A New York speech pathologist is using improvisational theater, better known as “improv,” to help young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to develop their social skills.

Bob Domingo, PhD, a speech language pathologist and assistant professor at Long Island University Post in Brookville, New York, is combining his skills and love of improv to help those with ASD.

“Through improv, I am able to combine my knowledge of speech, language and communication with improv games and activities, to open up new, fun ways to communicate with others in developing spontaneous, unscripted ‘scenes’ or conversations,” Domingo told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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For individuals with ASD, symptoms can vary in severity.

People can be anywhere from completely nonverbal to fully verbal, according to Domingo and other experts. 

Here’s what to know.

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with the disorder often have social and cognitive impairments that make it difficult to interact with others, according to Domingo.

They may be prone to a limited attention span, which can make it difficult for them to comprehend what others are saying. 

“The person [may be] unable to use appropriate social skills in conversations,” Domingo said. 

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Those with the disorder might also struggle to maintain eye contact, broach topics and take turns during conversations, he added.

People with ASD may also struggle with “self-advocacy,” Domingo said, which means they’re unable to verbalize their thoughts, feelings and needs.

Domingo’s class consists of eight to 12 young verbal adults with ASD from age 19 through over 30, along with some students and professors from the university. (Amy McGorry)

One in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of March 2023, as stated in a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Currently there is no cure for autism, but intensive, early treatments can help make a difference in the lives of those with the disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

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Domingo said he hopes his improv classes will help strengthen communication through interactive dialogue exercises.

“Games and activities encourage active listening, which is important for interpersonal communication,” he said.

What is improv?

Improv is a live performance in which actors spontaneously create scenes and characters that engage in dialogue based on the audience’s or host’s suggestion, according to experts. 

The exchange can be comical or serious. 

Members of the improv troop participate in “yes/and” interactions, which is when one person says something and the other agrees by responding with “yes, and” — which moves the conversation along more easily.

In improv, actors spontaneously create scenes and characters that engage in dialogue based on the audience’s or host’s suggestion. (iStock)

Domingo’s class consists of eight to 12 young verbal adults with ASD from age 19 through over 30, along with some students and professors from the university.

They meet each week on the LIU Post campus and also have Zoom sessions, during which they practice speaking, listening and maintaining eye contact.

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“Improv helps people speak with one another in fun, non-threatening ways,” Domingo told Fox News Digital.

At the start of each class, the group gathers in a circle to perform exercises in breathing, voice, facial expressions and physical movements.

The instructor told Fox News Digital that he hopes the practice that those with ASD receive “helps them make good linguistic and interpersonal decisions outside of class.” (iStock)

Next, the students are paired up and assigned roles, and are then given a prompt to start the improv session. 

Examples of social encounters they might have include what people to invite to a party, what gift to buy for another person, or how to show support to a partner in a certain situation, Domingo said.

The pair is tasked with coming up with a conversation with a clear beginning, middle and end.

Guided by Domingo’s cues, the pair is tasked with coming up with a conversation with a clear beginning, middle and end that includes a conflict and a resolution.

“The practice they receive in improv hopefully helps them make good linguistic and interpersonal decisions outside of class,” Domingo said.

Real-life benefits

The improv therapy appears to be helping some of the students, according to parents who spoke with Fox News Digital.  

Anthony and Deborah D’Alessandri of Long Island, New York, said their 23-year-old son, Anthony Joseph D’Alessandri, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“He’s very intelligent and is very funny in his own way. But he doesn’t always connect,” Deborah D’Alessandri said in an interview.

One in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of March 2023, as stated in a CDC report. (iStock)

Since their son started improv, his parents have seen an improvement in his interactions in other programs he participates in, such as his culinary classes, they said.

“Bob’s improv has helped Anthony in those programs, which is a huge success for Anthony,” his mother told Fox News Digital. 

“He has learned to communicate better with other people. He has learned that sometimes humor adds to the conversation,” she continued. “He has also learned to work with a group.”

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Another parent, Elizabeth Matthew, also from Long Island, told Fox News Digital that the improv classes have helped her 19-year-old son with his anxiety. 

“The social aspect of speaking and learning through improv has increased his self-confidence,” she said. 

“Part of his issues involve anxiety and not knowing what to say first, so this is enabling a stronger self-confidence.”

