A patient's eye view of radiation therapy: This is what it feels like
Although it can also be a robust part of curative treatment for a range of cancers (including prostate and breast cancers), in my case, it quickly — and disappointingly — became clear that radiation wasn't going to jolt my metastatic Ewing's sarcoma into retirement (never the likeliest outcome). But it ameliorated some discomforts and with notably less wear and tear than the chemo alternatives.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
You should eat more cantaloupe this summer. Here's why.
It's here: Cantaloupe season. Cantaloupe is the hydrating, versatile healthy fruit that's synonymous with summer. As you cut into a cantaloupe's understated exterior, a vibrantly colored, orange center appears. From vitamin A to vitamin C, cantaloupe packs a punch with essential nutrients that can help support your immune and digestive systems, studies have shown. USA TODAY previously spoke with two registered dietitians to pull back the curtain on the melon's many health benefits. Read on to learn how incorporating cantaloupe into your day-to-day can help you achieve a well-rounded, balanced diet. Cantaloupe is an excellent addition to your diet if you're 'looking to eat more hydrating foods, eat more anti-inflammatory foods (and) eat foods that are nutrient dense,' Hope Brandt, a registered dietitian, previously told USA TODAY. Cantaloupe is a part of the melon family, and it's closely related to honeydew and watermelon. In the context of a balanced diet, the fruit is a good source of antioxidants, potassium and fiber – nutrients that boost immunity, aid the digestion process and offer protection from chronic diseases, according to a 2023 study. 'The most prevalent benefits that we see is from that beautiful orange color, which is caused by beta-carotene,' Monica D'Agostino, also a registered dietitian, previously told USA TODAY. When beta-carotene enters the body, it converts into vitamin A, which is essential for 'promoting eye health, assisting the body in blood cell production and immune response (and) acting as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals,' she explains. Free radicals wreak havoc on the body by damaging healthy cells, D'Agostino says. Beta-carotene acts as a neutralizer of free radicals, which can help to prevent the progression of diseases, including heart disease and cancer, she adds. 'Eating a diet that is high in antioxidants is something that can help reduce chronic inflammation in our bodies over time,' Brandt says. Cantaloupe's high vitamin C content is also particularly helpful with iron absorption, Brandt adds. Is pineapple good for you? Nutritionists answer commonly-searched questions Cantaloupe is a refreshing addition to summer salads and snack plates, and pairing it alongside foods rich in antioxidants, fiber and hydration can help you attain nutrient diversity. When consumed alongside other high-fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes, cantaloupe can 'be incorporated as a way to increase that overall fiber and water in the body, which will assist (with) potential digestive issues,' D'Agostino says. Eating cantaloupe alongside foods such as berries, nuts, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are among a few examples, she says. Ultimately, variety is key, and to achieve a well-balanced diet, it's important to eat a range of nutrient-dense fruits, D'Agostino emphasizes. Beyond cantaloupe, there's a number of fruits that tout similar health benefits – grapefruit, pomegranate and papaya are also considered to be high-potassium, high-fiber and antioxidant-rich foods, according to studies. In a salad mixed with leafy greens, cantaloupe offers a surprising benefit, Brandt adds. Leafy greens are packed with non-heme iron, which is the iron found in plant-based foods, according to Harvard Health. The body often needs a little extra help when absorbing non-heme iron, and the vitamin C found in cantaloupe can guide this process along more efficiently, Brandt explains. What does vitamin A do? Plus which foods you should eat to get more. One cup of freshly cubed cantaloupe contains 53 calories, which is equivalent to one serving. A serving alone surpasses your daily dose of vitamin A, contains 6% of your daily need of fiber and is nearly enough to meet your daily recommended need of vitamin C, per WebMD. According to the World Health Organization, every day you should aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, totaling around 80 grams per portion. If you enjoy cantaloupe, and want to add it to your regular rotation of fruits, D'Agostino says the fruit can be a great option to fill one to two of the WHO's recommended servings. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is cantaloupe good for you? Health benefits and vitamins explained
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
'Old people smell' is real, experts say — here's how to avoid it as you age
Many people have posted on social media about the so-called "old people smell," described as a faintly musty or greasy scent sometimes associated with older adults. This phenomenon is more science than stigma, experts say. "I think we all know this smell," Dr. Dan Wesson, professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital. "Some describe it as dusty, like an old book. Others as oily or greasy. None of these, of course, are flattering descriptions, and that's why this isn't the kind of smell you want to label a person with," he noted. The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it makes sense that it will undergo significant changes as the body ages, according to Wesson. For most of our lives, body odor stems from sweat, bacteria and dead skin, which can be addressed with basic hygiene. But with aging, changes in skin composition and oil production make smells more complex, the expert noted. "Skin cells accumulate damage over time," he said — and those damaged cells can release compounds that contribute to odor. A key culprit is 2-nonenal, a compound that emerges from lipid oxidation, which is the process of fats in the cells breaking down due to imbalances in the body, studies show. This compound is unique to aging skin and has a greasy, cardboard-like odor. 2-nonenal is not easily washed off with regular hygiene practices, "by nature of its fatty composition," Wesson said. "This is why managing this body odor requires more complex solutions," he said. Wesson suggests taking a more holistic approach by eating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated and using antioxidant skincare. Some medications — including those for high cholesterol, ADHD or depression — could also impact the body's metabolism and how much it sweats, contributing to odor, according to Wesson. Hormones can also influence how people smell. Post-menopausal women often experience changes in skin and scent due to declining estrogen levels, studies show. "Hormone replacement therapy can ward off some changes that may alter body odor – though [HRT] is not without risks and should be discussed carefully with your doctor," Wesson said. Not all odor changes are normal, experts warn. "A sudden change in body odor can be a warning sign of an underlying health issue," Wesson warned. Diseases like cancer and dementia, for example, can alter body chemistry and scent. "If your loved ones report a sudden change, you should consult your doctor," Wesson advised. Some people may worry about how they smell even when others wouldn't notice. That concern could stem from parosmia, a distorted sense of smell, or olfactory hallucinations, where unpleasant smells are imagined. "People can perceive odors that aren't there at all," Wesson said. "It's important to consider whether it's a real odor or just a change in perception." For more Health articles, visit By understanding the biology behind age-related odor and taking a proactive approach to health and skincare, this condition can be managed, experts say.