Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.

This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan's history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.

The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.

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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.

Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.

Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.

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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.

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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.

The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.

Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.

Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.

Fox News Digital's Khloe Quill contributed to this report.

A simple lifestyle adjustment could potentially slow down the body's biological aging process, according to new research.

The study, published in the journal Aging, investigated how a diet change and easy exercise regimen affected men between the ages of 50 and 74 over a three-month period.

Researchers designed a clinical trial involving 48 overweight men in Japan. Over a 12-week period, half of the participants followed a strictly structured wellness routine, while the other half maintained their usual habits.

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For the intervention group, the routine required consuming 100 grams of plain yogurt every day.

This group also received individualized dietary counseling that advised them to curb overeating, avoid excessive snacking and cut out sugary drinks.

They were also instructed to walk or use a stepper machine for roughly 30 minutes a day, at least three days each week.

To measure the impact of these changes, the scientists collected blood samples from all participants before and after the study, and also analyzed DNA for chemical changes that act as indicators of cellular age.

Specifically, they used a measurement tool called DunedinPACE. Rather than assessing a person's chronological age in years, this tool calculates the precise rate at which an individual’s body is currently aging.

The men who consumed the probiotic yogurt, adjusted their diets and exercised showed a statistically significant reduction in their pace of aging compared to the control group, the researchers said.

On average, the speed of their biological aging slowed by approximately 2.2%. This reduction is roughly comparable to the slowing of biological aging observed in a previous two-year U.S. study, in which participants reduced their daily calorie intake by 25%.

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This reduction in aging speed happened independently of weight loss , meaning it did not directly correlate with changes in the participants' body mass index or the exact number of exercise sessions they logged.

The researchers also recorded a noticeable improvement in a specific DNA marker that is linked to kidney function.

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Because this study combined three distinct factors — probiotics, diet and exercise — the authors concluded that the anti-aging benefits cannot be attributed to any single component. Instead, the slowed aging rate appears to be the result of a combined effect.

The researchers also acknowledged clear limitations of the study, including its small sample size and short duration. Also, the participant pool was restricted to overweight men of a single nationality.

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More research is needed to determine whether these short-term biological shifts can translate into permanent, long-term health benefits, the study stated.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation's capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.

"I'm a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly," he said. "They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They're not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics."

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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.

Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.

"We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they'll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they're] going to make you healthy enough that you don't have to consume health services," Oz said.

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"We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision."

Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.

"There are a lot of overweight people who don't have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don't get access to the drug normally," he said. "We want them to have the ability to use it as well."

Although these access shifts could boost Americans' overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is "no silver bullet" when it comes to these medications.

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"I love the fact that the innovation that's coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better," he said. "But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future."

"These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don't need a doctor to be emphasizing."

While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices "makes a lot of sense," Oz said.

"I don't want people being fat-shamed ... I don't want you feeling guilty that you're gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out," he said. "It's not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives."

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"But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It's the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA."

Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27.

In a post on Substack titled "The Day I’ll Never Remember," she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president.

"I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president," she wrote.

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The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all.

"I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended," she said.

John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account.

After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. "I could tell something was off," he wrote. "It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there."

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At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke.

An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but "Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent," Molner wrote.

"She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’"

Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic.

It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours.

"[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience," Molner said.

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Couric said she finally began feeling "like herself" again around 9 p.m. and went to sleep at 2 a.m.

As TGA leaves a "permanent gap in memory" for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a "big, black hole."

Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk.

The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a "temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories," Couric shared.

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"Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels."

Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say.

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Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later.

"Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself," Couric wrote.

"All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’"

"While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me."

Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise.

Older adults identified as "super movers" are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers.

That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years.

Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger.

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The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed.

The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16.

"The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected," lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. "This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience."

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The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers.

In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated.

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"This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes," he said. "Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging."

As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted.

"Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes," Verghese said.

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This study adds to growing evidence that what's good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that "staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging."

"The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age," Verghese said. "Walking is an easy step-up point because you don't need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend."

Any activity is beneficial if it's done regularly and with the right intensity, he added.

