As another hurricane threatens the U.S., the aftermath of Hurricane Helene still poses major threats.

Americans in areas of the country that were devastated by the storm may face numerous health risks.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joined “Fox Report Weekend” to discuss the severity of the damage, including people being injured and displaced from their homes, as well as 350,000 residents in North Carolina and Georgia who are still without power.

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“People are displaced, people are in shelters, pets are in shelters, roads are damaged, the infrastructure’s going to take months or years to fix,” he said. 

“And that means post-traumatic stress disorder for people. That means anxiety.”

In addition to mental health concerns, Siegel emphasized that public health has become an issue following the storm, noting the shortage of clean water.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has brought 7.5 million liters of water to affected areas, but it’s “not nearly enough,” according to the doctor.

“We don’t have enough health care workers in this country for emergencies like this.”

“Many people are without water,” Siegel said. “Many people have water that they’re worried could be contaminated.”

While dehydration is a threat, Siegel cautioned that drinking contaminated water can lead to dysentery and diarrheal diseases.

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“People [ingest] bacteria, they get sick, then they get dehydrated, then they don’t have water,” he said.

According to Aquasana, a maker of water filtration systems, boiling contaminated water can help kill off harmful bacteria and solids, but won’t remove other substances like chlorine or lead.

Even so, Siegel mentioned that some Americans might not have the ability to boil their water.

A man crosses a storm surge-flooded area on the coast of Gulfport, Florida, as Hurricane Helene passed through the Gulf of Mexico to the West on Sept. 26, 2024. (Thomas Simonetti for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“There’s a tremendous amount of health risks going on right now,” he said.

“The hospitals are overwhelmed in these areas, and we’re talking in Appalachia, very rural areas, where there isn’t a lot of medical care to begin with.”

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Lack of medication and proper medical care is another risk, as well as people being displaced from their homes, Siegel added.

“That causes a lot of trauma and stress psychologically,” he said. 

Swannanoa residents walk through devastating flood damage from the Swannanoa River in western North Carolina on Sept. 29, 2024.  (Travis Long/The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

“People who are roaming around that are fearful, that are anxious, get hurt. We’ve seen a lot of injuries and there are more to come.”

“Community spirit and community involvement and helping your neighbor is really the way to go,” he went on. “But not if you’re fully isolated.”

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For families or loved ones looking to help those who have been affected by the hurricane, Siegel encouraged them to send clean water, medications, antibiotics and first aid.

“Don’t venture out into areas that are unsafe,” he advised. “If you have a cell phone working, you certainly want to be in touch with your neighbors, with your loved ones, as much as possible.”

Hurricane Helene caused power outages, school closings and downed trees in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 27. (Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Siegel emphasized the importance of having enough medical providers available across the country to handle emergencies as Hurricane Milton intensifies.

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“We have to take care of our health care workers because we’re getting a ton of burnout,” he said. 

“We don’t have enough health care workers in this country for emergencies like this.”

A drug used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients is being touted for potentially slowing down aging.

The immune-suppressing medication rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, is being used off-label as a means of extending longevity.

“By targeting a key pathway (mTOR) in cells, this drug has been shown to extend lifespan in animals and could be beneficial to prevent age-related diseases in humans,” Dr. Andrea B. Maier — a professor in healthy aging and dementia research at the Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore — told Fox News Digital.

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Maier was co-author of a recent review study that explored how rapamycin affected healthy humans.

The review, which was published in the journal Lancet Healthy Longevity, found that the medication improved the effects of aging on the skin.

“Rapamycin and its derivatives improve the immune and cardiovascular function of healthy individuals or individuals with aging-related diseases,” Maier said in an email.

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Daniel Tawfik, a molecular biologist and co-founder of Healthspan, a digital medical clinic that focuses on anti-aging and longevity-promoting therapies, said his team uses rapamycin to help slow down the rate of aging. 

“We view this through the lens of reducing the accumulation of damaged senescent cells,” Tawfik, who is based in Santa Monica, California, told Fox News Digital.

The immune-suppressing medication rapamycin is being used off-label as a means of extending longevity. (iStock)

Senescent cells are cells that no longer function properly, but linger in the body and can contribute to tissue deterioration and inflammation, the expert said.

“By lowering the rate at which healthy cells transform into senescent cells, rapamycin can slow the aging process at the tissue level, helping to preserve organ function and overall health as we age,” he added.

Off-label use

In the U.S., rapamycin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its immune-suppressing properties in patients with kidney transplants and certain cancers. 

It is not approved for use as an age-defying drug.  

“Sirolimus (rapamycin) has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness as an anti-aging treatment,” a press officer for the FDA confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“Rapamycin can slow the aging process at the tissue level, helping to preserve organ function and overall health.”

Despite this, rapamycin is being used “off-label” for anti-aging purposes, according to Elaena Quattrocchi, a registered pharmacist and an associate professor at Long Island University College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York.

