Cancer diagnoses in the British royal family over the years: ‘The great equalizer’

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February 6, 2024

King Charles III, 75, has received a cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Monday.

The cancer was discovered when the king underwent a routine procedure on Jan. 17 to treat an enlarged prostate.

The palace as of now has not confirmed the type or stage of cancer, saying only that it is not prostate cancer. The king began treatments on Monday.

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Other British royals have fought their own cancer battles over the years.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York: Breast and skin cancer

Most recently, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, announced on Jan. 21 that she was diagnosed with skin cancer just a month after receiving breast cancer treatments.

Left to right: Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, King George VI and Sarah Ferguson are among the British royals who have been diagnosed with cancer. (Getty Images)

“I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery,” Ferguson, who is 64, wrote in an Instagram post.

“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.”

Queen Elizabeth II: Bone marrow cancer

Queen Elizabeth II battled myeloma, a painful bone marrow cancer, during the last years of her life, according to “Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait,” an upcoming biography by Gyles Brandreth.

“I had heard that the Queen had a form of myeloma — bone marrow cancer — which would explain her tiredness and weight loss and those ‘mobility issues’ we were often told about during the last year or so of her life,” Brandreth wrote in the book.

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Hilary Fordwich, a royal expert based in Maryland, noted that Queen Elizabeth loved to ride horses and did so up to 93 years of age.

“With her bone marrow cancer, she began to suffer mobility issues, which curtailed her riding,” Fordwich told Fox News Digital.

The queen died in Sept. 2022 at the age of 96.

Duke of Windsor: Throat cancer

The Duke of Windsor, who served as King Edward VIII for only a year before abdicating the throne in December 1936 in order to marry the divorcee Wallis Simpson, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1971.

King Charles III, 75, received a cancer diagnosis after he underwent a routine procedure on Jan. 17 to treat an enlarged prostate. (Getty Images)

The Duke, a longtime smoker, reportedly received cobalt therapy after his diagnosis.

He died in Paris, France, on May 28, 1972, at the age of 77.

Queen Elizabeth I (Queen Mother): Colon and breast cancer

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from Dec. 11, 1936 until Feb. 6, 1952.

In 1966, Elizabeth was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery to remove a tumor, as biographer William Shawcross wrote in “The Queen Mother: The Official Biography.”

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In 1984, the queen received a breast cancer diagnosis and had a lumpectomy.

She went on to live a long life, dying on March 30, 2002, at 101 years old.

King George VI: Lung cancer

King George VI, who took over the throne on Dec. 11, 1936 until his death, was diagnosed with lung cancer in Sept. 1951.

“He was a chain smoker and had been advised by his doctors to smoke to help ‘smooth his lungs’ given his stutter,” said Fordwich.

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (1896-1986) and the Duke of Windsor (1894-1972) are pictured in Nassau, the Bahamas, circa 1942. The Duke was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1971. (Getty Images)

The longtime smoker underwent surgery to remove his left lung, according to The Independent.

After an initial period of recovery, the king’s health declined and he succumbed to the disease on Feb. 6, 1952, at 56 years old.

King Edward VII: Basal cell carcinoma

King Edward VII, who reigned from Jan. 22, 1901 until his death in 1910, was diagnosed with basal-cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, in 1907.

His cancer, which was found on the skin next to his nose, was reportedly cured with radium.

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After suffering additional health issues later in life, Edward died at 68 years of age on May 6, 1910, after a series of heart attacks.

Princess Victoria: Breast cancer

The daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Princess Victoria, who was born on Nov. 21, 1840, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1898.

The mother of eight died of the disease on Aug. 5, 1901, at the age of 60.

Sarah Ferguson wears green dress at Venice Film Festival

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, announced on Jan. 21 that she was diagnosed with skin cancer just a month after receiving breast cancer treatments. (Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis)

“There is no family left untouched by cancer,” said Dr. Nathan Goodyear, the medical director at Brio Medical, a holistic, integrative cancer healing center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cancer knows no preferences,” he told Fox News Digital. “Whether left or right, conservative or liberal, upper class or lower class, cancer shows no leaning.”

Likewise, cancer knows no difference between those of royal descent and those of non-royal descent, he added.

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“Despite access to the most innovative medical care and brightest minds in the world, royal families still encounter cancer,” Goodyear said.

“When it comes to demographics, cancer is the great equalizer.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla in royal regalia on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

King Charles III and Queen Camilla appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023. Earlier this week, Her Majesty the Queen opened Maggie’s Royal Free, a new cancer support center at Royal Free Hospital in London. (Getty Images)

“Yet, whether royal or non-royal, look up, pray and take heart — because hope is present, and when hope is present, healing is possible.”

Earlier this week, Her Majesty the Queen opened Maggie’s Royal Free, a new cancer support center at Royal Free Hospital in London, as announced on the royal family’s website.

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Maggie’s provides free care and support for cancer patients, their friends and families in the U.K. and online.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Switching phones? Here’s how to move from one Android to another without losing anything

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February 6, 2024

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If you’ve just got a new Android phone, congrats. I’m sure you are very excited to try out all the new features and apps that it offers. But before you do that, you need to make sure that you don’t lose any of your important data from your old phone.

Things like your contacts, photos, messages, and settings are all an important part of your digital life, and you don’t want to start from scratch on your new device.

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Switching phones? Here's how to move from one Android to another without losing anything

Samsung Galaxy S24 (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to transfer your Android data with Google Drive

Luckily, there’s an easy way to transfer all your data from your old Android phone to your new Android phone using Google Drive. Google Drive is a cloud service that lets you store and access your files from anywhere, and it also works as a backup tool for your Android data.