“All adults who meet the formal criteria for autism have difficulty with social skills.”

Several peer-reviewed studies have shown that theater-based intervention led to cognitive and behavioral improvements in young individuals with ASD.

Rebecca Landa, PhD, executive director of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, was not part of the improv class but commented about it to Fox News Digital.

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“All adults who meet the formal criteria for autism have difficulty with social skills. The specific nature of these difficulties may vary from person to person,” Landa said.

She said the difficulties might be less pronounced in familiar situations with no stressors.

These social challenges can affect a person’s overall sense of well-being, she said.

Several peer-reviewed studies have shown that theater-based intervention led to cognitive and behavioral improvements in young individuals with ASD. (iStock)

“Autistic people may mask their social difficulties, which causes fatigue and is often associated with anxiety,” she said.

“Improv classes can help if the autistic person enjoys the class and wants to participate.”

The expert cautioned, however, that a mental health professional and autism expert should facilitate these types of classes. 

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“[They can] provide additional coaching and reflection to support insight and conscious awareness of what is helping, [identify] which skills may be targeted and improved, and [identify] how to apply the skills in real-life situations,” she said.

Domingo said he hopes more professionals will consider using improv to help those with autism. 

“Autistic people may mask their social difficulties, which causes fatigue and is often associated with anxiety,” an expert said. (iStock)

In May 2024, he will present at the annual New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA) convention in White Plains, New York. He’ll discuss the use of improv to help with social skills. 

He is also teaching a course to several disciplines at Long Island University about using improv to help individuals socially interact.

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Cost may be a barrier for some families, parents noted.

Anthony D’Alessandria told Fox News Digital that he hopes insurance will eventually cover alternative approaches like these improv courses.

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“We feel that if this was more mainstream and insurance companies would pick up the tab, we would be able to promote our child to greater heights,” he said. 

“And we feel that there is going to be an entire generation that can’t afford this.”

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Women with breast cancer who have received chemotherapy are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, a new study suggests.

Epic Research, a health data group based in Delaware, found that women in this category have a 57% higher lung cancer risk than those who received radiation.

In comparison to patients who received endocrine therapy, those who have undergone chemo have a 171% increase in lung cancer risk, the study found.

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In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, the Epic Research team said the key takeaway from their research is that primary lung cancer is more than twice as prevalent in women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer — compared to those who did not have it.

“Furthermore, women who had breast cancer and received chemotherapy have the greatest risk of subsequent primary lung cancer,” the researchers wrote.

“This suggests that patients diagnosed with breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing second primary lung cancer, especially if their treatment included chemotherapy.”

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The research group studied more than two million women ages 50 to 84 who received a screening mammogram between 2010 and 2023.

Patients with an elevated breast cancer risk due to a previous breast or lung cancer diagnosis, those who had been screened within the past three months and those who started mammogram screenings prior to age 50 were excluded from the study.

“This could potentially limit the generalizability of our findings,” the researchers said.

The research group (not pictured) studied more than two million women ages 50 to 84 who received a mammogram screening between 2010 and 2023. (iStock)

The team encouraged patients with a history of breast cancer — especially those who have had chemotherapy — to monitor for the development of primary lung cancer.

“It is important to remember that while our study found a correlation between breast cancer, its treatments and subsequent primary lung cancer, this does not mean that every woman who has had breast cancer will develop lung cancer,” the researchers said.

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Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital that one cancer can cause a “higher genetic risk” for others.

“We don’t know the exact etiology, but one cancer puts you in a higher genetic risk pool for other cancers, either because of cancer genes that increase the risk of both, or because of a tendency for mutations that is increased in this pool,” he said.

“It could also be because of environmental factors or carcinogens, including diet, or the result of toxicities from the treatment for breast cancer,” Siegel added.

The researchers encouraged patients with a history of breast cancer, especially those who have had chemotherapy, to monitor for the development of primary lung cancer. (iStock)

Jack Manley, M.D., head of new markets and growth at Viz.ai, a San Francisco-based AI-powered disease detection platform, shared with Fox News Digital that Epic Research’s findings and methodology speak to “the power of incorporating multi-modal data in predictive algorithms.”

