It’s that time of year when many of us are pulling out heavier blankets for the colder months of winter. If you have a chronic illness maybe you’ve already heard about weighted blankets, maybe even sleep with one year-round. If not familiar with weighted blankets, I’ll share some of the basics of buying one.
Weighted blankets come in all sizes, including children’s and throws. The blankets work by distributing weight evenly across the body to imitate a hug to induce better sleep by increasing Serotonin levels inducing a deeper sleep.
Weighted blankets have been known to help with many types of chronic illnesses and sleeping problems.
The key difference from your average blanket is they are made with glass beads as a filler. You purchase the weight of the blanket based you your own weight. It is also suggested that if you are a first-time user to buy a lighter one to start off.
The blankets come in a variety of fabrics and many have slipcovers you can purchase as well. I’m a very hot sleeper and they even make weighted blankets for people like me. Look for Cooling in the description.
I started my search last night for a new one since the first one I purchased was too heavy. I learned a lot about how they are made and why some are more expensive than others.
When you’re looking for a blanket you want small sewn 5″-3″ squares, that way the beads are more evenly distributed. The larger the square the more the beads can roll around.
Another important feature to look for is if it is machine washable, I found several that were hand wash only and I can’t go for that. I would recommend a duvet cover for your blanket which will allow you to keep it clean and only have to wash the blanket occasionally.
There are many lists of the top brands to buy, after looking at a few lists, I went to Amazon. I could not justify the $300 price of the top-rated blankets, it just doesn’t make sense. I found several including one on the list that cost $100 for a small size. I’m only buying a blanket for my side of the bed, not the entire King Size bed. He sleeps with the heavier blanket I bought years ago.
I found something interesting as I did more research. One brand I discovered said on more than one occasion, they are not for people with sensitive joints and back pain! Wait, hold the phone! What! I have sensitive hip joints and bad back pain. Do I need one of these blankets?
If you do decide to buy one, make sure you buy the right weight for your body. I’ve heard the praises of weighted blankets for years but for me, it was not the right choice.
Ask lots of questions and shop around before buying there are so many nuances to each blanket.
I’ve reposted this post several times over the years and 2010 was the original post. It’s critical to acknowledge how difficult life is for a caregiver and to think of ways to support them.
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Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I pray for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting. My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed. My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is people his age die faster, the end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, 46 years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that multiple consumers reported finding metal in their Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky
A South Dakota company is recalling approximately 2.2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky due to potential contamination with metal fragments.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in a press release on Friday, Oct. 24, that LSI, Inc., based in Alpena, is recalling 2,277,540 pounds of Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky following reports of consumers finding “pieces of wiry metal” in the product.
“LSI, Inc. determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production,” FSIS said in the release. “There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product.
“Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider,” they added.
The recalled product was shipped to Costco and Sam’s Club retail locations across the U.S. and displays “best by” dates ranging from Oct. 23 through Sept. 23, 2026.
The recall includes 14.5-oz. and 16-oz. plastic pouches of ready-to-eat pork jerky with the label “Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky Korean barbecue recipe,” per the release.
Consumers can also identify the products by the establishment number “M279A” on the inside of the USDA mark of inspection.
The FSIS is urging consumers who might have already purchased the product “not to consume it” but to throw it away or return the item to the place of purchase.
“FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers,” the FSIS said.
Consumers with questions about the recall are advised to contact info@goldenislandjerky.com.
The pork jerky recall comes after more than 1,000 pounds of Ada Valley frozen ground beef were recalled in July after pieces of metal were also reportedly found in the product, according to the FSIS.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide alert, instructing consumers, retailers and distributors not to eat, sell or serve certain eggs after the recall of more than 6 million eggs produced by the Arkansas-based Black Sheep Egg Company due to potential Salmonella contamination.
According to the announcement posted by the FDA on Monday, Oct. 20, the recall includes 12- and 18-count cartons of the company’s Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs with Best By dates between August 22 and October 31, 2025, and UPC 860010568507 and 860010568538.
The agency also classified the action as a Class I recall, the highest risk level, given that eggs could pose a serious health threat of Salmonella.
The symptoms, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, can usually last four to seven days and can be experienced 12 to 72 hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Vulnerable demographics — children under the age of five years old, those with comparable immune systems and the elderly — are subject to experiencing more severe infections.
As the notice explains, the alarm was raised after 40 environmental samples collected at the company’s processing facility tested positive for Salmonella, including seven different strains known to cause human illness.
While no illnesses have yet been reported and the FDA has no current evidence linking the firm to an outbreak, the recall is being handled as a precaution.
Although the eggs were originally shipped to retail and wholesale locations in Arkansas and Missouri, they may have been further distributed and repackaged before reaching other states.
That broader footprint extends the recall beyond the immediately identified region. A related Oct. 16 recall by the Texas-based brand Kenz Henz, which sold eggs sourced from Black Sheep in Houston, further underscores the distribution reach.
Retailers and food-service operators have been instructed to halt sales and distribution of the suspect eggs immediately. Consumers are advised to check any egg cartons in their refrigerators for the affected codes and dates, and either discard or return them to the location of purchase. Surfaces and containers that came into contact with the contaminated eggs should be thoroughly washed and sanitized.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled eggs and develops symptoms is encouraged to contact a health-care provider and report the situation to the FDA for further investigation.
Agoraphobia is a common but often misunderstood anxiety disorder that can make everyday situations feel overwhelming or even impossible; understanding the signs and seeking the right support can help you reclaim your freedom,
Many mental health conditions are simply extreme degrees of minor challenges that most people face regularly. It’s perfectly natural to feel some nervousness when you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before or going to a crowded place where there are a lot of people you don’t know; But, agoraphobia is different.
If that slight tinge of nervousness becomes intense anxiety that prevents you from doing things you normally would, it might be a condition called agoraphobia.
What Is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations where there may not be an easy way to escape or where you may feel trapped or helpless.
At its core, it’s a phobia of being in a situation where you’re panicking and there’s not an easy way out. This typically translates into a fear of familiar places, crowds, public transportation and very open areas like large parking lots and open water.
In any given year, about 2% of people experience agoraphobia. That is about 6.8 million people in the US. It’s more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.
Agoraphobia can have a profound impact on your daily life. It can range in severity from avoiding certain activities you might otherwise enjoy, like parties, concerts or other large social events, to being unable to leave your home.
Some people become homebound for years or are unable to maintain a career and care for themselves because of it.
The Relationship Between Agoraphobia and Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Agoraphobia, like any other phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder. But it also has a unique relationship to panic disorders.
Agoraphobia often develops after a panic attack in a public place where escape feels impossible. Even if you were able to get out of the situation the first time, you have a fear that next time you won’t be able to.
Symptoms of Agoraphobia
The symptoms of agoraphobia include an extreme fear of:
Unfamiliar places
Public spaces, especially crowded places
Waiting in line
Leaving home by yourself
Using public transportation
Enclosed spaces outside your home, like elevators or movie theaters
Large open spaces like parking lots or open water
Agoraphobia is specific to these types of circumstances, where you might not have a clear path to safety. Extreme anxiety in situations other than these might indicate other anxiety disorders.
Where’s the Line Between Worry and Agoraphobia?
One of the tricky aspects of phobias is understanding the difference between a “normal” amount of anxiety about a particular situation and a phobia. While only a mental health professional can diagnose agoraphobia, you could have this condition if:
Your level of anxiety in the situation is out of proportion with the actual danger
Your fear prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy, like certain social outings
You stop doing certain things or going places unless you have a trusted companion with you
You’re experiencing these symptoms for six months or longer
When you’re in a situation that triggers your agoraphobia, the symptoms can manifest in physical, emotional or psychological and behavioral ways.
