Three women likely contracted HIV after receiving so-called “vampire facials” at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico, according to a new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The shocking findings would make them the first known cases of the virus being transmitted during a non-sterile cosmetic injection procedure, the CDC says. 

A “vampire facial,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, is a procedure where blood is drawn from the arm, placed into a machine which “separates the platelets from the rest of your blood,” then is “re-injected into you (only the part of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets).”

CLOSED NEW MEXICO SALON WHICH GAVE ‘VAMPIRE FACIALS’ LINKED TO NEW HIV CASES: OFFICIALS

The procedure is also known as “platelet-rich plasma” and is considered to be a more affordable and less invasive option than getting a facelift.

Kim Kardashian is among those to have undergone the treatment. She posted an image of her bloody face after undergoing the process in 2013 but has since come out against the procedure.

The CDC’s investigation states that a woman in her 40s tested positive for HIV while traveling abroad in 2018.

The patient reported no injection drug use, recent blood transfusions, or recent sexual contact with anyone other than her current sexual partner, who received a negative HIV test result after the patient’s diagnosis. However, the patient did report exposure to needles during a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling procedure in spring 2018 at spa A in New Mexico.

Another person tested positive for the virus during routine tests for life insurance in 2018, while a third did not find out she had HIV until last year, when hospitalized with an “AIDS-defining illness.”

CDC ISSUES HEALTH ADVISORY WARNING OF ‘ADVERSE EFFECTS’ FROM FAKE BOTOX INJECTIONS

VIP Beauty Salon and Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Google Maps)

“This investigation identified an HIV cluster associated with receipt of cosmetic injection services at an unlicensed facility that did not follow recommended infection control procedures or maintain client records,” the CDC states. 

While the CDC report did not name the spa, referring to it as “Spa A,” last year a spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was linked to several new HIV cases and the New Mexico Department of Health reached out to its former clients stating that there was a risk they may have contracted HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infection.

The spa, VIP Beauty Salon and Spa, closed in September 2018 after a multi-state agency “identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C to clients.”

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In June 2022, VIP Beauty Salon and Spa owner, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, according to KRQE. (New Mexico Corrections Department)

In June 2022, the spa’s owner, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, according to KRQE. She was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. 

However, the source of contamination remains unknown, the report states. 

“Although the investigative team was not permitted to collect specimens from spa A, evidence from this investigation supports the likely transmission of HIV through poor infection control practices.”

Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report. 

Traces of bird flu have been detected in pasteurized milk — leaving many people wondering if it’s safe to drink.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notice on Thursday stating that one in five retail samples of commercial milk tested positive for fragments of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu or avian flu.

The share of milk with viral remnants was higher in areas where herds of cattle had been infected.

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The presence of the virus in the milk doesn’t necessarily mean there is a risk to consumers, however, the FDA noted.

“Additional testing is required to determine whether an intact pathogen is still present and if it remains infectious, which would help inform a determination of whether there is any risk of illness associated with consuming the product,” the agency stated.

“Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred,” the FDA stated in the alert.

Pasteurization eliminates risk, experts say

Before milk can be sold commercially, government regulations require that it is pasteurized.

During the pasteurization process, raw milk is heated to a certain temperature for a brief period of time and is then chilled again, according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) website.

This process kills any pathogens and ensures that milk is safe to drink.

BIRD FLU VIRUS FOUND IN GROCERY STORE MILK, BUT NO RISK TO CUSTOMERS, FDA SAYS

Dr. Scott Pegan, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of California, Riverside and a biochemist for the United States Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, said the FDA’s finding does not mean there is any direct risks to consumers.

“In the U.S., commercial intrastate sold milk is required to be pasteurized,” he told Fox News Digital. “This process is geared to kill viruses like H5N1 and other bacteria that can pose a threat to human health.”

A milk pasteurization system is shown at a food and drink exhibition. Pasteurization is a process that kills microbes in food and drink, such as milk, juice, canned food and others. (iStock)

“Milk that has been pasteurized is safe and there is no current reason to avoid it or other pasteurized milk products based on the FDA’s findings,” Pegan went on. 

