Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on a range of wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and more — plus, personal stories of people and families overcoming great obstacles.
As you wind down your weekend, check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed, or have been meaning to check out.
The National Cancer Institute announced a new program to study HPV testing via self-collection. Cancer experts discuss how this method could help prevent cervical cancer diagnoses. Click here to get the story.
SHIP Trial Network stands for “Self-collection for HPV testing to Improve cervical cancer Preventions.” Screening, said one doctor, “is of the utmost importance.”(iStock)
Bubonic plague in Oregon
After a case of bubonic plague was confirmed in Oregon earlier this week, some people may wonder if there’s a danger of the disease spreading. Infectious disease experts share what to know about the animal-borne disease, which can be deadly if it goes untreated. Click here to get the story.
Since its introduction 120 years ago, the bubonic plague has become endemic in ground squirrels and rodents in the rural Southwestern U.S.(iStock)
‘Life-changing’ treatment for lupus
Researchers in Australia have discovered a new treatment for lupus that infuses healthy human cells into patients, triggering a protective mechanism that helps to prevent autoimmune reactions. Learn how it works and why it could extend to other disease treatments. Click here to get the story.
Common symptoms of lupus include joint pain, extreme fatigue, joint pain or a butterfly rash.(iStock)
Stopping frostbite in its tracks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medication to treat severe frostbite, the agency announced this week. The drug, iloprost (brand name Aurlumyn), is intended to reduce the risk of finger and toe amputations due to dangerously cold extremities. Dr. Marc Siegel weighed in on this “very important approval.” Click here to get the story.
Frostbite occurs when cold temperatures cause parts of the body to freeze, primarily the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks and chin.(iStock)
State of COVID quarantines
Amid reports that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be considering a change to its COVID isolation guidelines, doctors are sharing their own recommendations. Click here to get the story.
The current CDC guidance, implemented in late 2021, calls for people who test positive for the virus to “stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home.”(iStock)
Lincoln’s depression struggles
The 16th president suffered from chronic “melancholy,” according to historians. Dr. Chris Tuell, a clinical psychotherapist and a chemical and behavioral addiction specialist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, reflected on what caused Lincoln’s mental health struggles and how the illness was perceived in his time. Click here to get the story.
He is perhaps best known for his honesty — but a lesser-known fact about Abraham Lincoln is that the 16th president of the United States battled severe depression during his lifetime.(Painting by J.L.G. Ferris)
ADHD gender divide
Symptoms of ADHD in boys compared to girls can make a big difference in diagnosis and treatment, experts say. Fox News Digital spoke with two mental health professionals about how the disorder shows up in males versus females, and when to seek professional help. Click here to get the story.
Research from University College London indicated that 18% of men who were prescribed various erectile dysfunction medications were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. An Alzheimer’s Association expert weighed the benefits and limitations of the findings. Click here to get the story.
It is the crummiest feeling of getting fooled and ripped off by online swindlers.
A former New York Times writer courageously shares a day from hell when an orchestrated attack starting with a phone call ended with her handing crooks $50,000 in cash.
Before you rush to conclusions and think, “That could never happen to me,” think again.
Woman talking on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The anatomy of a $50,000 scam
In “The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger,” Charlotte Cowles, a finance writer, explains how she was deceived by a very complex fraud.
It started when Cowles received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Amazon customer service, alerting her to suspicious activity on her account, which quickly escalated into a total nightmare scenario involving identity theft, drug trafficking and money laundering charges linked to her name.
The scam escalated when she was transferred to someone claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who informed her that her identity was linked to serious criminal activities, including money laundering and drug trafficking.
The scammer, now pretending to be a CIA agent, convinced her that her assets were being investigated and that she needed to secure her funds by withdrawing $50,000 in cash.
Under the pretense of protecting her from supposed criminal charges and ensuring the safety of her assets, the scammer instructed Cowles to place the $50,000 in cash inside a shoebox and hand it over to an accomplice who would arrive at her location.
The scammer exploited personal information about Cowles, such as her home address, Social Security Number and details about her family, to create a sense of urgency and fear.
Despite her background in financial journalism and personal finance, Cowles was manipulated into complying with the scammer’s demands, highlighting that scam victims can come from any demographic and possess various levels of education and financial literacy.
The scam concluded with Cowles handing over the money to a stranger in a white Mercedes SUV. She later realized the extent of the deception and reported the incident to the police, though the money was never recovered.
Charlotte is manipulated into believing her and her family’s safety is at risk, which leads her to withdraw a whopping $50,000 from her savings and hand it over to the scammers under the guise of protecting her assets.
Scammer on a laptop committing a crime (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Despite her background in personal finance and being considered rational and dependable, Charlotte is drawn into the scammer’s web of lies, highlighting the psychological manipulation techniques used by scammers.
The psychology of Charlotte’s scam
The scam taps into Charlotte’s deep-seated fears for her family’s well-being, initially hooking her attention. The scammer then isolates her by insisting she communicate with no one else, effectively cutting off potential sources of support or reality checks. The sense of urgency is escalated as the scammer pressures her toact swiftly and forego any form of verification.
The scam preyed on her trust in authority figures and her desire to resolve the fabricated crisis, leading her to make decisions that, in hindsight, seem totally irrational.