You can use Google Drive to back up and restore your data in just a few steps, and it’s completely free for up to 15 GB of storage. If you need more space, you can upgrade to a paid plan that gives you up to 100 GB for only $1.99 per month. Here’s how to use Google Drive to transfer your data from your old Android phone to your new one.

Google Drive (Google) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Back up your data on your old Android phone

The first thing you need to do is backup your data on your old phone so that you can restore it on your new one. To do this, follow these simple steps.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

On your old phone, go to Settings
Scroll down and tap Accounts and backup
Tap Back up data
Make sure that the toggle for Backup to Google Drive is set to on

Steps to back up your data on your old phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Hit Back up now to start the backup process. Depending on how much data you have, this may take some time, so make sure your phone is connected to a power source and a Wi-Fi network .

Steps to back up your data on your old phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Once the backup is complete, you can check the details of your backup by tapping on Google Account and then Manage backup.

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Restore your data on your new Android phone

Now that you have backed up your data on your old phone, you can restore it on your new phone. To do this, follow these steps.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

On your new phone, select your device language and hit Get started on the welcome page.
Select your home Wi-Fi network and sign in.
Hit Next at the Copy apps and data screen to begin migrating data from your old phone.
Then, in the bottom left corner, hit No cable. This will allow you to restore your data from Google Drive without using a physical cable, then tap Next.

Steps to restore your data on your new Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When prompted, sign into your Google account. This should be the same account that you used to back up your data on your old phone.
From there, select everything you want to migrate. You can choose to restore your apps, contacts, call history, device settings, and more. You can also deselect any items that you don’t want to transfer.
Now tap Copy to begin migrating data to your new phone. This may also take some time, depending on how much data you have, so be patient and keep your phone connected to a power source and a Wi-Fi network.
Once the migration is complete, you can hit Next and enjoy your new phone with all your data intact.

Steps to restore your data on your new Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

And that’s it. You’ve successfully transferred your data from your old Android phone to your new Android using Google Drive. Now you can explore your new phone without worrying about losing any of your precious data.

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

Kurt’s key takeaways

Transferring your data from your old Android phone to your new one using Google Drive is a simple and convenient way to keep your digital life intact. You just need a Google account and a Wi-Fi connection, and you’re good to go. So, grab your new Android phone and start transferring your data with Google Drive. You’ll be amazed by how easy and fast it is.

Now that you know how to transfer your data from your old Android phone to your new one, what are some of the things you’re looking forward to doing with your new phone? What are some of the features or apps that you’re excited to try out? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Controversial Painting Ignites Deep Gender Debates On Social Media

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February 6, 2024

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“In terms of technical prowess, the artwork stands out for its narrative depth, technical execution, and ability to engage the viewer in reflecting on the intricacies of social dynamics.”

New York, New York, February 6, 2024, It is not often that artwork sparks such a huge debate amongst the genders as happened recently with the showing of a multi-color painting entitled The 80/20 Club, it captures a vibrant bar scene featuring a man in a brown suit grinning as he basks in the attention of five women, seemingly at the expense of other single men. Posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, by relationship expert and content creator @rpmastro2.

The artwork prompted discussion with a caption saying the character in the brown suit, whom he assumes is a high-value individual, has three women sitting at his table and two more waiting in line while other single men appear to be overlooked and somewhat irritated. He concluded by saying the artist did a great job depicting the modern dating scene in America, where 80% of modern women are only attracted to the top 20% of men.

The post quickly went viral, amassing more than 19 million views and over 4,000 retweets. One user, in agreement with the post, expressed concern about the bottom 80% of men feeling overlooked. Another respondent claimed that 100% of straight women only pursue the top 1% of men, choosing to compete rather than giving the average Joe a chance.

However, some users countered the post, emphasizing that the 80/20 rule applies to men as well. They pointed out that there are smart, funny, and successful women who may also get overlooked by men seeking only physical attractiveness.

The ensuing gender debate spilled into other social media platforms like Facebook and Quora, with both genders continuing to express their perspectives. Some turned the painting into funny or inspirational memes and shared them in private chat groups.

YouTube content creator and founder of Fascinating Womanhood, Dixie Andelin Forsyth, joined the conversation with an interesting take in her reaction video posted on her YouTube channel. She argued that just because a woman is attracted to financial security doesn’t mean she’s shallow. “One of women’s basic needs is to have financial security, just like it is for men to have an attractive partner,” she exclaimed. “When a man is financially secure, he probably has better self-esteem and better social skills, which are qualities women find attractive.”

Is it true that 80% of modern women only want the top 20% of men? And where did this argument come from? A 2019 study entitled “Are Men Intimidated by Highly Educated Women?” found that men swiped right on 61.9% of women on Tinder, but women on average only swiped right on 4.5% of men. Adding further fuel to the fire is the result of a study posted on Medium entitled “Tinder Experiments II: Guys, Unless You Are Really Hot, You Are Probably Better Off Not Wasting Your Time on Tinder—A Quantitative Socio-Economic Study.” This study reports that “the bottom 80% of men (in terms of attractiveness) are competing for the bottom 22% of women, and the top 78% of women are competing for the top 20% of men.” This again aligns perfectly with the 80/20 rule, and it may seem hard to argue with considering all this.

Art critic Edgar Singleton weighed in on the technical execution of the work, stating, “The artwork stands out for its narrative depth. The use of color is not only bold but also meticulously crafted. I can almost hear the subdued murmurs of the crowd, the distinct clinking of glasses, and the gentle notes of a soft jazz melody that saturates the environment. This painting transcends mere realism by virtue of the atmospheric quality it exudes.”

