Third case of whooping cough reported at Rostraver Elementary School
A third case of whooping cough has been reported at Rostraver Elementary School in the Belle Vernon Area district in Westmoreland County.
Belle Vernon Area Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool notified the school community late last week of the newly reported case. Two cases at the school had previously been confirmed.
In the letter to the community, Dr. Glasspool said that the Pennsylvania Department of Health isn't recommending any changes to school operations, but asking all staff members and families to closely monitor any symptoms.
"We strongly encourage families to keep students home if they are showing signs of illness, especially if they are coughing," Dr. Glasspool said.
Last year, cases of whooping cough spiked on the state and national level, and Allegheny County's newly released data shows the county was hit hard.
Whooping cough is characterized by violent or prolonged coughing, and is highly contagious.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New study reveals unexpected way to reduce major menopause symptoms by 88% — here's what you need to know
For many women, menopause brings a wave of frustrating symptoms: hot flashes, weight gain, and sleepless nights, just to name a few. However, new research offers some hopeful news: a shift in diet may help alleviate the discomfort. In a study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that a low-fat, plant-based diet may significantly ease postmenopausal symptoms. Not only did it help participants lose weight, but it also reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. The 12-week study, conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, split 84 women into two groups. One group continued their usual eating habits, while the other adopted a vegan diet featuring daily servings of soybeans. The results were dramatic. Those on the plant-based plan reported an 88% drop in moderate to severe hot flashes, with severe hot flashes plummeting by 92%. They also lost an average of 8 pounds, compared to just half a pound in the control group. Hana Kahleova, Director of Clinical Research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, explained that "even plant-based foods that are considered ultra-processed — like soy milk and vegan meat and yogurt alternatives — bring health benefits." For anyone feeling stuck in the throes of menopause, this is more than good news — it's empowering. Rather than reaching for another supplement or struggling through sleepless nights, the key to relief might already be in your kitchen. It's also a welcome reminder that what's good for your body can be good for the planet, too. A low-fat vegan diet tends to have a much smaller environmental footprint than a meat-heavy one, as it uses fewer resources, creates less pollution, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. So, adopting a plant-based lifestyle doesn't just benefit your health; it also supports a more sustainable food system. With more research still to come, this study offers a bright spot in the ongoing conversation about women's health — and a simple, natural path to feeling better in your own skin. Why do you eat plant-based foods? The health benefits It's cheaper It's good for the planet I prefer the taste Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ancient 'pharaoh's curse' fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells
A potentially deadly fungus known as "pharaoh's curse fungus" could offer an unexpected path to fighting cancer, recent research shows. Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania modified molecules from the fungus — which is officially called Aspergillus flavus — to create a new compound and enhance its cancer-killing properties. "Fungi gave us penicillin," said Dr. Xue (Sherry) Gao, an associate professor at UPenn and leader of the study, in a press release. "These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found." Single Dose Of 'Magic Mushrooms' Provides 5 Years Of Depression Relief, Researchers Find The findings were published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. Aspergillus flavus is found in decaying leaves and compost, as well as on trees, plants and some crops, according to Mayo Clinic. Read On The Fox News App While the fungus doesn't endanger most healthy people, it can cause respiratory issues for those who have weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications. Some of the more severe complications of the fungus can include bleeding in the lungs and life-threatening infections in the brain, heart and kidneys, Mayo Clinic stated. After archaeologists opened King Tut's tomb in the 1920s, multiple members of the excavation team died suddenly, fueling rumors of a "curse" upon those who dared interfere with the pharaoh's rest, according to the UPenn press release. Decades later, doctors hypothesized that fungal spores, which had been dormant for thousands of years, could have infected the team. In the 1970s, it happened again, the university stated. A dozen scientists entered another tomb, this time in Poland — and 10 died within a few weeks. Later investigations were said to reveal the presence of Aspergillus flavus in the tomb. Now, the same fungus linked to King Tut's tomb could have the