“However, there is a substantial risk of consuming unpasteurized milk and products of that milk.”

Even after viruses and bacteria have been killed in pasteurized milk, remnants can remain in the milk, he said — but they are not dangerous.

RARE HUMAN CASE OF HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN TEXAS

Edward Liu, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, agreed that there is not a risk associated with drinking pasteurized milk.

“The pasteurization is the key — the heat treatment kills off the viruses,” he told Fox News Digital. “Although the FDA’s testing picked up fragments [of the virus], the heating process destroyed it, so it’s not able to infect people.”

The share of milk with viral remnants was higher in areas where herds of cattle had been infected. (iStock)

The fragments alone are not enough to cause any kind of infection, he confirmed.

“I think the key word is ‘fragments.’ Just like with COVID, if you do a PCR test a month later, we’ll detect little fragments of the virus, but it’s not active anymore,” Liu said. 

“So if the virus isn’t entirely intact, it shouldn’t be able to infect you.”

Any sporadic cases of human infection would likely occur when a farmer is handling birds directly, Liu said.

Consumers should avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized, the FDA said.

“There are some people who like to go all natural, but pasteurization has been used for decades for safety,” he said. “Some degree of processing is actually better and safer for us.”

Animals pose greater concern, experts say

The “indirect concern” within the scientific and medical community involves the increased risk of “spillover” to humans from animals with the H5N1 virus, said Pegan. 

“Prior to the outbreak in dairy cattle, this concern principally revolved around the risk of transmission to humans from wild birds or poultry,” he told Fox News Digital.

The “indirect concern” within the scientific and medical community involves the increased risk of “spillover” to humans from animals with the H5N1 virus, one expert said. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

“The presence of H5N1 avian flu in the milk of these cattle shows that cattle may be able to provide a new reservoir for this virus, increasing the odds of exposure to those in direct contact with the infected cattle.”

The more animals that are infected, the higher chance that humans may come in direct contact with the virus — which likely would lead to a greater number of human cases, said Pegan. 

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“The case of cattle-to-human transmission seen in Texas is in line with this concern,” he noted. 

“Also, the more mammals infected increases the chances that the virus will adapt to other mammals, such as humans.”

FDA’s recommendations

The FDA restated its “long-standing recommendation” that consumers avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized. 

The agency also recommends that companies refrain from manufacturing or selling raw milk or raw milk products made with milk from cows that tested positive for bird flu, were exposed to the virus or showed symptoms of illness.

“Over the past few years, there has been an increased consumer demand for these unpasteurized products,” Pegan said. 

The FDA restated its “long-standing recommendation” that consumers avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized.  (iStock)

“While not allowed to be sold via interstate brands, some states have relaxed local sales of these products at farmer’s markets and similar outlets,” he said. 

“Individuals may want to avoid those unpasteurized products until more information is obtained about this H5N1 avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle.”

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The FDA also urged producers to “take precautions” when discarding milk from affected cows, “so that the discarded milk does not become a source of further spread.”

So far, only one person has been confirmed to have contracted the virus after exposure to infected cows, the FDA stated.

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“The CDC says the risk to the general public remains low,” the agency said.

“The FDA and USDA continue to indicate that, based on the information we currently have, our commercial milk supply is safe.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the National Milk Producers Federation, the American Dairy Association and the International Dairy Foods Association for comment.

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

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Chronic lack of sleep can cause a long list of physical and mental issues — and for one young man, his mother believes it led to his death.

Derek McFadden was just 23 when he took his own life on Aug. 17, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona.

His mother, Robin McFadden, who lives in Tuxedo Park, New York, said she believes her son’s insomnia was the “only driver” of his suicide.

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Derek McFadden was an “extremely funny kid” who loved swimming, snow-skiing and cuddling, his mother said — but for most of his life, he struggled with debilitating insomnia.