The lessons for all of us
Her account sheds light on how scammers use fear, urgency and isolation to exploit even the financially knowledgeable, underscoring the critical need for vigilance and skepticism toward unexpected requests for personal information or money.
More alarming are recent stats that younger adults that fall into the Gen Z, Gen X and millennial groups are 34% more likely to report getting ripped off by fraud, according to the FTC.
To enhance your protection against elaborate scams and identity theft, consider these strategies:
Cash and the word “fraud” written on a pad of paper (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to make yourself strong to help fend off scams and attacks
Here are four tips that can help you protect your identity, your data and your devices from online fraudsters and hackers. By following these steps, you can increase your security and confidence when dealing with online transactions and communications.
Tip No. 1 — Verify unexpected contacts
If you receive an unexpected text, email or call involving financial transactions of any sort, independently verify they are legit.
Tip No 2 — Make yourself resilient from online malware and attacks with strong antivirus protection
Equip all your connected devices with robust antivirus software to defend against malware, ransomware and other cyberthreats that could compromise your personal and financial information.
These proactive measures can significantly lower your risk of falling victim to sophisticated scams by limiting access to your personal information and enhancing your ability to respond quickly to potential threats.
Tip No. 3 — Remove your personal information from the internet
Today’s scammers are crafty and take advantage of any personal details they can learn about you. Data removal services can make it tougher for them to find intimate details about you.
While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a data removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for removal services here.
On your own, you should take the time to make all your social media posts private or only accessible to friends and family to keep strangers from harvesting personal details about your life.
Tip No. 4 — Use identity protection services to know when your identity is being stolen
Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Read more of my review of best identity theft protection services here.
The story of Charlotte Cowles is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable we all are to online fraud, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics and targeting new victims, regardless of their age, education or income level. No one is immune to the power of fear, isolation and urgency that scammers use to manipulate us into giving away our money or personal information.
The best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these scams is to be aware, alert and skeptical of any unsolicited or suspicious contact, whether it is by phone, email, text or social media. We should also take steps to safeguard our personal information online, such as antivirus protection, identity protection services and removing our data from public databases. By doing so, we can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of fraud and identity theft.
Have you ever been a victim of a scam or attempted scam? How did it happen, and how did you deal with it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
They’d always dreamed of living by the ocean, but when they first visited the Bahamas back in 1985, Norvell and Mark Slezycki never imagined that they’d have their very own oceanfront home in the island country.
The couple, who were living in New York City at the time, “stumbled upon” the Abaco Islands, located north of Nassau, and were struck by how underdeveloped the island chain was at the time.
“We kept coming back, almost every year,” Norvell tells CNN Travel. “And exploring all of the other islands in the chain, staying at just about every island.
“And we just fell in love with the whole idea of some islands that could still be so undeveloped.”
Dream location
The couple split their time between Florida and the Bahamas. – robertharding/Alamy Stock Photo
Over the years, the pair grew particularly fond of Great Guana Cay, a seven-mile long islet in the center of the Abaco Islands, and continued to visit regularly, while wondering what it would be like to live there once they’d retired.
During one of their trips, the Slezyckis rode the entire length of the island on bicycles and eventually came across an area that piqued their interest.
“We started asking, ‘Who owns all this land? Can we figure out who owns it and if they have it for sale?’ And then we just ran with it,” says Norvell.
In 2003, they negotiated a deal to purchase an acre of land in the area for about $100,000.
“We were elated. But also scared,” admits Norvell. “[It was] such a huge decision so removed from our comfort zone.”
In order to raise the money to build their dream home, the couple, who had moved to Florida by this point, decided to downsize, selling their house in Lighthouse Point, Florida, and purchasing a smaller house in nearby Pompano Beach.
“That’s what made it feasible for us to follow this dream,” she adds.
They hired a local builder in 2005, making an agreement by handshake, with Mark designing their home himself.
Handshake agreement
The Slezyckis love watching the sunrise from their waterfront home in the Bahamas. – Norvell Slezycki
“[The builder] said, ‘All you need to do is wire money to cover my crew every week and we will not stop working on the house,’” says Norvell.
As the couple were both working full-time for Mark’s manufacturing company, they had to coordinate the build from the US.
“It was incredibly challenging,” admits Norvell. “Bringing in material, keeping track [of everything] and wondering if the house is being built properly when you’re not even there.”
When asked how much they spent on the build in total, Norvell says that she and Mark “disagree” on the figure, but believe it was around $325,000 “give or take.”
Work on their two-bedroom, two-bathroom home was complete by 2006, with Norvell and Mark traveling over for long weekends and “sad little two-week vacations” before officially retiring in 2010.
At this stage, they were able to spend six months in the Bahamas and six months in the US, which they describe as “the perfect balance.”
“A lot of people wait, or maybe they have to [wait] financially, but they wait [to retire],” says Norvell.
“And then all of a sudden, their health issues start to compound. And we really worked hard to do this.
“This is not something that came easily financially. We worked very, very hard to make this happen and figure out a way that it would work.”
Reaching their home is no simple feat. The couple have to take a 70-minute charter flight from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Treasure Cay Airport on Great Abaco Island, before taking a 30-minute taxi ride to the ferry dock, where they hop on a ferry to Great Guana Cay, a journey of around 25 minutes.