Said Manley as well, “Companies with capabilities to incorporate both structured and unstructured EHR (electronic health record) data with conventional imaging will have a higher predictive performance than those that don’t.” 

He was not involved in the study.

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“Currently, a large majority of patients with pulmonary nodules (a possible indicator of early lung cancer) are missed on conventional imaging, while less than half of these detected patients receive subsequent guideline-recommended follow up,” he said.

Artificial intelligence tools are “well-positioned” to address these challenges, Manley noted — but EHR integration is “key to finding those patients at the highest risk.”

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

Fake Botox is on the CDC’s radar.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that it is investigating reports of “a few botulism-like illnesses in several states resulting from botulinum toxin injections (commonly called ‘Botox’) administered in non-medical settings,” the agency said in a statement.

“We are coordinating a multi-state outbreak investigation,” the agency added. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTOX?

Illnesses have been reported to the Tennessee and Illinois health departments, which are working with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the investigation, the CDC noted.

In Tennessee, four patients sought medical care after experiencing “botulism-like signs and symptoms” after receiving Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, according to an online statement from the Tennessee Department of Health.

Two of the patients were hospitalized.

“Do not go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

“Joint investigations have identified concerns about use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origin administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas,” the statement said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a similar statement after two patients reported receiving potentially counterfeit Botox injections in LaSalle County.

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The two individuals reported symptoms that included blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and hoarse voice, the statement said.

The patients, both of whom were hospitalized, received the injections from a licensed nurse who was “performing work outside her authority.”

Botulism is a “serious and sometimes fatal” illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Additional cases have been reported in Kentucky, Washington and Colorado.

“The sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified at this time,” the CDC stated. 

“Questions about product regulation and product investigation should be directed to the FDA.”

What is botulism?

Botulism is a “serious and sometimes fatal” illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.

Initial symptoms usually include muscle weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and throat, which could also spread to the neck, arms, torso and legs.

“If the wrong patient begins having trouble with their breathing, it could be fatal.”

Other symptoms can include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty moving the eyes.

“What’s particularly concerning are the respiratory problems that some are experiencing,” Dr. Salar Hazany, a certified dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon at Scar Healing Institute in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.

“If the wrong patient begins having trouble with their breathing, it could be fatal.”

Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected. (iStock)

Dr. Craig Lehrman, director of aesthetic surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that fake Botox has been an issue since the early 2000s.

“Unfortunately, I treat several patients a year who have received non-approved injectables of things they are told to be safe, which ends up having serious consequences,” he told Fox News Digital.

“It has mostly been linked to injections in settings such as someone’s home or a poorly regulated med spa.”

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Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.

“The people receiving the presumed counterfeit Botox are suffering from an illness that is similar to botulism, caused by the same bacteria,” he said.

There are strict safety criteria for the use and storage of Botox, and serious risks come with the injection of fraudulent or poorly managed products, an expert warned.  (iStock)

There are strict safety criteria for the use and storage of Botox, and serious risks come with the injection of fraudulent or poorly managed products, Lehrman warned. 

“Botulism can carry detrimental effects ranging from infection, to permanent deformity, to serious wound formation.”

Tips for safe Botox use

“​​Cosmetic injections should be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings,” the CDC stated. 

There has been a large increase in the number of people offering these services who are not board-certified in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman. 

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“I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just search for the cheapest option,” he said. 

“I would recommend going to a center that has rigorous standards of education and a track record of safety.”

In most cases, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.

Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms following an injection should seek medical attention, according to health officials. (iStock)

“Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections of botulinum toxin are rare,” the CDC said in its statement.

Millions of injections are performed each year by licensed medical providers and have been shown to be safe when done in the correct manner, Lehrman added.

“Those considering Botox should research the background of the provider and make sure that the practice has not racked up a number of complaints,” added Hazany.  

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“Do not go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms following an injection should seek medical attention, according to health officials.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Abbvie (manufacturer of Botox), the FDA, the Tennessee Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health requesting comment.

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

The Georgia Department of Public Health on Thursday confirmed a third case of measles in an unvaccinated individual who traveled internationally.

The individual was traveling with an international group of students and does not live in the United States, officials said. The individual has been isolated and is receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to the department.

“DPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the individual and to prevent further spread of measles,” officials said.