At around 8 years old, he started taking small doses of sleeping medication, which helped for several years.

Around the time he turned 18, during his senior year of high school, the medication stopped working, McFadden said.

“He never got a good night’s sleep, but he soldiered through his school day and then would come home and lie down on his bed, exhausted, but couldn’t fall asleep,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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McFadden took her son to multiple doctors and they tried different medications — none of which worked, she said. 

“Derek would just lie there at night, and he was so tired, but he couldn’t fall sleep,” she said.

Amid the sleep struggles, her son managed to graduate from high school — but things got even worse when he left for college at the University of Arizona.

Derek McFadden, left, is pictured with his older brother Jake McFadden. (Robin McFadden)

He’d chosen Arizona because he was an “avid outdoorsman” who loved fly-fishing, going off-roading in his Jeep and spending time with his dog, which he’d adopted for emotional support.

“Our hope was that with Derek being in Arizona, the sunshine during the day would stimulate his brain to wake up so he could go to sleep at night, but it just didn’t work,” McFadden said.

The doctor’s visits continued, but none of the experts could figure out what was causing the insomnia. 

“There was something wrong in his brain that was preventing him from sleeping.”

“Every doctor would assume it was sleep hygiene, and that he was doing something wrong,” McFadden said.

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“They assumed that because he was 18, 19 or 20 years old that he was playing video games all night.”

She added, “But Derek knew sleep hygiene. He had done so much research on his own. There was something wrong in his brain that was preventing him from sleeping.” 

Derek McFadden, far left, is pictured with his brother, mother and father. (Robin McFadden)

The family looked into holistic approaches, including hypnosis, acupuncture and “brain training,” but “nothing seemed to work,” McFadden said.

Many nights, he would go the entire night without sleeping — sometimes up to three days in a row, she said.

“It was really, really bad,” McFadden said.

Physical and mental toll

As the months went by and sleep continued to elude her son, McFadden said it began to take a toll on his immune system.

After consecutive nights without sleeping, he developed bruises all around his eyes.

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“Derek was constantly getting sick, and that made him feel like he was not a normal kid,” she said. “He just couldn’t fight anything off. He was always at Urgent Care.”

Her son developed severe acid reflux and stomach pain, to the point where it became difficult for him to eat.

“Sometimes his insomnia got so severe that he couldn’t keep any food or fluids down at all,” McFadden said. 

Multiple times, he ended up in the emergency room with dehydration and severe cramping, she said.

Derek was an “avid outdoorsman” who loved fly-fishing, going off-roading in his Jeep and spending time with his dog, which he’d adopted for emotional support, his mother said. (Robin McFadden)

The lack of sleep also changed her son’s demeanor and personality, McFadden said.

“Derek had tremendous mood swings — he became anxiety-ridden and depressed,” she recalled.

“He would have hallucinations, and was constantly losing things. He couldn’t think clearly.”

On the rare occasion that her son had a good night’s sleep, McFadden said, he was “a completely different person, as happy as could be.”

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“It broke my heart, because he was such a happy, funny, huge-hearted person, and it was really sad to watch his decline.”

Unable to keep up with his studies, her son had to drop out of college.

“He couldn’t even hold a job because he couldn’t sleep at night,” McFadden said. 

“He saw there was no cure, no future, and he just didn’t see a point in going on.”

In July 2018, when her son came home from Tucson for the summer, McFadden knew something had shifted.

“We were sitting on the sofa and he said to me, ‘Mom, I’m gonna die young,’” she recalled. 

“And I said, ‘Derek, why do you say that?’ And he said, ‘Because my mind and body can’t take the sleep deprivation.’”

Derek McFadden, left, is pictured with his older brother. After the tragedy, his mother said she realized her son had likely been planning his suicide in recent weeks. (Robin McFadden)

Her son had also expressed that he didn’t want to have children because he didn’t want to pass on the disorder, McFadden said.

“He saw there was no cure, no future, and he just didn’t see a point in going on,” she said. “Physically, he was starting to fall apart, and mentally, his cognitive ability was going.”

