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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Teddi Mellencamp reveals shattering experience with doctors who failed to see her stage 4 cancer spreading
Teddi Mellencamp has shared new details about her ordeal with stage four cancer, which her doctors initially failed to see spreading. She was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, and revealed in April of this year that the cancer had reached stage four and metastasized to her lungs and brain. In the intervening years, she had a total of 17 melanomas removed from her back, but in spite of the interventions, the doctors did not realize the extent to which her illness had advanced through to her internal organs. Once the brain and lung tumors were discovered, Teddi, 43, had to combat them with treatments as intense as surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. Now, in conversation with her former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Kyle Richards, Teddi has revealed why she never asked for the scans that could have helped the doctors detect the spread earlier. 'When you go to a doctor, you just assume that's it. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do,' she confessed in an interview with Kyle for Glamour. 'At first, I didn't even really do the research on melanoma because I didn't want to know all of the bad things. But there's a difference between self-diagnosing yourself and being an advocate for your own health,' she argued. 'I never really thought about it because I was like, I go to a doctor every three months. Why wouldn't they get me checked?' Teddi recalled. 'My highest melanoma on my shoulder was stage one. When I finally followed up on it, they were like, 'We didn't do the scans, because you didn't have anything above a stage one on your body.' But look what happened.' Her advice for others is 'that you've got to plan ahead of time. You don't need to wait until you're sick to do things like life insurance. Have those hard conversations with your family, because you never know when it's going to come.' She urged fans further to 'trust your gut instinct. There was a long time that I wasn't feeling well and didn't go to the doctor. I thought I had migraines, I thought I was going through menopause. I had self-diagnosed myself with 500 things.' Teddi then shared: 'And then one day, I couldn't stand up. It's really being an advocate for yourself and your health if you're not feeling good.' She revealed: 'Now, something I've really struggled with is that I thought I was going to get those good results and feel 100% like myself again. And I don't.' Teddi acknowledged that over the course of her illness she has 'had to come to terms with the new normal and know that it's okay if I forget a word, if I feel really tired. I'm still really proud of myself. It's okay to be disappointed that something can't happen, but still very proud that you're showing up for you.' Her latest post comes on the heels of the news that Teddi has broken up with her boyfriend Ricci Rea because she realized she does not currently have the energy to sustain a relationship alongside her health struggles. exclusively caught sight of her in a clinch with a new beau last month, and she then publicly confirmed she had a man in her life. Meanwhile her estranged husband Edwin Arroyave, with whom she shares three children, has proven to be a source of support to her as she fights her illness, but they have publicly clarified that they are still proceeding with their divorce. Last week, Teddi revealed that her latest romance had already fizzled by the time the public became aware of her new man's identity. She clarified that Ricci 'couldn't be a nicer guy,' but noted that her own health had gotten in the way of their budding relationship, on her Diamonds in the Rough podcast with her ex-Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Erika Jayne. The daughter of John Mellencamp explained that she 'had to call things off' once 'it started getting to the point where it's starting to get a little bit more serious. I was like: "I don't have the capacity for this right now."' Insisting that Ricci was 'a really nice guy, couldn't be a nicer guy,' she pointed out: 'I don't feel my best, so when I have downtime I want to rest.' She previously gushed over her new boyfriend after pushing back at trolls who have criticized her for dating while undergoing cancer treatment. During an appearance on iHeart Radio's Diamond in the Rough podcast on Friday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum spoke about the boundaries she has set while still undergoing treatment for her Stage 4 cancer. 'I've had to make it clear to people I've dated [that] this is where I am. This is what I've got,' she explained about her limitations of time and energy. 'If it's enough for you, great. If it's not enough, I won't be upset. I mean, yes, my feelings will probably be hurting, but this is all I got to give. And if that's enough, great.' The influencer, 43, shares three children, Slate, 12, Cruz, 10 and Dove, five, with her estranged husband Edwin Arroyave, 48. As for her current guy, with whom she has been seen, but has not publicly identified, she revealed, 'I haven't had to say any of those things, but he is really sweet and kind.' Referencing a recent date, she said, 'He came and picked us up this week from the [horse] show, and he could tell that I was down. He sat and watched, like, one million hours of horse show rounds. He's just a good guy, she said. 'I know I deserve it, and it's really nice,' Mellencamp added. However, if the new guy decides it's all too much for him, the social media star said she would understand. 'If for some reason you realize you need somebody that doesn't have three kids, 1 million activities to do, 87 podcasts, you want more time than I'm able to give? I understand,' she told her cohost Erika Jayne. Mellencamp said if that were the case she told him, 'I would not be mad at you for not even a second.' However, it seems her new friend is in for the long haul. 'He's like, 'I am willing to do anything to be able to spend time with you."' When it comes to her cancer battle, the influencer had some hopeful news and some disappointing news to share on her own Two Ts in a Pod podcast with her friend and co-host Tamara Judge. Following her most recent MRI, doctors found 'the tumors have not grown at all, if anything they're shrinking, I'm in the one-percent range of improvement.' The Certified Wellness coach has been undergoing immunotherapy to treat her cancer which she has revealed often leave her felling tired and run down, following a series of radiation treatments. Doctors removed four tumors from her brain in February, but others remained in her brain and lungs. In spite of the improvements, Mellencamp said the doctors told her that she still has stage 4 cancer.