“The wait for the next ferry can be several hours,” says Norvell, adding that they usually arrange for a friend to collect them and drive them to their home. “So, if we take an 8 a.m. flight, we are usually in our house by noon.”
Mark goes on to explain that he finds the journey to be an essential part of the process of “getting relaxed and patient,” in preparation for their time on the island.
“It’s quite a day,” he says. ”But we do it once a year.”
Storm damage
Sadly their home was destroyed when Hurricane Dorian hit in 2019. – Norvell Slezycki
In the coming years, there were some “minor storms,” the couple say, but “the killer” was Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm that “made a beeline for the Abacos” in September 2019. The Slezyckis’ home was destroyed.
“It came through and literally stalled over these islands and caused major, major disruption,” explains Norvell. “If your house wasn’t destroyed, it was damaged. Nobody was [left] unscathed.”
Unfortunately, the Slezyckis weren’t able to return to Great Guana Cay for a while as the nearest airports had also been damaged by the storm.
The following year, restrictions were put in place across the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which complicated things for them further.
“We lost a lot of time, where we couldn’t get here,” explains Norvell. “Or if we could get here, all we could do was pick up debris around where our house used to be.”
Norvell goes on to explain that Mark traveled over to the island when he was able to, but she couldn’t face going in the beginning.
“I couldn’t really help that much,” she says. “And emotionally… I was pretty upset at the whole thing.”
Once they had surveyed the damage thoroughly, the couple decided that they would rebuild their home themselves, using their savings to purchase materials.
“Mark is incredibly handy,” says Norvell. “And he said, ‘I think I can build this house pretty much on my own.’”
For the next few years, they focused on making their home livable again, staying with a neighbor whose home was only “mildly damaged” each time they returned to the island.
“Believe me, if we were 10 years older, we probably wouldn’t have been able to do it,” says Norvell, adding that they’re “still not done.”
“We’ve still got a couple of good years left. A lot of people did not rebuild. They gave it up.
“But we just couldn’t do it. [The house] was too much a part of our lives.”
Despite the setbacks, the couple can’t imagine leaving their lives in Great Guana Cay behind, and say they love being there.
“First of all, the pace over here is a lot slower, which we really like,” says Norvell. “No crowds, no traffic, no road rage, little to no crime.”
Although the hurricane devastated Great Guana Cay, the island has since recovered, and “in some ways is better than ever,” says Norvell.
Simpler life
Members-only residential community Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club is located on the other side of the island. – Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club
In the years since they’ve been living on the island, private resort community Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club, has opened on the other side of the island.
“When they first started building, it was a really big controversial thing on this island,” says Norvell, outlining the controversy around the exclusive development, which faced a lot of resistance from locals.
“For about five or six years, it was just all anybody could talk about.”
The Slezyckis go on to explain that their part of the island is very far removed from the private resort, where celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Tom Brady are thought to have homes.
While in Great Guana Cay, which has a population of around 150, the couple travel around on a golf cart, taking beach walks and going diving and snorkeling when they can.
“It’s sort of like living in the ’50s,” says Mark. “It’s just a different culture.”
Norvell has been collecting Bahamian sea glass since she first began visiting the island country and makes jewelry from it. She also has a vegetable and herb garden that she spends time maintaining.
“It’s just a simpler life and it’s a lot more stress-free, other than the spotty power,” she says.
“It’s a luxury to wake up and have the water in front of you, the ocean and the sunrise. Every morning is spectacular.
“It’s quiet and we don’t have any neighbors on top of us. We’re really spread out over here.”
In 2020, she launched a TikTok account, SouthPauseIslandGirl, on the suggestion of her niece, and eventually began posting about Great Guana Cay.
“I had a video go viral with like six million views, which is crazy for somebody my age,” she says. “After that [my TikTok account] really kind of took off.”
Norvell now streams live sunset sessions from Great Guana Cay while drinking her morning coffee at home and holds online auctions where followers can bid on her sea glass jewelry.
She explains that the success of her TikTok account has meant that she’s been able to “bring in a little extra income” as well as have a lot of fun figuring out how to navigate social media.
“When I first got on TikTok, I didn’t even know what I was doing,” she adds. “I still don’t, but anyway…”
Over the years, Norvell and Mark have built strong friendships with some of the other expats who live in the area, and say the “sense of community is quite strong.”
“We really help each other out,” says Norvell.
They adopted a cat, Flip Flop, who was born on their property, 16 years ago.
“She travels back and forth with us and is a pure delight,” adds Norvell.
Although Norvell and Mark concede that they don’t necessarily socialize with locals that much, they enjoy attending neighborhood events such as the occasional “community dinners” on the main street, where all of the residents get together and tuck into huge spreads, as well as the annual Christmas tree-lighting.
The Slezyckis stress that they’re aware that they’re “guests” in the Bahamas and “think it’s really important to know that and to respect that.”
“There’s a very small population of true Bahamian citizens who have lived here literally for generations,” says Norvell.
“They are reserved and religious, but if you treat them the way you should, which is with kindness and respect, they warm up to you and then you become one of them and they accept you.
“But it’s not something that happens overnight.”