Health experts are concerned by an alarming increase in measles outbreaks in the U.S., which are already double the total of all last year.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 113 total cases as of April 5, 2024, with a new update expected Friday. More than half of these cases, 65, have resulted in hospitalization for isolation or management of measles  complications, according to the CDC. 

Of those infected, 83% were not vaccinated, or their vaccination status was unknown. Twelve percent had one MMR dose, and 5% received two MMR doses. 

Although cases appear to be on the rise, they have not yet reached the highs of previous years: 2014 saw 667 cases and 2019 had 1,274.

The CDC report noted that cases in the firs three months of this year were 17 times higher than the average number seen in the first three months of the previous three years. 

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Measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad are raising health experts’ concern about the preventable, once-common childhood virus. The CDC on Thursday, April 11, 2024, released a report on recent measles case trends, noting that cases in the first three months of this year were 17 times higher than the average number seen in the first three months of the previous three years.  (iStock)

Once thought to have been eradicated in the U.S., measles is still common in other parts of the world, particularly the Middle East and Africa. The CDC in a report released Thursday attributed the recent rise in cases to unvaccinated Americans who traveled abroad and brought the disease home with them.

Health officials have confirmed measles cases in 17 states so far this year, including cases in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago.

More than half of this year’s cases come from the Chicago outbreak, where 61 people have contracted the virus as of Thursday, largely among people who lived in a migrant shelter.

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A vial containing the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is showcased at the Neighborcare Health clinics located at Vashon Island High School in Vashon Island, Washington, on May 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

The New York City health department said Thursday that cases are on the decline after officials administered 14,000 vaccines in just over a month.

The CDC describes measles as a “highly contagious viral illness” that “can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons.” 

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“To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations,” the agency said in an alert issued last month. “Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR.” 

Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

The future of surgery is within reach.

The first-ever augmented reality (AR) abdominal surgery was performed on March 11 in Santiago, Chile, by Dr. Alberto Rodriguez.

A surgeon as well as the CEO of Levita Magnetics, a medical equipment manufacturer in Silicon Valley, Rodriguez helped develop a system that uses AR technology to enable less invasive surgery with a wider view for the surgical team.

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Through the lens of Meta’s Quest 3 XR headset and Levita’s MARS system, Rodriguez was able to successfully perform a cholecystectomy, also known as gallbladder removal surgery.

By developing the technology, Levita Magnetics aimed to address the limitations that surgeons face, Rodriguez told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“That’s why we decided to start the company, to create better tools for surgeons,” he said.

The FDA-approved MARS system, which combines “machines and magnets,” is currently available in the U.S. and in Chile, Rodriguez said.

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“This is a platform that enables the surgeon to do the surgery in a better way,” he said.

“I did the surgery, and I can tell you that it’s a better way.”

“With the magnets, you reduce the number of incisions for the patient. That means less pain, fewer scars [and] a better recovery.”

He added, “The machine enables you to control the tools, so you can see better and have control.”

“It’s super rewarding to see it and feel it,” Rodriguez said about his first AR surgery — he’s pictured here. He also told Fox News Digital, “You have more immersion in the surgery, so you are more focused on what you’re doing.” (Levita Magnetics)

Levita developed the AR component as an accessory to the MARS system to improve visualization.

“You have more immersion in the surgery, so you are more focused on what you’re doing,” Rodriguez said — comparing it to “moving with the surgery.”

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Any new AR headset can be linked to the MARS software, according to a press release.

Rodriguez plans to conduct a clinical trial on the benefits of AR surgery, focusing on ergonomics and precision.

The March 11 surgery was also the first clinical case that integrated a magnetic surgery machine with AR technology, according to Levita Magnetics of Silicon Valley. (Levita Magnetics)

“I did the surgery, and I can tell you that it’s a better way,” he said. 

“So, we want to have more data in order to back up those first impressions.”

After the surgery, the patient fully recovered within two weeks, the surgeon reported.

‘Opens a new world’

As artificial intelligence continues to expand in the health care space, Rodriguez projected that having an enhanced “digital view” through AR will help provide images and analysis of patients.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

“It opens a new world for how the surgeon can access [data] in real time during the surgery,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Other surgeons in any part of the world can see what you’re doing, see the patient on the operating table and give you advice.”