In these situations, physical symptoms can include:
Tightness in your chest
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath or hyperventilating (breathing too fast)
Dizziness or disorientation
Shaking or trembling
Sweating even though you’re not warm
Upset stomach
Meanwhile, the emotional or psychological symptoms can include:
Dread
Fixating on what could go wrong
Feeling a loss of control
Fear that you’re dying
During agoraphobia triggering situations, you may also have these behavioral symptoms:
Avoiding certain situations, like crowded places
Only going to certain places if you have someone with you
Only going to certain places or events after planning out escape routes or what to do if you need to get out
Causes and Risk Factors of Agoraphobia
How do you know if you’re at risk for developing agoraphobia? It usually develops in the teenage or early adult years and does seem to have a genetic link. People who have a close relative with agoraphobia are more likely to develop it. Some studies indicate that the heritability is as high as 48-61%.
Genetics isn’t the only factor, though. There are often traumas and life experiences that contribute to agoraphobia, especially trauma that occurs in childhood. This can include abuse, being attacked or the loss of someone with whom you felt safe, such as a parent.
It’s also important to note that many people with agoraphobia have other mental health conditions too, like panic disorder, depression or PTSD. In particular, a large number of people with agoraphobia already had a panic disorder.Their agoraphobia may have been triggered after having a panic attack in a place where they felt unsafe or helpless.
While a panic attack in a public place might trigger agoraphobia, often these people already had some level of anxiety in these situations. So it may be a combination of panic disorder and existing agoraphobic tendencies.
How Agoraphobia Affects Daily Life
One of the hallmarks of a phobia or other anxiety disorders is its impact on your daily life and the limitations that it creates for you. It can affect your work, romantic relationships, family relationships and social life in numerous ways.
You may decline social events and invitations due to anxiety about the situation, or struggle to complete work assignments if they involve situations that make you anxious. You could be limited in the types of jobs you can accept.
Maybe you can only able to perform jobs where you can work from home or jobs that don’t involve situations in public or crowded places. Finally, your relationships may suffer because you aren’t able to join loved ones for the things they enjoy doing.
Agoraphobia can even prevent you from taking care of yourself and living independently, especially when it is severe. It could prevent you from doing essential tasks like going to the grocery store or running other errands, such as going to the doctor.
Finally, agoraphobia can have a substantial impact on your mental health, especially if you have co occurring conditions already. It can worsen conditions like depression, because you feel trapped at home or aren’t able to do activities that could boost your serotonin. In some cases, it can make substance use disorder worse, too.
Agoraphobia changed my life over five years ago. I don’t drive, walk outside of house, only leave the house for doctors appointments or to see my hairdresser. It’ also affected the activities I did in the past with my husband. I’ve read some great information on how to slowly gain confidence on being by myself. I have a plan to start as soon as my shoulder heals from surgery.
If Agoraphobia is impacting you quality of life, I hear you, and wish you all the best at venturing out when the time is right for you.
I am in no way supporting the site or it’s service offers, it is just the great information.
The FDA announced that various doses of prazosin hydrochloride have been voluntarily recalled
Drug makers have recalled more than 500,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication over concerns it may include a cancer-causing chemical.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drugs distributor Amerisource Health Services issued voluntary nationwide recalls for various doses of prazosin hydrochloride, according to the Associated Press.
The drug makers said the pill capsules may have nitrosamine impurities — or “No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C” — that are considered potentially cancer causing. About 580,000 bottles of various strengths have been recalled for having the impurities.
The FDA classified the recall as having a Class II risk level, “in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Pill bottles (stock image).Getty
A statement from the California State Board of Pharmacy reads: “According to the Health Hazard Assessment by Teva USA, exposure to the product of concern could lead to severe adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of harm was assessed as remote. The overall risk of harm in the patient population is considered to be medium.’
The recalled bottles included 181,659 of 1 mg bottles, 291,512 of 2 mg bottles and 107,673 of 5 mg bottles. The bottles may have up to 1,000 capsules each with expiration dates ranging from November 2025 to February 2028.
The lot numbers and expiration dates can be found on the FDA’s website.
According to the AARP, anyone who has affected medication should contact their doctor or pharmacy for specific guidance, return their medication to the pharmacy to dispose of it, and to report any side effects or issues to the FDA.
The Mayo Clinic states that prazosin is prescribed to patients to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can cause the heart and arteries to not function properly and then damage brain, heart and kidneys. It can also result in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
The medication is also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the AP.
Best Buy Bones, Raw Bistro Pet Fare, and Foodynamics voluntarily recalled products in October
hree pet food brands are asking owners to check products affected by their voluntary recalls.
This month, three pet food companies recalled various products that may have been exposed to Salmonella. Popular brands Best Buy Bones, Raw Bistro Pet Fare, and Foodynamics each voluntarily recalled several lots of product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in separate October releases.
Salmonella exposure can affect pets and the humans who feed them.
The FDA shared that pets infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fevers, vomiting, or general lethargy. Less extreme symptoms include decreased appetite and abdominal pain.
According to PetMD, pet parents should take their pet to the vet or an animal hospital if they have diarrhea that “occurs with decreased appetite, lethargy, fever, and blood in the stool.” With supportive care — hydration, rest, antibiotics — most dogs can weather a diagnosed Salmonella infection. PetMD noted that without treatment, diarrhea and illness caused by Salmonella “can lead to dehydration, sepsis, and even death.”
For humans handling contaminated pet food, unwashed hands and surfaces can increase the likelihood of exposure. If infected with Salmonella, people may experience “nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever,” according to the FDA. In rare cases, Salmonella exposure can lead to “arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms,” the agency’s releases added.
The following products were included in the recalls. If your pet has consumed a recalled product and displays any of the above symptoms, consult a veterinarian. If you experience any human-related Salmonella symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Best Buy Bones
Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites in 16 oz. bags
UPC# 739598900750
Four lots recalled with a shared expiration date of September 2027
The lots are 19379, 19380, 19381, and 19382
FDA recall release published on Oct. 3. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
Foodynamics
Raw Dog Barkery
Two packages of Whole Chicken Hearts in 16 oz. bags
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #030527
Packages were distributed to SimplyDried Treats, which has notified Magpies Gourmet Dog Treats in Wisconsin
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
BellePepper Cats
Two packages of Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Slices in 3 oz. bags + Samples
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #031627
Sold by retailer in New York
Retailer samplers may have also included contaminated product from lots #121426 and #011526
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
Kanu Pets
One package of Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Raw Treats in 3 oz. bag
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #031627
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
What’s In the Bowl
Three packages of Whole Chicken Hearts: Two 3 oz. and one 16 oz. packages
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #030527
Two of the three packages have been returned by the customers
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
Raw Bistro Pet Fare
Two sizes of Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée
3 lb bags
UPC #858833002247 from Lot 239, Best By sticker reads 08/27/2026
FDA recall release published on Oct. 10. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
18 lb bags
UPC #858833002629 from Lot 239, Best By sticker reads 08/27/2026
DA recall release published on Oct. 10. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
Your eyes help you see and navigate in your day-to-day life, so protecting them is paramount. Often, your eyes are even the first to show issues within the body, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
By understanding why it is important to take care of your eyes, you may be more likely to take steps toward improving your eye health.
One of the top reasons to care for your eyes is to reduce your risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. How can you do this? While there’s no concrete evidence on what can prevent these eye problems, some research has indicated that consuming an antioxidant-rich diet may help.
There are several ways to protect your eye health. First and foremost, you’ll want to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an Independent Doctor of Optometry (or optometrist). It’s best to have one of these appointments per year to mitigate issues with your vision and ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition.
But what can you do before next year’s eye exam? You can take preventive steps to protect your eye health. Here are some simple tips on how to take care of your eyes daily:
Choose your eyewear accordingly. Wearing blue-light glasses while on the computer and UV-protective sunglasses while outdoors may be positive for your eyes. After all, blue-light glasses may help with digital eye strain, and UV-blocking sunglasses can limit your exposure to harmful sunlight.
