclipse.

Solar retinopathy occurs when the retina, which is the part of the eye that detects light and communicates with the brain, gets damaged by direct sunlight. This type of harm can result from watching a solar eclipse without the safety of protective glasses, potentially causing “serious and irreversible” damage to your vision according to the research team.

The damage is attributed to a photochemical injury, which occurs when the intense solar light triggers chemical reactions harmful to the eye. One example from the research is a man now in his forties who, at age 16, viewed an eclipse for 15 minutes with no eye protection. While his left eye eventually healed, for decades he has continued to suffer from problems in his right eye, such as difficulties in focusing sharply and persistent discomfort. These issues can significantly interfere with crucial daily tasks, including reading and driving.

While there’s no cure for solar retinopathy, it’s important to consult an ophthalmologist if you notice any vision problems following a solar eclipse. Recovery is possible within three to six months for many individuals, yet some may face permanent vision impairment.

Ahead, learn how to safely look at a solar eclipse without harming your eyes now or in the future.

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How to protect yourself during the solar eclipse?

Keep safe and enjoy the event by sticking to NASA‘s instructions for looking at a solar eclipse:

• Eclipse glasses and solar viewers: To safely observe the sun during the partial phases that occur before and after the total eclipse, use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. These tools are specifically designed to filter out harmful sunlight, allowing you to look at the sun without risking eye damage.
• Viewing during totality: There’s a moment during the eclipse known as “totality,” when the moon fully covers the sun, plunging the day into a twilight state. It is only during these brief minutes that you can safely view the eclipse without any protective eyewear. You’ll know this phase has arrived when the sun’s bright disk is completely hidden, and no sunlight is visible through your eclipse glasses or viewer.
• Transitioning out of totality: As totality comes to an end, and even the slightest sliver of the sun begins to shine through, it’s imperative to immediately equip your eclipse glasses or solar viewer again. This precaution is essential to avoid the sudden exposure to the intense sunlight, which can cause eye damage in just a fraction of a second.
• Protecting your skin: While much emphasis is placed on eye safety during an eclipse, skin protection is equally important. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be just as harmful during an eclipse as on any sunny day. If you plan to be outdoors watching the eclipse unfold over several hours, applying sunscreen, donning a hat, and wearing protective clothing are key steps to shield your skin from UV damage.

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If you’re a fan of the no-mess convenience that liquid laundry detergent pods provide, check on any purchases you made after September 2023 for a potentially dangerous defect.

In coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), on April 5, 2024 manufacturer Procter & Gamble announced a voluntarily recall of “8.2 million defective bags of Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel laundry detergent packets distributed in US due to risk of serious injury.” The recall announcement states that 56,741 units were sold in Canada.

Procter & Gamble states that there’s an issue with the outer plastic containers that hold the recalled laundry pods, which were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. P&G states that the bags cannot close completely or may “split open near the zipper track” due to a manufacturing issue. This leaves the pods accessible to children, who may play with or ingest them and could also result in potential skin irritation or eye injuries for others. These types of pods have long led to emergency medical visits due to children ingesting them or the contents spilling onto the skin or into the eyes. They must always be stored in sealed outer packaging and away from children or pets.

No injuries have been reported directly connected to this recall. However, the announcement reveals that there have been four reports children accessing liquid detergent pods, three of which involved ingestion, during the time that the recalled pods were sold. The CSPC cannot confirm whether these incidents are linked to the recalled products. Nevertheless, this underscores the need to keep all potentially dangerous chemicals out of reach of children at all times and inspect packages for potential defects.

The affected pods were sold at various retailers, both in-store and online, in packages containing 12 to 39 laundry detergent packets each. While  are among the outlets that sold the pods, this is not an exhaustive list. If you purchased detergent pods after September 2023, check your packaging for the lot codes listed at pg.com/bags. They can be found at the bottom of the packages or on the outside of the box if purchased at a club or wholesale location.

Those who have these products at home are urged to immediately store them out of reach of children. Procter & Gamble suggests transferring them from the bags to Tide PODS or Gain Flings tubs that have a child-resistant closure. The company will provide these containers to customers through its Consumer Care Team. Customers who bought the recalled pods can also receive a refund in the form of a prepaid debit card, a replacement bag, and a cabinet latch to keep all laundry items secure. To begin the refund process, visit the P&G recall page with your product barcode and a photo of the lot code handy.

Recalled Laundry Detergent Pods by Procter & Gamble on April 5, 2024:

Tide

Tide Pods Original

Tide Pods Spring Meadow Scent

Tide Simply Pods Plus Oxi Boost

Tide Pods Clean Breeze Scent

Tide Pods Free & Gentle

Tide Pods Oxi

Tide Pods Ultra Oxi

Tide Pods Light

Gain

Gain Flings Original

Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze Scent

Gain Flings Blissful Breeze Scent

Gain Flings Spring Daydream Scent

Gain Flings Plus Ultra Oxi

Gain Flings Plus Odor Defense

Ace

Ace Pods Clean Breeze

Ace Pods Spring Meadow

Ariel

Ariel Pods Alpine Breeze

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They’re typically found in the potato chip aisle and said to contain less sodium and 30% less fat than the leading potato chip—but a recall on a recognizable veggie chip might make you more aware of the ingredients.