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Unique Wellness Brings NASA Technology to Senior Care with Its Advanced Briefs
Wellness Briefs, Pull-Ups, and Underpads deliver industry-defining absorbency, comfort, and dignity through engineered InconTek® technology BROOKLYN, NY, UNITED STATES, July 7, 2025 / / -- When astronauts travel to space, even the most basic bodily functions require innovative solutions. NASA's answer to managing hygiene during long missions was the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG)—a high-capacity, multi-layered brief designed to keep astronauts dry and safe during spacewalks. Now, that same engineering excellence is helping transform incontinence care for millions of older adults through Unique Wellness, a U.S.-based healthcare brand committed to bringing space-age innovation to everyday life. At the core of Unique Wellness' award-winning product line—Wellness Briefs, Pull-Ups, and Underpads—is its proprietary InconTek® technology, inspired by the MAGs and used by NASA. This multi-layered core system is designed to absorb up to 87 ounces of liquid, reducing leaks, preventing skin breakdown, and significantly lowering the number of daily changes required. With this innovation, Unique Wellness is redefining what it means to provide effective, dignified incontinence care. As the global elderly population continues to rise and more than 25 million Americans live with incontinence, the demand for premium hygiene products has grown rapidly. For seniors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, Unique Wellness offers a solution that combines performance with compassion. Wellness Briefs: Designed with maximum absorbency in mind, these briefs minimize overnight changes, eliminate common issues such as leakage and foul odor and are suitable for both mobile and bedridden users. Wellness Briefs feature a 3-per-day change system to reduce up to 70 percent in product use over regular brands, which also saves a lot of time, cost, and laundry. Wellness Pull-Ups: These provide the same advanced absorption in a more flexible, underwear-style design. For active seniors seeking discretion, comfort, and mobility, Wellness Pull-Ups are the perfect option. Whether running errands or relaxing at home, users experience the confidence of leak-free protection. Wellness Underpads: Meant to be used on beds, chairs, and wheelchairs, these protective pads provide another level of protection. Their absorbent core and soft, breathable materials help maintain cleanliness and skin health in both clinical and home settings. Wellness Brief® Softistico™ Pack: The latest in the Unique Wellness offering of incontinence care range, the Softistico ™ Pack is a luxury solution, elevating comfort and performance. The Softistico ™ is developed with extra-soft, breathable materials, facilitating all-day wear to deliver maximum comfort for sensitive skin. It is also the first-ever breathable adult diaper with secure tape tabs (not Velcro) and a resealable landing zone, allowing for easy adjustments and a custom fit. Conventional incontinence products often require 6-8 changes daily, resulting in caregiver burnout, higher expenses, and user discomfort. InconTek® changes the equation. Its layered core system draws liquid away from the skin and traps it deep inside the brief, keeping users dry for up to 8 hours. This innovation not only boosts comfort but also supports skin integrity by reducing exposure to moisture and bacteria. Combined with advanced odor control, the technology ensures users remain comfortable, confident, and dignified throughout the day and night. Whether in a hospital, long-term care facility, or private home, Wellness products provide a dependable, high-performance solution that prioritizes both user health and caregiver efficiency. Unique Wellness designs its products with both clinical professionals and family caregivers in mind. Reduced changes mean fewer interruptions, better sleep, and more time for care. 'The only product that lets my dad sleep through the night without interruption.' — Caregiver, Illinois 'I've tried many brands. Nothing compares to the absorbency and comfort of Wellness Briefs.' — Home Healthcare Nurse Key Benefits: Sustainability: Fewer changes = less waste and lower environmental impact. Skin Health: Dermatologically tested and breathable materials reduce rashes and pressure sores. Cost Efficiency: Fewer changes result in reduced monthly product usage and caregiving time. Odor Control: Built-in odor-neutralizing layer ensures long-lasting freshness. Caregiver Relief: Simplifies routines and reduces the physical and emotional toll of caregiving. About Unique Wellness Unique Wellness is a leading name in adult incontinence products, dedicated to enhancing lives through scientifically advanced, medically inspired solutions. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the company has built a reputation for reliability, compassion, and innovation. All Wellness products are developed with user dignity in mind and are trusted by healthcare providers, caregivers, and families nationwide. With its NASA-derived technology, Unique Wellness is proving that space innovation can solve Earth-bound problems—one brief at a time. About Unique Wellness Unique Wellness is a leading name in adult incontinence products, dedicated to enhancing lives through scientifically advanced, medically inspired solutions. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the company has built a reputation for reliability, compassion, and innovation. All Wellness products are developed with user dignity in mind and are trusted by healthcare providers, caregivers, and families nationwide. With its NASA-derived technology, Unique Wellness is proving that space innovation can solve Earth-bound problems—one brief at a time. Anurag Srivastava EBIZON CRAYON INC email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