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Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health.

"Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment," Verghese noted.

Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking.

This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day.

"You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions," Verghese advised. "So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise." The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace.

"And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important."

Medicare fraud is a multibillion-dollar problem that government officials say threatens both taxpayer dollars and Americans’ personal identities.

In a July 6 interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that every dollar stolen through Medicare fraud is a dollar taxpayers lose – a problem that has worsened since the COVID pandemic.

"If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I'd go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it," said Oz, who is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "And just to put this in perspective, we think it's about $100 billion a year."

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Medicare fraud can include billing for services that were never provided, overcharging for medical equipment, using stolen patient or doctor information, or performing unnecessary procedures, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

As the Trump administration ramped up efforts to combat fraud, CMS reported $41.9 billion in Medicare program integrity savings in 2025, up 59% from $26.3 billion in 2024.

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Medicare fraud not only harms the federal budget and steals from taxpayers, but exposes seniors to identity theft, unnecessary care, higher premiums and reduced access, Oz cautioned.

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Removing corruption from the healthcare system will have the greatest impact among seniors, since "so much of the fraud is perpetrated against them," the administrator said.

"I'm talking about people tricking seniors to give up their Medicare beneficiary numbers, which is like a credit card basically," he said. "These scammers can take those numbers and use them for all kinds of illegitimate purposes."

"People are stealing from you by pretending to send you drugs you don't want, wheelchairs you don't need, [and] services you never asked for or don't benefit from," Oz added.

To prevent this, he shared his top advice for seniors: Do not give your Medicare beneficiary number to anybody, do not answer questions on a phone call from an unknown person and do not give away personal information.

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"These scammers are calling seniors, tricking them, and once they have key information, they can steal it," he said. "And I won't know it and you won't know it."

"We want to protect people who need these programs the most," Oz went on. "You do that by making sure scoundrels don't corrupt the systems and steal money out of the till that is designed to help folks in dire straits when they're vulnerable and in need of services."

Removing fraud could "double the life expectancy of the trust fund that makes all this possible," Oz predicted.

"If you're worried about Medicare being there when you're ready to retire in a couple decades, depending on how old you are, and you're concerned that it might not last because of all the fraud that's hitting it ... you've got a good [reason to] worry," he said.

"If we take the fraud out, we could double the life expectancy, which means you, your kids, your kids' kids ... they could all benefit from this beautiful safety net program."

Amid warnings of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups.

New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan's Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms.

As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported.

NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL PARK AREA

Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city's drinking water.

"Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. "New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin."

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC.

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That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems.

When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.

Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children's Hospital on Long Island, New York.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure.

"Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain," Handel previously told Fox News Digital.

The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:

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Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.

A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.

The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.

Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.

"Treatment needs to be early and aggressive," Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. "Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment."

Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin. 

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"Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease," Goodyear said.

Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease. 

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The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.

To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to "aggressively support" chronic pulmonary disease.

"Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age."

Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added.

Creatine, the common muscle-building supplement, may help improve depression symptoms, new research suggests.

A systematic review, published in Genomic Press’ Brain Medicine, found that creatine monohydrate may be beneficial as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, although the evidence remains preliminary.

The Canada-based researchers analyzed data from five randomized controlled trials, evaluating the impact of creatine monohydrate intake on mental health.

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Four of the trials studied major depressive disorder, and another looked at bipolar disorder with a current depressive episode.

In one trial of women with depression who took 5 grams of creatine per day, plus the antidepressant escitalopram, there was greater improvement after eight weeks. Another study revealed benefit when creatine was added to cognitive behavioral therapy.

Other studies involving teen girls found no benefit from a variety of creatine dosages after eight weeks. The bipolar depression study also found no significant improvements when 6 grams of creatine was added to medication after six weeks.

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In a press release, the researchers said previous studies have found that people with mood disorders process creatine differently in the brain. Because creatine helps produce energy, some scientists believe disruptions in this process may contribute to depression.

Although creatine has also been associated with boosting dopamine and serotonin, which most antidepressants target, the authors stressed that the link between brain creatine and mood "remains correlational," as depression has "many moving parts."