Rest your eyes. Try for at least eight hours of sleep per day. You may need more or less, depending on your age and activity level. Also, in addition to sleeping, you can rest your eyes by taking frequent time away from the screen.
Sterilize your contacts. Debris can accumulate on your contact lenses, so it’s best to keep them clean to avoid getting an eye infection. Wash your contacts as often as the packaging explains, or opt for daily wear contacts if it’s too time-consuming to follow a regular cleaning schedule.
Why should you take care of your eyes?
Your eyes are critical to your everyday life beyond your vision. Why is it important to take care of your eyes? Taking steps to promote your eye health and safety can deter specific eye diseases and injuries. It can also help you identify changes in vision faster.
Here’s how to take care of your eyes daily:
Select the right eyewear for different activities.
Give your eyes plenty of rest. (And get some for yourself, too!)
Clean your contacts often, or choose a kind that you can throw away.
What is so important about eye care?
Importance of EyeCare. Your eyesight is one of your most important senses: 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight. By protecting your eyes, you will reduce the odds of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Feeling sad all the time for no specific reason doesn’t always mean you have depression, but it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.
Sadness is a temporary state that often has a clear cause, like a big disappointment, the loss of someone close to you, or bad news from someone you love.
This type of sadness can fluctuate throughout the day. In certain moments, the emotional burden might feel particularly heavy. You might cry often, feel numb or drained, and struggle to concentrate.
At other times — when you get lost in something you enjoy or when a loved one distracts you — your sorrow may seem light enough that you can barely feel its weight. While it might linger in some form for days or weeks, it generally begins to ease naturally.
Persistent sadness is something else entirely. It can wrap around you like a heavy blanket, muffling the sensations and joy of everyday life. This sadness can leave you feeling low, empty, and defeated. You don’t know what caused your unhappiness, so you have no idea how to start feeling better.
Feeling sad isn’t at all unusual. After all, sorrow is a normal human response to disappointment and loss. Sadness that doesn’t have a clear reason behind it and doesn’t seem to improve, however, may suggest something else is going on.
While not everyone with depression will feel sad, unexplainable sadness you can’t seem to shake is one of the primary signs of depression.
If your sadness does relate to depression, you’ll likely feel sad nearly all of the time — almost every day, for most of each day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Sadness, in other words, seems to become a constant companion.
With depression, you’ll experience other symptoms, too. If several of the signs below accompany your sad or tearful mood, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression:
Chronic sadness, especially when related to depression, might also prompt regular thoughts of death or suicide. Even if you don’t have a plan to act on these thoughts, it’s always best to talk to someone you trust and get support right away (more on how to do this later).
You might begin to notice your feelings of sadness, along with any other symptoms you experience, follow a specific pattern. Depression can take different forms, and various underlying factors can have an impact on the way your symptoms show up.
A few things to look for:
Rapid shifts in mood
People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression as part of a cycle that also includes episodes of mania or hypomania.
You might notice you suddenly feel intensely happy, even euphoric. This abrupt change in mood might also involve:
impulsive behavior
restlessness and irritability
a renewed sense of energy that leaves you fixating on certain projects or activities
an increase in confidence and self-esteem
less of a need for sleep
This episode might last a week, or longer.
Somewhere around 40 percentTrusted Source of people with bipolar disorder have what’s known as mixed features. You could experience sadness and other symptoms of depression at the same time as mania.
This combination of symptoms can make it harder to understand what you’re experiencing, which could add to your distress.
Seasonal sadness
Maybe your sadness seems to arrive or intensify around the same time of year the days begin to shorten. Once the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, you feel better, year after year.
It’s pretty common to feel a little low in autumn and winter. The nights get long and cold, and there are plenty of days when you may not even see the sun.
If this seasonal sadness persists and becomes serious enough to affect daily life, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs along with seasonal changes.
Along with other common depression symptoms, you might also notice:
angry, pessimistic, or frustrated thoughts about the weather
withdrawal or increased avoidance of social settings
Earlier in the month I was diagnosed with persistent Hypocalcemia. The lack of calcium can cause many problems but the most troubling to me at this time is more Osteoporosis which I already have in my hip and heart complications, which I already have several heart issues.
Like everyone my appointment was pushed out and we wait out the social distancing to get back to normal. I’m lucky that I don’t have the worst symptoms yet.
Calcium is a vital mineral. Your body uses it to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for your heart and other muscles to function properly. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing disorders like:
It’s important to ensure proper calcium intake at all ages.
For children and teenagers, the recommended daily allowances for calcium are the same for both sexes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily allowances are:
Women need to increase their calcium intake earlier in life than men, starting in middle age. Meeting the necessary calcium requirement is particularly important as a woman approaches menopause.
The hormone disorder hypoparathyroidism may also cause calcium deficiency disease. People with this condition don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.
During menopause, women should also increase their calcium intake to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease. The decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes a woman’s bones to thin faster.
Other causes of hypocalcemia include malnutrition and malabsorption. Malnutrition is when you’re not getting enough nutrients, while malabsorption is when your body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. Additional causes include:
low levels of vitamin D, which makes it harder to absorb calcium
medications, such phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, corticosteroids, and drugs used to treat elevated calcium levels
“Hungry bone syndrome,” which may occur after surgery for hyperparathyroidism
removal of parathyroid gland tissue as part of surgery to remove the thyroid gland
If you miss your daily dose of calcium, you won’t become calcium deficient overnight. But it’s still important to make an effort to get enough calcium every day, since the body uses it quickly. Vegans are more likely to become calcium deficient quickly because they don’t eat calcium-rich dairy products.
Calcium deficiency won’t produce short-term symptoms because the body maintains calcium levels by taking it directly from the bones. But long-term low levels of calcium can have serious effects.
Calcium deficiencies can affect all parts of the body, resulting in weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin.
Calcium also plays an important role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, calcium deficiencies can bring on seizures in otherwise healthy people.
If you start experiencing neurological symptoms like memory loss, numbness and tingling, hallucinations, or seizures, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of calcium deficiency disease. They’ll review your medical history and ask you about family history of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.
If your doctor suspects calcium deficiency, they’ll take a blood sample to check your blood calcium level. Your doctor will measure your total calcium level, your albumin level, and your ionized or “free” calcium level. Albumin is a protein that binds to calcium and transports it through the blood. Sustained low calcium levels in your blood may confirm a diagnosis of calcium deficiency disease.
Normal calcium levels for adults can range from 8.8 to 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), according to the Merck Manual. You may be at risk for calcium deficiency disease if your calcium level is below 8.8 mg/dL. Children and teens typically have higher blood calcium levels than adults.
Calcium deficiency is usually easy to treat. It typically involves adding more calcium to your diet.
Do not self-treat by taking a lot of calcium supplements. Taking more than the recommended dose without your doctor’s approval can lead to serious issues like kidney stones.
Commonly recommended calcium supplements include:
calcium carbonate, which is the least expensive and has the most elemental calcium
calcium citrate, which is the most easily absorbed
calcium phosphate, which is also easily absorbed and doesn’t cause constipation
It’s important to note that some medications could interact negatively with calcium supplements. These medications include:
blood pressure beta-blockers like atenolol, which may decrease calcium absorption if taken within two hours of taking calcium supplements
antacids containing aluminum, which may increase blood levels of aluminum
cholesterol-lowering bile acid sequestrants such as colestipol, which may decrease calcium absorption and increase the loss of calcium in the urine
estrogen medications, which can contribute to an increase in calcium blood levels
digoxin, as high calcium levels can increase digoxin toxicity
diuretics, which can either increase calcium levels (hydrochlorothiazide) or decrease calcium levels in the blood (furosemide)
certain antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, whose absorption can be decreased by calcium supplements
Sometimes diet changes and supplements aren’t enough to treat a calcium deficiency. In this case, your doctor may want to regulate your calcium levels by giving you regular calcium injections.