capability to fight leukemia in a new form of cancer therapy. "There are a variety of compounds able to be produced by fungus," Gao told Fox News Digital. These compounds can be toxic to different cells, she noted, depending on the "biological management we are able to mitigate." Cancer Could Be Detected Three Years Before Diagnosis With Experimental Blood Test The study aimed to find a specific kind of compound — ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, or "RiPPs" — within Aspergillus flavus, which was previously shown to be a good source. When this compound is able to enter cancer cells, Gao said, it may be able to stop their growth. "Cancer cells divide uncontrollably," Gao said in the release. "These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division." When mixed with human cancer cells, two variants of the molecules within these RiPPS were found to have potent effects against leukemia cells, the researchers found. Another variant performed as well as two FDA-approved drugs that have been used for decades to treat leukemia (cytarabine and daunorubicin). Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, M.D., a medical oncologist and cancer care consultant based in New York, cautioned that this study, which was performed on cell cultures, is still in the very early stages. Your Favorite Alcoholic Beverage Could Be Linked To Deadly Form Of Cancer, Study Finds "It's still very far away from being applicable to use in humans with leukemia," Troso-Sandoval, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. Speaking about RiPPs, the doctor told Fox News Digital, "What they're referring to [in the study] is basically a rare type of bioactive molecule that they have isolated from this fungus." There are multiple subtypes of leukemia, Troso-Sandoval pointed out, including acute and chronic forms. "One treatment might not work on [another] type of leukemia," she noted. Further testing is needed to determine which subtypes may contain the active molecule. The compound explored in the study had little to no effect on breast, liver or lung cancer cells, the researchers noted. This suggests that its disruptive effects only work on certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Looking ahead, the researchers plan to test the fungus' potential in animal models and, ultimately, human trials. Gao told Fox News Digital she is "excited about what nature can create and how it can benefit our society." For more Health articles, visit The study received support from the National Institutes of Health, the University of Pennsylvania, the Welch Foundation, the Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Program, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the National Science article source: Ancient 'pharaoh's curse' fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
8 High-Protein Snacks That Keep You Energized Longer Than a Granola Bar, According to Nutrition Experts
While granola bars can offer quick energy, many are high in added sugar and low in lasting nutrients—making snacks rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats a better bet for sustained energy. Snacks like Greek yogurt and trail mix deliver a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients that help keep blood sugar stable and curb fatigue. Energizing alternatives like loaded toast and hard-boiled eggs not only boost stamina but also support broader health benefits like brain function, gut health, and heart bars rank high on the list of snack foods known for delivering a burst of energy, and they're great to grab if you're on-the-go. 'Granola bars can provide energy, fiber, and protein, especially when made with ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds,' explains Eliza Whitaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CDN, CYT, registered dietitian and founder of Nourished Nutrition and Fitness. 'They can also be a good source of whole grains, which contain B-vitamins, iron, and magnesium, and nuts and seeds, which are a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and other micronutrients,' adds Megan Huff, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition by Megan. However, not all types of granola bars are as nourishing. 'Some granola bars are high in added sugars and lack adequate protein and fiber. This can lead to spikes in blood sugar and leave you still feeling hungry shortly after,' shares Huff. Plus, the added sugars these bars can contain have pro-inflammatory effects, which can detract from one's overall health. With this in mind, there are plenty of other snack foods that are not only healthier choices than granola bars loaded with added sugar, but also provide more long-lasting energy. Read on to discover eight of our favorite choices. Related: 10 Travel-Friendly Snacks That Are Actually Good for You, According to Nutrition Experts While some granola bar varieties are made with healthy whole-food ingredients and are low in added sugar—offering a sizable energy boost—these eight snacks will leave you feeling even more Huff, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition by Megan Eliza Whitaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CDN, CYT, registered dietitian and founder of Nourished Nutrition and FitnessAs an easy grab-and-go snack, trail mix will be sure to up your energy levels in no time. 