“Physically, he was starting to fall apart.”

Four weeks later, McFadden got an early-morning call from the Tucson Police Department notifying her that her son had taken his life.

After the tragedy, McFadden realized that her son had likely been planning his suicide in recent weeks.

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“He had contacted some old friends, and in his text messages and phone calls, he sounded very serene, relieved and calm,” she recalled. “I truly believe Derek had made the decision. He just saw no future for himself.”

The sleep-suicide link

Studies have suggested a likely connection between sleep and suicide.

Research published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports found that treating insomnia and nightmares, or addressing the source of those issues, could help prevent “the rising threat of suicide.”

“Sleep is crucial for emotional and psychological balance.”

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with the firm Senolytix, said there is a “significant body of research” suggesting a link between sleep deprivation and an increased risk of suicide. 

“Sleep is crucial for emotional and psychological balance,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“Lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances, irritability and decreased stress tolerance, all of which can worsen feelings of despair or depression — potentially leading to suicidal thoughts.”

On the rare occasion that her son had a good night’s sleep, McFadden said, he was “a completely different person, as happy as could be.” Derek McFadden is pictured here with his mother, Robin McFadden. (Robin McFadden)

Sleep deprivation can also affect cognitive functions, the doctor continued. 

“This impairment can make it harder for individuals to see alternative solutions to problems or seek help, potentially increasing the risk of suicidal behavior,” he said.

LACK OF SLEEP COULD BE A FACTOR IN A ‘SILENT EPIDEMIC,’ EXPERTS WARN

Sleep problems are also commonly associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are themselves significant risk factors for suicide, according to Osborn.

“Sleep pathology is extremely complex and challenging, because sleep itself is poorly understood.”

“Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are particularly prevalent in these conditions,” he warned. “This can be a source of diagnostic confusion and resultant treatment errors.”

Sleep also affects various biological processes, Osborn noted — “including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (which is involved in mood regulation) and stress hormones like cortisol.”

Derek McFadden was an “extremely funny kid” who loved swimming, snow-skiing and cuddling, his mother said. (Robin McFadden)

“Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to dysregulation in these systems, which could contribute to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.”

While the majority of insomnia patients respond to lifestyle changes and/or medications, Osborn noted, there is a subset of patients who are “more difficult to manage.”

“Often, there are underlying medical problems, like reflux, that fly under the radar and predispose the individual to insomnia,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Derek McFadden, center, in cap and gown, is pictured with his family at his high-school graduation.  (Robin McFadden)

“Another issue is the potentially reciprocal relationship between depression and anxiety,” Osborn said.

“Sleep pathology is extremely complex and challenging, because sleep itself is poorly understood,” he continued. “A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach — involving a psychiatrist and a sleep specialist — is always best.”

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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, agreed that there is a proven link between insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.

“Since suicide is a manifestation of severe depression, I think there is a link there, too, though insomnia wouldn’t be the entire cause,” he told Fox News Digital.

Fly-fishing was one of Derek McFadden’s favorite hobbies. (Robin McFadden)

Siegel refers to it as a “cycle of worry.”

“Anxiety interferes with sleep, which then makes you more anxious and more sleepless, especially if you add caffeine to combat the grogginess,” he said.

During sleep, the brain relaxes and “cleanses” itself, Siegel said.

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“Waking up refreshed can improve mood, especially when accompanied by exercise,” he noted. 

For those with severe insomnia, Siegel recommends undergoing a full sleep study/evaluation — typically with an EEG or video monitoring — to help determine the causes.

“Severe, resistant cases require evaluations by sleep specialists, neurologists and psychiatrists,” he added.

Call for awareness

The most “disheartening” part of her son’s tragedy, according to McFadden, was a lack of support from the health community, in her view.

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“Other than sleep apnea and bad sleep hygiene, the medical community does not seem to believe that severe insomnia really exists,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“And that just infuriates me.”

Today, McFadden’s goal is to raise awareness of chronic insomnia — “because there are so many people in this world who are suffering from this.”