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He added, “It will be a revolution in how surgeries are performed, and I’m very happy [about] how technology is empowering surgeons to do more.”

Dr. Rodriguez, pictured here, predicts AR surgery will be a “revolution.” (Levita Magnetics)

Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and an expert on AI in health care, told Fox News Digital that Rodriguez’s method “marks a pivotal evolution in medical technology” — but also urged caution. 

He was not involved in the new surgery or process. 

“This innovative approach enhances surgical precision and patient care, but introduces significant changes and challenges requiring careful consideration,” he said.

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Castro listed multiple benefits of using AR in surgical procedures, including immersive visualization, minimally invasive techniques, improved patient outcomes and collaboration within the medical field.

Dependency on this kind of technology, however, could cause surgeons to become reliant on AR, “potentially diminishing their confidence and competence in conducting surgeries without technological assistance,” Castro said.

Harvey Castro, M.D., is the author of the book “Apple Vision Healthcare Pioneers: A Community for Professionals & Patients” (Feb. 2024).  (Dr. Harvey Castro)

“Ensuring the reliability of AR systems is crucial,” he went on. “Protocols must be established to revert to traditional methods if AR technologies fail.”

Castro also mentioned that AR systems can be “susceptible to glitches and failures, disrupting surgeries and posing patient safety risks.”

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“Current AR headsets may have issues with field of view, resolution and comfort, particularly during long surgeries,” he said.

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Castro noted that “proper management, careful planning and ongoing evaluation will be essential to ensure that the benefits of AR technology outweigh the costs and challenges, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing surgical practices.”

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Puberty blockers have been shown to cause long-term fertility problems in boys, according to a preprint study from Mayo Clinic.

The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, analyzed more than 130,000 sperm cells from male children with gender dysphoria. 

All participants were 17 or younger.

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The researchers analyzed the testicular cells of boys who had been taking puberty blockers for anywhere from three months to 52 months, and compared them to cells of a control group who had not been on the blockers.

Among those on puberty blockers, the researchers identified mild to severe “sex gland atrophy,” determining that the medications accelerated the aging and function of testicular cells.

The findings suggest that puberty blockers’ impacts may be permanent — disputing claims that such effects can be reversed.

The researchers also detected cases of microlithiasis, which is marked by the presence of small clusters of calcium in the testicles.

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Additional research from Mayo Clinic has linked testicular microlithiasis to an increased risk of testicular cancer. 

“We provide unprecedented histological evidence revealing detrimental pediatric testicular sex gland responses to [puberty blockers],” the authors wrote in the study findings.

Doctors highlight the risks

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the Mayo Clinic research but commented on the use of puberty blockers.

“Thousands of U.S. children — more than ever before — are experiencing gender dysphoria and many go on to identify as transgender,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. 

Dr. Marc Siegel, left, of New York, and Dr. Brett Osborn of Florida, both offered thoughts on the potential risks of puberty-blocking medications. (Dr. Marc Siegel/Dr. Brett Osborn)

“They certainly still face a stigma for this, which needs to be addressed — but at the same time, the growing rush to gender-affirming treatment is disturbing, particularly without parental approval.”

In 2021, approximately 42,167 children received gender dysphoria diagnoses, almost triple the 15,172 reported in 2017, according to Reuters.

“Much of this is politically driven, and may lead to premature treatments that are not offered in the U.K., Finland, Sweden or many other countries,” Siegel said.

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Among the puberty-blocking drugs is lupron (leuprolide), which is a type of hormone therapy used for advanced prostate cancer. 

It is also used to stop early puberty in children, according to WebMD.

“It helps to delay sexual development (such as growth of the breasts/testicles) and the start of menstrual periods,” WebMD reported. 

“It also helps slow down early bone growth to increase the likelihood of reaching normal adult height.”

In the majority of cases, one physician recommends that any hormonal interventions should be delayed until an older age. (iStock)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 10,000 adverse effects in children in 2017 — including mood swings, cognitive problems, suicidal thoughts, longer-term fertility problems, seizures, migraines, brittle bones, brain swelling and vision loss, according to Siegel.

Experts also warn of the potential mental impacts of these drugs.

“Transgender individuals are three times more likely than the general population to suffer from anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental issues,” Siegel warned. 