#The-8020-Club-Painting #the8020club

francis2 — Controversial Painting Ignites Deep Gender Debates On Social Media 22

As syphilis cases surge in the US, here’s what infectious disease experts want you to know

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February 6, 2024

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Syphilis is surging in the U.S., reaching the highest numbers in nearly 75 years.

Cases of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) rose 10% in 2022, reaching 203,500. The numbers have increased 68% since 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Jarod Fox, an infectious disease specialist with Orlando Health, said there’s an “alarming trend” in STDs in general, and specifically syphilis, over the past decade.

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Fox News Digital talked to experts about potential reasons behind the spread, who’s at risk — and how to combat the infection.

Experts discussed the potential reasons behind the spread of syphilis, who’s at risk — and how to combat the infection. (iStock)

What’s behind the surge?

Dr. Bryan Dechairo, CEO of Sherlock Biosciences, a diagnostic testing provider in Massachusetts, calls the recent surge in syphilis cases a “multifaceted public health issue” that reflects “broader systemic challenges.”

“Most importantly, there are currently not enough people getting tested and there is insufficient access to testing, particularly among populations most at risk,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“Without newer, more accessible, accurate tests, people do not know they have an STI and are, therefore, more likely to transmit it to other individuals.”

Dechairo also named a decline in protected sex, particularly among younger people, as a factor in the increase.

“This trend is partly attributed to the success in HIV prevention and treatment, leading to a perception of reduced risk for sexually transmitted infections,” he said.

“Without newer, more accessible, accurate tests, people do not know they have an STI and are, therefore, more likely to transmit it to other individuals,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Also contributing to the spike is the reduction in sexual health services and professionals, according to Dechairo.

“This, combined with broader social and economic inequalities, has created a perfect storm for the resurgence of syphilis, particularly affecting marginalized communities,” he said.

“There are currently not enough people getting tested and there is insufficient access to testing.”

Fox of Orlando Health added that the rise in illicit drug use in the U.S. has also led to more risky sexual encounters and thus a higher risk of STIs.

“There has also been a rise in dating apps, and this makes it easier to expand an individual’s sexual network, making it easier for STIs to have a wider spread,” he told Fox News Digital.

Who is most at risk?

Most cases of syphilis affect men who have sex with men (MSM), according to the CDC.

Certain racial and ethnic groups are also at a higher risk, Dechairo said.

ANTIBIOTIC DOXYCYCLINE CAN BE MORNING-AFTER PILL FOR HIGH-RISK PATIENTS AFTER UNPROTECTED SEX, CDC SUGGESTS

“Black Americans and Native American/Alaska Natives, for instance, show higher rates of infection, likely due to systemic inequities in health care access,” he said.

To reduce infections among men who have sex with men, Dechairo emphasized the need for targeted public health interventions and education.

Symptoms and treatment

Syphilis can cause painless genital ulcers and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes in the early stages, on average three weeks after exposure, Fox noted.

These spontaneously heal in three to six weeks.

“These early symptoms can be missed and lead to delayed diagnosis,” he warned.

A rash on the palms and soles may develop after the initial ulcers have healed, said Fox. The infection can also have neurologic and vision-related effects.

This 1966 microscope photo made available by the CDC shows a tissue sample with the presence of numerous, corkscrew-shaped, darkly stained, Treponema pallidum spirochetes, the bacterium responsible for syphilis. (CDC)

The primary treatment for syphilis is intramuscular penicillin injections, with the number of injections based on whether it is an acute infection or late infection, Fox noted.

“There have been intermittent shortages of the penicillin, and so other treatments such as doxycycline may be used in some cases,” he said.

“Early symptoms can be missed and lead to delayed diagnosis.”

If left untreated, syphilis can progress through various stages with escalating severity, Dechairo warned.

“Initially, it may present as a painless sore, but without treatment, it can lead to severe health complications,” he said.

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“In its later stages, syphilis can cause damage to major organs, neurological issues, blindness and even death.”

In cases of congenital syphilis, the infection can also be passed from mother to child — which can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or severe birth defects, said Dechairo.

What needs to be done?

To reverse the upward trend in syphilis cases, Dechairo calls for a “comprehensive approach.”

Increased access to new types of testing — including home testing — is critical to slowing the spread of not only syphilis, but also all STDs, he said.

This is particularly important because people with one type of infection are more likely to have another concurrent infection.

Experts called for establishing more clinics and training more health care professionals to treat syphilis patients. (iStock)

“This is part of a broader sexual health education effort to promote safe sex practices and regular screenings, improve access to health care — especially in underserved areas — and increase public awareness to destigmatize STIs,” he told Fox News Digital.

The expert also called for establishing more clinics and training more health care professionals.

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“Additionally, targeted interventions focusing on high-risk groups and communities with high infection rates are essential,” Dechairo added.

This would include prenatal care to help prevent cases of congenital syphilis, he said.

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Said Fox, “More public health funding is needed to better take care of the minority communities that have been disproportionately affected by syphilis as well as other diseases.”

And Dechario noted, “Through these multifaceted efforts, the rising tide of syphilis infections can be curbed, improving public health outcomes for all communities.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

The most talked-about Super Bowl ads of 2024

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February 6, 2024

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The biggest game of the year is right around the corner, and that means that some of the best commercials will be airing. There will be plenty of star-studded ads from some of the biggest companies in the world, including Volkswagen, Michelob Ultra, Reese’s and more. Here are some of the most anticipated ads you can expect to see on Super Bowl Sunday.

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Bud Light

After facing an enormous amount of backlash in the last year due to its campaign with trans activist and TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light’s Super Bowl ad is probably going to be one of the most talked about this year. The teaser features an unrecognizable man in sunglasses and a Bud Light T-shirt with a group of football fans watching in awe and asking who the man is.