You can expect to see results within the first few weeks of treatment. Severe cases of calcium deficiency disease will be monitored at one- to three-month intervals.
You can prevent calcium deficiency disease by including calcium in your diet every day.
Be aware that foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, can also be high in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free options to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
While meeting your calcium requirement is very important, you also want to make sure you’re not getting too much. According to the Mayo Clinic, upper limits of calcium intake in milligrams (mg) for adults are:
2,000 mg per day for men and women 51 years of age and up
2,500 mg per day for men and women 19 to 50 years of age
You might want to supplement your diet by taking a multivitamin. Or your doctor may recommend supplements if you’re at high risk for developing a calcium deficiency.
Multivitamins may not contain all of the calcium you need, so be sure to eat a well-rounded diet. If you’re pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important because it increases the rate calcium is absorbed into your blood. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you need.
To increase your calcium intake, you can add food rich in vitamin D to your diet. These include:
You’ve probably heard the term or worse yet suffer from Painsomnia yourself. If the term is new to you, here’s the short version. A person experiences insomnia due to pain preventing them from falling asleep or staying asleep.
“Sleep helps our bodies rest and heal, so good-quality sleep is vital for people with chronic illnesses. However, painsomnia can make a good night of sleep feel like a pipe dream. Fortunately, medical researchers are starting to learn more about the condition and how patients can cope.”
I have the type of Painsomnia that keeps me up after waking from pain and makes it impossible to go back to sleep. My sleep medicine has worn off by then and no it’s just pain against sleep, and sleep rarely wins.
I have tried several hacks to help go back to sleep with mixed results. I have an essential oil stick with a Lavander fragrance that’s supposed to relax you but I can’t tell it does any good. The one item that has worked this past week is Delta 8 gummies. I take one right after waking up and they do relieve stress and keep my mind from wondering allowing me to go back to sleep.
I have to point out that I’m living without pain medication right now so it can be a challenge when I have to sleep on my shoulders and hips. No back or stomach sleeping for me.
What can you do if you are struggling with Painsomnia?
Better Sleep Habits
The MD Anderson Sleep Center recommends that people adopt new habits into their nightly routine. These habits help form the foundation for good sleep hygiene:
Don’t use phones or computers before bed, as the blue light from the screen can disrupt sleep and cause eye strain.
Avoid taking long naps during the day.
Make your bedroom cool and dark.
Avoid eating heavy foods or exercising right before you sleep.
Sleep Aids
If you have trouble sleeping, your healthcare provider may prescribe sleep aids or encourage you to try over-the-counter medications. These drugs can help regulate your circadian rhythm and lull you into slumber. Melatonin supplements help regulate your sleep cycle.9
A study from Cureus journal found that ashwagandha, a medicinal herb, can help people fall and stay asleep.10
Prescription drugs may include benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Before you try any new supplements or prescriptions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that encourages people to rethink and change their behaviors. For people with insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy may help,11
For example, a person without a sleep routine can work with a therapist to start better habits before bed. If anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night, cognitive behavioral techniques can teach you to stop those spiraling thoughts and focus on other, more restful thoughts.
If your painsomnia makes you feel helpless, those worries can make it even harder for you to get sleep. You may blame yourself or blame your body if you’re struggling with painsomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you cope with some of that frustration.
Hypnotherapy
While hypnotherapy is not a proven cure for painsomnia, some researchers have found that hypnosis might improve insomnia.12Hypnotherapy is an alternative medicine where practitioners use hypnosis and the power of suggestion to guide patients through various concerns.
Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for your healthcare provider or your current medications. Some researchers describe hypnotherapy as a sort of placebo. In either case, hypnosis can lull you into deep relaxation. This relaxation may help people with painsomnia fall asleep.
There’s no one size fits everyone but there are options for those who suffer from Painsomnia. I haven’t found the answer yet but did sleep until 2:00 AM this morning.
I wanted to share my painful two-year journey with you in hopes some of you will have the same problem and be a blessing to get treatment like I did.
Everyone’s migraine story is different. I had maybe a half dozen migraines when out of the blue they hit me like a hammer. First, it was one to two days a week and not completely debilitating. After a very short period of time, they escalated to four or five a week and did start to impact my life.
My doctor had me take Beta-Blockers at first to help, boy that was terrible. My blog pressure got so low, that I could hardly lift my arms and legs and was having trouble driving. He changed me to a different type of preventative medication and gave me a full supply of Sumatratophan injections.
I was at the height of my career and daily migraines were dramatically impacting my ability to keep my client appointments, I had to often reschedule meetings. It took a good hour after an injection to get back on the road to pick up with my day.
This nightmare went on for two years, I don’t know how I stayed sane and kept my job. Let alone remain a top performer at my company.
During a follow-up appointment, my doctor said he’s just read an article on the plane about how your Sinuses can cause migraines. He referred me to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor and I found my answer. I had a Deviated Septum which was pressing on the nerves and causing the migraines. A simple day surgery corrected the problem and I’ve had very few since then.
This is just a note about nose surgery. I don’t know how they do it today since my migraines were during the ’90s. My doctor did not believe in packing the nose. Basically, I had to use these long Q-tips and put Vaseline way back in my nose several times a day. This is my preferred method.
Please forgive me if this doesn’t flow very well, I wrote this the day after returning home from the hospital and my mind wasn’t so clear. I hope you all make sense to you.
Migraine Resouces for my Organizations That Can Help Page
The recalled product was distributed throughout the United States
Two types of frozen spinach have been recalled.
Sno Pac Foods’ Del Mar 35 Lb. Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach and Sno Pac 10 Oz. Organic Frozen Cut Spinach have been recalled due to potentially being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (commonly known as listeria), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product was distributed in stores throughout the United States.
Several grocery stores and retailers, including Foodtown, Lincoln Market, HarvesTime Foods and Midamar, appear to sell the product. General distributors listed on Sno Pac’s website include Ace Natural, Azure Standard, Iowa Food Hub, Kehe and UNFI.
The frozen spinach product comes in a 35-lb. box with lot codes 250107A, 250107B, 250107C, 250107D, 2501071 and 2501073 with a Jan. 7, 2027, expiration date; or in a 10-oz. retail package marked with lot codes SPM1.190.5 with a July 9, 2027, expiration date, SPC1.160.5 with a June 9, 2024, expiration date, SPC2.160.5 with a June 9, 2027, expiration date and SPM1.097.5 with an April 7, 2027, expiration date.
The recall was issued after a case of spinach from the company’s supplier tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has suspended the production of the product during its investigation.
Listeria infections can be life-threatening for older adults, pregnant people, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
On Oct. 6, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a health alert after spinach used in HelloFresh ready-made meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published the warning after FreshRealm, a California-based company that produces meals for HelloFresh, reported that routine testing found traces of listeria. This bacterium can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations and was found in the spinach used in two products.
The products named in the announcement were the Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. The meals, which were shipped directly to customers, are part of a wider concern about listeria contamination across several ready-to-eat food brands.
That outbreak, traced to Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, Calif., has sickened at least 20 people and resulted in four deaths, according to CBS News.
Check out what’s in your freezer if you buy frozen spinach or purchase Hello Fresh meals containing spinach.
Customers are encouraged to either destroy the product or return it for a full refund
A ready-to-eat pasta dish sold across the United States has been recalled due to possible Listeria contamination.
FreshRealm is voluntarily recalling three of its chicken fettuccine Alfredo products, the brand and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS) shared in respective statements on June 17. The recall applies to all products manufactured before the recall date.
The contamination was found by FSIS in a routine sample collection of FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine Alfredo in March of this year. According to FSIS, the strain of Listeria found in the sample is the same strain linked to three deaths, one fetal loss and 17 instances of illnesses, across 13 states, from August 2024 to May 2025.
FreshRealm determined via purchase records that two ill people had bought chicken fettuccine Alfredo products from the brand, while two other sick individuals “verbally described chicken fettuccine Alfredo products they purchased,” per FSIS.
