Latest news with #JohnHopkinsMedicine
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Corn is part of this Mexican Canadian chef's 'roots.' Here's how she cooks the 'versatile' summer produce in both sweet and savoury meals
For restaurateur and chef Elia Herrera — who's had star turns on both the Canadian and Mexican versions of the reality TV series Top Chef — it wasn't Sunday dinner at her grandmother's if rajas poblanas wasn't cooking. 'It's very easy to make and also it is very comforting and delicious,' she tells Yahoo Canada of the dish featuring sliced poblano peppers simmered in a cheese sauce. Herrera's grandmother's version also had fresh corn and chicken folded in. 'We add the cream to simmer and absorb all these smoky flavours — and some sweetness from the corn,' she recalls of the dish. '[It's] so super delicious, and we eat it as a taco. We put it family style on the table, and then we have the tortillas already on the side ... it's so yummy. 'I always try to put it on the menu [of any restaurant I run]. It's just because my inspiration has always been my grandmother, and that's one of the dishes that brings me back to my childhood.' This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Herrera explains how 'corn is part of our basic diet" for people growing up in Mexico. She notes how the humble vegetable is, for her, a cultural staple that she's seen frequently transformed into tortillas, a sweet cake that's somewhere between cornbread and biscuits and, occasionally, even into ice cream. 'I grew up with it. It's in my roots,' Herrera says. 'And the flavour, of course, is very versatile, because it can be sweet, it can be savoury.' She adds that the vegetable can even be used to make a range of other recipes, including a version of horchata, a drink popular in Mexico that's typically made from ground rice, milk and cinnamon. Wait — is corn actually healthy and affordable? While dieters might be nervous to stack their plate with too much corn, John Hopkins Medicine shares that a medium ear of corn is a low-fat, low-calorie, naturally gluten-free food (minus, of course, any add-ons like butter). Rich in vitamins and antioxidants as well as a source of fibre and some protein, it also mentions that corn should be viewed as a carbohydrate by anyone with diabetes. However, it's certainly a far cry from being classified as unhealthy. Herrera adds that she's found that balancing corn with a healthy fat, like avocados, olive oil or fatty fish, can be helpful for those seeking a balanced plate. Serving corn with beans also makes for a balanced — and delicious — combination of nutrients. When it comes to price tags, ears of corn can often go for as little as 30 to 50 cents during peak season, depending on the grocery store. Paired with the vegetable's adaptability, it can be a huge win for anyone trying to stretch their food budget this summer (which is probably most of us?). What can I pair with corn? According to Herrera, short ribs and barbecue brisket are some options that go well with corn. But she also adds that corn's flexibility and adaptability don't stop when it comes to how the vegetable is prepared. It's also right at home next to other rich, saucy meat dishes, Mexican-inspired meals and warm-weather classics like pasta salad and burgers. Even if you're not about to pick up where Herrera's recipe list trails off, there's certainly more to the summer produce stalwart than boiling it and bathing it in butter (for what it's worth, Herrera is quick to mention that boiled-and-buttered corn is a classic in its own right). Still, read on for Herrera's guide to making the most of the season's bounty — AKA that pile of unhusked cobs rolling around inside your fridge. What's an easy way to cook corn? When you're ready to move beyond boiling husked corn in water for several minutes (adding a teaspoon of white sugar was my grandmother's secret to making them extra-succulent), Herrera suggests going for a Mexican street food vibe with esquites. It's a dish traditionally served at outdoor markets and by street vendors in plastic cups, featuring a mix of cooked corn, mayonnaise, cheese and lime juice, oftentimes topped with chili powder and cilantro. Recipe: Elia Herrera's Esquites Carefully remove corn from its cob: Try standing it upright, holding it at the tip in a shallow bowl, then slicing off vertical swaths with a sharp knife and letting individual pieces rain into the bowl. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Melt roughly two tablespoons of butter in the warmed pan. Add the corn kernels and sauté until cooked through, adding a few tablespoons of water if needed. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn with a dollop of mayonnaise, lime juice and, if desired, a pinch of chili powder. Crumble in some hard, salty cheese (cotija is traditional, but hard feta will work in a pinch) and, if desired, a couple of tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Give it a final quick mix to combine and serve. Another riff on these flavours? Herrera suggests reaching for some Ontario corn: 'I love it, it is super sweet. I basically just grill it a little bit and then do the same thing: Spread some mayonnaise, and then put some cotija cheese — very, very finely grated — [and] some lime and chili powder.' No matter if you try that concoction or keep it minimalist with butter, this economical and delicious vegetable is ready to be your summer cooking MVP. 'Even just grilled corn with butter and salt: That's super yummy,' adds Herrera. 'Corn is amazing.'