MORE: HOW TO SCORE GREAT DEAL ON TV BEFORE SUPER BOWL

Uber Eats

Uber Eats released a teaser trailer for its Super Bowl ad, and it features power couple David and Victoria Beckham. In the trailer, the couple remake a moment from their Netflix documentary, “Beckham,” that went viral after Victoria said she came from a “working-class family,” and David told her to be more honest about her background. Those who watched the film will be sure to get a kick out of this one.

Doritos

Doritos will be promoting its latest product, Dinamita, in its Super Bowl ad and will feature Emmy Award-nominated actress Jenna Ortega, who you may recognize from the Scream franchise or from her Netflix hit show “Wednesday.”

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BetMGM

BetMGM’s Super Bowl ad will certainly make Tom Brady fans happy since he will be making an appearance along with actor Vince Vaughn and former professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky. The ad features the three stars in a humorous scenario where they say BetMGM is for everyone who loves sports betting except for Tom Brady because he’s won enough.

Drumstick

One of the more comedic ads expected to hit the small screen on Super Bowl Sunday is from Drumstick. The ad will feature comedian Eric André as he tries to make it through airport security with a bag full of Drumstick ice cream cones.

MORE: HOW TO SCORE GREAT DEAL ON TV BEFORE SUPER BOWl

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is certainly trying to reach a global audience with its Super Bowl ad because it will feature international soccer superstar Lionel Messi. Messi is one of the most followed people on Instagram, with nearly 500 million followers, so this ad is sure to make a splash.

Oreo

Oreo is also pulling out all the stops for its Super Bowl ad by featuring one of the most famous reality TV stars and business tycoons in the world – Kris Jenner. The ad teaser shows Jenner with a jar full of Oreos and twisting one to show that the cream is only on one side.

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Pringles

Marvel fans will enjoy the Pringles Super Bowl ad because it is set to feature actor Chris Pratt. In the teaser, Pratt is having a stare-down with a can of Pringles chips before the famous Pringles mustache man winks at him.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Perhaps one of the most star-studded Super Bowl ads this year will come from e.l.f. Cosmetics. The trailer featured numerous stars, including Meghan Trainor, as well as cast members from “Jury Duty” and “Suits.” The most famous “Suits” cast member, Meghan Markle, however, was not featured.

Hellman’s

Another ad that’s expected to make viewers laugh out loud is Hellman’s mayonnaise, which will feature Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Kate McKinnon. In the ad, McKinnon makes her cat a viral star after the cat meows in a way that sounds like “mayo.”

MORE: HOW TO SCORE GREAT DEAL ON TV BEFORE SUPER BOWL

Budweiser

It’s a staple at this point for Budweiser to have a wholesome Super Bowl ad, and this year will be no different. The teaser trailer features the Clydesdale horses making a comeback and will be sure to bring a smile to everyone watching.

Popeyes

Popeyes is also pulling out all the stops for its Super Bowl Sunday ad. The teaser features actor Ken Jeong emerging from cryotherapy, which may get a good laugh from viewers at home.

Starry

Gen Z viewers will be sure to love this ad coming from the soda brand Starry. The ad will feature VMA-winning rapper Ice Spice sipping on a can of Starry while she tries to avoid her ex, who has yet to be revealed.

FanDuel

Like BetMGM, the sports betting FanDuel is sticking with sports legends for its Super Bowl ad. The teaser released features both former NFL star Rob Gronkowski and former WWE star and actor John Cena.

Mountain Dew

The Mountain Dew Super Bowl ad is sure to bring a smile to those watching at home. It will feature actress Aubrey Plaza in a “Game of Thrones”-style ad that shows her riding on the back of a dragon while sipping on the beverage.

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State Farm

We all know the famous “Jake from State Farm” commercials; however, State Farm will be featuring a different star for their Super Bowl ad this year. The teaser introduces Agent State Farm, who will be played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Coors Light

Coors Light is another big beer company planning to show an ad on Super Bowl Sunday. The teaser trailer released shows a can of Coors on train tracks right before it’s about to get hit by a snow-covered locomotive, so we’ll have to wait and see what the big reveal is.

Kurt’s key takeaways

During this year’s Super Bowl, we can expect to see some hilarious, heartwarming, and surprising ads from some of the biggest brands and celebrities in the world. Whether you are a fan of Bud Light, Uber Eats, Doritos, or Oreo, there is something for everyone to enjoy and talk about. Let us know which ad you’re most excited to see and which one ends up being your favorite. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Health care or housing? More states are using Medicaid funds to help the homeless

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February 6, 2024

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In some states, the line between housing and health care is becoming increasingly blurred.

The Medicaid program is intended to offer government assistance with medical expenses for those with low incomes. Yet in at least 20 states, some of those funds are being allocated to social services — including housing support for the homeless.

While some tout the move as a means of alleviating the health conditions that can arise from poor living conditions, others say the funding will not solve the underlying problems.

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The federal government oversees the Medicaid program, yet each state can set its own benefits and eligibility requirements.

“States have broad flexibility in their Medicaid programs to create a program that is unique,” said Dr. Marc Samuels, founder and CEO of ADVI Health, a health care and life sciences advisory and consulting services firm headquartered in Washington, D.C.

In some states, Medicaid funds are being directed toward housing support for the homeless. (iStock)

“In general, states look to aid in housing on a temporary basis in an effort to focus on social determinants of health/population-based issues around serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders, and those with disabilities or receiving long-term care, high-risk pregnancy, or with a history of chronic homelessness,” he told Fox News Digital.