“Much of this is politically driven, and may lead to premature treatments.”

Although some studies have shown that interventions such as puberty blockers may decrease anxiety in the short term, Siegel pointed out that “there are no longer-term head-to-head trials versus extensive therapy and watchful waiting.” 

Puberty blockers typically lead children down a path to long-term use of transgender-affirming hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, he noted.

Puberty blockers typically lead children down a path to long-term use of transgender-affirming hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, according to doctors. (iStock)

“These hormones carry their own risks — for example, estrogen may increase the incidence of breast cancer,” Siegel said.

“Bottom line, I don’t believe puberty blockers should be given routinely to children and teens for gender dysphoria,” Siegel said. “There are too many long-term risks, including the idea that the children or teens may change their minds.”

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In the majority of cases, Siegel recommends that any hormonal interventions or gender reassignment surgeries be delayed until an older age.

He added, “Intensive supportive and cognitive therapy makes sense as an initial approach.”

“Transgender individuals are three times more likely than the general population to suffer from anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental issues,” Dr. Marc Siegel of New York warned.  (iStock                       )

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert who was also not involved in the new research, noted that previous studies have shown that puberty-blocking drugs can alter the normal progression of testicular cells, potentially leading to atrophy or abnormal development.

“Specifically, the drugs impact the normal function of ‘spermatogonial’ stem cells (SSCs), which are crucial for sperm production and overall reproductive health,” he told Fox News Digital.

“The changes induced by these medications may be permanent, contrary to popular opinion among transgender activists.”

“Disruption in their development could result in reduced fertility or other reproductive issues later in life,” he continued. “Based on the researchers’ histologic findings, the changes induced by these medications may be permanent, contrary to popular opinion among transgender activists.”

Added Osborn, “These medications are not as benign as billed.”

Hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are critical for brain development, memory and cognition, one doctor noted. (iStock)

The risks go beyond infertility, the doctor warned.

“There are also downrange effects of altered hormone levels on brain development, let alone other organ systems,” he said. 

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Hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are critical for brain development, memory and cognition, Osborn pointed out. 

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The doctor called for “safer and more effective” treatments for those with gender dysphoria.

“Gaining insight into the full impact of these medications — the usage of which has become more prevalent — is crucial for future generations.”

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Immediately after Monday’s solar eclipse, the number of people searching Google for eye-related injuries jumped while one doctor in New York City says she treated a surge of patients with eye pain.

“I had several patients come in panicking saying ‘I don’t want to go blind,’” Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a New York City-based double board-certified doctor tells Fox News Digital. “I couldn’t believe it, people actually looked at the eclipse without protection.”

Doctors and eye specialists had been warning the public for days not to look directly at the sun, but apparently, some did not heed the advice. 

SOLAR ECLIPSE EYE SAFETY: CAN STARING AT THE SUN CAUSE BLINDNESS?

Looking at the sun without protective equipment such as solar eclipse glasses can harm vision and can lead to serious and permanent damage. Nesheiwat says the sun’s rays can burn the retina and damage the macula, the part of the retina at the back of the eye that is responsible for central vision.

Google searches for “hurt eyes” and “why do my eyes hurt after the eclipse” rose after the moon and sun aligned on Monday.

In terms of national figures, a CDC spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the National Center for Health Statistics does not have any data on eye damage following the eclipse. 

However, Nesheiwat says she treated up to eight patients who came into the City MD she works out of near Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, with one patient looking at the sun either directly or through his phone for about 10 minutes, she says.

“The damage can be irreversible if the retina is severely damaged by looking directly at the without proper eye protection. Some people may have mild symptoms if the exposure to the sun was brief.”

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat says she treated patients for eye damage on Monday following the eclipse. (Fox News, left, and Gary Hershorn/Getty Images, right.)

FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY, HERE’S WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD NOT DO ON THE ROAD DURING THE RARE EVENT

“Symptoms my patients suffered included headaches, blurry vision, and nausea while one of my patients said he was seeing spots. Other symptoms can include a change in color vision,” Nesheiwat added, saying she sent that patient to an eye care specialist, known as an ophthalmologist, for further treatment. “Then it was crazy, we were trying to make appointments for them with the eye specialists and all the eye specialists were booked up within an hour.”