Health Line
01-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How a Cardiologist Supports His Own Heart Health
Dr. Haider, a cardiologist and social media advocate for heart health, shares eight practical habits he personally follows to keep his heart strong. Dr. Haider, an interventional cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Queens and known online as @yourheartdoc, practices what he preaches. Between his medical career and family life, he takes a practical, realistic approach to heart health. Instead of aiming for perfection, he focuses on consistency, balance, and small daily habits. Here are 8 ways he supports his own heart, and how you can apply the same principles. Prioritize what matters most Dr. Haider's life is guided by a few key priorities: health, family, and purpose. Time is his most limited resource, and he has learned to be intentional about how he spends it. Carving out time for his top priorities takes planning, but it's nonnegotiable. ' Time management is everything. You have to be intentional about making time for family and movement. Otherwise, both get lost in the shuffle.' Tips for implementing Treat your health habits as essential appointments, not optional ones. Reflect weekly on how your time aligns with your priorities. Start with one or two small priorities instead of trying to do everything at once. Celebrate progress, not perfection. Remember that taking care of yourself helps you be there for those you love. Be consistent, not perfect Dr. Haider often reminds patients that they don't need to give up the things they love, even if those things aren't always the healthiest choices. His philosophy is about building a sustainable lifestyle rooted in consistency for exercise, sleep, and diet rather than striving for perfection every day. 'You don't have to give up the things you enjoy. But you should [balance] them [with] putting in the reps and staying consistent.' This approach is less about strict rules and more about embracing a balanced, forgiving mindset. By focusing on steady, manageable efforts in all areas of health, you create space to enjoy life's pleasures without guilt while still supporting your heart over the long term. Tips for implementing Allow yourself to enjoy the things you love without guilt or strict rules. Focus on building healthy habits (most of the time) to support overall wellness. See indulgences as a natural part of a balanced lifestyle, not as rewards you have to earn. Practice mindfulness by fully experiencing moments of enjoyment and noticing how they affect you. Remember that consistency in your healthy habits creates space for balance and joy. Focus on balance when it comes to nutrition Dr. Haider follows a balanced and flexible approach to eating. Most days he practices intermittent fasting, but not every day. This approach is supported by a 2024 systematic review, which found that various forms of fasting can reduce cardiovascular risk, especially when combined with regular exercise. However, recent research has raised concerns about potential risks. For instance, a 2024 study found an association between time-restricted eating (particularly eating within an 8-hour window) and increased risk of cardiovascular death. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of intermittent fasting. Dr. Haider reports that he also tries to limit sugar and processed foods but still occasionally enjoys richer meals like ribeye steaks or creamy pasta. He focuses on long-term consistency over strict rules. 'I manage my overall calorie intake weekly. Some days I eat more than others. It's about what's realistic for enjoyment, but also healthy. A Mediterranean-themed diet is the best place to start.' Tips for implementing Focus your meals on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, legumes, fish, and nuts. Limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible. Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, and occasional red meat in moderation. Use herbs and spices to flavor food instead of heavy sauces or excess salt. Enjoy richer foods (like creamy pasta or steaks) occasionally and mindfully. Think in terms of weekly balance rather than daily restriction. Find ways you enjoy moving your body Many face a challenge with consistency, especially due to chronic pain or a busy schedule. Dr. Haider encourages focusing on what you can do when it comes to physical exercise rather than what you can't. In fact, research suggests that even just 30 minutes of exercise a week can start to make a difference in your health, especially if you're not currently active. Dr. Haider enjoys strength training, cycling, and yoga, especially to manage chronic back pain. Even he admits that consistently making time for workouts is one of his biggest challenges, especially with a demanding work schedule and family commitments. 'I know what I want to do. I just have to prioritize the time to actually do it.' Tips for implementing Choose physical activities you genuinely enjoy. Break workouts into short, manageable sessions if time is tight. Modify activities to suit your body's needs and limitations. Include flexibility or yoga to help with mobility and reduce pain. Celebrate any activity, even if it's just a short walk or gentle stretch. Use daily movement (like walking) to fill in gaps on busy days. Manage stress through setting boundaries Dr. Haider has learned to mentally separate work from home life as a way to manage stress. It is not always possible, especially with a demanding job, but drawing clear boundaries helps him stay present and recharge outside of work. 