A record number of high school teens died of drug overdoses in 2022 in an alarming trend driven primarily by fentanyl poisonings from counterfeit pills, according to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Boston researchers found that an average of 22 adolescents ages 14 to 18 years old died each week in the U.S. from drug overdoses in 2022. 

The death rate for drug overdoses among teens is more than double what it was in 2018, according to the study, which is entitled “The Overdose Crisis Among U.S. Adolescents.”  

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A total of 1,125 teens died of drug overdose or poisoning in 2022, making it the third-leading cause of death for teenagers across the country – behind firearm-related injuries and motor vehicle crashes, respectively, the report said.

“Fewer teens than ever are actively using drugs, and yet more teens than ever are dying,” senior author Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, told Fox News.

“And that’s because drug use isn’t becoming more common — it’s becoming more dangerous.”

In 2002, 21% of high-school seniors said they had used an illicit drug besides cannabis in the previous year. 

By 2022, that share had fallen to 8%.

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Meanwhile, at least 75% of adolescent drug overdose deaths are from fentanyl poisonings, the researchers found. 

As other studies have found, those poisonings primarily occur when teens inadvertently take counterfeit pills laced with a lethal dose of the synthetic opioid.

Parents should have frank conversations with their teens about risk reduction strategies for those experimenting with drugs, the study author noted.  (iStock)

“It’s really clear that the problems started to take off a little bit before COVID and then really accelerated during the COVID pandemic,” Hadland told Fox.

“Teens were isolated and they weren’t able to go to school or engage in the usual activities — and we know that health care systems became more difficult to access.”

Now, there’s no sign of this trend reversing or slowing.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized over 1.2 million fentanyl pills between two busts on Dec. 29. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

The study identified Arizona, Colorado and Washington as the hotspot states. There, adolescent drug overdose death rates were nearly twice the national average or higher between 2020 and 2022. 

Hotspot counties included Maricopa County, Arizona, and Los Angeles County, California, which had the highest number of overdose deaths (117 and 111, respectively).

“If Narcan was in our home, this could have been a very different reality.”

In March 2021, 17-year-old Xavier Gerchow was playing basketball with a friend before he died of fentanyl poisoning.

When Gerchow felt sore after playing, his friend offered to split a Percocet with him. Gerchow later went to sleep at his home and never woke up. 

Gerchow’s friend was rushed to the hospital and survived, but Gerchow did not.

The Percocet turned out to be a fake — it contained 99% fentanyl and 1% cocaine. 

“The friend did not pass away from the pill because he had a tolerance to fentanyl,” Madison Gerchow, Xavier’s sister, told Fox. “But Xavier passed away within minutes because he had a clean system.”

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Experts recommend that parents discuss the dangers of counterfeit pills and keep over-the-counter Naloxone or Narcan – the overdose reversal medicine – readily available at home. 

Research has shown that about two-thirds of teens who die of an overdose pass away in their homes. 

“Often, health insurance will cover it with little to no co-pay, and I recommend that parents and teens keep this in their homes in a central location, just like you would a fire extinguisher,” Hadland suggested.

Experts recommend that parents discuss with teens the dangers of counterfeit pills and keep over-the-counter Naloxone or Narcan – the overdose reversal medicine – readily available at home.  (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

While the doctor recommends that parents emphasize to their teens that they should stay drug-free, he also encourages parents to have frank conversations about risk reduction strategies for those experimenting with drugs. 

“We can’t use scare tactics … [or] fearmongering, because when we’re overly dramatic, it turns teens off,” Hadland noted. “Studies show that when we’re overly dramatic, teens will sometimes do the opposite of what we hope they’ll do.”

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Madison Gerchow started the X Foundation in honor of her only brother, Xavier. 

The foundation aims to remove the stigma surrounding fentanyl poisoning by raising awareness and providing education about the epidemic.

“I wish we had educated Xavier or ourselves and friends,” Gerchow said. 

“If Narcan was in our home, this could have been a very different reality.”

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

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the public face of the U.S. coronavirus pandemic response, told lawmakers this week that the social distancing recommendations forced on Americans “sort of just appeared” and were likely not based on scientific data.

Fauci, 83, made the startling revelation in a closed-door interview with the House Select Committee on Coronavirus Pandemic. He also testified that the lab leak hypothesis – which was often suppressed – was not a conspiracy theory and that the policies and mandates he promoted may increase vaccine hesitancy in the future, Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, wrote in a statement Wednesday. 