Which states offer Medicaid-funded housing?

At least 20 states today cover housing support services under their Medicaid program, according to the National Academy of State Health Policy (NASHP).

“There are five states — Arizona, California, New York, Oregon and Washington — that have received the approval from the federal government to cover short-term housing assistance through their Medicaid program using a specific type of waiver from the federal government (section 1115 demonstration waiver),” NASHP said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

“States have broad flexibility in their Medicaid programs to create a program that is unique.”

States can also offer this type of coverage through a program called Money Follows the Person.

This program “facilitates rebalancing states’ long-term care services and supports from institutional to community-based care,” the agency said.

A homeless woman begs for money along a city sidewalk. Her sign reads, “Homeless & Hungry – Please help. Thank you.” (Getty Images)

California has unveiled the most ambitious plan so far for state-funded housing support.

In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $12 billion, five-year plan to revamp its Medicaid program — called Medi-Cal — to include a range of social services outside the scope of medical care.

Those non-traditional services, officially called “in lieu of services,” include housing deposits, moving costs and rent, according to the state’s Health and Human Services Agency website.

California’s non-traditional medical services are officially called “in lieu of services.”

Nearly all the state’s public and private managed care health insurers participating in Medi-Cal will cover housing-related expenses.

In Sept. 2023, the Oregon Health Authority submitted a proposal for expanded Medicaid benefits that would include six months of rent assistance. If approved, the housing support would be available starting in Nov. 2024.

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Arizona’s Medicaid program — the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) — also offers funds for a “limited number of housing units” for members, according to the state’s health services website.

Non-traditional services — officially called “in lieu of services” in California — include housing deposits, moving costs and rent. (iStock)

Arkansas, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Jersey and Washington are among the other states that have launched Medicaid initiatives targeting homelessness, according to the National Academy of State Health Policy (NASHP).

Last month, New York was approved for a Medicaid expansion that will include housing support — and additional states are expected to follow suit.

Link between housing and health

Proponents of this funding believe there is a direct connection between housing and health.

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), a non-partisan federal agency that makes recommendations to Congress about Medicaid programs, stated in a 2018 brief that “poor housing conditions can worsen health outcomes related to infectious and chronic disease, injury and mental health, and may also affect childhood development through exposure to harmful toxins such as lead.”

The agency added that people experiencing homelessness or housing instability may struggle to get health care for routine visits as well as necessary medical treatments.

“Data suggest that among those who are chronically homeless, the provision of supportive housing … led to a decrease in emergency department use,” MACPAC wrote in the brief.

While some tout the move to use Medicaid funds for housing as a way to alleviate the health conditions that can arise from poor living conditions, others say the funding will not solve the underlying problems. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said he does not think that providing housing is the answer to homelessness.

“It is a huge money drain on the state and it doesn’t solve the underlying problems of chronic mental health issues, excess drug use and the spread of infectious disease — not to mention the unemployment that drives all of it,” he told Fox News Digital.

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SEES LARGEST SPIKE IN 12 YEARS, VA REPORTS: ‘WE HAVE FAILED,’ LAMENTS ARMY VET

Siegel pointed out that housing in California is not currently affordable — an issue that affects everyone, not just the homeless.

“Using Medicaid to finance housing for the homeless bypasses the blue-collar workers who can’t really afford housing either,” he said.

The doctor does believe that shelter is a health issue, however.

“The vast majority of health variations are driven by factors completely unrelated to health care.”

“Without shelter, you are prone to many more medical issues, including dehydration, exposure to the elements, contagious diseases, malnutrition, drug use and the impact of mental illness,” he said.

“I like the New York City shelter system, which has worked well over the last three decades,” Siegel added. “It is starting to struggle now because of the influx of migrants with nowhere to go — which also represents part of the public health crisis.”

“Using Medicaid to finance housing for the homeless bypasses the blue-collar workers who can’t really afford housing either,” said Dr. Marc Siegel. (iStock)

Other doctors, however, said they are supportive of Medicaid funding going to housing costs.

“Many people think of health care as what happens in a doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy — but what I can do for my patients as a doctor can quickly be undone if they don’t have food to eat or a roof over their heads,” said Colin Banas, M.D., chief medical officer for DrFirst, a health care technology company in Maryland.

“It’s refreshing to see that states such as California, Arizona, Oregon and Arkansas are allocating Medicaid funding in innovative and practical ways, especially as people experiencing homelessness are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes or experience heart attacks, according to the CDC,” he told Fox News Digital.

HOME HOSPITAL CARE BRINGS ‘PHENOMENAL’ BENEFITS TO PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS, STUDY FINDS

Rather than using “scarce resources” for housing instead of traditional health care, Banas said he believes that an “additive approach” is ideal.

“Programs addressing homelessness should help us learn where interventions can have the greatest impact,” he said.

Homeless people stand with their belongings in front of an outpatient mental health clinic in Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 6, 2022. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Scott Shipman, M.D., executive director of the Institute for Population Health at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, said the association of secure housing with better health is “widely understood.”

In an email to Fox News Digital, Shipman referred to Medicaid-funded housing as “a means of achieving better, and more stable, health while curtailing a vicious, often multigenerational cycle of costly recurring physical and mental health services that are exacerbated by prolonged housing insecurity.”

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When state governments pursue housing coverage through Medicaid waivers, they get a match of federal funding, Shipman noted.

“These programs do not shift funding away from medical services in favor of housing, but rather attract additional resources to meet housing needs, typically for those whose health is most directly at risk due to inadequate housing,” he said.

Shipman called for investments in addressing community-level social needs rather than simply pouring more money into “shiny new medical care technology,” which he said will lead to “overspending and disappointing results.”