“Consumption of food contaminated with Lm [Listeria monocytogenes]can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns,” the FSIS announcement states. “Less commonly, people outside these risk groups are affected.”
Listeriosis is often associated with fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, gastrointestinal symptoms and/or convulsions.
FreshRealm states that the investigation into the root source of the contamination is ongoing.
The following products — sold at Walmart and Kroger — are being recalled, per FreshRealm’s announcement:
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3 oz
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 32.8 oz
Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5 oz
For those who have any of the three products, either in their refrigerator or freezer, FreshRealm recommends that they either destroy the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Fresh Relm is also responsible for recent spinach recalls.
Several products have been recalled recently for Listeria. What concerns me is that no one knows the products are contaminated until there is a recall. It’s unsettling.
Metal can cause ‘traumatic injury including laceration and perforation’ in digestive organs
Tru Fru snacks are being recalled for a possible presence of metal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Sept. 29 that Georgia Nut Company, a third party manufacturer for Tru Fru, had issued a voluntary recall of some of its freeze dried products. The product — which is sold nationwide at stores like Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s and Target — was recalled for a possible metal contamination.
The presence of possible metal could contribute to “traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues” in digestive organs, including in the mouth, stomach and intestine, per the FDA. As of Sept. 29, no injuries or illnesses were reported.
The recall was implemented after a customer notified the company about the possible contamination.
Specific Tru Fru freeze dried products are part of the recall. The FDA lists the products’ names, item numbers, UPCs and the first four digits/letters of the manufacturing code. The affected products are as follows.
Tru Fu Freeze Dried Strawberries In Dark & White Chocolate 3.4oz (Item number 10300458; UPC 850048358270)
Tru Fru Freeze Dried Strawberries In Dark & White Chocolate 13 oz (Item number 10300474; UPC 850048358379)
Manufacturing code first four digits/letters: 515A, 516B, 516C
Tru Fru Freeze Dried Strawberries & Crème 3.4 oz (Item number 10300455; UPC 850048358249)
Manufacturing code first four digits/letters: 520B, 520C, 520D, 520E, 520F, 521A, 524C, 524D, 524E
Consumers with an affected product should dispose of the product and not consume it, and seek reimbursement here. Any questoins should be directed to (888) 293-7748 or contacttrufru@rqa-inc.com.
Many people react to changes in light with shifts in energy level and mood, and for some, the fall is a difficult time.
One of the characteristics of depression in bipolar disorder is the variable patterns of the course. “Patterns” and “course” generally refer to recurrent themes: something predictable over time. Experiencing depression at specific times of the year is referred to as having a “seasonal pattern,” while daily fluctuations are termed “diurnal variation.”
Why Do I feel Depressed in the Fall?
The change in seasons affects everyone. The intensity and duration of light are what determine patterns for all living entities: new green leaves appear in the spring, and bears hibernate in the winter. The privilege of being alive is dependent on sunlight.
Many people react to changes in light with shifts in energy level and mood, and for some, the fall is a difficult time. Days become shorter; we see the migrations of birds and reflect that the leaves fall, and winter is on its way. Joni Mitchell captures a doleful fall mood in the lyrics for her song “Urge for Going”: “And all that stays is dying and all that lives is getting out.”
For those experiencing depression at any time of the year, it is wise to keep a diary, even if you only write down a single word on your calendar that captures your mood on a given day. Over time, you can look back and, in discussion with healthcare providers, explore whether there is a seasonal pattern. This is important, as everyone is different. The seasonal behaviors of some mammals are highly predictable, but less so for humanity.
If a seasonal pattern is identified, you can anticipate and prepare more easily. For those who experience depression in the fall, it is wise to plan how you will mitigate the impact. Schedule an appointment with your care provider well in advance of the anticipated challenging time.
Recall what the symptoms were in previous depressions and put contingency plans in place. For example, if sleep is typically a problem, discuss this with your doctor or therapist. Cover all options, including light therapy, medications, and talk therapies. If time away — somewhere warm and sunny — is available to you, consider it.
Can You Explain ‘Diurnal Variation,’ as Opposed to ‘Seasonal Patterns’?
Many people experience daily patterns in which they wake up in a lousy mood with limited energy and the ability to engage with the world. As the morning passes, mood may gradually begin to pick up, and often things feel better by lunchtime or so. This is what clinicians refer to as diurnal variation.
While it is frequently incapacitating, it can be useful in monitoring mood changes. Individuals who are beginning to enter a depressed phase often note that mornings are getting increasingly worse; during the improvement phase, they may notice that the time to feeling better shortens.
The basis for diurnal variation is not known; it is likely related to your internal body clock, the driver of the sleep/wake cycle. While it is often a measure of depressed mood, many of my patients tell me they are just not “a morning person,” and they choose to start their day mid- or late morning. If your lifestyle aligns with this pattern, that’s totally fine.
However, obligations often require a fixed schedule, and therefore, adaptations are necessary. Again, work with your support team to develop a plan, which may involve a combination of medical and/or environmental strategies. Allocate weekend time to “sleep in” and catch up. Coordinate with your family around schedules. Keep a mood diary and share it with your care providers.
Unstable moods are a part of bipolar disorder and come in many variations. Learning your own mood patterns and developing a strategy with your healthcare team and family is an essential part of successful management.
The announcement comes about a month after Walmart and Southwind Foods of California announced recalls of frozen shrimp products
More frozen shrimp has been recalled for potential radioactive contamination.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, AquaStar Corp recalled nearly 70,000 bags of frozen shrimp from Kroger stores across the United States due to a potential contamination with cesium-137, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The announcement comes about a month after Walmart and Southwind Foods of California issued recalled frozen shrimp products for the same reason.
The latest recall affects about 49,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp and about 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. The company also recalled about 17,264 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers.
The company stated in the announcement that the frozen shrimp was recalled “because [it] may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137.”
Cesium-137, abbreviated to Cs-137, is a “man-made radioisotope of cesium,” per the FDA.
In addition to Kroger, the affected frozen shrimp products were sold at Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC stores in 31 states, per the FDA.
Those states include Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The products were sold between June 12 and Sept. 17.
The recalled Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp is sold in a clear printed bag with a thick blue band across the top with yellow and red details. The products have a UPC of 20011110643906 with lot codes 10662 5085 10, 10662 5097 11, 10662 5106 11, 10662 5107 10, 10662 5111 11, 10662 5112 10, 10662 5113 10, 10662 5113 11, 10662 5114 10 and 10662 5114 11. The best buy dates on the affected products range from March 26, 2027 to April 24, 2027.
The Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp, has clear plastic packaging with a white label with green stripes on the top. The products have a UPC of 011110626196 with lot code 10662 5112 11 and a best buy date of Oct. 22, 2027 or 10662 5113 10 with Oct. 23, 2027.
Additionally, the recalled AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers; net wt. 1.25 lbs., has a white bag with a black top and a blue bottom. The bag has a photo of the shrimp skewers. The products have a UPC of 731149390010 with lot codes 10662 5127 10, 10662 5128 11, 10662 5133 11 and 10662 5135 10. The best buy dates range from Nov. 7, 2027 to Nov. 15, 2027.
Those who purchased the aforementioned frozen shrimp products “should not consume the product and should dispose of or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the FDA.
The agency stated that it is currently investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati.
The FDA previously recalled three lots of frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.
Mere days later, Southwind Foods of California issued a recall for 13 shrimp products sold under the brand names Sand Bar, Best Yet, Great American, Arctic Shores and First Street. The bags of frozen shrimp were distributed to retailers, distributors and wholesalers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies Cs-137 as “a soft, flexible, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature.”
“Internal exposure to Cs-137 through ingestion or inhalation allows the radioactive material to be distributed in the soft tissues, especially muscle tissue, which increases cancer risk,” the EPA website states.