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Lead study author Bassam Jeryous Fares, a student in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, commented in a statement that the signal is "interesting, but not a verdict."

"Two trials pointed one way and three pointed another," he said. "That is not the kind of evidence on which you change clinical practice. It is the kind that tells you the question is worth further exploration."

Nicholas Fabiano, corresponding author and a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, added in the same press release that creatine "appears to be a safe intervention," noting that side effects were limited to mild stomach pain.

"We cannot yet reliably say that creatine helps with depressive symptoms or if the findings are generalizable to everyone," he added as a caveat.

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Dr. Thea Gallagher, psychologist and director of wellness programs at NYU Langone, said that although creatine is best known for supporting muscle performance, it also helps the brain produce and use energy.

"Researchers believe that some people with depression may have alterations in brain energy metabolism, and creatine could help support these energy-producing pathways," Gallagher, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "There is also emerging evidence that it may influence neurotransmitters and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, although these mechanisms are still being investigated."

The research suggests that creatine may be most helpful when combined with established depression treatments rather than as a replacement, Gallagher emphasized.

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"This research is encouraging because it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that supporting brain energy metabolism may be another pathway for improving depression symptoms," she said.

"It's exciting whenever we identify another potential tool that could complement existing treatments, particularly one that is relatively inexpensive and widely available."

The new study is a review of prior research rather than a new clinical trial, which can pose a limitation, the researchers acknowledged, adding that "larger, well-controlled trials are still needed."

Gallagher noted that creatine should be considered as a potentially promising addition to treatment, rather than a substitute for psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, regular exercise or healthy sleep habits.

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"While creatine has a strong safety profile for most healthy adults, it's still important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement — particularly if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or have other medical conditions," she advised.

For those experiencing signs of depression, Gallagher recommends seeking evidence-based mental healthcare.

The doctor noted that depression is a "highly heterogeneous condition, so we still don't know which patients are most likely to benefit or what the optimal treatment approach looks like."

Gallagher also cautioned that supplements have been known to generate "early enthusiasm" before larger studies have revealed "more modest effects."

"Right now, I'd describe creatine as promising but not definitive," she concluded. "It's an area that deserves continued research, but it's not something people should view as a standalone treatment for depression."

A decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against one of the world's leading causes of severe digestive illness has reached a milestone, according to new research.

Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year.

The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development.

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The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE).

One of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, ETEC is known to disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite years of research, there is currently no broadly effective vaccine to prevent the infection, according to the study.

The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.

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James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step.

"We still have a lot of work to do to translate these findings to an actual vaccine," Fleckenstein, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "But the approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses that appear to offer protection against diarrheal illness after the first infection in children in developing countries."

If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC.

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In the meantime, Fleckenstein said travelers can take steps to reduce their risk of diarrheal illnesses. He recommends avoiding high-risk foods — including meals from street vendors in areas where sanitation may be poor — drinking bottled water in higher-risk regions, and practicing good hand hygiene.

Fleckenstein also noted that vaccines are available to protect against typhoid fever, and said travelers should consult their physician before traveling internationally.

The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted.

The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public.

While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available.

Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed "we may be the first generation who won’t die," revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to "eat itself."

The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140, when he would in theory be 160 years old.

Now, Johnson says he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the stomach's acid-producing parietal cells, reducing stomach acid and impairing vitamin B12 absorption, according to Nature Reviews Disease Primers.

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"My stomach is eating itself," he wrote in an Instagram post. Johnson also shared that anywhere from 2% to 5% of people likely have this disease.

"I’m going to try to solve it," Johnson went on. "Will share all."

The biohacker shared that as a child, he ate sugary cereal, drank sugary soda and "gobbled down fast food."

"I became a young father of three and began building a business," Johnson went on. "Juggling that stress and grind, I let my health slip and gained 40 lbs. Within a few years I’d fallen into a deep, chronic depression."

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"Somewhere in that timeline, my body began developing an autoimmune process affecting my thyroid and then my stomach lining," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment.