Wenstrup’s committee has been investigating whether government officials at the time, including Fauci, worked to suppress questions about whether the pandemic was the result of a lab leak in Wuhan. 

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Republicans have accused those officials of pushing the natural origin theory in a bid to protect China.

Fauci became a politically polarizing figure during the pandemic. He was vilified by those opposed to lockdowns, masking rules and vaccine mandates, while being idolized by those who agreed with the government’s actions.

“Dr. Fauci’s transcribed interview revealed systemic failures in our public health system and shed light on serious procedural concerns with our public health authority,” wrote Wenstrup, a physician of over 30 years.

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“It is clear that dissenting opinions were often not considered or suppressed completely. Should a future pandemic arise, America’s response must be guided by scientific facts and conclusive data.”

Many schools across the country were shuttered in order to comply with the six-foot rule of social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of the virus, while it also helped spur lockdowns and restrictions in public spaces as well as bars and restaurants.     

However, Fauci, according to Wenstrup, characterized the development of the guidance by stating “it sort of just appeared.”

Anthony Fauci is shown wearing a mask during the COVID pandemic. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fauci also acknowledged that the lab leak hypothesis, which claims the coronavirus originated from a lab in Wuhan, China, is not a conspiracy theory. 

In fact, Wenstrup said Fauci played semantics with the definition of a “lab leak” while acknowledging that a lab leak was possible.

Wenstrup said the admission came nearly four years after prompting the publication of the “Proximal Origin” paper that attempted to vilify and disprove the lab leak hypothesis.

Wenstrup said Fauci also admitted that America’s vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase vaccine hesitancy in the future and that he had advised American universities to impose vaccine mandates on their students.

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“It’s been proven that when you make it difficult for people in their lives, they lose their ideological bulls—, and they get vaccinated,” Fauci previously stated. 

Wenstrup also said the committee was “frustrated” by Fauci’s inability to recollect COVID-19 information that was important to the investigation, although he praised him for appearing. 

Fauci also denied allegations that he visited the CIA during the pandemic or influenced the CIA’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup said Fauci admitted that America’s vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase vaccine hesitancy in the future. (iStock)

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who has been Fauci’s biggest nemesis, said in an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle” on Tuesday that Fauci lied about the origins of COVID.

“The one thing that’s consistent about Anthony Fauci is that what he says in private is largely true, what he says in public is largely a lie.”

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“When asked by a fellow co-worker, Sylvia Burwell, he told her the truth. He said the masks don’t work because the pores are bigger than the virus … but then in public he wears three masks and in private he tells his colleagues you don’t need to wear one.”

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“It’s the same with immunity, it’s the same with the vaccines, and it’s really the same with gain of function,” Paul said. In basic terms, the point of gain-of-function research is to make a virus more dangerous and supporters argue that the research can prepare scientists to handle it if one day the virus were to mutate naturally.

“In private he said, yes, we’re suspicious that the virus was manipulated, looks manipulated and we know they’re doing gain of function in Wuhan. He describes it — that’s in a private email.”

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“In public, to this day, he still denies that they funded any gain of function research in Wuhan. It’s all an entire lie.”

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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People who drink bottled water may be getting more than just hydration, some researchers claim.

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that each bottle of water can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic below 1 micrometer, measured in billionths of a meter.

Researchers from Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health in New York found that each liter of water contained around 240,000 of these plastic fragments.

That is 10 to 100 times more than previous estimates, the release stated.

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Because nanoplastics are so tiny, the concern is that they could make their way into people’s bloodstreams and organs and potentially enter individual cells, the researchers cautioned.

The potential health effects are still unknown.

While previous studies provided broad estimates of nanoplastic amounts, this is the first study to identify the specific number of individual particles, the researchers noted.

They used a novel technique called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, in which lasers stimulate the molecules of common plastics.

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“We developed a powerful optical SRS imaging technique for rapid analysis of nanoplastics with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity,” study co-author Beizhan Yan, an environmental chemist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, told Fox News Digital.  

“Previously, this was just a dark area, uncharted. Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there,” he added in a press release from the university. “This opens a window where we can look into a world that was not exposed to us before.”

Three popular types of bottled water were analyzed in the study, but the researchers did not specify the brands.

Three popular types of bottled water were analyzed in the study, although the researchers did not specify the brands. (iStock)

“We found approximately one quarter of a million tiny plastic particles in one liter of water, 90% of which are nanoplastics,” Yan said. 