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

Dental hygiene is important — as is taking pride in your “pearly whites.”

But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with various factors causing discoloration.

Dr. Ronald Santana, head of science and development at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the “staining or darkening of teeth” from internal or external factors.

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“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by color changes of the tooth enamel by external factors such as smoking, foods or beverages, including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Intrinsic discoloration affects the tooth dentin and is caused by some medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease).”

Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that numerous factors can cause the discoloring of teeth.

While there is “no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional,” the expert said that diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and the wearing down of teeth via grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.

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“A good general rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” she told Fox News Digital.

Santana and Fraundorf offered seven tips on how to get your teeth whiter and brighter.

1. Develop an oral care routine

Fraundorf recommended brushing at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).

“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage enamel over time, making teeth darker,” she said.

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“Transform mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she added.

While some people might feel inclined to try at-home teeth-whitening remedies, Santana stressed that “care should be exercised in selecting a safe and effective at-home approach for tooth whitening.”

Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)

“Avoid trying at-home approaches before seeing a dentist, because some substances may damage the tooth enamel,” he warned.

“Adequate” toothbrushing is an “effective” way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.

PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PERIODONTITIS

“Tooth brushing with a correct brushing technique, employing a whitening dentifrice and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources to reduce tooth discoloration.”

Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, using a water flosser to remove plaque and using a tongue scraper daily to decrease bacteria can also promote whiter teeth.

2. Drink more water

Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” according to Fraundorf.

“Next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, take a swig of water in between sips and briefly swish around,” she advised. 

Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” a dentist suggested. (iStock)

“Water will not only prevent the staining particles from clinging onto your teeth, it will also help neutralize the acidity of the beverage.”

Fraundorf also recommended choosing flat water rather than sparkling.

“Drink and swish with it frequently to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains,” she suggested.

3. Chew sugar-free gum

Studies suggest that cavities are “significantly lower” in patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal, Fraundorf noted.

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“Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains.”

4. Drink through a straw

Using a straw, especially when drinking dark, acidic or sugary beverages, can help decrease the contact these substances make with your teeth.

Drinking through a straw decreases the liquid’s contact with your teeth, experts advised. (iStock)

“For extra credit, try drinking beverages more quickly to reduce the amount of time your oral environment is exposed to a lower pH, therefore decreasing the amount of enamel damage,” Fraundorf said.

5. Fight stains with fruits and veggies

Certain foods and drinks — such as red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — may stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.

ASK A DOC: ‘WHY DO MY GUMS BLEED AFTER I BRUSH MY TEETH, AND WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?’

“Moreover, although the scientific evidence is limited, consumption of a balanced, healthy diet — containing strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds — may limit tooth staining,” he noted.

Fraundorf agreed that “superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally.”

Superfoods like strawberries can help whiten teeth, according to experts. (iStock)

“Strawberries, apples and watermelon all contain a lot of malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva,” she said.

Other superfoods that can help whiten teeth include celery and leafy greens, since their “fibrous textures act like a natural toothbrush, exfoliating plaque off your teeth,” Fraundorf added.

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“Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, counteracting the effects of acids, and an abundance of folic acid, which is essential to gum tissue cell growth.”

6. Visit the dentist

“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile,” Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.

“Set a calendar reminder to get regular check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist.”

Santana added, “Your dentist can prescribe safe and customized resources for tooth whitening tailored to your specific needs.”

Patients should visit the dentist for a general check-up every six months, experts recommended. (iStock)

7. Consider professional teeth whitening

Although being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening could be necessary to “take your smile to the next level.” 

“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile.”

“Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to seek customized care,” she said. 

“The most ideal whitening treatment is one specific to you, crafted based on your unique smile goals, teeth composition, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle.”

She added, “A multitude of factors go into a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan for teeth whitening to ensure the best, most comfortable, beautiful results.”

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Artificial tooth structures, like crowns, veneers and composites, won’t whiten, according to the expert — which means whitening these teeth will require extra restorative work.