New beginning
They started rebuilding their property soon after the hurricane, with Mark taking on much of the work himself. – Norvell Slezycki
As for the cost of living, it’s “roughly double” that of the US, according to the Slezyckis, who explain that the remoteness of the island means that many goods are imported, so tend to be more expensive.
According to couple, the cost of gas, which they use to power their golf cart, is higher, along with groceries.
“Our little island has to bring in the groceries,” she explains. “So they’ve got to make money somewhere.”
The Slezyckis point out that one of the other “big negatives” about living on the island is that “there’s really no health care to speak of,” and the nearest clinics, which deal with more minor issues, are located in Marsh Harbour, on the island of Great Abaco.
“If you had a really serious health issue, you would have to fly back to the States,” says Norvell.
Earlier this month, the US State Department posted a travel advisory update urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing the islands of New Providence, where Nassau is located, and Grand Bahama, where Freeport is located, as the affected areas.
Norvell and Mark Slezycki – Courtesy Norvell Slezycki
Norvell says that she’s received various messages expressing concern about crime, but stresses that she and Mark feel very safe in Great Guana Cay.
“We are so far away from [the areas affected], geographically and also just the flavor of this island,” she says.
“There’s really little to no crime [in Great Guana Cay] and that is something that’s difficult to find in this day and age anywhere.”
Although their rebuilt home is still not finished, Norvell stresses that it’s “totally livable,” and they hope to have it ready by April.
“I want to have a party to announce the completion,” she adds.
Owners of property in the Bahamas are eligible for an annual Home Owners Resident Card and the Slezyckis also have the option to apply for citizenship.
However, they explain, because the island country permits visa extensions allowing visitors to stay for up to eight months, they’ve never needed to.
When asked whether they ever plan to settle in Great Guana Cay permanently, the couple say that they’re happy to keep splitting their time between the island and the US, where they still have a home in Florida, for the foreseeable future.
“It just works so well,” says Norvell. “You’ve always got that escape, and if there’s something you’ve just got to get back home for whatever reason, you’re not stuck here.
“Between family, friends, doctor visits, going to a show or going to a really good restaurant, those things are just not available over here,” says Norvell.
“So it’s good to get a little dose of all of that. And I think we appreciate [the island] when we come back even more.”
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America Ferrara recalled bursting into tears after meeting Leonardo DiCaprio for the first time.
The 39-year-old “Barbie” actress, who is among the nominees at the upcoming Academy Awards, noted that becoming starstruck by other celebrities can “sneak up on you” during a Friday appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
“More often than not, it’s like someone you had a childhood connection to, right?” Ferrara said. “So it’s always very embarrassing.”
America Ferrara admitted that she “started weeping” after meeting Leonardo DiCaprio.(Getty)
She continued, “I’m debating, like, ‘Do I even want to say this out loud? But, OK.’”
Ferrara went on to recount meeting her teenage crush DiCaprio, now 49, after she won the best female actor in a comedy series award for her performance in “Ugly Betty” at the 2007 SAG Awards.
“I watched Titanic in the movie theaters seven times,” she recalled. “[I was] 13, 14 [years old], prime time to be in love with Leonardo DiCaprio, right?”
“OK, so first time I went to the SAG Awards, and I had won for ‘Betty,’ I had been onstage and the whole thing,” Ferrera remembered. “I was feeling kind of like, ‘I belong here, this is cool.'”
“And then Leonardo DiCaprio was there, and I said ‘Hello’ to him, and I promptly departed him and went around the corner and just started weeping,” she said.
Ferrara recalled that she met DiCaprio after she won an award at the 2007 Emmys.(Albert L. Ortega/WireImage)
“And my husband, then-boyfriend, was with me and he was like, ‘I am so embarrassed right now.'”
Ferrara told Meyers that her husband Ryan Piers Williams, whom she married in 2011, urged her to “stop crying.”
“The good thing is he probably won’t,” Meyers joked.
The actress explained that she was “in love” with DiCaprio after watching his 1997 movie “Titanic.”(Getty Images)
Meyers, 50, then told Ferrara that he did the “same thing” when he met Julia Roberts for the first time. The comedian explained that the encounter happened backstage while he was hosting the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2014.
“I walked by her. She was like, ‘Hey, good job.’ I was like, ‘Oh, thanks, so nice to meet you.’ Walked around — full cry,” he recalled. And my wife wasn’t with me, but I FaceTimed because I wanted her to see.”
During her appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Ferrara shared that she was recently almost brought to tears after Tom Hanks complimented her on her performance in “Barbie.”
Ferrara said she was also almost brought to tears by meeting Tom Hanks.(Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
The “Superstore” alum said that she met Hanks, 67, at the Governors Awards on Jan. 9.
“Growing up, people were like, ‘Oh, who do you want to be? Like Salma Hayek, like J.Lo?’ I was like, ‘Tom Hanks,’ she remembered. “I wanted to be Tom Hanks. Like, that was my goal. And just a couple weeks ago, he came up to me and he said very nice things to me.”
“It was like I was in seven different timelines at the same time,” Ferrara said of her reaction to Hanks’ remarks. “I was like eight[years-old], I was ten, I was 14, I was 80 remembering this on my deathbed.”