Radioactive? I haven’t seen a recall for a radioactive food products before. Each recall is more concerning, how do we know our food is safe? Is skipping frozen food the answer?
Ten years ago, singer-songwriter Jesse Ruben was desperately ill with Lyme disease—wracked with pain, clouded by brain fog, and battling depression. In the midst of all that, he discovered that if he stayed up well past midnight, the fog would lift somewhat.
“So I’d keep myself up till 6, 7, 8 in the morning,” he recalls, “because it was the only time I had a cognitive thought.”
One morning in 2015, during one of those more lucid hours, he sang the beginning of a new song into his cell phone—and promptly forgot about it. Years later, he stumbled upon the audio file and decided to finish what he had started.
The result is Monster, a raw and powerful song that captures the pain, frustration, and mental anguish that so many Lyme patients know all too well:
“There’s something wrong here, doctor, and I don’t know what it is…
But there’s a monster in my body and it’s living in my limbs…
And it’s tearing through my system like a hurricane wind that won’t stop…”
First “We Can” and then he couldn’t
Before he became ill, Ruben was a rising star in the music world, with a popular song called “We Can.” It was a feel-good, upbeat tune that he wrote after running his very first marathon.
Then everything changed.
It started with flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away, followed by dizziness and nausea.
Doctors ran tests and told him everything looked fine. But Jesse knew something wasn’t right. He struggled to breathe and couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs. The brain fog got so bad he’d forget the lyrics to his own songs—music he’d poured his heart into.
He saw more than ten doctors. Each gave him a different answer: vitamin D deficiency, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome. None of it fit.
Eventually, Jesse found a doctor who properly diagnosed and treated him for Lyme disease, and he began to heal. He returned to music with renewed purpose—and his single This Is Why I Need You struck a chord around the world. It’s now been streamed over 70 million times across various platforms, a testament to how deeply his message resonates.
Alongside his musical comeback, Jesse became a passionate advocate for others facing Lyme disease. He co-founded Generation Lyme, a nonprofit created to combat the isolation and confusion that so many people with Lyme disease experience.
The organization hosts free Zoom gatherings for patients, parents, and supporters and also offers the Generation Lyme podcast.
And now, Jesse has finally released Monster, the song he rasped into his cell phone so long ago. Take a listen:
Monster drops as a single today and is also featured on Jesse’s new album Belong, set for release on October 10. The ten-song collection explores themes of mental health, chronic illness, long-term relationships, and the essential role of community in helping us heal and thrive.
Jesse Ruben’s journey—from misdiagnosis and despair to healing and advocacy—is a powerful reminder of what it means to keep going.
With Monster and Belong, he’s not just sharing music—he’s sharing what it feels like to fight for your health, your voice, and your place in the world. These songs speak to anyone who’s ever felt lost in their own body, and they offer something we all need: the feeling of being seen, heard, and believed.
From the University of North Carolina at Greensboro:
North Carolina is experiencing a surge in Lyme disease cases, and a new surveillance study from UNC Greensboro (UNCG) reveals that the primary vector of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick(Ixodes scapularis), has been spreading into areas previously considered low risk.
“Currently, 16 states, mostly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest, account for 95% of the reported LD cases,” says Dr. Gideon Wasserberg, a biology professor at UNCG and one of the research project leaders.
“However, low-incidence states to the south and west, including North Carolina, have experienced an increase in the number of reported Lyme disease cases since the early 2010s.”
With funding from Centers for Disease Control, administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, researchers from UNCG, North Carolina State University, and Appalachian State University conducted a five-year, statewide survey of blacklegged ticks and the pathogens they often carry.
Dramatic increase in density
“Our data shows a range expansion of these ticks into more counties in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the western Piedmont region and a dramatic increase in their densities in this area as a whole,” said Wasserberg. “These findings are consistent with increasing reports of human Lyme disease cases in these areas.”
Eastern Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, where blacklegged ticks and human Lyme disease cases have been historically noted, saw little change in tick density in comparison.
In the new study, ticks from the Blue Ridge Mountains were also more likely to carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for most cases of Lyme disease, compared to ticks from the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.
“Our analyses indicate that these ticks and the bacteria they carry moved into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina from southwestern Virginia over the last 10 years, travelling along the Appalachian Mountains,” says Wasserberg.
The researchers say the findings have important implications for public health.
“Enhanced surveillance, increased public awareness, and updated guidance for healthcare providers are crucial to mitigate risk.” said Dr. Reuben Garshong, the lead author of the newly published article inPLOS One. Now a research scientist at the New Jersey Department of Health, Garshong participated in much of the study as a doctoral student in Wasserberg’s lab at UNCG.
According to the CDC, the leading cause of death in Men in 2021 was Heart Dieases, with close to 700,000 men dying from the dieases. The good news is Heart Dieases is preventable and reasearch is on-going.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the US, other than skin cancer. It’s also the second-leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). About 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
It can happen at any age, but the chances go up as a man gets older. Most prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65. Prostate cancer happens more often in Black men than in men of other races and ethnicities. And when Black men do get it, they are often younger.
Having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer also increases a man’s risk of having prostate cancer.
Men’s Check-Up’s & Screenings
Regular physical exams
Screening can identify specific conditions and cancers, including:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Colon cancer
Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Dentist
Almost half of all adult cancers might be prevented by things we can do or change.
Stay away from tobacco.
Be as physically active as you can.
Eat more nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid or limit processed foods, red meats, sugary drinks, and refined grains.
Get to a healthy weight range.
It’s best not to drink alcohol. If you do drink, have no more than 2 drinks per day for men.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Know yourself, your family history, and your risks.
Get regular checkups and recommended cancer screening tests.
The recent research on Gabepentin focuses on the off-label use and why it’s becoming a drug of increasing concern for abuse and misuse. Off-label use means the drug is not approved or monitored by the FDA, for the ailment prescribed. The question becomes what is the reason the doctor thinks it will work, do they have patients who have seen improvement and will it help or do harm.
Doctors write prescriptions for off-label conditions on a regular basis and that doesn’t mean you need to pass on taking the medication. There were numerous occasions my Psychiatrist wrote me off-label prescriptions with great success. This is not a make or break decision, it’s a call to gather more information before making your choice.
This is what I gathered through reseach papers and articles.
Gabapentin is widely used in the United States for a number of off-label indications, often as an alternative to opioid therapy. Increasing evidence has emerged suggesting that Gabapentin may not be as benign as once thought and may be associated with substance abuse in concert with opioids. With concerns for safety mounting, it is prudent to examine the efficacy of Gabapentin across its many uses to understand the risk-benefit balance. Reviews on off-label indications such as migraine, fibromyalgia, mental illness, and substance dependence have found modest to no effect on relevant clinical outcomes. This high-quality evidence has often been overshadowed by uncontrolled studies and limited case reports. Furthermore, the involvement of Gabapentin in questionable marketing schemes further calls its use into question. Overall, clinicians should exercise rigorous appraisal of the available evidence for a given indication, and researchers should conduct larger, higher-quality studies to better assess the efficacy of Gabapentin for many of its off-label uses.
Gabapentin may cause breathing problems in people who use opioid pain medicines and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Older adults who take Gabapentin are also at a higher risk of breathing problems.
Because Gabapentin can enhance the psychological effect of opioids, it has the potential to be abused and has contributed to drug overdose deaths.
Drugs such as Gabapentin have been linked in rare cases to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you take Gabapentin, you or your family should tell the doctor about any unusual changes in your mood, such as agitation, violence, aggression, depression, or talking about wanting to hurt yourself.
Side effects of gabapentin
Common side effects of Gabapentin include:
drowsiness or dizziness
headache or blurred vision
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
dry mouth
weight gain
swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
back or joint pain
flulike symptoms such as fever or body aches.