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

CrossFit offers a unique fitness experience, blending a combination of high-intensity workouts with a supportive community.

It’s important for beginners to equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to ensure a safe and successful start before diving into the program.

Read on to learn more about the program and how newcomers can make the most of their CrossFit journey.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a results-oriented fitness program with a focus on lifestyle changes through training.

The program’s workouts feature constantly varied, high-intensity and functional movements.

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Founded more than 20 years ago in a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, CrossFit has since become one of the world’s most popular training programs for improving health and fitness performance.

CrossFit aims to help its members excel in various physical activities and challenges both inside and outside the gym.

How is CrossFit different from other fitness programs?

CrossFit is known for its workouts that blend elements from weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio.

The fitness company has more than 12,000 CrossFit affiliates spanning 146 countries, Austin Malleolo, senior director of strategy and operations of affiliates at CrossFit, told Fox News Digital.

“Our affiliates are staffed with trainers who are equipped to teach you how to move safely, effectively and efficiently,” Malleolo said. 

The CrossFit program is based on three pillars: variance, functionality and intensity.

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Variance is the practice of regularly changing workout routines and exercises. 

By incorporating a wide variety of movements, variance provides CrossFit members with a broader range of physical challenges. This approach exposes the body to different stimuli, which promotes continual growth and adaptation.

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach.

Functionality is doing exercises that mimic real-life activities. By building strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination through functional movements, members can better navigate daily activities outside the gym.

Intensity is the level of effort exerted during workouts. While the word may seem intimidating, it’s simply a guiding principle that symbolizes the importance of working hard to achieve tangible results.

What does a CrossFit class look like?

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach.

Typically, sessions begin with a whiteboard brief, where a coach outlines the workout flow, provides timing examples and demonstrates movements.

WE TRIED IT: CROSSFIT

Next, the coach discusses the goals of the workout, explaining the intended stimulus for members to understand the purpose behind the session. Scaling options are then provided for movements in the workout, allowing members to adjust based on their skill level.

CrossFit classes are designed to meet members at their current fitness levels and abilities. (CrossFit, LLC)

Physical activities begin with a general warm-up to get members moving and introduce movement patterns, followed by a specific warm-up tailored to the workout. The session’s main focus is devoted to the workout itself, where participants engage in the exercises outlined.

The session concludes with a cool-down, which incorporates stretching and mobility exercises to reduce muscle soreness. This approach allows members to receive a well-rounded workout experience.

How does CrossFit accommodate those with different fitness levels?

CrossFit classes are designed to meet members at their current fitness levels and abilities, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

“Coaches start by tailoring the workout of the day to allow for all members in the class to achieve the intended goals of the workout that day by having a robust warm-up that allows the members to properly warm up and practice the movements that they will be doing in the workout,” Malleolo said. “The coach will adjust the loading, reps, and time of the workout based on the member’s needs to align with that day’s workout.”

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Throughout the class, coaches teach and refine movements, offering guidance to improve performance.

CrossFit promotes inclusivity and accessibility by accommodating those with a range of fitness levels, allowing participants to progress safely at their own pace.

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle. (CrossFit, LLC)

How do I start CrossFit?

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle.

“Trust that the hardest part is to walk through the front door of the gym,” Malleolo said. “Once you are there, you will be taken care of! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, a CrossFit Affiliate is designed to be a part of that journey, no matter where you are today.”

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You can begin the process by researching CrossFit locations near you and setting up an introductory session.

Many CrossFit facilities offer programs designed to teach newcomers the fundamental movements in a supportive environment, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

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The program can be challenging, but it should also be enjoyable as well. 

Participants are encouraged to embrace the process, celebrate their achievements and cherish the friendships made within the CrossFit community.

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One in five women between ages 55 and 75 will experience a stroke in their lifetime, according to the American Heart Association.

There are two main types of strokes.

With an ischemic stroke, a blockage prevents blood from flowing properly to the brain. With a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel bursts in the brain and causes bleeding, which damages brain cells.