“It was just so crazy,” she added. “I was like, ‘If you knew what was happening in my mind right now.’ But he was saying really nice things to me. And I was trying to remember every single thing he said. And at the same time, I was shaking and terrified that I was going to start crying in front of him.”
Ferrara was nominated for her first Oscar for her role as Gloria in last summer’s mega-hit “Barbie,” which earned a total of eight nominations. She will compete for the award against fellow nominees Jodie Foster, Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks and Da’Vine Joy Randolph at the ceremony on March 10 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater.
Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume
The effects of COVID are lingering longer among the residents of some states than others.
That’s according to the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tracks reported cases of long COVID throughout the U.S.
The highest prevalence of long COVID was found in West Virginia — where 10.6% of survey respondents reported experiencing long-term effects of the virus in 2022.
In Alabama and Montana, long COVID cases were reported by 9.8% of respondents.
Other states with long COVID cases exceeding 8% included North Dakota (9.3%), Oklahoma (9.1%), Wyoming (9.0%), Tennessee (8.9%), Mississippi (8.7%), Iowa (8.3%), South Dakota (8.3%) and Utah (8.3%).
Long COVID is a condition in which symptoms of the virus persist for an extended period of time, generally three months or more.(iStock)
Overall, 6.9% of U.S. adults reported ever experiencing long COVID, the report stated.
In general, the highest prevalence of long COVID was in the South, West and Midwest, with the lowest reported cases in New England and the Pacific.
Obesity and vaccines play a role, doctor says
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, who was not involved in the CDC report, called for further studies into how long COVID is reported — including who reports it and the criteria they use to define their symptoms, which varies from region to region.
“Vaccine uptake clearly plays a role, as multiple studies have shown that at least three shots decreases the risk of long COVID significantly,” he told Fox News Digital.
Underlying diseases represent another significant factor, Siegel pointed out.
“We know that obesity, for example, increases risk of severe COVID dramatically, and severe COVID correlates with persistent symptoms and long COVID,” he said.
The highest prevalence of long COVID was found in the state of West Virginia, where 10.6% of survey respondents reported experiencing long-term effects of the virus in 2022.(iStock)
“In fact, obesity is the highest in the South and Midwest (over 35%),” noted Siegel, “and it is probably no accident that obesity is the highest in the country in West Virginia (41%), which also has the highest rate of long COVID.”
Data and limitations
The data for this report was gathered by phone from respondents who were at least 18 years old as part of the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a population-based cross-sectional survey, per the CDC.
The adults were all asked for their age, sex, previous COVID-19 diagnosis and whether they had ever experienced long COVID.
The CDC tracks reported cases of long COVID throughout the U.S. as part of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.(REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)
In gathering this state-specific data, the CDC said it aims to “inform policy, planning or programming to support U.S. adults experiencing long COVID.”
There were some limitations associated with the study, the CDC noted.
“BRFSS did not capture treatment during acute COVID infection, time since COVID-19 illness or duration or severity of symptoms, which could influence the reported prevalence of long COVID,” the agency wrote.
“In addition, information about COVID-19 vaccination was only available for a subset of jurisdictions and is not included in this report.”
What is long COVID?
Long COVID is a condition in which symptoms of the virus persist for an extended period of time, generally three months or more.
Those symptoms can include fatigue, respiratory symptoms and neurologic symptoms (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”).
The most prominent features are persistent fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, cough, and rapid heart rate or arrhythmias, according to Dr. Siegel.(iStock)
“Long COVID is still an ill-defined term, but for me, the most prominent features are persistent fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, cough, and rapid heart rate or arrhythmias,” Siegel added.
Imagine a vehicle that would allow you the convenience of carrying passengers or cargo but also the agility of a scooter for zipping through traffic and parking in tight spaces.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, it might soon become a reality with the Surge S32, a new electric vehicle from India that can transform from a three-wheel rickshaw to a two-wheel scooter in minutes.
The Surge S32 is based on an innovative platform called the Advanced Modular Scaleable Electric Platform (AMSEP), which houses the batteries, motor, electronics and rear wheels of the rickshaw.
Surge S32.(Surge Automobiles)
The front part of the platform has a docking area where a two-seater scooter can be attached or detached. When the scooter is connected, its rear wheel lifts off the ground, and the rickshaw’s motor and batteries power the whole vehicle.
Surge S32(Surge Automobiles)
When the scooter is separated, it activates its own motor and batteries and becomes a standalone vehicle. This process is called the Smart Switching Multi Powertrain (SSMP), and it only takes three minutes and a push of a button.
The Surge S32 is designed to be a versatile and adaptable vehicle that can suit different needs and preferences. Depending on the situation, users can choose to drive it as a rickshaw or a scooter, or even switch between the two modes on the go.
The rickshaw mode offers more space and capacity for transporting people or goods, while the scooter mode offers more speed and maneuverability for solo or duo rides. The vehicle is also eco-friendly, as it runs on pure electricity from a battery pack and reduces emissions and noise pollution.
The Surge S32 comes in four different rickshaw body types, each compatible with a specific AMSEP. The PV body has room for two passengers behind the driver; the LD body has a pickup truck-like cargo bed; the HD body has an enclosed cargo box; and the FB body has a flatbed. All of the rickshaw configurations have a top speed of 28 mph, while the scooter can reach up to 37 mph. The vehicle also has features like LED headlights, a digital dashboard, GPS navigation and a reverse camera.