She treated some patients with nausea medicine and eyedrops and recommended they have follow-up appointments with an eye doctor. 

Symptoms may appear after a few days, Nesheiwat said, and she urged people to visit a medical doctor to have a full eye examination if this is the case. 

In the meantime, she said those people should stop looking at the sun, avoid rubbing their eyes, avoid strenuous activities on the eyes like excessive reading or use of electronic devices. She added they need to make sure they are wearing sunglasses that have UV protection when outdoors also. 

People watch with solar glasses as the moon starts to cross in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse in Carbondale, Illinois on April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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While the vast majority took precautions while gazing at the eclipse, there is a chance some may have done so with solar eclipse glasses that have been recalled. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health sent out a last-minute recall notice on Monday for eclipse glasses that may have potentially failed to meet safety standards. 

The agency asked customers to double-check if they had bought the glasses labeled “EN ISO 12312-1:2022” and warned them not to use the glasses to view the eclipse. 

The glasses in question were reportedly sold through Amazon as “Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs).” The glasses were also reportedly available at several Southern Illinois retail establishments, including Farm Fresh Market in Breese, Highland Tru Buy in Highland, Perry County Marketplace in Pinckneyville, Sinclair Foods in Jerseyville, Steelville Marketplace in Steelville and Big John Grocery in Metropolis.

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).

For some seniors, retirement brings the unbridled joy of more time with loved ones — but for others, the golden years can end up being quite blue.

More than a third of older adults said they feel lonely at least once a week, according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging.

The U.S. Surgeon General even called loneliness and social isolation a “serious health epidemic” in his Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.

HEALTH CARE IS ‘OVERWHELMINGLY COMPLEX’ FOR OLDER ADULTS, EXPERTS SAY: ‘EVER-INCREASING HURDLE’

“The transition from a structured work life to retirement can lead to a significant decrease in social interactions and a sense of purpose,” Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies, an elder care provider in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital. 

“This, combined with factors like the loss of a spouse, loss of friends or reduced mobility, can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.”

Burden of loneliness

While loneliness might seem relatively harmless, experts warn that it can be very harmful.

“Loneliness can have severe consequences on both mental and physical health,” Shah warned.

“It can lead to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and even an increased risk of developing dementia.”

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The mental effects of loneliness can indirectly impact physical health, Shah said. 

“Lonely individuals may engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, drinking or having a poor diet,” he said.

“They may also have weakened immune systems — making them more susceptible to illnesses and chronic diseases.”

While loneliness might seem relatively harmless, experts warn that it can be very harmful. “Loneliness can have severe consequences on both mental and physical health,” an expert said.  (iStock)

Loneliness has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke, dementia and heart disease, Nassar noted.

“Being lonely can literally and metaphorically break your heart.”

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Loneliness has also been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, addiction and earlier mortality, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There could be monetary costs associated with loneliness, too, as studies have found that adults over age 50 who are lonely are more susceptible to financial scams.

3 wise ways to relieve loneliness

There are many strategies to help relieve loneliness in older adults — including these three tips. 

1. Retired seniors should stay socially active and engaged

“This can include joining clubs or groups that align with their interests, volunteering, attending community events or taking classes to learn new skills,” said Shah. 

Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, dementia and heart disease, experts note. (iStock)

2. They should maintain and nurture existing relationships with family and friends

Shah stressed this point — and noted that adopting a pet can also provide companionship and a sense of purpose.

Nassar echoed the importance of increasing social activities, such as playing cards, joining a book club, partaking in bingo or quiz nights, and being part of a faith group.

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“It is in our nature to want to be with each other, and it’s important we make time to meet this need for connection,” he said.

3. They should lean on technology if they don’t have family or friends nearby

“Video calls, social media and online forums can help [retired seniors] interact with loved ones and like-minded individuals,” said Shah.

Joining clubs or groups that align with their interests, volunteering, attending community events or taking classes to learn new skills are all ways that retired seniors can prevent loneliness. (iStock)

In-home care services or companion programs can also provide regular social interaction and support, he added.

When to reach out for help

While occasional sadness or “blues” are normal, persistent feelings can impact the quality of life and may indicate a more serious depressive disorder, said Shah.