'I try not to do work or think about work when I'm at home. It's not always easy, but it makes a difference.' Tips for implementing Set a clear end to your workday and stick to it. Create rituals to transition out of work mode, like a walk or changing clothes. Avoid checking emails or messages after work hours when possible. Be fully present during family or personal time. Practice saying no to tasks that can wait until the next day. Be kind to yourself on days when you can't fully disconnect. Take sleep seriously Dr. Haider used to believe he could function well with minimal sleep. Now, he sees sleep as one of the most important pillars of heart health. He aims for an average of seven hours per night over the week. If a night is cut short while he's on call, he tries to make up for it later in the week. 'The data is clear. Poor sleep hygiene is associated with negative cardiac outcomes.' Tips for implementing Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Track your sleep weekly and catch up if needed. Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Focus on consistent sleep habits over time rather than perfect nights every night. Limit screens before bed and keep your room cool and dark. Avoid caffeine or heavy meals late in the evening. Use restful moments throughout the day to recharge if possible. Build small, consistent habits Rather than relying on trendy supplements or complicated devices, Dr. Haider focuses on simple, manageable ways to monitor his heart health. He pays attention to key markers like cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight through regular check-ups, and uses his phone to track his daily steps. He recommends a goal of at least 7,000 steps a day. You don't have to track everything all at once. Instead, start with one or two easy habits and build from there. 'There are no proven supplements for heart health. The basics are what matter most.' Tips for implementing Use your smartphone's step tracker to stay aware of daily activity. Aim for at least 7,000 steps a day (more than 10,000 is even better). Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight regularly. Stay consistent with small daily habits rather than chasing trends. Choose tools that are simple and sustainable. Try to be proactive As we move through different stages of life, our health needs and priorities naturally change. Dr. Haider encourages regularly checking in with yourself to understand what's working and being open to adjusting habits as your body and circumstances evolve. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, try to take proactive, manageable steps that support your well-being over the long term. 'When we're young, we often feel invincible,' Dr. Haider reflects. 'But now, seeing patients my age has helped me appreciate how the everyday decisions we make really add up over time.' Tips for implementing Regularly assess your habits and routines to see what's working and what isn't. Adjust your lifestyle choices as your health, age, or schedule changes. Use personal experiences or feedback from your body to guide improvements. Don't wait for a health scare to start paying attention to habits. Teach your children healthy behaviors by modeling them yourself. Focus on small decisions, like limiting sugar at meals or going for a walk, that add up over time. Takeaway Dr. Haider's approach to heart health is grounded, realistic, and rooted in experience. He doesn't chase perfect days or fad advice. Instead, he focuses on consistent choices that make a long-term difference. No matter where you are in your health journey, the key takeaway is this: sustainable habits that you can stick with day after day are often more practical and lasting than quick fixes. While rapid changes can lead to meaningful improvements for some people, they're often harder to maintain over time.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Common bathroom habit followed by 150million Americans is secretly causing epidemic of infections
When nature calls, you should always answer it - unless, that is, you happen to be in the shower. Emptying your bladder in the shower may seem like no big deal - but women relieving themselves standing up could actually be causing long-term harm. Nurse Kingsley, who works at a Kentucky-based breast health clinic, recently took to social media to warn her followers to not pee standing in the shower. The women's health advocate noted that the practice could lead to bladder leakage -a common condition where the bladder loses control and causes urine to leak out of the body. Over time, this can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and pave the way for other complications such a kidney infections, sepsis and permanent kidney damage. Kingsley said: 'Hot take but don't pee standing up in the shower or anywhere for that matter. 'Ladies you are training your bladder that it's okay to empty while standing. Don't do it! This could cause bladder leakage.' And the warning comes weeks after a Talker Research survey found that about 45 percent of Americans pee in the shower on a regular basis. The team discovered that out of the 2,000 Americans surveyed, 20 percent of women and 30 percent of men indulged in the practice without any worry. For decades, men have been able to comfortably pee standing up due to the support provided to them by their prostate gland - the male reproductive organ which is responsible for urine flow. However, women do not have an equivalent organ that can provide support to their kidneys and urinary tract as they stand to pee. This lack of support can put the bladder under extra strain and make it harder for the bladder to fully empty. Additionally, the structure and strength of the pelvic floor muscles also varies between the genders. Pelvic floor muscles work with the bladder to store and release urine. To empty your bladder comfortably and allow urine to flow freely, it is necessary for women to allow the pelvic and bladder muscles to completely relax - which can only be achieved while sitting down. Even peeing in the shower with one leg up on the wall may also not be safe for your kidney and bladder health. Similarly to standing, the pelvic muscles are unable to completely relax in this position and leave the bladder half full with urine. Standing and 