Latest news with #CentersForDiseaseControlAndPrevention
CNET
23-07-2025
- Climate
- CNET
Here's How To Save the Food in Your Fridge During a Power Outage
If a summer heat wave knocks out your power, the food in your refrigerator and freezer is at risk of spoiling, which can be costly and inconvenient. However, a little preparation can help keep the majority of your groceries safe and fresh until the power returns. While you may not be able to save everything, depending on the length of the outage, there are ways to keep most of your perishables fresh when the fridge stops running. CNET Here's everything to know. How long is food good in fridge without power? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food in the refrigerator will stay cold for about four hours as long as your keep the doors closed, while a full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours. If you want to be extra safe, you can keep an appliance thermometer in your freezer, which can help confirm the freezer stayed below 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the power outage. If it did, all of the food is safe to be refrozen, the FDA states. Make a plan to save your food before a power outage strikes Before you face a power outage, it's best to take a few steps to prepare in case you need to save your food. The recommendation from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to have the following items on hand: Do this first to save your food when the power goes out When an outage hits, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed -- don't open them up unless you absolutely need to, and even then, try to do so quickly so as not to let the cold air out. If the doors stay closed, your food can stay safe for up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer, according to the CDC. Once you've passed the four-hour mark (or if you see the temperature inside the fridge has risen to over 40 degrees Fahrenheit) and the power is still out, it's time to start moving food out of the fridge. If perishable food has been left in the fridge after that point, you'll have to throw it all out. The exception here would be if you have dry ice. You can put dry ice on the top shelf of your freezer and the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, and it will keep your perishables cold. You need about 3 pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of freezer space, which should keep food cold for at least two days. Just make sure you're aware of how to safely handle dry ice before using it. If the power is out for more than four hours, you should move your perishable food to a cooler. fishysam/Getty Images Separate your food into two groups First, you will make two piles: food that absolutely must be kept cold, and food that is safe to leave on the counter until the power is back on. Foods that do not need to be kept cold The following foods can be safely kept out of the fridge: Butter (for 1-2 days) Peanut butter Most cooking oils, except for nut oils Herbs Potatoes Most fruits and vegetables Bread Coffee Honey Ketchup, mustard and hot sauce Foods that need to be kept cold The following foods must be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage: Dairy products (cheese, milk, whipped cream, sour cream) Eggs Meats, poultry and fish (cooked or uncooked) Cut fruit and vegetables Leftovers How to keep your perishable food cold without a refrigerator Once you've got your pile of perishable food, it's time to pull out your cooler and ice packs. Put a layer of frozen food at the bottom. Then put a layer of foods from the fridge on top of that layer. Top it off with another layer of frozen foods. If you don't have any ice or ice packs, go to the store and buy some if it's safe to do so. Layer ice or ice packs around the food in the cooler -- don't just throw it all on top or bottom. Distributing the ice will keep the food at a more consistent temperature. Move your fridge thermometer inside the cooler to monitor the temperature. If you don't have a cooler, you can use your freezer instead -- it's insulated and will keep your food cold as long as you leave the door shut and keep a fresh supply of ice in it. To prevent melting ice from turning your freezer into a pond, put ice in bowls and place them around the food. You should never taste food to see if it's gone bad -- when in doubt, throw it out, the CDC advises. Throw away any food with unusual odors, colors or textures right away. In terms of frozen foods, you can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or that still contains ice crystals. For more power outage tips, learn everything you need to know about home generators and consider whether a home battery backup might be a better option.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A new genetic test may be able to predict obesity in early childhood. What to know