AIG can remain hidden and can be challenging to diagnose, Johnson noted, often surfacing years after damage has already occurred to the stomach. It can cause iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and anemia, and can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, the expert warned.

"Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn’t shown up yet," Johnson wrote. "That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade."

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He also shared that for 11 years, he has had low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells. Ferritin releases iron when the body needs it, supports muscle function and carries out other essential processes.

"We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work," he said.

Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron.

"But none of them explained the core failure: Despite me taking iron orally, trailing every formulation and using every timing trick, none of the iron would stick."

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Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, which examined his entire intestinal tract. Five biopsies were also taken from his stomach, which found "clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining."

In January 2026, the biohacker stated in a post on his website that "by 2039, my goal is immortality."

He detailed his strategy for defying aging, which includes embracing a strict regimen to slow or stop biological aging, using AI to accelerate longevity research, testing new treatments in lab-grown cells and organs, and reaching "longevity escape velocity" — in which medical advances would eventually extend lifespan faster than he ages.

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"I may fail at this task, but my team and I will try our best," he wrote at the time.

There is currently no cure for AIG, which Johnson said he wants to change.

"In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack."

Johnson ended his post by urging others to prioritize their health.

"Care for yourself, care for others, care for the planet and care for our animal friends. Care for life, as it’s the most precious gift there is."

The longevity guru also shared an image showing the detailed findings of his five stomach biopsies.

Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America.

Experts warn that some of the healthiest habits from the nation's earlier centuries may have fallen by the wayside.

From walking as a way of life to eating seasonal foods and spending more time outdoors, they say some of these forgotten routines are worth reviving.

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"America needs to get back to its roots healthwise," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

Check out this smart list.

Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, said walking has decreased as people have moved to the suburbs.

"As Americans moved further out of the city center for more space and larger homes, they spent more time sitting in a car rather than walking to work," he told Fox News Digital.

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A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that prolonged commuting times have been directly linked to increases in BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and overall decrease in metabolic health, the doctor noted.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week), which would include brisk walking.

Only about one in four U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, per the CDC.

"We are a country of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas – we need to walk more and breathe our fresh air," Siegel added.

Exposure to morning light has been shown to support circadian health and better sleep, and sunlight is the body's primary natural source of vitamin D.

"Some individuals may have severe difficulty with sleep, and therefore are having difficulty regulating their personal day-night cycles," Perry said. 

"It is well-known that early sunlight helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of animals and may be helpful in regulating sleep patterns."

THE '1776 DIET': WHAT AMERICANS REALLY ATE DURING THE NATION'S FOUNDING

Sunlight exposure can also have positive effects on health, the doctor said. "The hormonal balance that is regulated by the circadian rhythm can also lead to better weight management and blood pressure control."

Surveys show that nearly half of U.S. adults spend less than five hours per week in nature – but time outdoors is known to be a natural health-booster.

A landmark study of nearly 20,000 adults found that people who got at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to be in good health than those who spent no time outside.

Another review found that combining exercise with time outdoors was more beneficial than just exercise or nature exposure alone, with improvements seen in mental health and chronic disease risk.

There are some health benefits to turning in earlier, research has shown.

Observational studies have found that people with very late bedtimes often have higher risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders and mortality.

THIS ONE QUESTION MAY REVEAL WHETHER YOUR BODY IS GETTING THE REST IT NEEDS, STUDY FINDS

"As we know that the only steadfast way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, if an individual is using the late night hours to overindulge, going to bed earlier may help maintain better overall health," Perry added.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64 and seven to eight hours for adults 65 and up.

Americans now get more than half of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods, according to NIH-supported research.

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"We know that excess calories, specifically calories from extra sugar in the diet, can lead to diabetes, obesity, hypertension and a multitude of downstream health problems," Perry said. "Local, minimally processed foods are going to be much better for the overall health of society."

Siegel echoed the importance of embracing more whole foods.

"We are a country of farmers – we need to eat our own fresh produce more and not the chemically laced products that can give us cancer and heart disease," he told Fox News Digital.

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"We need to eat more at home, and treasure our great home chefs, who make everything from turkey to apple sauce, to fried chicken, to big healthy salads, to good old apple pie."