“Off-label means the FDA has not approved the drug for this use,” she told Fox News Digital.

Rapamycin, which is also known as Sirolimus,  is being used “off-label” for anti-aging purposes, experts say. (iStock)

When prescribing a drug for off-label use, the provider must explain to the patient that the medication has not been approved for the indication for which they are prescribing it, Quattrocchi noted.

“People taking this medication must discuss with their primary care provider and pharmacist about the potential side effects and drug interactions,” she said.

Benefits of rapamycin

Tawfik’s company currently treats more than 3,500 patients with rapamycin, he told Fox News Digital. 

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His team has seen numerous benefits of its off-label anti-aging use, he said, including improved cellular health, reduced risk of age-related diseases and the potential for enhanced longevity.

“Under proper medical supervision, many of our patients experience a marked reduction in inflammation and improvement in conditions related to autoimmunity,” Tawfik said.  

When prescribing a drug for off-label use, the provider should explain to the patient that the medication has not been approved for the indication for which they are prescribing it, according to experts. (iStock)

“For example, patients with osteoarthritis often report significant relief from joint pain after starting rapamycin.”

The expert also noted that certain biomarkers linked to healthspan and longevity — such as reduced inflammation markers and enhanced metabolic health — were seen in the bloodwork of the patients using rapamycin.

Screening and safety

Patients need a prescription for rapamycin, experts told Fox News Digital. 

Individuals are screened to determine whether they are candidates for the treatment. If it is prescribed, patients are monitored carefully when taking the drug.

“It is essential that rapamycin use is overseen by a physician.”

“It is essential that rapamycin use is overseen by a physician to ensure that dosing is effective yet safe, as high doses can lead to unwanted immunosuppression,” Tawfik warned. 

Maier echoed that rapamycin and its derivatives are not for self-medication use. 

“An important step is to first measure the patient’s biological age and investigate why the pace of aging might be faster,” she told Fox News Digital. 

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“Then a tailored approach to match the measures with interventions at need is required.”

Quattrocchi and Tawfik both emphasized the importance of working with an accredited pharmacy that sources the drug directly from a reputable manufacturer.

Rapamycin and its derivatives are not for self-medication use, experts cautioned. (iStock)

Rapamycin is not recommended for immunocompromised individuals or those taking immunosuppressant medication, Tawfik cautioned.  

It is not typically used in younger adults, he added, since starting this regimen at such an early age is unnecessary.

Calls for more research

There are limited studies on the effects of rapamycin on humans and organ systems, Maier noted.

In researching studies of the drug, Maier’s research team found that adverse reactions in healthy individuals were classified “as mild or moderate and were reversible after the discontinuation of treatment.”

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However, the study authors stated, “there were increased numbers of infections and increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with aging-related diseases.”

“Future studies should assess the remaining unexamined systems and test the effects of long-term exposure to rapamycin and its derivatives.”

Experts have reported numerous anti-aging benefits of rapamycin, including improved cellular health, reduced risk of age-related diseases and the potential for enhanced longevity. (iStock)

The majority of studies exploring rapamycin’s effects on aging have been conducted on mice and other animals as well as experimental models, researchers told Fox News Digital.

“The reason scientists are so interested in rapamycin is that in every species that’s been studied to date – yeast, worms, flies, mice – when they are given rapamycin, healthspan and lifespan are extended,” Tawfik noted.

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“No other intervention has that degree of validation.”

Quattrocchi agreed that further research is needed into the drug’s proper dosing, adverse effects, and potential anti-aging benefits in healthy individuals and those with medical conditions.

As October marks World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to learn and support those with the condition.

About 5,700 babies are born in the U.S. with Down syndrome each year, and more than 400,000 people in the country currently live with it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The life expectancy of those with the condition has increased dramatically over the years. In 1983, it was just 25 years old, but it is now 60, per the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

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Below is everything you need to know about Down syndrome and how you can help spread awareness about it. 

Read on …

1. What is Down syndrome?
2. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?
5. How do you observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

1. What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. 

Chromosomes determine how the body forms and functions. Those born with an extra chromosome experience changes in the way the body and brain develop.

A baby is typically born with 46 chromosomes. A baby with Down syndrome has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21.

The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases. 

Less common types of Down syndrome are translocation (caused by rearranged chromosome material) and mosaicism (when there is a mixture of two types of cells). 

There are no known ways to prevent the condition during pregnancy and no known root causes, experts say.

Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases. (iStock)

One risk factor associated with Down syndrome is the age of the mother — for a 25-year-old pregnant woman, the odds are about 1 in 1,250. At age 40, they are 1 in 100, statistics show.

2. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?

There are both physical and developmental symptoms of Down syndrome. 

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Physical symptoms include a flattened face; shorter height; short neck; small ears, hands and feet; and decreased muscle tone, according to the CDC.