“It’s essential to recognize that loneliness and depression are serious issues that can significantly impact a retired adult’s quality of life,” he said.

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Signs that a senior might be dealing with depression include persistently feeling sad, hopeless or empty for more than two weeks, according to the expert.

“Other indicators include loss of interest in activities the [individuals] once enjoyed, changes in sleep patterns or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide,” he told Fox News Digital.

If depression symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life, it’s crucial to seek professional help, experts advise. (iStock)

“If these symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life, it’s crucial to seek professional help.”

Family and friends should also monitor retired loved ones. 

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If they notice any warning signs, Shah said, the first step is to have an open, non-judgmental conversation expressing their concern. 

“Promoting a strong support system, encouraging social engagement and prioritizing mental health is key to helping retired adults thrive,” he said. 

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“If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent feelings of loneliness or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are numerous resources and professionals available to provide support and guidance.”

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The list of sacrifices women make for their children just got longer, as a new study reveals that pregnancy can accelerate aging in young mothers.

Research from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that women who had been pregnant in the past looked “biologically older” than those who had never carried a child.

The effect was compounded in women who had more pregnancies compared to those who had fewer pregnancies, according to a press release from the university.

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Data was gathered for 1,735 young people (ages 20 to 22) in the Philippines. 

The findings were published in the medical journey Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences.

The researchers used new DNA tools — called “epigenetic clocks” — to analyze cellular information related to health, aging and mortality risk, the release stated.

The same effect on biological aging was not reported among fathers, which suggests that the effect is associated with pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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“We found that the number of pregnancies reported by young women was associated with faster biological aging using multiple measures that predict health and mortality later in life,” Calen Ryan, PhD, associate research scientist in the Columbia Aging Center and lead author of the study, told Fox News Digital.

“These effects persisted even when accounting for a range of social and environmental factors, but were not present for same-aged men from the same cohort.”

The effect was compounded in women who had more pregnancies compared to those who had fewer pregnancies. (iStock)

The effects were seen the most in “young, high-fertility women,” said Ryan.

“Our results are also the first to follow the same women through time, linking changes in each woman’s pregnancy number to changes in her biological age.”

“We’ve been so focused on outcomes for infants that we often forget to take care of the moms.”

The fact that the number of pregnancies is linked to changes at the molecular level — long before any health changes can be detected — is a “remarkable finding,” Ryan said.

“It highlights how we have been overlooking pregnancy and other key aspects of women’s health when we study the aging process.”

The researchers used new DNA tools — called “epigenetic clocks” — to analyze cellular information related to health, aging and mortality risk. (iStock)

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 reviewed the findings.

“The effects aren’t that pronounced, but they are in keeping with what we know about pregnancy — a period of inflammation, decreased overall immune function, rapid cell turnover, and increased stress and metabolic function,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“All of this contributes to cellular aging, where metabolic functions begin to decline.”

Longer-term studies would need to be done to determine whether the effects are reversible over time, Siegel noted.

Study limitations

The study did have some limitations, according to Ryan.

The individuals in Columbia’s study were “quite young,” he said, and came from a different sociocultural context than where the measures were developed. 

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“We need to continue to study the extent to which these measures of biological aging translate to health outcomes as women age in the context of the Philippines, where this study was carried out,” Ryan told Fox News Digital.

“We still have a lot to learn about the role of pregnancy and other aspects of reproduction in the aging process.”

The same effect on biological aging was not reported among fathers, which suggests that the effect is associated with pregnancy or breastfeeding. (iStock)

The overall effects were small, Ryan said, and they could be linked, potentially, to high fertility and unreliable access to health care and adequate nutrition.

It’s not yet clear how the accelerated aging will impact women’s health or mortality as they grow older.

“Strong medical, social and nutritional support for new moms is always the best policy over the long run.”

“The message here is not all doom and gloom — but it does highlight the fact that we’ve been so focused on outcomes for infants that we often forget to take care of the moms,” he said. 

Rather than relying on anecdotal stories, Ryan said he hopes studies like this one promote a better understanding of how, when and to what extent women’s biology is changed by pregnancy — and perhaps point toward ways to mitigate those effects.

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Ryan added, “Strong medical, social and nutritional support for new moms is always the best policy over the long run.”

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