Gardening and growing food has also been linked to improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, reduced social isolation and better overall health outcomes.

A study published in BMJ Open found that older adults who performed more light and heavy housework had better physical performance — including faster chair-rise times (a measure of lower-body strength) and improved balance — than those who did less housework.

Encouraging older adults to perform more household activities could help ensure that they meet physical activity recommendations, particularly for those who don’t participate in regular exercise routines, experts say.

"Performing more household tasks can help individuals maintain strength and mobility. This is especially helpful for elderly individuals to maximize their physical strength and decrease the risk of being sedentary," said Perry. 

Records show that communal meals were once a routine part of American life rather than just happening on special occasions.

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The health benefits of being social are "innumerable," Perry said.

"We know that social connections can minimize depression, reduce the incidence of dementia and actually lead to longer lives," he told Fox News Digital. "Eating a meal with a group of people is a deeply powerful human event that can help improve lives."

Siegel agreed, advocating for going back to "sharing kindness and goodwill with each other at community meals that are non-political."

He added, "We need to take pride in repairing our own houses the way we always have."

Intermittent fasting has been shown to contribute to decreased obesity, better glucose management and overall improved health, Perry confirmed.

"There are some anecdotal reasons for this, given the evolutionary pressures that our species has had to endure," he said.

"We are now in a world where food is plentiful, but for much of our history, we had to search for food, and it was often scarce. This type of eating pattern mimics the pattern of our ancestors, which is directly connected with our innate metabolism."

While not all historical habits were healthier, these evidence-backed practices from earlier generations may still offer lessons for modern Americans, experts agree.

At 93, sprightly referee Frank Foster is still brandishing red and yellow cards and running the field three times a week for his local soccer association.

Having taken charge of around 5,500 matches over a 46-year officiating career, the great-grandfather credits his longevity and match-day stamina to a lifetime of healthy habits and a foundational diet, news agency SWNS reported.

Foster puts his remarkable fitness down to the strict wartime rations he was fed as a teenager, noting that it ensured he grew up eating "healthy food" rather than "sweets and cakes."

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Decades later, his game-day preparation is still fueled by wholesome nutrition, always starting with a morning bowl of oatmeal, cereal or marmalade on toast to give him the energy to last the full 90 minutes.

The meal keeps him active enough to referee men's, women's and children's games, a hobby he jokes he will never blow the final whistle on.

His sharp mind and authoritative presence on the field are just as strong as his physical endurance.

A military veteran who aced his referee exam in 1980 with a 98% score, Foster relies on old-school discipline to keep matches under control, SWNS reported.

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He believes modern elite officials are too "soft" and allow player antics to ruin the sport. To maintain order and keep players from acting out, he lays down strict ground rules before kickoff. He has no patience for intimidation or theatrical diving. "Those who go down like they have been shot, well, I would just book them," he said. 

He is equally uncompromising when squads try to crowd him on the field.

"I wouldn't let them surround me at all," Foster told SWNS.

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"I would say to the players, 'Stay where you are,' and 'If you move one more inch, I will give you a yellow card.' You need to stamp your authority and let them know who is in control."

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He also avoids the modern stress of video-reviewing plays, which he believes creates unnecessary "aggression and disappointment" over microscopic offside calls, adding, "I think it spoils the game."

"Sometimes it is only the player's toe that is offside — it is ridiculous."

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Foster says he "never thought" he’d still be doing this at age 93, but he makes the most of that gift.

He keeps his kit freshly washed, making sure it is "neat and tidy" for when he gets on that field.

Foster, of South Yorkshire, England, also scrubs his black Adidas boots after every game, making sure they are "nice and clean" for his next match.

Summer fun in the sun is being taken to a new extreme.

"Tanmaxxing" is a social media trend that involves maximizing sun exposure and tanning the skin more intensely.

Popular among Gen Z, the practice combines time spent in direct sunlight with a variety of tanning products like oils, bronzers and gels.

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Creators on social media are showing off their dramatic tan lines and outdoor set-ups — some even forgoing sun protection or adding tanning bed sessions.