While some risk factors such as age, race and family history can’t be changed, others can be mitigated through healthy lifestyle choices.

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Parag Shah, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who practices at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida, shared some specific tips about how women can reduce their risk.

Here are five tips.

1. Avoid air pollution 

Research has shown that air pollution tends to impact women more than men in terms of inflammation, infection and heart disease.

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“According to a recent review, elevated levels of ambient air pollution — even just short-term exposure — can increase the likelihood of strokes,” said Shah, who specializes in stroke rehabilitation.

“Health experts recommend checking the air quality in your area and, on high-pollution days, limiting time outside, turning on exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and using an air purifier in the home,” he also said.

2. Embrace the Mediterranean diet 

The Mediterranean diet — a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece — can reduce the health risks associated with strokes, according to Shah.

“Current research on preventing strokes is exploring an array of lifestyle factors,” he told Fox News Digital. 

While some risk factors — such as age, race and family history — can’t be changed, others can be mitigated through healthy lifestyle choices. (iStock)

“This includes the Mediterranean diet, which highlights the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed.” 

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3. Practice tai chi and yoga 

Practicing exercises that promote heart health and lessen stress can help reduce the possibility of stroke, Shah suggested. 

Practicing exercises that promote heart health and reduce stress can help reduce the possibility of stroke, a doctor said. (iStock)

“Participating in physical activities like yoga, tai chi and strength training, while also giving importance to mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, could provide additional advantages in lowering the risk of strokes,” he told Fox News Digital.

4. Know the less common signs of stroke

Sudden confusion, difficulty understanding, slurred speech, double vision, and numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, are often overlooked signs of strokes, Shah warned.

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“Recognizing these signs is crucial, because quick identification and immediate medical attention greatly enhance the chances of recovery for stroke patients,” he said.

5. Understand the hidden causes 

Beyond the more obvious “textbook” stroke symptoms, there are some warning signs that tend to be overlooked until it’s too late.

“Factors like pregnancy, giving birth and hormonal changes such as menopause can heighten the likelihood of having a stroke,” Shah told Fox News Digital. 

The use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy can also raise the risk of stroke, doctors advised. (iStock)

The use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy can also raise this risk, the doctor added, as can hidden biological factors that make women more susceptible. 

“Scheduling regular health check-ups and staying knowledgeable about stroke symptoms and prevention methods are essential for maintaining good health,” Shah said.

In addition, know ‘Life’s Essential 8’

“Preventing most strokes is similar to the prevention of heart attacks,” Dr. Laxmi Mehta, a cardiologist and director of preventative cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

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In her practice, Mehta typically recommends following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which provides steps to improve or maintain cardiovascular health.  

These include four healthy behaviors and four health factors, as listed below.

“Life’s Essential 8” consists of four healthy behaviors and four health factors. (iStock/American Heart Association)

1. Quit tobacco. Avoid cigarettes, vaping and other nicotine products, which have been proven to increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

2. Eat better. Following a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds can reduce stroke risk.

3. Be more active. Experts recommend participating in 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly.

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4. Get healthy sleep. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to reduce stroke risk, according to experts.

5. Manage blood pressure. A “normal” blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Following a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds can reduce stroke risk. (iStock)

6. Manage cholesterol. High cholesterol levels have a proven link to stroke risk. A healthy range for LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is 100 mg/dL or lower, as published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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7. Manage blood sugar. Excessive levels of glucose in the blood can increase the risk of fatty deposits or clots, which are a factor in strokes.

8. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors and is linked to nearly one in five strokes, according to the World Stroke Organization.

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Patients who are treated by a female physician could live longer and have a reduced risk of hospitalization, new research has found.

These benefits were seen more in female patients compared to males, according to the study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Among older adults hospitalized for a medical condition, mortality and readmission rates were lower for patients treated by female physicians than those cared for by male physicians — and the benefit of receiving treatment from female physicians was greater for female patients than for male patients,” lead study author Dr. Yusuke Tsugawa, associate professor-in-residence of medicine in the division of general internal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, told Fox News Digital.