More than 2 out of 5 adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But what if there was a way to test children to find out if they're at higher risk for contracting the chronic condition while still having time to change their lifestyle? In a study published July 21 in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide compiled genetic data from more than 5 million people. Using data collected by The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium – an international collaboration of human genetics researchers and 23andMe – a genetic measure known as polygenic risk scores (PGS) was developed to help identify children at higher risk of developing obesity in adulthood. Obesity is a serious, common and costly chronic condition characterized by excessive body fat, often defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The American Medical Association considers it a significant public health concern, as it increases the risk of numerous conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. What does the study say? Researchers developed ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores and found they were about twice as effective as the risk assessments doctors currently use. For people with European ancestry, the newly developed risk score accounted for about 17.6% of a person's risk of developing a high BMI in adulthood. About 70% of participants whose genetic data was compiled in the study had predominantly European ancestry, 14.4% had Hispanic ethnicity with typically mixed ancestries, 8.4% had predominantly East Asian ancestry, 4.6% had predominantly African ancestry and 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian origin, according to the research. Ruth Loos, a co-author of the study, is a professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen. In an interview with NBC News, she explained, 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity.' 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors, such as lifestyle, that need to be part of the predictions,' added Loos. Obesity increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases and can cause serious health conditions like asthma, strokes, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. It was a risk factor in 3.7 million deaths in 2021. Globally, obesity in adults has more than doubled since 1990, with adolescent rates quadrupling, the World Health Organization reported. How can communities address obesity? Ensuring access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment programs, and evidence-based health care services such as medication and surgery are examples of how to address and prevent obesity, according to the CDC. Director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Karen Hacker previously told USA TODAY that there is no singular approach to addressing the health concern. 'Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics and certain medications. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, Hacker said. 'However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health, such as access to health care, healthy and affordable food and safe places for physical activity,' Hacker added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A new genetic test may be able to predict obesity in early childhood Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
West Nile virus detected in Toronto
This photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a feeding female Anopheles stephensi mosquito crouching forward and downward on her forelegs on a human skin surface, in the process of obtaining its blood meal through its sharp, needle-like labrum, which it had inserted into its human host. (James Gathany/ CDC / via AP)
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
US measles cases hit highest level in more than 30 years, CDC data shows
The current number of measles cases in the U.S. is at its highest level in more than 30 years, according to new data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said 1,288 confirmed cases have been recorded as of Tuesday throughout 38 states. Texas leads the nation with more than 700 cases. Last year, the CDC reported only 285 measles cases. In 2019, there were 1,274 recorded, but this year's total so far is the most since 1992, when there were 2,126 cases. "There have been 27 outbreaks reported in 2025, and 88% of confirmed cases (1,130 of 1,288) are outbreak-associated," according to the CDC. "For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated." Midwestern State Reports First Measles Case Since 2011 Measles cases this year have led to three deaths across the U.S. -- and 92% of those who have contracted the virus are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Read On The Fox News App Of this year's cases, 13% have required hospitalization. Those under the age of five are the most likely to require additional medical care, the CDC said. "The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%), most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity)," it added. "However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023–2024 school year, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk during the 2023–2024 school year." The states with cases are Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Measles Cases Continue To Climb Ahead Of Summer Travel The CDC also said "Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning there is no measles spreading within the country and new cases are only found when someone contracts measles abroad and returns to the country." Health officials said measles symptoms begin to appear 7 to 14 days after contracting the virus and include a high fever, coughing and rashes. "Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age," the CDC said. "Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis." "Measles is very contagious," the CDC warns. "It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left."Original article source: US measles cases hit highest level in more than 30 years, CDC data shows Solve the daily Crossword
Health Line
11-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Is Hyperglycemia and How Do You Manage It?