While spending time outdoors can help boost mood, support the body's production of vitamin D and reduce screen time, dermatologists warn that excessive sun exposure — especially as promoted by the tanmaxxing trend — can be dangerous.

New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Tassavor, MD, emphasized that there is "no such thing as a safe, natural tan."

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"Tanning is damage," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Tanfluencers sell a deep tan as a ‘wellness upgrade,' but a tan isn't a glow-up — it's your skin's visible distress signal that DNA damage has already happened."

"As a skin cancer specialist, I've taken care of thousands of skin cancers on patients who 'tanmaxxed' before it had a name. Most regret it."

The World Health Organization classifies UV radiation and tanning beds as Group 1 carcinogens, which is the same category as tobacco and asbestos.

Using a tanning bed before age 35 can raise melanoma risk by about 75%, Tassavor noted.

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"The damage compounds silently and shows up years later, once the easy window to intervene has closed," he said.

According to Tassavor, two common beliefs behind tanmaxxing are false: Skipping sunscreen does not produce a "better" tan, and a base tan does not protect the skin from future sunburns.

Sunlight "isn’t the enemy," the dermatologist noted, but there’s no need to chase it.

"Most of your vitamin D can come from diet and supplements, and your skin is efficient enough to [get] what it needs from ordinary incidental exposure," he said.

"Vitamin D matters for bone density, and sun does give some people a genuine mood lift, but there's no evidence that anyone has to go out of their way to sunbathe for it, and no evidence that diligent sunscreen use harms bone health."

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To safely expose yourself to the sun, Tassavor recommends using SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying every two hours. Tanning beds should be avoided "entirely," he cautioned, because there is "no safe dose" of UV exposure and using them accelerates skin aging.

Many of the American colonists’ eating habits have made a comeback in recent years. They ate minimally processed, locally sourced whole foods and regularly incorporated organ meats into their meals.

Livestock and many Old World crops had already been introduced to North America by European explorers and settlers during the centuries before the nation's founding.

Early settlers adapted European cooking traditions using ingredients available in North America, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) reported.

Indigenous peoples introduced corn to the colonists, and it became a core ingredient in many of their recipes. Beans, squash, and potatoes were among the other crops that became incorporated into colonial cooking, according to the CSPC.

"Cornmeal appeared in dishes such as hasty pudding — a thick porridge similar to polenta — and johnnycakes, simple griddle cakes that were popular from New England to the South," History Facts reported.

Cornmeal Johnnycakes, roast pork and cream cheese are distinctly early-American foods the CSPC has recipes for on its website.

Regional customs and crops greatly influenced what the colonists ate. Rice and okra grew well and were plentiful in the South, where French and African influences also shaped eating habits. 

Dutch, English and German immigrants largely settled in the north and established the region’s culinary traditions.

Seafood such as rockfish and crab dominated the diets of early Maryland settlers, NPR reported.

Meat was a status symbol, local food historian Joyce White told the publication. Beef was prized, and chicken was often saved for egg production.

"If it's your pig or cow coming from your plantation, you don't want to waste it," White said.

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Thomas Jefferson was known for his decadent tastes and a fondness for French wine and macaroni and cheese. Records show that black-eyed peas, turnip greens and ham were also part of the Founding Father's diet.

Salted and preserved fish and meats, including bacon, sausage, liver pudding and offal, were staples of working-class people's diets, while the upper classes indulged in such luxuries as white flour and sugar.

Interest in these traditional foods has resurfaced in recent years as some Americans seek diets centered on whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Advocates of the Make America Healthy Again movement, for instance, have promoted organ meats, or offal, as some of the cheapest and most nutrient-dense foods people can eat.

Stews that evolved as ingredients became available were also common an America's early days.

The amount of alcohol the colonists consumed was "staggering," Adrian Miller, author of "The President's Kitchen Cabinet," told NPR.

"They were very open about how much they were drinking," he said.

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George Washington wrote a recipe for "small beer" in a journal he kept as a young colonel in charge of the Virginia militia during the Seven Years’ War, Fox News Digital previously reported. The New York Public Library houses the journal.