'A trail mix containing nuts and seeds offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, providing sustained energy,' says Whitaker. This is because fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates (like fiber) are not only the three major macronutrients, but they also slow digestion, providing more sustained energy. Plus, the omega-3s in trail mix bode well for inflammation reduction in the body, supporting immune health. 'Trail mix can be eaten alone as a snack, or added to yogurt,' Whitaker adds. Roasted chickpeas are a trendy potato chip alternative that won't only satisfy your cravings for crunchy foods, they'll benefit your overall health and give you plenty of energy. 'Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber while still providing energy from carbohydrates. Fiber helps lower cholesterol, and supports regular bowel movements, too,' shares Huff. These legumes are also an excellent source of folate—the deficiency of which is linked to fatigue and tiredness. 'Enjoy roasted chickpeas as a snack, or as a nutritious topping to your salad,' Huff adds. They're also delicious sprinkled over hummus or tzatziki for a dippable snack. 'Greek yogurt provides more sustained energy than a granola bar thanks to its high protein content,' says Huff. But the health perks of this popular yogurt variety don't end there. 'Greek yogurt is high in calcium for bone health, and contains probiotics that support gut health,' adds Whitaker. Plus, there's plenty of ways to enjoy it—both sweet and savory. 'For a complete, satisfying snack, add some berries and granola,' offers Huff. And for a savory take, top Greek yogurt with everything bagel seasoning and/or hot sauce for dipping crudités veggies into or spreading onto sandwiches. Related: Is It Better to Start Your Day With Coffee or Tea? Here's What Health Experts Recommend Where some granola bars leave much to be desired in terms of energy levels, protein bars can often make up for it. 'A protein bar is often a better choice than a granola bar because it contains protein in addition to carbohydrates. Protein helps keep you fuller for longer, and prevents spikes in blood sugar,' explains Huff. However, certain protein bars can be just as high in added sugar as the least healthy granola bars, so be sure to read the nutrition facts panel and ingredients list first. And these grab-and-go snacks don't only have to be enjoyed straight from the package, either. 'Enjoy protein bars on-the-go, or cut them into pieces as a topping for yogurt or oats,' adds Huff. Whether you prefer sweet or savory loaded toasts, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy them at any hour of the day, not just breakfast time. 'Whole grain toast with nut butter provides complex carbs and healthy fats for lasting energy. The fiber, protein, and healthy fats found in this snack will support heart health, too, and you can top this with berries or a banana for even more micronutrients,' explains Whitaker. However, for an energy-boosting savory version, try farmer's cheese topped with sliced cucumber, salt, and pepper, or toast with guacamole with jammy eggs. These combinations offer the macronutrient trifecta needed for greater satiety, as well as a range of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. There's no denying that cottage cheese is all the rage these days, with loads of new, unique recipes featuring the dairy product popping up seemingly every day. And when it comes to long-lasting energy, cottage cheese is well worth the hype. It contains plenty of protein and fat (if you have a fat-containing variety) to keep you satisfied well after snack time. Plus, there's energy-boosting B vitamins and bone-supportive calcium and phosphorus found in this small-curd cheese, making it a fantastic overall health choice. Pairing it with fruit will round out your macros with the addition of fiber. Whitaker's favorite is banana. 'Bananas are rich in health-promoting potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6,' she explains. Cottage cheese is also delicious served savory with a dash of hot sauce and cut veggies, too! A tried-and-true snack, hard-boiled eggs are sure to bring the energy when you're in need of a pick-me-up. 'Hard-boiled eggs have a moderate amount of protein and healthy fats, offering sustained energy to fuel your day. They are one of the richest dietary sources of choline, an important nutrient for healthy cell membranes and brain function,' shares Whitaker. Eggs are also a fabulous source of vitamins D, A, and B12 for immune, eye, and cell health. 'Hard-boiled can easily be paired with veggies, fruit, or added to salads,' adds Whitaker. Related: This Grain Has More Energy-Boosting Power Than Quinoa or Brown Rice, According to a Nutritionist Cut veggies and dip are a delicious snack that inevitably offers plenty of fiber. However, the dip you choose will determine whether or not it will boost energy levels more than a granola bar. Hummus is a sure bet, as it contains plenty of protein and fiber—thanks to the chickpeas it's made with—as well as healthy fats from the classic addition of tahini. You could even wrap this combo in a whole grain tortilla for even more staying power—or mix up the hummus flavor for greater intrigue. Read the original article on Real Simple