Rare but serious side effects
Rare but serious side effects of Gabapentin include:
rash, itching, or yellowing of the skin
swelling of the face and throat, a condition called angioedema
problems speaking or swallowing
changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality.
Safely stopping treatment with Gabapentin
If you stop taking gabapentin suddenly, there is a chance of having seizures. Instead, you may need to gradually reduce how much Gabapentin you take until you stop it completely. Your doctor can advise you on how to safely stop treatment with Gabapentin.
Several large studies published in 2025 and earlier have tracked patients with ongoing Gabapentin prescriptions. The results were eye-opening. Adults who had six or more prescriptions showed about a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of MCI compared to people who didn’t take Gabapentin. For those with 12 or more prescriptions, the numbers jumped even higher, roughly 40% greater dementia risk and a 65% increase in MCI. What’s especially surprising is that this wasn’t limited to older adults. Even people under 65, who typically aren’t considered high risk for dementia, seemed more vulnerable.
The cognitive side effects of Gabapentin are often subtle at first but can become harder to ignore with long-term use. Patients have reported memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, and that frustrating “brain fog” feeling. Some research suggests these issues can appear within just a week of starting Gabapentin, while other studies found they show up more clearly after extended treatment. Either way, it’s clear that Gabapentin can have an impact on mental sharpness and attention.
Of course, it’s important to keep things in perspective. These studies show an association, not direct proof that Gabapentin causes dementia. Chronic pain itself is known to affect brain health, and many patients on Gabapentin are also taking other medications that could play a role. So while the findings are concerning, they don’t mean every person who takes Gabapentin long-term will develop dementia.
Many of you know I never really left because if I can type with one finger, I will take a stab at writing or at least working on a post. It’s in my blood, during childhood I kept a journal and knew then writing was in me. Anyone ready is a different story.
Thank all of you who have sent me well wishes, your words not only touch my heart, they also tell me you care.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a month that has received a great deal of attention over the years due to the tremendous donations to support new treatment options. That does not mean we should look the other way and think it has enough attention. The success rate of survival has increased but there is still so much to know about Breast Cancer.
NBCF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, educational information on breast health and healthy living. From understanding the importance of early detection, to knowing how to prepare for a mammogram, NBCF’s online resources and guides aim to empower women and men with useful information. View guides. Click here to learn more about breast self-examination steps.
The Patient Navigator Program is a proactive approach to helping patients overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding a disease and its prevention. Find a facility.
Other Resources
In addition to the breast care services that NBCF provides to women in need, the following resources offer financial assistance for breast cancer patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assitance based on your location. When you go to their website, Cancer.org, look for the “About Us” tab in the top right corner. When you click on that, select your state in the “Where We Help” menu to be directed to a list of local resources.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)
This state program is funded through Medicaid to provide underserved women free healthcare throughout treatment. The program is available in all 50 states. For the application process, contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a nurse or patient navigator regarding the program.
The CFAC is a coalition of organizations that help patients reduce financial barriers during cancer treatment. When you visit their website, select the type of assistance needed and enter your zip code to find resources near your area.
The Mammography Facility Database is updated periodically based on information received from the three FDA-approved accreditation bodies: the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the states of Arkansas and Texas to provide a list of facilities where mammography services are available based on your location.
Breast Cancer needs to be taken seriously by all and it starts with self-exams and reaching out at the first sign of trouble. You also need to keep your doctor aware of your family history because it can play a big role in whether to not you have the DNA makers for Breast Cancer. Always air on the cautious side.
The FDA says even small amounts of lead consumed over time can elevate blood lead levels
With the holiday baking season quickly approaching, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to check their spice cabinets.
Over 10 ground cinnamon products sold under different brand names have been recalled nationwide after testing showed they may contain higher-than-safe levels of lead.
The latest announcement, issued Friday, Sept. 12, expands on earlier alerts from March 2024 and July 2025. The FDA says the newly recalled products were distributed by several retailers across the U.S. and could be sitting in home kitchens, which may affect seasonal holiday gatherings.
Brands newly flagged include Jiva Organic, Super Brand and Asli, among others. The products tested at retail locations in multiple states, including California, Arkansas, Virginia and Connecticut, showed lead concentrations ranging between roughly 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm).
According to the agency, lead is not naturally found in cinnamon, but can enter food through contaminated soil, water or during processing. Health experts stress that even small amounts of lead exposure can be dangerous over time, particularly for children and pregnant people, where it may impact neurologic development.
“Long-term exposure (months to years) to elevated levels of lead in the diet could contribute to adverse health effects,” the FDA noted in its updated guidance. “Consumers should avoid using the affected products and discard them immediately.”
The alert lists more than a dozen brands and packaging sizes, many of which were sold in discount stores, local groceries and through online retailers. In addition to urging people to throw away recalled items, the FDA is advising anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to speak with a healthcare provider about testing for lead.
The affected products are listed below:
Jiva Organics Organic Cinnamon Powder is sold at Taj Supermarket. Lot code: AF-CINP/822 with a best-before date of July 2025
Super Brand Cinnamon Powder is sold at the Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Ark.
Asli Fine Foods Cinnamon Powder sold at A & Y Global Market in Columbia, Missouri, with lot code DDDLUS
El Chilar Ground Cinnamon is sold at El Torito Market in Maryland with the lot codes D181EX0624 and E054EX0225
Marcum & Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon sold at Save-A-Lot Food Stores in Missouri and Virginia with best-by dates of Dec. 5, 2025
SWAD Cinnamon Powder sold at Patel Brothers in Connecticut, containing the batch number KX28223 and a best-before date of October 2026
Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree in California with the lot code 10A11 and best by date of Oct. 6, 2025
Compania Indillor Orientale Ground Cinnamon sold at Eurogrocery in Connecticut with the lot code L1803231
ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon sold at Eurogrocery in Connecticut with the lot code LA02 and best-before date of March 8, 2025
Shahzada Cinnamon Powder is sold at Premium Supermarket in New York
Spice Class Ground Cinnamon is sold at Fish World in New York with a best-by date of December 2026
La Frontera Ground Cinnamon is sold at Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico in New York
The FDA notes that the agency will continue its “activities at import to prevent unsafe cinnamon from reaching consumers in the U.S.,” which will include adding firms and products to import alerts when appropriate.
This is not the first time spices have been flagged for contamination. Earlier this year, cinnamon was also at the center of recalls after lead was linked to contaminated applesauce pouches. Regulators are now taking additional steps to monitor imported spices more closely.
A full list of recalled cinnamon products, along with photos of packaging and additional health information, is available on the FDA’s website.
By fluke a CT Scan of my shoulder also showed damage to my lungs, a complete shock to me. The first scan showed I had Chronic Bronchitis and Moderate Asthma. He ordered a High Resolution CT Scan to better identify the damage to my lungs. The outcome was I had Sjogrens Related Lung Diesase that had caused Bronchiestasis, which has damaged my lungs.
The damage to my lungs are in the airways, they have developed pouches which makes it hard to clear your lungs and can cause frequent infections. Each infection causes more damage. The answer is using a nebilizer twice a day to clear my lungs.
When I was diagnosis with Sjogrens Disease years ago, all I knew was it affects the salivary glands which caused dry mouth, eyes and nose, when the salivary glands became enlarged they were hard, and slightly painful. The doctor never mentioned that Sjogrens is known to cause damage to you lungs.
The diagnosis of Asthma didn’t make sense to me, I hadn’t had an Asthma attack before but three weeks after the diagnosis I had a really bad one and thought I was going to die, it was like my airways closed off. It was so scary. The three other attacks where not near as bad, It was like I couldn’t catch my breath but it was more like breating hard, those lasted much longer. I use an all day inhaler and a rescue one.
My life live has changed so much knowing my lungs are damaged, there’s no cure and it’s progressive.
I’ve had time to wrap my mind around it, not overfocusing on the what if’s and now determined to live my best life.