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Experts warn over risk with commonly used supplement
A woman was one step away from going into liver failure after taking a popular supplement. Katie Mohan, 57, started taking 2250mg turmeric supplements after seeing the product spruiked on Instagram as a way to resolve inflammation and joint pain. Turmeric supplements have been used to treat things such as arthritis, joint disorders, allergies, infections and colitis, according to John Hopkins Medicine. With all medications and supplements, there are risks. Weeks after she began taking the pills, she started to notice she was experiencing nausea, fatigue and stomach pain. Her urine had also become a lot darker. It wasn't until the New Jersey woman saw an NBC news report on the growing connection between liver issues and herbal supplements that a light bulb went off for her. The World Health Organisation recommends 0–3 mg per kilogram. For Ms Mohan, that would have been roughly 200mg. Ms Mohan ended up in urgent car where her blood work indicated her liver enzymes were 60 times the normal limit, NBC News reported. Doctors said she was one step away from liver failure and needing a transplant. The Therapeutic Goods Association revealed there had been 18 reports of liver problems experienced by people taking products that featured Curcuma longa (turmeric) or curcumin up until June 29 2023. Nine of these reports had enough information to suggest that the liver injury may have been caused by the curcuma longa or curcumin. Four of these reports had no other ingredients that could have caused issues. The other five cases had other ingredients that may have contributed. There were also several Australian and international case reports about liver injury issues in other countries. Evidence available at the time showed there was a rare risk of liver injury from taking Curcuma longa (turmeric) and/or curcumin in medicinal dosage forms. Risks may be higher for products with enhanced absorption or higher doses. Those with previous liver issues may be more likely to have a reaction. At the time, there were more than 600 medicines listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods containing the product — many of which can be purchased without a prescription from supermarkets, pharmacies and health food shops.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dad, 41, Diagnosed with Alzheimer's: 'You Feel Guilty That You're Doing That to the Kids'
Fraser, a 41-year-old dad, opened up about his experience with early-onset Alzheimer's after being diagnosed with the disease in 2024 On a YouTube channel, he tracks the symptoms that he experiences and how the illness is impacting his family 'You feel guilty that you're doing that to the kids,' he admitted, 'even though it's not your fault'A father with early-onset Alzheimer's disease is sharing how his symptoms began manifesting before his diagnosis — and when his family noticed something was wrong. Fraser, a researcher from Australia, shares an honest look at his journey on his YouTube channel — I (don't) have dementia. The symptoms, he explained, began nearly two and a half years before his diagnosis in 2024. 'I remember I was having some pretty big memory flaws,' Fraser, 41, said in a video, sharing that one incident came when he sat down to watch a movie with his partner, who told him, ''We watched that, like, a month ago.' " He continued, recalling, "Anyway I watched the whole movie and the ending was still a complete surprise — I had no memory of watching it, whatsoever.' Another time, the dad to teenage girls shared that one daughter told him she was going to the movies with friends and would be out late. 'It came to nighttime and I started freaking out thinking, 'Where's my daughter?' Like, I was genuinely freaking out,' Fraser said. Obviously, his kids noticed; he explained in another video: 'I asked my kids, just sort of casually, and they said, like, 'Everyone has memory issues that they have, they forget stuff in everyday life … we just noticed that you were just doing them more often, more frequently.' ' He shared that these days, he writes everything down in a diary as he struggles through 'every day scheduling,' explaining that if plans change, he can recall the original plan but not the revision. Alzheimer's, the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia, is generally diagnosed in older adults, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Treatment can help slow the progression of the disease, but it's not known why some people, like Fraser, develop it early. The ebb and flow of the symptoms, Fraser said in a recent video, can make you 'certain you have it and certain you do not have it.' 'It will change your identity,' he admitted, confessing that he can be 'selfish' and 'not follow through with [his] word.' Fraser shared that when he's in later stages, 'I can largely be off with the fairies, thinking I'm hanging out with my kid friend in primary school.' He said he'd rather his loved ones 'just [go] along with it as opposed to trying to correct me all the time.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. But the hardest part, he added, is knowing how it's impacting his children. 'They're already having to make accommodations,' Fraser said in a video while on a retreat with other people who've been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. 'Being the parent, who's the one who's supposed to be supportive and the one who's supposed to be there for the kids … that whole issue of that sort of feeling like it's flipping a little bit.' 'You feel guilty that you're doing that to the kids,' he said, 'even though it's not your fault.' Read the original article on People
Business Journals
13-06-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
HR leaders: How Cigna Healthcare's solutions prioritize employee mental health