Key takeaways Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can develop over time and may not be immediately noticeable, but it can lead to serious health issues if not addressed. It may be caused by not getting the right dosage of insulin, eating more carbs than usual, illness, and infection, among others. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, excessive urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and sores that won't heal. In severe cases, hyperglycemia may cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). Managing blood sugar levels through regular monitoring, managing diabetes, exercise, and a balanced diet are key to preventing and treating hyperglycemia. Several factors can contribute to hyperglycemia, including dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle. Chronic high blood sugar is a symptom of diabetes. Regular blood glucose testing is crucial for people with diabetes. This is because many people don't feel the effects of hyperglycemia. Symptoms of hyperglycemia According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), target blood glucose levels for people with diabetes are typically: between 80 and 130 mg/dL before you've eaten under 180 mg/dL 2 hours after the first bite of your meal Blood sugar levels that are higher than that may indicate unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes or a need to adjust your diabetes treatment. You may not feel the effects of hyperglycemia until levels are very high for an extended period of time. If you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia, it's important that you check your blood glucose levels and connect with a doctor. Hyperglycemia symptoms that may develop over several days or weeks include: The longer the condition is left untreated, the more severe it may become. Long-term effects of hyperglycemia include: eye disease kidney disease cardiovascular disease neuropathy, or nerve damage Medical emergencies Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) are two conditions caused by very high glucose levels. Contact a doctor straight away if you suspect you've developed DKA or HHS. DKA generally occurs in people with type 1 diabetes and is less common with type 2 diabetes. However, not everyone with these blood glucose levels will have DKA. In addition to the usual symptoms of hyperglycemia, a person with DKA may also have: ketonuria, or a higher-than-usual amount of ketones in their urine breath that smells fruity gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or pain dry skin confusion People with HHS typically have a blood glucose level over 600 mg/dL. In addition to excessive thirst and urination, symptoms may include: fever dehydration neurological symptoms, such as confusion or delirium Hyperglycemia causes A number of factors can contribute to hyperglycemia, including: not getting the right dosage of insulin or other glucose-lowering medication eating more carbohydrates than usual being less physically active than usual illness or infection high levels of stress physical trauma, such as an orthopedic injury If you have diabetes, you may also experience regular episodes of high blood sugar between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., before you have eaten anything. This is known as the Dawn phenomenon. You could also experience the Somogyi effect, which is where you take insulin before bed and wake up with high blood sugar. Treatment for hyperglycemia Several treatments are available for chronic high blood sugar. Monitor your glucose levels An important part of managing diabetes is checking your blood glucose levels often, such as before you eat, after you eat, or at bedtime. Then, record that number in a notebook, blood glucose log, or blood glucose tracking app so you and your doctor can monitor your treatment plan. Knowing when your blood glucose levels are getting out of your target range can help you get your blood glucose back on track before more significant complications arise. Get moving Exercise is one of the best and most effective ways to keep your blood glucose levels where they should be and lower them if they get too high. If you're on medications that increase insulin, talk with your doctor to determine the best times to exercise. If you have complications such as nerve or eye damage, ask your doctor which exercises might suit you best. The American Diabetes Association notes that if your blood glucose level is above 240 mg/dL, your doctor may want to check your urine for ketones. Exercising when ketones are in your body may cause your blood glucose level to rise even higher. While it's rare for those with type 2 diabetes to experience this, if you have high blood glucose and ketones, you should avoid exercise. Analyze your eating habits Work with a dietitian or nutritionist to construct a nutritious, interesting selection of meals that can help you manage your carbohydrate intake and prevent higher blood glucose levels. Diet plans you may want to explore include: the keto diet, which is low carb and high fat the Mediterranean diet the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet a vegetarian or vegan diet Evaluate your treatment plan Your doctor may reevaluate your diabetes treatment plan based on your personal health history and your experiences with hyperglycemia. They may change the amount, type, or timing of your medication. Don't adjust your medications without first talking with your doctor or diabetes educator. Preventing hyperglycemia A few lifestyle changes may help prevent hyperglycemia. Try the tips below: Test yourself regularly: Test and record your blood glucose levels on a regular basis each day. Share this information with your doctor at every appointment. Manage your carb intake: Know how many carbohydrates you're getting with each meal and snack. Strive to stay within the range approved by your doctor or dietitian. Keep this information with the records of your blood glucose levels. Be diabetes smart: Have an action plan for if and when your blood glucose reaches certain levels. Take your medication as prescribed, being consistent about the amount and timing of your meals and snacks. Have alcohol in moderation: Although hypoglycemia is a more likely outcome, drinking large amounts of alcohol can eventually lead to high blood glucose levels. If you're having alcohol, choose a drink that's low in carbs and sugar. Wear medical identification: Medical bracelets or necklaces can help alert emergency responders to your diabetes if there's a greater problem. When to contact a doctor Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of DKA or HHS, like: shortness of breath nausea or vomiting fever confusion dry mouth Contact a doctor if your blood glucose readings are consistently high, whether in a fasting state or after meals. Also, let your doctor know if their recommended lifestyle measures are not making a difference in your readings. Make an appointment if you notice new or worsening issues with your vision or skin or if you suspect you have nerve damage or other health issues that relate to high blood sugar. To prepare for your appointment: Bring a record of your blood sugar readings, including when your readings were taken and whether they were taken with or without food. Pay close attention to any instructions a medical professional gives you regarding blood work — you may need to fast. Bring a list of your current medications and supplements, as well as a list of questions to ask your doctor.