On April 3, 2024, Walmart alerted Sam’s Club customers to the recall of Garden Veggie Straws on the national retail chain’s dedicated recall page. The Walmart alert came after the manufacturer Garden Veggie Snacks announced on their website:

“This voluntary recall affects the Garden Veggie Straws 30 CT Variety Pack that was available at select Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club between March 18 – March 28, 2024. The recall is due to potential exposure to a milk allergen on the 1 oz. bag of Garden Veggie Sea Salt straws that are sold in the variety pack.

According to a list published by Walmart, the products were distributed in at least 27 states. While the recall notes that the product was sold at BJ’s locations, there is no information on affected locations posted on BJ’s recall page as of this publication.

The variety packs happen to include cheddar cheese and zesty ranch-flavored straws, but it appears that neither of these flavors is impacted by this recall. 

Recalled Garden Veggie Straws details and specifications are as follows:

• Garden Veggie Straws 30-count Variety Pack – Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Zesty Ranch (the Sea Salt are the only ones impacted)
• UPC: 08-29515-32543
• Use by date on outer case – 03SEP24MT, 26AUG24MT, 27AUG24MT, 25AUG24MT, 21AUG24MT
• Use-by date on individual 1-ounce bag: 27AUG24MT

According to the manufacturer, no other Garden Veggie Snacks products are included in the recall. It has not said how the company learned that the ingredient was not listed and doesn’t note whether any customers have reported issues after consuming the product. 

Customers who purchased the variety pack are urged to discard them and contact Garden Veggie Straws for a full refund at https://gardenveggiesnacks.com/contact-us/. They can also call 866-993-5748 for more information Monday through Friday, 9 am – 7 pm ET.

One advantage of Garden Veggie Straws in the eyes of many consumers is that they’re made of vegetables, but actually the product ingredients list potato starch as the main ingredient, and they’re colored with beet powder, spinach powder, and turmeric.

Milk is one of the nine major allergens required to be listed on food package labels by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the potential to cause severe reactions. The others are eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), often referred to as H5N1 bird flu, has been making news as novel cases circulate among wild and domestic birds. While there are outbreaks, they are typically managed to stay confined to bird populations and wild animals.

In the past few weeks, however, H5N1 has jumped from the usual birds to infect dairy cows across four states: Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, and Michigan. A case has also been found in a human who had close contact with dairy cows. This is only the second human case of bird flu reported in the U.S.

But on April 2, 2024, one of the largest producers of eggs in the country, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., reported that A(H5N1) had been found in chickens on one of its farms in Texas.

Despite the uptick in HPAI A(H5N1) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) calls the risk low for anyone who’s not in contact with an infected animal to contract this strain of bird flu. CDC experts stated on April 1 that “people with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.”

But as cases mount across livestock that provide common household staples in recent weeks, you might have some concerns about your food. Is it possible to contract H5N1 bird flu from animal products like eggs, chicken, milk, or cheese? Ahead, find out what national experts are saying.

Chicken

Note the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not rule out the potential to get sick from an infected bird. However, it stresses that the likelihood is low.

The CDC explains that bird flu is classified as “highly pathogenic” because it causes “severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry.” This means the animal gets ill and expires too quickly to reach the food supply. Plus, poultry is inspected for several signs of illness before it is processed or sold for food.

Still, the USDA recommends that safe handling and cooking temperature of chicken is always important due to other bacteria that they say are more likely to contaminate chicken, like Salmonella.

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Eggs

Egg producer Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. revealed in its press release that it exterminated over 1.6 million hens in response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. This was likely a precaution.

The FDA says that like chicken, eggs are unlikely to cause any transmission of bird flu due to the rapid onset of disease and the nature of eggs. The safeguards put in place to protect against Salmonella are said to protect against avian flu as well. However, it is always important to safely handle and cook eggs due to other bacteria.

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Milk

For two reasons, the current milk supply is also considered safe against transmitted avian flu from infected dairy cows. One is that milk from infected dairy cows cannot be sold. “Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply,” says the USDA.

Second, pasteurization, which heats milk to a safe temperature for a designated time frame, is a process implemented to destroy bacteria in the milk. “Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses, in milk and is required for any milk entering interstate commerce,” says the FDA. However, they note that they  “are continuing to monitor the situation” and will provide updates if necessary.

In terms of raw milk, which can be sold in some states, the transmission is theoretically possible, though as yet undocumented. “Based on the limited research and information available, we do not know at this time if HPAI A (H5N1) viruses can be transmitted through consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk and products (such as cheese) made from raw milk from infected cows,” reports the FDA.

However, raw milk cannot be sold across state lines by law and the FDA discourages its consumption due to other microbes that can be present in it. If you consume raw milk and live in the states affected, you should consider your source.  

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Cheese

In terms of cheese, pasteurization and the 60-day aging process of raw milk cheese reduce the likelihood that it will harbor bacteria or viruses, reports the FDA.

Additionally, the agency “recommends that industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw/unpasteurized milk cheese products made with milk from cows showing symptoms of illness, including those infected with HPAI viruses or exposed to those infected with avian influenza viruses, even if the cheese will undergo the 60-day aging process.” However, if you question the freshness or source of any food, it’s probably wisest not to take a chance.

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