Today's health care system is fragmented and complex, causing waste, frustration, delayed care, and increased costs. What's more, data paints the picture of the mental health crisis in our country. For one, the sheer size of the population in need stands at 25% of adults. [1] It's no wonder there's a long wait time to see a therapist. [2] Then consider that over half (55%) of those suffering do not get care, and the problems can really mount. [3 Cigna Healthcare® leverages our extensive data and predictive models to identify and engage at-risk customers. Unlike many competitors, this approach helps us reach many of the 55% of people with mental health conditions who don't seek care. Mental and physical health are connected Cigna Healthcare's value of integration study proves the impact of integrating medical, pharmacy, and behavioral health on individuals care and total medical costs. [4] Real savings $193 per member per year (PMPY) total medical cost savings across the Cigna Healthcare book of business $9,207 PMPY total medical cost savings when engaged in a health improvement opportunity Real engagement 37% more health risk assessments 14% more personalized outreaches 60% more sessions Real opportunity Savings are even greater for those with diagnosed conditions and engaged in a health improvement opportunity [5] Diabetes - $851 PMPY Obesity - $10,414 PMPY Bone and joint problems - $10,418 PMPY Depression - $7,366 PMPY Health care that's better by design Mental health solutions are imperative for overall health and well-being. Cigna Healthcare is here to help with solutions that make it easier for you and your employees to get better care, faster. Find a match: Customers can search online or talk to one of our personal care navigators who will help find a therapist or counselor that meets their preferences. Get an appointment fast: We help customers get an appointment — often in as little as two days. Personal support: We follow up on 100% of customer interactions. Available 24/7: Customers have unlimited real-time access to licensed clinicians for in-the-moment sessions. Discover how Cigna Healthcare supports you and your employees in life's ordinary and extraordinary health moments through predictive, personalized, and connected experiences. Sources: [1] John Hopkins Medicine. 'Mental Health Disorder Statistics.' January 24, 2022. [2] Average wait time to see a therapist is 6 weeks. Nietzel, Michael T. Almost Half of Americans Don't Seek Professional Help For Mental Disorders, Forbes. May 24, 2021. [3] Reinert, M, Fritze, D. & Nguyen, T. 'The State of Mental Health in America 2023' Mental Health America, Alexandria VA. Oct. 2022. [4] Cigna Healthcare 2024 National Book of Business study of 2023 claims of medical customers who have Cigna Healthcare integrated medical, pharmacy and Cigna Total Behavioral Health® benefits. Average annual per member per year (PMPY) – Individual client/customer results will vary and are not guaranteed. Cigna Healthcare used a match case-control methodology developed at Harvard University to produce supplementary statistics on different subsets of customers (those with certain comorbidities, who engaged in health improvement activities, etc.) A control group isolates the difference in medical cost. The sample size and methodology are consistent with previous years' analyses, and do not reflect any selection biases or partialities. [5] Engagement in a health improvement opportunity includes coaching or case management while also taking action, such as closing a gap in care or receiving additional support.
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Around 1 in 10 women will develop ovarian cysts. Are they something to worry about?
Around 1 in 10 women will develop ovarian cysts. Are they something to worry about? Show Caption Hide Caption Hailey Bieber reveals she has two ovarian cysts Hailey Bieber is once again shedding light on her reproductive health. In an Instagram Story, the 28-year-old model and beauty entrepreneur revealed she's currently dealing with two ovarian cysts. unbranded - Entertainment Around one in 10 women will develop ovarian cysts at some point during their lives, and while the prospect of a cyst growing on your ovaries could set off alarm bells, they aren't something you need be super worried about, for the most part. There are a number of reasons why ovarian cysts could form, although they're usually related to your menstrual cycle. While most ovarian cysts are completely harmless, there is a small chance that complications could arise if larger cysts are left untreated. Here's everything experts need you to know about ovarian cysts, and the symptoms that should tip you off to see a doctor. What are ovarian cysts? Ovarian cysts are small, typically fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. 'Over 50% of cysts are benign, regardless of someone's age, (or) whether they're premenopausal or postmenopausal,' says Dr. Rebecca Stone, a gynecologic oncologist at John Hopkins Medicine and an associate professor in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 'The majority of them also resolve on their own, especially if they're smaller than 5 centimeters,' she says. Functional cysts (including follicular and corpus luteum cysts) are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They form around the time of ovulation, are almost always benign and usually resolve spontaneously, says Stone. Complex cysts are ovarian cysts that aren't related to your menstrual cycle. Most complex cysts aren't a cause for concern, though it's possible they could point to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), according to Cleveland Clinic. Here are a few types to know: Cystadenomas . These benign tumors could arise due to a cellular change on the surface of the ovary, Stone says. They contain a mix of fluid, mucus and ovarian