What type of driving license is required to drive this type of vehicle?
According to the company website, whether in 2-wheel or in 3-wheel mode, the Surge S32 can be driven by holders of driver’s licenses of the respective vehicle categories.
The Surge S32 is currently in the prototype stage, and there is no information on its price or availability yet. However, the company behind it, Surge Automobiles, claims that it is the world’s first segment-adapting vehicle and that it has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry.
Kurt’s key takeaways
No doubt, the Surge S32 is a unique and innovative electric vehicle that combines the functionality of a rickshaw and a scooter in one modular platform. Its goal is to provide a flexible and convenient solution for urban mobility, catering to different needs and scenarios. The vehicle is also environmentally friendly, as it uses renewable energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– Hollywood star sees AI lawsuit partially dismissed by judge – Here’s how AI will drive health care to meet consumer expectations – Does ChatGPT give better career advice than your boss? Nearly half of Gen Z says yes
Sarah Silverman and other authors were dealt a setback in their lawsuit against OpenAI after a federal judge dismissed several of the plaintiffs’ claims.(JC Olivera/Getty Images)
LEGAL SETBACK: Sarah Silverman and other authors’ lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has hit a snag.
EMPOWERED PATIENTS’: Years ago, patients could have been seen as more passive recipients of care; today they are empowered and educated “consumers” who desire to be part of their care decisions.
CAREER ADVICE FROM CHATGPT: Providing employees with opportunities for growth in the workplace can be critical in building loyalty, which is something many employers could use these days in an age of increased attrition and diminishing engagement.
‘DECEPTION DETECTOR’: The popular female-founded dating app announced it is integrating A.I. technology into its new “Deception Detector” to help cut out catfishing by blocking scam accounts and fake profiles.
The Bumble Trading Inc. logo on a smartphone arranged in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.(Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images )
SPEAKING FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE: Families of gun violence victims are using artificial intelligence to recreate their loved ones’ voices and taunt lawmakers who oppose gun control on the sixth anniversary of the Parkland massacre.
NATIONAL ‘FUTURISTIC’ LEAGUE: As injuries continue to play a critical role in the sport of football, the NFL’s “digital athlete” initiative uses artificial intelligence to study players’ movements in hopes of avoiding player injuries.
NFL SVP of Health and Safety Innovation Jennifer Langton shows off AWS and the NFL’s latest in-pad technology that collects data in an effort to prevent and predict injuries.(Fox News)
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
‘Takedown with Chris Hansen’ host Chris Hansen and ‘The Comfort Crisis’ author Michael Easter discuss the dangers of social media and Washington’s failure to act on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’
In the high-stakes world of tech billionaires, the pursuit for private islands has become the ultimate symbol of opulence and seclusion.
Larry Page, Google’s co-founder and the world’s eighth-richest person with a net worth of $132 billion, is at the forefront of this trend.
Island in Puerto Rico.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Larry Page’s island empire
His recent purchase of Cayo Norte, a $32 million jewel off the coast of Puerto Rico, marks his fifth private island, joining his collection that spans from Fiji to the Virgin Islands. This revelation shows it’s not just about liking luxury, but there’s something deeper going on among the tech elite.
Cayo Norte, Puerto Rico.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tech titans and their secluded paradises
The allure of owning private islands is multifaceted. Beyond the obvious bragging rights and the unique pleasure of claiming a slice of paradise, there’s a darker, more compelling undercurrent: the extreme peer pressure among billionaires to amass these secluded retreats.
It’s a silent but intense competition, where the number of islands under one’s belt is as much a status symbol as it is a personal haven. This race, however, isn’t solely about leisure. Page himself has hinted at a broader vision, suggesting these islands could serve as “safe places” for technologists to experiment and innovate away from the public eye.
Yet, the fascination with island ownership isn’t confined to the likes of Page or Oracle’s co-founder Larry Ellison, who famously owns 98% of Hawaii’s Lanai Island. It reflects a broader American entrepreneurial ethos for even more privacy.
The desire for total control, for undivided ownership, speaks to a deeper yearning for autonomy and freedom, traits deeply embedded in the American dream. And if you can’t buy an island on Amazon yet, broker Chris Krolow has 608 private islands currently listed for sale at his niche island shopping site.
The most expensive is Rang Yai Island near the resort island of Phuket in Thailand. For $160 million, the entire 110-acre island comes with a freshwater supply, electric generator and mobile cellphone service just 20 minutes away from the main international airport.
Back on American soil with its own helipad, mega yacht mooring, tennis court and enough lobsters surrounding its shores for an endless feast, the 26-acre Pumpkin Key near Key Largo, Florida, is just 10 minutes from Miami by helicopter at $95 million.
However, the narrative of private island ownership isn’t exclusively a billionaire’s tale. It’s a story of contrasts, of dreams both vast and modest. Charlotte Gale, a massage therapist from New Jersey, represents the other end of the spectrum.
Her acquisition of Ducks Ledges Island off the coast of Maine for under $400,000 tells a story of accessible dreams and the democratization of island ownership. Though her island lacks the billionaire-level luxury, with a one-bedroom cabin devoid of running water, Gale’s story adds a refreshing chapter to the island narrative, illustrating that the allure of private islands transcends economic boundaries.