Physical symptoms include a flattened face; shorter height; short neck; small ears, hands and feet; and decreased muscle tone, according to the CDC. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Developmental symptoms include a short attention span, impulsive behavior, slow learning and delayed speech development. 

While these are all common symptoms, not every child with Down syndrome will display each one of these traits.

3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month promotes education about the condition. (Anda Chu/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images)

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is “a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome,” according to the National Down Syndrome Society, which created the occasion in the 1980s. 

“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities,” states the Special Olympics website.

“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities.”

“So, it’s no surprise that each year in October, we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”

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“People with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, but they’ve shown time and again that the condition is just one part of who they are and doesn’t define them or limit their abilities,” the statement continued. 

“That’s why it’s so important that during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all year long, we help spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion and respect.” 

4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?

The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. People can choose to wear a blue and yellow ribbon throughout the month to spread awareness.

Some also choose days to wear blue and yellow clothing to spread the word and support those with Down syndrome throughout the month. 

The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. (iStock)

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 each year – which stands for the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition.

5. What can you do to observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Educating yourself and others about Down syndrome is one way to honor the occasion throughout the month. You can educate yourself by reading books and articles and watching documentaries. 

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You can take your knowledge and spread awareness to others by sharing information on social media. 

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 each year – which stands for the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition. (iStock)

Through the month of October, there are plenty of events, fundraisers and walks around the country dedicated to Down syndrome awareness. 

You can also choose to set up a fundraiser of your own or support a local business founded by or inspired by individuals with Down syndrome. 

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There are also many volunteer opportunities to take advantage of during this time. GiGi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics are two examples of organizations that participate.

Sleep is crucial, especially for pregnant women.

Inadequate sleep during pregnancy can have many negative effects, including neurodevelopmental delays for the child, according to a new study.

The research, which was published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, examined the effects of short sleep duration (SSD) — defined as sleeping fewer than seven hours per night — on pregnant women.

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The China-based researchers analyzed sleep data from 7,059 mother-child pairs from three Chinese hospitals. The children were screened for developmental delays from 6 months to 3 years old.

Insufficient sleep during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of delays in nervous system development, the researchers found.

“Our findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep quality during pregnancy to potentially mitigate the risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral issues in children,” lead study author Peng Zhu, M.D., of Anhui Medical University and the MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle in Hefei, China, told Fox News Digital. 

“Additionally, we discovered that cord blood C-peptide levels partially mediate this association, indicating that maternal sleep might impact fetal glucose metabolism and, consequently, the child’s neurodevelopment.”

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The neurodevelopmental delays can lead to slower development of social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive or speech skills, the new study revealed.

Boys, compared to girls, have a higher risk of these issues when their mothers experience SSD, the researchers found.

Poor sleep during pregnancy has also been associated with other complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. (iStock)

“This suggests that male fetuses might be more sensitive to the metabolic environment influenced by maternal sleep patterns,” Zhu said.

“This insight could lead to tailored interventions and a deeper understanding of how prenatal factors affect neurodevelopmental outcomes in a sex-specific manner.”

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Pregnant women may have trouble sleeping due to hormonal changes, discomfort, frequent urination and other factors, the Endocrine Society noted in a press release.

Prenatal health is important for the health of both the expectant mother and the unborn child. (iStock)

Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, acknowledged that the study measured a “possible biological marker” in neurological development.

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“Much more research is needed to assess this relationship, but adequate sleep is known to be associated with proper growth and socioemotional development,” she told Fox News Digital.

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Poor sleep during pregnancy is also associated with other complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, LoPiano detailed.

“Adequate sleep is known to be associated with proper growth and socioemotional development.”

The expert recommended that pregnant women who are experiencing trouble sleeping consult with a doctor.

She also shared a few simple methods that can help improve sleep, including sleeping in a cool, dark room, minimizing screen time and distractions before bed, having adequate wind-down time, meditating and using support pillows.

Pregnant women may have trouble sleeping due to hormonal changes, discomfort, frequent urination and other factors, experts say. (iStock)

The study researchers reiterated the importance of sleep hygiene.

“Pregnant women should be advised on strategies to improve sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bed,” Zhu told Fox News Digital.

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The researchers also recommend that health care providers screen pregnant women for sleep quality and provide guidance on achieving sufficient sleep. 

“Furthermore, monitoring and managing gestational diabetes, which is linked to sleep patterns, should be emphasized,” Zhu added.

Experts emphasized the importance of proper sleep hygiene during pregnancy. (iStock)

The study did have some potential limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

“As an observational study, we can only establish associations rather than causality,” Zhu told Fox News Digital.

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“Additionally, sleep duration was self-reported, which may introduce some level of bias.” 

Future studies with objective sleep measurements and larger sample sizes could help to validate the findings, the researcher added.