“It doesn’t solve the underlying problems of chronic mental health issues, excess drug use and the spread of infectious disease.”

“The vast majority of health variations are driven by factors completely unrelated to health care,” he added.

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To qualify for housing assistance, people must meet certain needs-based health criteria, including serious mental illness, disability, pregnancy or homelessness, according to NASHP.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as well as several state health agencies for additional comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Young people like me are going vegan. That’s bad for the environment

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Reporters News Wire

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February 6, 2024

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Going vegan is all the rage. I see it all the time. I’m in my early 20s and I have lost count of how many of my peers have switched to a so-called “plant-based” lifestyle.

Young liberals care deeply about the environment and want to do their bit to stop what they see as the “climate crisis.” They think going vegan will help. What they don’t realize is by giving up meat, they might actually be harming the planet.

Polls show a huge rise in veganism in recent years, especially among millennials and Gen Z – 1% of all Americans now call themselves vegan.

A protester holds a pro-vegan placard during the demonstration in Regent Street in London on Aug. 6, 2022. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The trend correlates with radical views on climate change among young liberals. Left-wing environmental groups like Greenpeace and PETA campaign aggressively for people to stop eating meat and switch to veganism.

VEGAN DIET VERSUS MEAT-BASED DIET: IDENTICAL TWINS FOLLOWED DIFFERENT MEAL PLANS, HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED

The link between climate change and animal food products is cemented in the minds of young people. The narrative goes that because the farming and meat manufacturing industries cause greenhouse gas emissions, going vegan is a good way to shrink your carbon footprint and therefore help save the planet.

Unfortunately, the truth is rather different.

While it is true that the meat and dairy industries emit polluting gases that contribute to climate change, going vegan is not necessarily an improvement. Cutting meat and dairy out of their diets forces young vegans to switch to other products that are often much more environmentally damaging.

Take protein, for example. Any healthy diet needs a good amount of protein. Meat, eggs and dairy are all top sources of protein, but out of bounds for a vegan.

‘VEGAN’ LABEL MAY BE TURNING OFF CONSUMERS: STUDY FINDS MORE PEOPLE WILL PICK UP FOODS CALLED ‘HEALTHY’

There are plant-based protein sources like beans and lentils, but even a young liberal needs variety in their diet. Who wants to eat beans at every meal, three times a day, seven days a week?

Inevitably, young vegans turn to other sources of protein, often marketed as “meat substitutes.” These products are a way to make boring but plant-based protein sources, such as beans, more interesting to consumers, such as by making them look and taste like meat. For instance, many meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh are made from soybeans, which have a high protein content.

Farming soybeans is a disaster for the planet. Focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, as vegan activists often do, misses all the other ways a harmful product like soybeans can damage the natural world.

Volunteers serve vegan hot dogs at the PETA Congressional Veggie Dog Lunch outside the Longworth House Office Building on July 21, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

INFLUENCER REPORTEDLY DIED OF STARVATION FROM RAW VEGAN DIET

For instance, soybean farming fuels deforestation. To grow soybean plants, farmers must chop down many trees to clear land. Soybeans are very inefficient, so they take up a lot of space. That means they require much more deforestation than other similar bean plants.

It doesn’t stop with deforestation. Growing soybeans also causes something called soil erosion, which makes the soil where it is grown near impossible use to grow other plants in the future.

Soybean farming also uses up huge amounts of water and has been known to contribute to droughts. In fact, soybean farming is so bad for the planet, even the WWF, an environmental NGO, is against it.

Little by little, soybeans are destroying the planet. Did the young vegans consider this when they chose to forego their beef burgers for a soy burger instead?

Soybeans are harvested on a farm near Brasilia, Brazil, on March 4, 2022. (Andressa Anholete/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

REDDIT USER’S FIANCE COMPARED EATING MEAT TO SLAVERY, SAYS SHE’S RAISING THEIR KIDS TO BE VEGAN

The problem doesn’t stop with meat substitutes. Going vegan also means giving up dairy.

Young people on a plant-based diet must make their coffee with something that isn’t milk. Popular choices include almond milk, which has caused droughts in California. Growing almonds also requires so much pollination that it demands 70% of America’s commercial bee population each year, killing about a third of them per season.

They might instead opt for coconut milk, which has disastrous consequences for the fertility of soil. Oat milk is another favorite of the millennial vegan, despite the fact that it often contains glyphosate, an herbicide which is kryptonite to nature.

TRUE VEGAN LIFESTYLE: EXPLORING THE JOURNEY TO COMPASSIONATE EATING

Rice milk, a less common milk alternative, emits methane, just like dairy cows. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it can also contain arsenic. And then there’s soya milk, which is made with – you guessed it – soybeans.

Everywhere you look, vegan substitutes for meat and dairy products turn out to be much worse for the planet than the animal products they are intended to replace. Millennials and Gen Z who adopt a plant-based diet have been duped by the eco-food industry, which is making a quick buck off their eco-consciousness, all while damaging the natural world.

The simple truth is that what is happening among young vegans has never happened before. For most of human history, our species has been omnivorous, eating food that comes from both plants and animals. Never before has a cohort of millions of people decided to become herbivores and abandon animal-based food products.

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That’s a recipe for disaster. Humans need a balanced diet – and so does the planet. Swearing off animal products might seem like a great way to stop climate change but in reality, it just means creating a whole host of new problems for nature.

If young liberals truly care about the environment, they ought to think more carefully about their diet and lifestyle choices and not take eco-campaign groups like Greenpeace at their word.