Duck Ledges Island off the coast of Maine.(Google)
This juxtaposition between the ultra-rich’s pursuit of island enclaves and the modest dreams of ordinary individuals like Gale reveals a complex tapestry of desires and motivations. It’s not merely about the islands themselves but what they represent: ultimate freedom, escape and the power to create one’s utopia.
As the race for island ownership continues, it serves as a mirror to our society’s values, ambitions and the lengths to which individuals will go to carve out their slice of paradise, be it a testament to their wealth or a simple retreat from the world.
Could private islands become hubs for innovation and research beyond personal leisure, or is that just a cover for these tech billionaires to distance themselves from public scrutiny over how much they are spending on their secluded enclaves? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
For the millions of people who take Ozempic and Wegovy, weight loss is the best-known outcome — but a new study suggests the medications could also help squash depression.
Investigators from Epic Research, a health analytics firm based in Verona, Wisconsin, found that patients with diabetes who were prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications were less likely to develop depression compared to people who are not taking the drugs.
GLP-1 medications include semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon).
“The likelihood of anxiety in diabetic patients is lower for those on all five GLP-1 medications studied,” the researchers wrote in a release on Epic’s website.
For those without diabetes, semaglutide was linked to a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety, while liraglutide did not show any statistically significant benefit.
Weight loss is the best-known perk of Ozempic and Wegovy, but a new study suggests the medications could also help to reduce depression.(iStock)
The study analyzed the GLP-1 medications and mental health diagnoses of 3,081,254 diabetic patients and 929,174 non-diabetic patients.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and founder of the longevity company Senolytix, was not surprised to hear of the Epic Research study findings.
“Ozempic’s potential antidepressive effects are garnering interest, both from the scientific community and those seeking holistic ways to manage their mental health alongside physical conditions,” he told Fox News Digital.
Weight loss often leads to a boost in mood and overall outlook in Osborn’s patients, he noted.
GLP-1 medications include semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon).(Getty Images)
“Losing weight can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and overall mood, leading to a more positive outlook on life,” the doctor said.
“The confidence boost that comes with achieving weight loss goals can be transformative, reducing feelings of depression and enhancing mental well-being.”
Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a Dallas-based pharmacy and health expert with SingleCare, a prescription discount service, said none of the companies that produce GLP-1 medications studied the effect on depression in the original clinical trials.
“At this time, none of the GLP-1 medications used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes or in chronic weight management claim to curb depression and anxiety,” she told Fox News Digital.
That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, however, the expert said.
Physical and mental mood-lifters
In previous research, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs were shown to have antidepressant-like effects in diabetic mice with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the drugs have direct effects on brain chemistry and connectivity, Osborn said.
“It is thought that this results from GLP-1’s influence on the release of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in a deep brain region known as the hypothalamus,” Osborn said.
Weight loss often leads people to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and improved dietary choices, an expert pointed out. (iStock)
GLP-1 drugs also modify the release of dopamine in the amygdala, the “emotional center” of the brain, Osborn said, which is involved in mood regulation.
While Bourgeois agrees that these medications may impact mood via brain changes, she said the likelier reason for the reduced depression and anxiety is the positive mental and physical health effects of weight loss.
Weight loss induced by GLP-1 medications triggers biological changes that positively impact mood regulation, Bourgeois said.
“As excess adipose tissue (body fat) decreases, the production of inflammatory cytokines reduces, leading to a decrease in systemic inflammation,” she said.
“Research suggests that chronic inflammation may disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine as well as the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to mood imbalances.”
A pharmacist holds boxes of Eli Lilly & Co. Mounjaro brand tirzepatide medication at a pharmacy in Provo, Utah, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. (Getty Images)
The boost to self-esteem and body image can also curb depression and anxiety, Bourgeois noted, leading to an overall more positive outlook.
“Individuals who achieve weight loss through GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, which can positively influence their mental health,” she said.
There may also be a “trickle-down” effect, with weight loss often leading people to adopt healthier lifestyle habits — such as regular exercise and improved dietary choices, the expert pointed out.
“These lifestyle changes can have profound effects on mental health,” she said.
The boost to self-esteem and body image that comes with weight loss can also curb depression and anxiety, experts say.(iStock)
“Physical activity is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and euphoria, and a nutrient-rich diet can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support brain function and mood regulation.”
More research needed
While the Epic data is “promising,” said Bourgeois, “more research is needed to determine if the medication itself is responsible for the reduction in depression and anxiety diagnoses.”
“Other factors like physical activity, diet and sleep were not controlled and could be contributing to the mood-altering effects.”
Osborn added, “I’m not saying that Ozempic will become a first-line treatment for depression, but it certainly highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.”
ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of ADHD in kids can include trouble paying attention, difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors and displaying periods of hyperactivity.
But how these symptoms show up in boys versus girls, and eventually in men versus women, can make a big difference in diagnosis.
Sabrina Nasta, a licensed mental health counselor in Orange Park, Florida, told Fox News Digital that ADHD can show up in three different ways: through inattention, hyperactivity and a combination of the two.