The post is from 2015 and is still relevant today. All chilldren’s health is critical and the FDA is the only place to find factual and the most recent medical information. The FDA’s Medwatch site is where all the warnings are listed and includes more than medications.
FDA MedWatch – Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects 07/01/2015
Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects AUDIENCE: Family Practice, Pediatrics, Surgery, Patient
ISSUE: FDA is investigating the safety of using codeine-containing medicines to treat coughs and colds in children under 18 years because of the potential for serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing.
Children, especially those who already have breathing problems, may be more susceptible to these serious side effects. In 2013, FDA warned against using codeine in children who recently had surgery to remove their tonsils and/or adenoids.
In April 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that codeine must not be used to treat cough and cold in children under 12 years, and that codeine is not recommended in children and adolescents between 12 and 18 years who have breathing problems, including those with asthma and other chronic breathing problems.
FDA will continue to evaluate this safety issue and will consider the EMA recommendations. Final conclusions and recommendations will be communicated when the FDA review is complete.
BACKGROUND: Codeine is a specific type of narcotic medicine called an opioid that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and also to reduce coughing. It is usually combined with other medications in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) cough-and-cold medicines.
RECOMMENDATION: Parents and caregivers who notice any signs of slow or shallow breathing, difficult or noisy breathing, confusion, or unusual sleepiness in their child should stop giving their child codeine and seek medical attention immediately by taking their child to the emergency room or calling 911. Parents and caregivers should always read the product label to find out if a medicine contains codeine and talk with their child’s health care professional or a pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns. Health care professionals should continue to follow the recommendations in the drug labels and use caution when prescribing or recommending codeine-containing cough-and-cold medicines to children.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to the Drug Safety Communication and previous MedWatch alerts, at:
Here are some ideas on how to prepare for conversations with your doctor about a new early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Asking key questions can help you feel less overwhelmed, better understand your stage, symptoms, and treatment options, and also navigate any feelings of uncertainty and potential challenges.
We compiled a list of important questions and talking points to discuss with your doctor to determine the best path forward.
What stage is the Alzheimer’s disease currently in?
One of the first questions for your healthcare professional should be about which of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease you’re experiencing.
An early diagnosis, commonly referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s, is when the condition is detected before the age of 65. Generally, early-onset diagnoses are seen in people in their 50s.
Though no one wants to hear that they’re navigating this overwhelming condition at any stage, the earlier it’s detected, the better for planning for the future, including certain medications and other therapies for improving symptoms.
For example, it gives them time to adjust to any mood or personality changes in the person they’re caring for, explain the changes to other family members, and allows them more time to create the most comprehensive care plan.
Emotionally processing the diagnosis early and having time to plan accordingly also has a significant impact on mental health. Early diagnosis has been shownTrusted Source to decrease depression and anxiety in caregivers.
What are the key symptoms I should expect to see in the near future?
Understanding more about your stage can help you prepare for symptoms commonly seen in that stage.
For example, the hallmark of early Alzheimer’s is lapses in memory, like forgetting recent experiences or conversations.
Asking your doctor about your stage’s symptoms allows everyone involved to understand what to expect, which can also help you give yourself some grace.
How is this diagnosis confirmed and are there any other tests needed?
Unlike some other health conditions, Alzheimer’s is not confirmed with a stand-alone test.
Instead, healthcare providers rely on a slew of diagnostic tools to detect it, which can includeTrusted Source:
neurological exams (like testing reflexes, balance and coordination, and more)
What treatment options are available at this stage?
Talking with your doctor about treatment options is crucial for managing the condition. Though no treatment can stop the condition, certain medications can lower symptoms or delay progression, making coping and daily life activities easier.
Are there any lifestyle changes or interventions that could help manage symptoms?
Certain lifestyle adjustments may also improve symptoms. Talk with your doctor about other therapies you can consider alongside medications, including:
How will we monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment?
Discussing how well your treatment plan is working should be an ongoing conversation with your doctor during follow-up appointments. You can discuss any side effects and symptom improvement and decide if a different treatment plan may be necessary.
When someone living with Alzheimer’s has progressed from one stage to another, it may be time to discuss different options, as certain medications are approved only for specific stages.
Have a plan with your doctor for checking in regularly, which is usually done by scheduling routine appointments weeks in advance.
What strategies can help maintain my quality of life as the disease progresses?
Quality of life should also be discussed during follow-up appointments. Your doctor can discuss coping strategies and help ensure that you and your caregivers maximize joy whenever possible.
For example, adding fun, social, and creative activities into your schedule can be cognitively stimulating and also create opportunities to relax and deepen relationships. Some examples include painting, card or board games, puzzles, coloring, and more.
It’s also important to keep meaningful activities present, including any spiritual practices you may have.
Remember that rest is just as important as socializing and other activities, especially for those with Alzheimer’s, so plan breaks into your schedule, too.
How can I prepare for potential changes in my ability to function?
There’s no perfect way to prepare for changes, but it is important to stay flexible, take breaks when needed, and be open with your doctor about recent function changes. Check in with your doctor about which tasks are becoming more difficult and which are still very manageable.
Keeping lists and Post-it reminders handy, including daily tasks and schedules, can help you stay on track. Your doctor can discuss when it may be time to turn certain tasks over to your caregivers, like driving.
How can my family and caregivers best support me through this journey?
During each stage, your caregivers will have a lot to think about and manage. Counseling or other therapies may be helpful for their well-being.
But overall, when they’re not checking in with your doctor, planning for the future, and helping with certain daily tasks, remind them to stay present and not force activities you have no interest in.
For example, if you’re feeling tired one evening but a caregiver has a movie night planned, remind them it’s OK for you to take a rain check.
Spending time together is important, whether it’s sharing meals or memories.
If you’re up for it, looking over photographs or home movies may be helpful for stirring up shared past experiences. This is referred to as reminiscence therapyTrusted Source, and it’s been shown to improve quality of life for older adults.
If this type of activity is too heavy for either of you to process, you can skip it. The idea isn’t to connect dots to recall specific memories but to spend time enjoying each other’s company while thinking about shared positive experiences.
This free resource offers support through information, local resources, crisis assistance, and emotional support.
What should my caregivers know about managing my condition?
Though caregivers may feel overwhelmed or stressed, a few things are never OK, including:
constant correcting or controlling
rushing
forcing
laughing at mistakes
condescending remarks or suggestions
Your caregivers will need some advice and maybe training for activities they might have to perform during later stages, such as feeding, bathing, and changing.
It’s also crucial to ensure that the home is a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-navigate environment.
You can ask your doctor for other important things for your caregivers to keep in mind. They can offer tip sheets and additional resources.
You can also consider trained attendants for care at home if they’re available to you.
What should I know about planning for future financial and legal matters?
Locking financial and legal matters into place as soon as possible can make you feel more confident about the future. Ask your doctor to guide you to any resources that may help you map these matters out.
For example, the first step is to document your choice of who has power of attorney. Similarly, making a plan for bills to be paid at the same time every month through automatic withdrawal can help relieve some stress and cross one thing off your to-do list.
Additionally, some living facilities offer plans that include rent and all other expenses, like utilities, cable, etc., into one monthly bill, so there’s no need to keep track of a long list of monthly due dates.
How can I ensure that my wishes regarding care and treatment are respected?
This is another area where documentation comes in handy. You can document your preferences across a wide range of areas of your life, including your preferred activities, people to socialize with, favorite and least favorite foods, etc.
It’s important to check in with your caregivers and healthcare providers about whether your care feels right for you. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers and being honest if you feel unsafe at home is also important.
It’s important to be proactive and informed in managing early-onset Alzheimer’s.
A strong first step is maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers and asking key questions. Gathering the right information can help you cope and plan for a smoother, more comfortable future.
From there, finding the right support team, whether friends, family, or caregivers, is the next best step to feeling more confident as you moving forward.
Remember that you’re not alone — help and companionship are often just a phone call away.
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