“This number is about 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated.”

Out of the seven types of plastic identified, the most prevalent was polyamide, a type of nylon.

Another was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is the material used to make the water bottles themselves.

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Other detected plastics included polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate.

In future studies, Yan said he hopes to use a laser with higher power to increase the sensitivity and plans to identify additional types of plastic beyond these initial seven.

“Media reports about these particles in drinking water do nothing more than unnecessarily scare consumers.”

— Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA)

Celeste Meiffren-Swango, the Zero Waste program director at Environment America in Colorado, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that she believes “we have a public crisis on our hands — in our bodies and our water.” 

She went on, “This new nanoplastics study reinforces that plastics have infiltrated just about everywhere. The proof is indisputable: For the sake of human and wildlife health, it’s time for our society to move beyond plastics.”

Of the seven types of plastic identified, the most prevalent was polyamide, a type of nylon. Another was polyethylene terephthalate, which is the material used to make the water bottles themselves. (iStock)

The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) was not a participant in the research, but also reacted to the study findings in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“This new study by Columbia University … used bottled water to apparently demonstrate a new method for nanoplastics analysis due to a lack of currently available methods,” said a statement from Jason Hutzley, executive director of NEBWA.

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“This new method needs to be fully reviewed by the scientific community and more research needs to be done to develop standardized methods for measuring and quantifying nanoplastics in our environment.”

NEBWA noted that there is “a lack of standardized methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic particles. Therefore, media reports about these particles in drinking water do nothing more than unnecessarily scare consumers.”

The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) said there is “a lack of standardized methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic particles.” (iStock)

The association’s statement also pointed out that microplastics and nanoplastics are found in thousands of food and beverage products packaged in plastic containers, not just water bottles. 

“Moreover, and perhaps even more important, nanoplastic and microplastic particles are found in all aspects of our environment — soil, air and water,” the statement added.

When contacted for comment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is not involved with the Columbia study, said it is aware of the studies that have been conducted on microplastics in the food supply. 

“While there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply … there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that microplastics or nanoplastics occurrence in food poses a risk to human health.”

— U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“This is an area where the FDA has not only been monitoring the research but also working to advance the science through analysis of testing methodologies and other related work, including participation in the United States Government Nanoplastic Community of Interest,” an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

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“There have been fewer studies on nanoplastics because there are not as many reliable methods to measure them,” the agency continued. 

“This and other significant research gaps exist, but the FDA is not aware of scientific evidence that would support consumers being concerned about the potential level of microplastic or nanoplastic contamination in food, including bottled water.”

“We do not advise against drinking bottled water when necessary, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastics exposure,” the study researcher said. (iStock)

“While there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply, primarily from environmental contamination, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that microplastics or nanoplastics occurrence in food poses a risk to human health.”

Bottled water processors must comply with “robust regulations,” the FDA noted.

Study author Yan acknowledged that further research is necessary to determine whether drinking bottled water containing nanoplastics could lead to adverse health effects. 

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“If people are concerned about nanoplastics in bottled water, it’s reasonable to consider alternatives like tap water and reusable bottles,” the researcher said. 

“However, it’s important to emphasize that staying hydrated is crucial for health,” he added. 

“Therefore, we do not advise against drinking bottled water when necessary, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastics exposure.” 

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

As winter settles in, many individuals experience the discomfort of dry, flaky skin due to the cold weather, low humidity and indoor heating. 

However, combating this seasonal skin woe is possible with an arsenal of effective solutions that focus on hydration, protection and nourishment.

“To fight this cold weather is really to create a barrier with thicker moisturizers and ointments every single day,” Dr. Anne Chapas, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology told FoxNews.com. “Heavier creams actually seal the skin to prevent water loss and add needed moisture to our skin.”

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Don’t let all the chapped lips, cracked skin and itchy scalp stop you. Instead, use these simple everyday tricks to keep your skin smooth and glowing all year round. 

1. Use hydrating cleansers
2. Moisturize regularly
3. Try humidifiers
4. Exfoliate gently
5. Apply sunscreen
6. Remember lip care
7. Go for hand care
8. Avoid harsh products
9. Use hydrating hair masks and serums
10. Stay hydrated

1. Use hydrating cleansers

It’s reccommended that you choose mild cleansers that won’t remove your skin’s natural oils. Seeking products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides can maintain moisture and prevent excessive dryness.

While dry skin on the face can lead to normal winter flakes, it can also cause eczema and a more wrinkled appearance.

2. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing is key to combating dryness. Use thicker, cream-based moisturizers that provide a barrier against moisture loss. By applying immediately after showering, you are able to lock in moisture.

Chapas advises that her patients use a heavier night cream to repair dry skin on the face.

“You want to look at a night cream that has moisturizing ingredients such as high hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, plus look for one that has an antioxidant to repair the damage that happened throughout the day and even one with a light retinol to start repairing those fine lines,” Chapas said.

PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR WINTER

3. Try humidifiers

You can combat the dry indoor air by using humidifiers. 

They add moisture to the air, preventing the skin from becoming excessively dry. 

4. Exfoliate gently

Preventing dry skin on our body is all about bringing back the moisture, but before lathering up with creams and lotions, try using an exfoliating body scrub to remove dead skin cells. 

Exfoliation not only speeds up your skin’s natural renewal process, but it also helps your moisturizer penetrate deeper into the skin.

Cleansing your face helps remove impurities and dead skin cells that can accumulate, potentially worsening dryness. Using a gentle, hydrating cleanser aids in maintaining the skin’s natural oils while effectively cleansing without stripping away moisture. (iStock)

“The Brown Sugar Body Scrub is definitely one of my favorites to make. It works just as well as any scrub that you buy in the drug store, and it literally costs less than a dollar,” Erika Katz, a beauty expert and author of “Bonding over Beauty” told FoxNews.com.

The Brown Sugar Body Scrub is inexpensive and made with brown sugar, olive oil and honey.

“Brown sugar is great because it’s the perfect exfoliant and it’s really gentle on your skin. The oil is going to moisturize your skin and the honey, which is an all-natural humectant, helps attract and retain skin moisture,” Katz added.

5. Apply sunscreen

Don’t skip sunscreen during winter months. 

Ultraviolet rays can still harm your skin even in colder weather. It’s reccommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.

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6. Remember lip care

When your lips are exposed to extremely cold air and wind, the protective layer of skin on our lips gets damaged and leaves them feeling rough and chapped. Plus, licking your lips also dries out the skin when the saliva evaporates.

To protect the lips, use a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or beeswax to keep lips hydrated.

“Waxes and other types of sealants repair the lips by sealing in moisture and help prevent evaporation of water from our lips,” Chapas said. “You want to use your lip balm regularly, a couple of times a day, and look for ones that have SPF 30. Remember, sun damage occurs on the lips as well as the rest of our body all year round.”

7. Go for hand care

Hands are one of the thickest areas of skin on our body, but that thick layer doesn’t mean more protection. Thicker skin tends to dry out more quickly because the cells in them are dead and dehydrated.

Moisturizing regularly with a rich hand cream or ointment, particularly after washing your hands, helps maintain hydration. Opt for gentle hand cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils from the skin. (iStock)

“I like to add thicker ointments to the hands, ones with lanolin or petrolatum are quite affective,” Chapas said.  

Activities like washing your hands excessively and playing in the snow can also worsen dry hands. Chapas suggests trying to limit how much you submerse your hands in water throughout the day by using hand-washing lotions or sanitizers to clean your hands.

Experts also recommend putting lotion on your hands at night and covering them to lock in moisture.

“Take your favorite hand cream (I like creams with Shea butter) and rub a thick layer on your hands. Then take a pair of clean socks and run them under water. Squeeze out the excess water and warm them up in a microwave for 30 seconds before putting them over your hands,” Katz said. 

8. Avoid harsh products

Stay away from harsh skincare products containing alcohol, fragrances or certain acids, as they can further irritate and dry out the skin.

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9. Use hydrating hair masks and serums

Since the scalp is just another part of your skin, dandruff issues can be a common problem during the winter.

Integrate hydrating hair masks or serums into your routine to provide an extra boost of moisture to the skin. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E.

“Seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, is actually a reaction to yeast that lives in our skin, so treating that with an over the counter dandruff shampoo is a lot of the times quite successful,” Chapas said.

Katz suggests using your regular shampoo with a little bit of tea tree oil added.

“The tea tree oil is going to calm down the scalp and relieve some of that painful itching and burning. It’s a wonderful way to just get rid of an itchy, flaky scalp,” Katz said.

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10. Stay hydrated

Ensure proper hydration from within by drinking enough water throughout the day. Hydrated skin starts from the inside out.

For more of Katz’s DIY beauty treatments, visit www.erikakatz.com.

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