ADHD in males compared to females can means significantly different symptoms, experts say.(iStock)
In women, ADHD most commonly manifests as inattention, which includes an inability to pay attention, distractibility and lack of compliance, according to Nasta.
In men, ADHD occurs in a hyperactive way, causing issues with sitting still or wanting to be constantly “doing something,” said the expert.
McCall Letterle, head of U.S. commercial operations for ADHD assessment company Qbtech, also commented on these differences in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
Athough many of the symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, are the same, it’s how the symptoms “manifest themselves” that causes a variation between males and females, the Atlanta-based expert noted.
Young girls with ADHD may sit still in the classroom, but they’re “not paying attention,” an expert said.(iStock)
A struggle with discipline seems to be a commonality of ADHD in men and women based on their lifestyle and age, Nasta added.
In young boys, for example, ADHD shows up as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy; they “don’t have the capacity to not do anything,” the expert said.
In girls, the same inattentiveness may arise, but it’s most likely internalized.
“They may be sitting in the classroom, they may be sitting still, but they’re not paying attention,” Nasta said.
“It’s tough because for a girl, it looks like they’re rebelling or being disobedient, [but] for a boy, [it seems that] they’re just being ridiculous and hyper.”
Underdiagnosis in women
The differences in ADHD presentation have led to a “massive amount of underdiagnosed women,” according to Letterle.
“This [disorder] was first researched in males, and the criteria developed around symptoms most commonly seen in boys,” she told Fox News Digital.
Initial research on ADHD in boys and men could have led to the misdiagnosis in women, one mental health expert suggested.(iStock)
“These are also the most overtly obvious symptoms — like hyperactivity, inability to sit still, disruption and difficulty focusing, often in the classroom — that lead to associated behavioral issues,” Letterle added.
While some women do experience these hyperactive symptoms, they are not the most prevalent symptoms and they look different when they do occur, according to Letterle.
“Women tend to exhibit symptoms that are more internalized,” she said.
“For instance, their inattention is much harder to recognize than boys, as it can be displayed as daydreaming or inward distraction.”
Letterle pointed out the “external fallout” of these ADHD symptoms in girls — which results in “high rates of anxiety” due to missed information at school.
In many cases, girls have to work twice as hard to retain information and meet academic standards as their peers, and they experience low levels of confidence stemming from these difficulties, she added.
Girls with ADHD can experience “high levels of anxiety,” said a mental health expert.(iStock)
“That is subjectively a lot harder to identify than distracted boys, who are poking the individual next to them as they struggle to maintain focus.”
These variants lead to a “massive difference in diagnostic rates” between young girls and boys, Letterle said.
Boys are often diagnosed and treated faster than girls because their symptoms are easier to identify, she added.
Personalized coping
One of the best ways to cope with ADHD is to educate yourself, or your child, on the best way to function in different environments, said Nasta.
Some of the strategies she recommended include practicing mindfulness and self-awareness, and coming up with the best game plan in any given situation.
Stress management is another great coping tool, especially for boys, added Nasta.
Allowing kids with ADHD the time to release stress is an important coping technique, experts say.(iStock)
For kids, stress management can mean participating in leisure activities or hobbies like playing video games or hanging out with friends.
“It’s about allowing them to let that energy go in a more supportive way,” Nasta said.
ADHD in boys and girls can be difficult for caretakers — parents, guardians and even teachers — to identify when they lack the “appropriate tools” to make “more accurate referrals,” Letterle noted.
To overcome that challenge, Nasta encouraged caretakers to “listen more.”
“If you’re really paying attention and your kid’s trying, this could be a neurological or neurodevelopmental concern versus them just struggling with emotions,” she said.
In young boys, ADHD shows up as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy; they “don’t have the capacity to not do anything,” according to experts.(iStock)
It might be helpful for parents to “be more curious” and ask their children questions about their feelings when they are overwhelmed, Nasta suggested.
“What do you experience when you’re overwhelmed? Are you able to focus or pay attention to your teacher? Do you notice what your thoughts are doing?” she listed as example questions.
“If it sounds really concerning and intrusive, I would say that’s the point of … seeing a professional.”
Early ADHD intervention is “critical for reducing suicide rates, job instability and substance abuse in those left untreated,” Letterle said.
“The diagnostic process has been left largely to subjective rating scales, creating a desperate need for clinicians to start adopting a more data-driven approach to symptom measurement,” she added.
Impairments in managing basic hygiene, finances, academic or communication skills could signal the need for ADHD evaluation, according to experts.(iStock)
“Objective data compares performance in the three core symptom areas against age- and sex-matched controls without ADHD — meaning women are compared to other women to improve the ability to accurately identify their diagnosis,” the expert said.
When to seek help
While the term “ADHD” is often tossed around to describe when someone is feeling unfocused, Nasta listed a few warning signs that could point to an actual diagnosis.
The expert said to monitor daily responsibilities such as hygiene, finances, academics and even basic social skills such as listening and communication.
“If you notice impairments and deficits in any of those, I would say that would be the time to talk to somebody,” she advised.
For people who are unsure of their symptoms, Letterle recommended seeking out a provider who uses objective data in a comprehensive evaluation.
“[This] would help to better ensure not only a more accurate diagnosis, but also one that helps eliminate the bias that often leads to high rates of underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis in women,” she said.