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The study included 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older who had been hospitalized between 2016 and 2019. 

The mortality rate was 8.15% for female patients treated by female physicians — compared to 8.38% for those treated by male physicians, according to a press release from UCLA Health.

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, who was not involved in the research, noted that the findings are “clinically significant,” as the difference translates to an additional 1,053 female patient deaths.

Male patients also had lower mortality rates when treated by female physicians, but the difference was smaller.

Why the difference?

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but called the findings “fascinating.”

“Women tend to have a higher empathy quotient, which can impact patient care and diagnosis and treatment directly,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“There has been a patriarchy in medicine for a long time, and there still may be some residual discounting of women’s health issues or [doctors] seeing them as emotionally based,” Siegel added.

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There is a “growing awareness” that doctors are more sensitive to health issues when they can relate directly to their patients, the doctor noted.

“This applies to screening, diagnosis and treatment,” he said. 

“Women tend to have a higher empathy quotient, which can impact patient care and diagnosis and treatment directly,” one doctor old Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

The findings were not surprising to the researchers, they said.

“Previous studies have shown that female patients treated by a female physician (versus female patients treated by a male physician) are less likely to experience underappreciation in symptom/illness severity assessment and communication challenges,” study co-author Atsushi Miyawaki, M.D., PhD, senior assistant professor in the Department of Health Services Research at the University of Tokyo, told Fox News Digital.

“Also, female physicians may help alleviate embarrassment, discomfort and sociocultural taboos during sensitive examinations and conversations [with] female patients,” he said.

“Mortality and readmission rates were lower for patients treated by female physicians than those cared for by male physicians.”

Other research has shown that female physicians are more likely to “adhere to clinical guidelines” and spend more time listening to patients compared to their male counterparts, which are “indicators of high-quality care,” added Tsugawa.

Johnson agreed, pointing out that prior studies have found male physicians may underestimate pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart symptoms when experienced by women. 

There is a “growing awareness” that doctors are more sensitive to health issues when they can relate directly to their patients, one medical professional said. (iStock)

“For instance, if a male and a female presented to the emergency room with upper stomach pain, the male would be checked for a heart attack and given medication for an upset stomach,” she told Fox News Digital.

“The woman, however, may only be given medication for an upset stomach.”

Study limitations

The study had some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

“Due to limited clinical information available in our data, we could not identify the specific mechanisms underlying better outcomes for female patients treated by female physicians,” Tsugawa told Fox News Digital.

More research is needed to better understand the differences between female and male physicians, the researchers said. (iStock)

Miyawaki also noted that the study focused on older patients admitted to hospitals for medical conditions.

“Hence, our findings may not be generalizable to younger patients, commercially insured patients, those treated by other specialists or patients receiving care in an outpatient setting,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Individuals may focus on the importance of the doctor-patient relationship rather than on whether to choose a female doctor.”

More research is needed to better understand the differences between female and male physicians, Tsugawa said. 

“Those include guideline concordance and communication style, which lead to better patient outcomes for female physicians.”

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Johnson also noted that while the study is of “good quality,” there are “inherent limitations to the study design.”

She said, “With a retrospective review, unmeasured factors can affect and skew the results. The findings do align with other research in the area, however.”

The research suggests that increasing the number of female physicians could benefit women’s health overall, one of the study authors said. (iStock)

At the society level, Miyawaki said, the research suggests that increasing the number of female physicians could benefit women’s health.

“At the individual level, patient-physician interactions, rather than physician gender itself, are important for patient outcomes, our study suggests,” he said. 

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“Thus, individuals may focus on the importance of the doctor-patient relationship rather than on whether to choose a female doctor.”

Tsugawa agreed, noting, “It is important to consider multiple factors about physicians, such as their clinical experience and training, your prior experiences with them, and their communication style, rather than focusing solely on the physician’s sex.”

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