'hovering' over the drain can also keep these muscles slightly constricted, making it hard to fully empty the bladder. Over time, stagnant urine in the bladder may lead to the development of dangerous bacteria and potentially cause infection. This infection can cause bladder leakage and a constant stream of urine to flow from the body - which can become a breeding ground for more bacteria to grow in the urinary tract. Eventually, this can cause complicated urinary tract infections. If left untreated, the bacteria can also travel up from the urinary tract to the kidneys, resulting in a kidney infection. This can contribute to permanent kidney damage, including scarring, and may increase the risk of high blood pressure and anemia. Furthermore, exposure to urine - such as that flowing down your leg in the shower - can irritate the skin, leading to redness, rashes and even infections, especially in areas like the buttocks, genitals, and perineum. However, despite serious dangers, Americans continue to pee in their shower and experts say it is due to their need to multitask. Clint Kreider, licensed marriage and family therapist with Still Water Wellness Group explained to Talker Research: 'Peeing in the shower often reflects our modern obsession with multitasking - even in moments meant for relaxation. 'For some, it's a cheeky rebellion against societal "rules", for others, it's sheer efficiency. Why wait when you're already there? 'Habits formed in private spaces often mirror how we handle stress. If shower-peeing becomes a compulsive need to 'optimize' every second, it might signal deeper anxiety about time scarcity. 'Ladies, pelvic floor therapists rightly warn that hovering or 'pushing' mid-shower could tense muscles unnecessarily. Think of it as a metaphor: Forcing anything (even pee) under pressure rarely ends well.' And while it's largely the norm for men to urinate standing up, it could also prove dangerous for those who have a history of urine flow issues or have an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate can cause frequent urination, especially at night, a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting to urinate, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary incontinence. This can also pave the way for a breeding ground of harmful bacteria and cause similar infections in men as in women.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Ex EastEnders star shows off ‘loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after health battle
AN ex EastEnders star has shown off her 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after her health battle. Former EastEnders star turned body confidence advocate Melissa Suffield took to social media to share an update with her 153,000 followers. 6 6 6 6 Sitting in a pink bikini, Melissa shared various unedited pictures, and revealed her 'stretch marks' and 'bloating' among other things. She captioned the candid post: 'Want a bikini body this summer? Just put a bikini on- there you have it! A perfect bikini body, full of beautiful imperfections. 'Because imperfections are gorgeous, unique, and interesting- just like YOU. That body you're always trying to hide? Way more normal than you think. That woman over there probably feels the same way about hers. In fact she's probably too busy worrying about her own to even glance your way. 'Get that bikini, put it on, slam your body down and wind it all around- and truly, a zig a zig ah.' Melissa was praised by fans for being so honest and body confident, as one person wrote:' Yay to celebrating the bikini body... Great post.' And a second added: ' Fantastic how you show up as you are! X' She shared a photo of her bikini top and wrote over it 'empty post baby tatas,' as well as sharing a photo of her 'belly overhang' while sitting upright. Other images included the star revealing her 'thighs that tough,' and 'silver stretch marks.' Melissa, 31, was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) after experiencing "horrible nausea" on December 16 2023, with her having felt nauseous "ever since". Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition After around 40 appointments with her GP and spending more than five figures on tests and other medical costs, Melissa has a diagnosis of SIBO, B12 deficiency, and is still yet to work out the root cause of it all. Melissa experiences nausea, reflux, constipation, and other symptoms like her hair falling out and suffering from dry skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition occurs "when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract." Symptoms are listed as a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and malnutrition. The former soap star who played Lucy Beale from 2004 until 2010 has opened up about how SIBO impacts her and how she is now less healthy than she was a year ago, despite being slimmer now, with her keen to raise awareness of the chronic illness. Melissa told us in our exclusive chat that her health condition is "very frustrating", but noted a silver lining of sorts. "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year," Melissa began, adding: "But absolutely none of that has been through choice. None of it. Like I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans." She added: "But there's no joy," noting: "I don't enjoy the fact that that's happened at all in the way that you know, that's like a goal for a lot of people. "A) It was never a goal for me. But B) this is the complete antithesis of whatever I've ever wanted with my body. "So that's been tricky for sure. And then also, just on top of that, like my skin and my hair has been like affected. "Now I'm dealing with feelings of, you know, not enjoying the way that I look, which is frustrating because I've done such a lot of work to get me to a place where." Revealing the silver lining of sorts, Melissa revealed that her weight loss proves that being slim does not equate to being healthy. 6 6