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Jason Reed is a policy analyst and commentator for media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic. He tweets @JasonReed624

Russians are freezing as Soviet-era infrastructure in the country crumbles —and Moscow keeps spending on war

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Reporters News Wire

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February 6, 2024

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Heating systems are breaking down in Russia’s harsh winter, leaving many people freezing.
Much of Russia’s Soviet-era infrastructure needs modernizing.
But Russia is splurging on war rather than public utilities.

Heating systems are breaking down in Russia’s harsh winter, leaving many people freezing as Moscow continues to spend on its war in Ukraine.

Parts of Russia are experiencing an unusually cold winter — temperatures in Siberia hit -70 degrees Fahrenheit in December.

The brutal conditions are made worse because Russia’s infrastructure is poorly maintained, with many of its facilitates dating from the Soviet era, according to media reports.

This has caused a spate of breakdowns in central heating systems since December that has even hit parts of the Moscow region and the city of St. Petersburg, The Bell, an independent Russian media outlet, reported on January 16.

In one incident, more than a dozen people suffered from burns in the Western Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod when a large heating pipe burst, causing boiling water to flow into the streets, DW reported, citing a local news channel on Telegram. The damaged pipe also caused over 3,000 people to lose access to heating.

“We are still using the communal infrastructure that was made during the Soviet era,” said Russian lawmaker Svetlana Razvorotneva, who is a member of a national urban engineering committee, per DW. About 40% of the communal heating grid in the country needs to be replaced urgently, she added.

However, funding for public utilities made up just 2.2% of Russia’s total expenditure last year, according to the Financial Times. In contrast, Moscow’s spending on military expenses made up about 21% of Russia’s budget in the same year, per Reuters.

Russia is also ramping up defense spending to one-third of its budget this year as the war in Ukraine looks set to enter its third year, Russia’s finance ministry said in October, per Reuters.

As costs for the war add up, the Kremlin will likely need to introduce austerity measures to deal with Russia’s budget deficit, UK intelligence reported on Monday.

Even so, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is still almost certain to win a fifth term in Russia’s presidential election in March.

“People are dissatisfied with the state of communal services, but they perceive the situation as a chronic disease,” Denis Volkov, the director of Levada Center, an independent research organization, told the FT. “When something breaks, it annoys them, but it does not come as a surprise.”

Read the original article on Business Insider

The secret text code every family needs for crises or dangerous situations

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Reporters News Wire

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February 5, 2024

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Why isn’t Washington cleaning up Big Tech?

‘Takedown with Chris Hansen’ host Chris Hansen and ‘The Comfort Crisis’ author Michael Easter discuss the dangers of social media and Washington’s failure to act on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’

When my son, Ian, was 3, I bought him a cellphone. It had three buttons: “Call Mom,” “Call Dad” and “Call Grandma.” He was young, but it helped us feel better he could reach us in case of an emergency.

There may be situations where your child, partner or parent can’t make a phone call. Or, worse, they could have someone looking over their shoulder when they text. That’s when a secret emoji could save the day.

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It’s a way to ask for help quickly and you can do this without alerting anyone, unlike if you made a phone call. I’ve shared this with my family, too, so we’re all on the same page.

We’re giving away a $1,000 computer! Mac or Windows, your call. All you have to do is get one issue of my free daily newsletter, The Current. Bet you’ll love it — and good luck!

Hidden feature in your Amazon Echo that improves WiFi signal

A woman uses her cellphone while on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why an emoji?

These little images are worth a thousand words, especially if they’re part of an inside joke with family and friends.

In an emergency, an emoji is a lot less conspicuous than a word or phrase. If your kiddo can’t call you or someone’s watching them text, an emoji can serve as the perfect (private) distress signal.

SPAM TEXT FAQ: WHAT TO DO, WHAT NOT TO DO AND HOW TO GET LESS

Which should you pick?

Make sure it’s easy to remember — but not one your family usually uses in conversation. That’s going to cause unnecessary confusion and concern. Don’t use commonly used emojis, like hearts or smiley faces.

Here are 10 emojis that could be used as a secret signal in case of an emergency:

Ten emojis that could be used as a secret signal in case of an emergency.

How to have the talk

Don’t just mention this in passing. Have a formal sit-down to discuss the plan. Make sure everyone knows your family emoji should only be used in emergencies — no funny business.

Explain which responses anyone should expect from you if they use it. When they send you the emoji, will you follow up with a phone call? If so, what will you say?

Let’s say your teen texts you the giraffe

He went to a party at a friend’s house. Things there are making him uncomfortable. He wants to leave. You can text him back the giraffe, which means you’re on your way to get him.

CHARGING AND TRAVEL: 5 MALWARE MISTAKES MOST PEOPLE MAKE

If you don’t know where he is, look him up on the Find My app (Apple) or Family Link app (Android). Depending on the situation, you may want to consider contacting the authorities or reaching out to other trusted adults nearby.

What about your parents? They can text you an emoji if a caregiver is less than caring and can’t talk around that person. Make it a point to revisit your plan every three months. Set up a family meeting once or twice a year to review so it becomes natural in a real emergency.

Different emojis are shown on a tablet. (Jörg Carstensen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

If you need more help talking to your kiddos about tech, check out my free kids and parents tech contract. And be sure to share this with anyone in your life that has little ones around.

Keep your tech-know going

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: The meaning of “i” in iPhone

Do you know what it stands for? Plus, Drew Barrymore fell for a catfishing scam. Also, an AI-created ad targeting Hamas somehow lands on Hulu — we’ll dive into that. Ever wonder what it’s like to work for Bill Gates? I’ve got some insider info.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

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Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

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The little-known secret way to clean your AirPods the right way

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Reporters News Wire

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February 5, 2024

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If you own a pair of AirPods, you know how convenient and enjoyable they are to use. But you also know how dirty they can get over time. AirPods often accumulate dirt, bacteria, wax, sweat, and other substances that can affect their performance and even cause infections in your ears. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly and properly.