tissue, per Healthline. Unlike functional cysts, cystadenomas are less likely to resolve on their own, and may require surgical removal if they become bothersome. . These benign tumors could arise due to a cellular change on the surface of the ovary, Stone says. They contain a mix of fluid, mucus and ovarian tissue, per Healthline. Unlike functional cysts, cystadenomas are less likely to resolve on their own, and may require surgical removal if they become bothersome. Endometriomas . Typically associated with endometriosis, endometriomas form when the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows on the ovary's surface. Endometriomas are a particularly problematic kind of ovarian cyst, Stone explains, because during menstruation, as the endometrium sheds, the cysts continue to enlarge. They don't usually go away by themselves, and may need to be removed if they are causing pain. . Typically associated with endometriosis, endometriomas form when the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows on the ovary's surface. Endometriomas are a particularly problematic kind of ovarian cyst, Stone explains, because during menstruation, as the endometrium sheds, the cysts continue to enlarge. They don't usually go away by themselves, and may need to be removed if they are causing pain. Dermoid cysts (mature cystic teratomas). Dermoid cysts could technically appear anywhere in the body, though they're commonly found on the surface of ovaries, says Stone. It's a fluid-filled sac that's made of tissues from your skin, teeth, hair and other body parts, per Cleveland Clinic. Though they are generally benign, in rare cases they could become cancerous. Dermoid cysts are more likely to develop in younger women, and typically don't revolve spontaneously. Periods don't have to be painful. Here's how to find relief from menstrual cramps. What are the signs of an ovarian cyst? Most ovarian cysts aren't a cause for concern, and when they're small, there are usually no symptoms present. You probably won't even realize you have one. An ovarian cyst could grow to be quite large before someone actually develops symptoms, says Stone. If it's large enough, you could notice a change to your waistline, feel a firmness on either side of your abdomen, experience bloating and decreased appetite, or have an increased urge to go to the bathroom (which could indicate the cyst is putting pressure on your bladder), she says. When symptoms become more severe, you could experience back pain, pelvic pain, painful periods and pain during sex, according to Cleveland Clinic. An ovarian cyst could be identified through a pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy, pregnancy test or tumor marker test (if ovarian cancer is suspected), per Mayo Clinic. In case you missed: Florence Pugh froze her eggs after diagnosis that 'completely' changed her life When are ovarian cysts a cause for concern? It's possible that certain ovarian cysts might require intervention, especially if they are large in size, though generally speaking, complications are rare, says Dr. Joanna Forbes, an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. If left untreated, here are a few potential complications. Ovarian torsion . When an ovarian cyst grows to be larger than 5 centimeters, there is an elevated risk of experiencing an ovarian torsion, which occurs when the ovary twists on itself, says Forbes. An ovarian torsion is often found incidentally when someone is experiencing sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and sometimes fever, says Stone. It's considered a surgical emergency, and quick intervention is critical. 'If that happens, then the ovary can die, and it can be very painful,' Forbes says. . When an ovarian cyst grows to be larger than 5 centimeters, there is an elevated risk of experiencing an ovarian torsion, which occurs when the ovary twists on itself, says Forbes. An ovarian torsion is often found incidentally when someone is experiencing sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and sometimes fever, says Stone. It's considered a surgical emergency, and quick intervention is critical. 'If that happens, then the ovary can die, and it can be very painful,' Forbes says. Ovarian rupture . An ovarian rupture is another complication of ovarian cysts. If the ovarian rupture is mild, you might not have any symptoms. When an ovarian rupture is severe, you could experience symptoms similar to an ovarian torsion (such as acute abdominal pain and vomiting), and it could be potentially life-threatening, says Forbes. A rupture of a dermoid cyst leaks an irritating fluid that could cause scar tissue, inflammation, a bowel blockage, infection or bleeding, says Stone. If bleeding persists, it could reduce blood flow to your organs, and in rare cases be fatal, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. . An ovarian rupture is another complication of ovarian cysts. If the ovarian rupture is mild, you might not have any symptoms. When an ovarian rupture is severe, you could experience symptoms similar to an ovarian torsion (such as acute abdominal pain and vomiting), and it could be potentially life-threatening, says Forbes. A rupture of a dermoid cyst leaks an irritating fluid that could cause scar tissue, inflammation, a bowel blockage, infection or bleeding, says Stone. If bleeding persists, it could reduce blood flow to your organs, and in rare cases be fatal, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cancer. In postmenopausal women, endometriomas are associated with a higher risk of underlying cancer, Stone says. The bottom line? The vast majority of ovarian cysts aren't anything to worry about, but if you're experiencing symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor. If they confirm your symptoms are being caused by ovarian cysts, they can offer individualized treatment options.