But how do you clean your AirPods without damaging them? What products should you use and avoid? And what are some tips to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so read on to learn the best way to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

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The little-known secret way to clean your AirPods the right way

AirPods Pro (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The do’s and don’ts of cleaning your AirPods

Before we get into the details of how to clean each part of your AirPods, let’s go over some general do’s and don’ts that apply to all models.

3 Do’s

1) Do use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of your AirPods. This will remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints that may have accumulated on the surface.

Using a lint-free cloth to clean AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Do wipe your AirPods with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water if they were exposed to anything that might cause damage, such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, or sunscreen. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.

Wetting lint-free cloth to be damp (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Do clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab and a cleaning pen. These tools can help you gently remove any debris or wax that may be clogging the sound quality of your AirPods.

MORE: ARE APPLE AIRPODS PRO AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRICEY HEARING AIDS?

3 Don’ts

1) Don’t run your AirPods underwater. Get any liquid in the openings, and use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them. These actions can damage the internal components, the battery, or the microphone and speaker meshes of your AirPods.

Don’t run AirPods underwater (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Don’t use compressed air, toothpicks, or other pointed objects to clean the meshes. These can damage the delicate fabric or push the debris further into the openings.

How not to use sharp objects to clean your AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Don’t use any cleaning products that contain alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. These can corrode the metal contacts, the plastic casing, or the rubber ear tips of your AirPods.

MORE: 8 INCREDIBLY USEFUL THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH AIRPODS

How to clean the ear tips of AirPods Pro

If you have AirPods Pro, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the ear tips, which are the silicone pieces that fit into your ear canal. These can collect a lot of wax, sweat, and bacteria, which can affect the noise cancellation and the fit of your AirPods Pro. Here are four steps on how to clean them.

Step 1 – Tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip opening facing downward if any water has accumulated in the ear tip. This will help drain the water out of the AirPod.

Example of tapping AirPod on lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse them with only water. Don’t use any soap or other cleaning products.

AirPod ear tip (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3 – Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are completely dry before re-attaching to each AirPod. You can also let them air dry for a few hours if you prefer.

Showing what the ear tip looks like un-attached to AirPod (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To reattach the ear tips, align them with the oval-shaped connector on the AirPod and push them firmly until they click into place.

MORE: CAN’T HEAR OR SEE WELL? IPHONE SETTINGS TO MAKE HEARING AND SEEING EASIER

How to clean the AirPods charging case

The charging case of your AirPods is another part that can get dirty over time. It can collect dust, lint, or debris in the charging ports, which can affect the charging efficiency and the battery life of your AirPods. Here’s four steps on how to clean it.

Step 1 – Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the charging case. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry completely before using it again.

Lint-free cloth, AirPods, isopropyl alcohol (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – Make sure not to get any liquid in the charging ports, the hinge, or the lid of the charging case. These can cause corrosion or short circuits in the case.

Step 3 – You’ll also want to remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don’t use abrasive materials or metal objects to clean the connector, as they can damage the pins or the coating of the connector.

Cleaning AirPods charging case with a soft-bristled brush (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don’t put anything in the charging ports of the case or the AirPods. These are the small gold circles that allow the case to charge the AirPods. If they are dirty, you can gently wipe them with a dry cotton swab.

Pointing to metal contacts on AirPod (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO FIND YOUR LOST AIRPODS

How to clean the AirPods Max

If you have AirPods Max, the over-ear headphones from Apple, you’ll need to take care of the different parts of the device, such as the ear cushions, the knit mesh, the headband, and the digital crown. Here are four steps on how to clean them.

AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 1 – To clean the ear cushions, remove them from the ear cups by pulling them off gently. You can wash them with mild soap and water, and then rinse them thoroughly. Let them dry completely before re-attaching them to the ear cups. To re-attach them, align the magnets on the ear cushions with the ones on the ear cups and press them firmly until they snap into place.

Ear cushions removed from AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – To clean the knit mesh, use a dry lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. Don’t use any liquid or cleaning products on the knit mesh, as they can damage the fabric or the acoustic performance of the headphones.

Cleaning knit mesh on AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3 – To clean the headband, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water to wipe the exterior. Don’t use any alcohol, bleach, or other chemicals on the headband, as they can discolor or damage the material.

Cleaning the headband of AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To clean the digital crown, which is the knob that controls the volume and other functions of the headphones, use a dry cotton swab to gently remove any dirt or debris from the edges. Don’t use any liquid or metal objects to clean the digital crown, as they can damage the mechanism or the coating of the crown.

Cleaning the digital crown of the AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: ARE APPLE AIRPODS PRO AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRICEY HEARING AIDS?

How to prevent your AirPods from getting dirty

While cleaning your AirPods regularly is a good habit, you can also take some simple steps to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are two tips to keep your AirPods clean and fresh.

Store your AirPods in their case when you’re not using them. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental drops. Make sure the case is also clean and dry before putting your AirPods in it.
Avoid sharing your AirPods with other people, especially if they have ear infections or other ear problems. This can transfer bacteria or germs from one person to another, and increase the risk of infections or irritations in your ears.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Cleaning your AirPods is not a difficult task, but it requires some care and attention. By following the steps and tips we’ve outlined, you can keep your AirPods in good shape and enjoy them for a long time. Remember to clean them regularly, use the right products and tools, and avoid damaging them with liquids or sharp objects.

How do you prevent your AirPods from getting dirty in the first place, and what habits do you follow? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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