"Small beer," according to the library, derives its name from the small amount of alcohol it contains. It was quick to make, safer to drink because the brewing process helped eliminate bacteria in the water — and it was an "everyday, mainstay beverage," the library reported.

"While the 1776 Diet has some positives — such as emphasizing whole foods, home cooking and fewer ultra-processed foods — it’s not one I’d recommend following too literally," registered dietician Lisa R. Young, adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, told Fox News Digital.

"Colonial Americans often ate foods like salted ham, organ meats and other preserved meats out of necessity," she said. "Today, we know it’s best to limit processed and cured meats because they’re high in sodium and saturated fat, and organ meats, while nutrient-dense, are best eaten in moderation due to their high cholesterol content."

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Focus on the healthiest aspects of the 1776 diet, Young recommended. That includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and lean proteins.

"Of course, you can emulate the Founding Fathers’ diet for the week of the 250th anniversary," she said. "What you eat for a day or a week won’t matter much in the scheme of things."

Some of the Founding Fathers drank a lot of ale, often in the morning, Young noted.

"We shouldn’t emulate that," she said.

The Great American State Fair was postponed Saturday after multiple people reportedly fainted the day before, forcing thousands of visitors to pivot during celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.

Friday's medical emergencies required onsite attention as crowds flocked to the nation’s capital for Independence Day.

The fair reopened later Friday evening but was postponed again Saturday.

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Fox News Digital asked attendees what it took to get to the capital and what they made of the closure.

"We are so blessed to live in the best country in the world," Whitney Thomas, a mother from North Carolina who traveled with her family for the Great American State Fair, told Fox News Digital Friday.

Despite the weather closure, she said her family was able to enjoy the State Fair Thursday evening and planned to wait out the heat in nearby museums until the fair reopened.

"I wanted my kids, who are 9 and 10, to be able to experience this with us," she said.

Brad Shultis, a retired Marine who traveled from Stafford, Virginia, expressed frustration over the decision to halt festivities.

"You cannot tell me that America was won by shutting things down when it gets hot," he told Fox News Digital.

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"It gets hot, and we shut it down because it's hot? Who cares? If it's too hot, stay home."

Shultis noted that he drove to Springfield and took the Metro just to be turned away right after buying lunch. He questioned the decision to shut down the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, arguing that if people find the weather too hot, they should simply stay home or seek medical help rather than forcing a mass evacuation for those who spent time and money to get there.

Wendy Lamb, who traveled eight hours from Connecticut with her family to support the state’s booth, noted that organizers were likely worried about the intense conditions and simply did not want visitors to suffer.

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While disappointed that her home state did not send official representation due to budget issues, Lamb and her fellow travelers refused to let the heat ruin their first trip to Washington, D.C.

"We’ve had a really, really fun time so far," added John, another member of the group.

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He said they plan to navigate the heat by moving from museum to museum and using the Metro system to stay cool until the gates reopen.

For these visitors, the setback was minor compared to the emotional weight of seeing the U.S. Capitol and the Rotunda.

"I mean, we are so fortunate we are free, and yet we have people out there that hate our country. ... it's very emotional," said Pat Lamb, who fanned her face to stop tears welling in her eyes as she described the pride she felt for the nation.

The decision to close the fairgrounds aligns with severe weather protocols designed to prevent mass casualty medical events.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat can quickly impair the body’s ability to cool itself, causing internal temperatures to rise faster than they can dissipate.

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When exposure to extreme conditions triggers a heat-related illness, symptoms can escalate rapidly from heat exhaustion — marked by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and fainting — to a life-threatening medical emergency, according to the CDC.

The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.

To prevent severe complications like permanent organ damage or death, the CDC advises that anyone exhibiting warning signs such as confusion, slurred speech or a loss of consciousness should receive immediate medical treatment.

Public health officials urge individuals in high-heat environments to seek shade, stay heavily hydrated and identify air-conditioned cooling centers.

Scratching a bug bite or rash may seem irresistible, but it’ll only provide temporary relief and likely prolong the itch, researchers found.

Scratching is a natural response to a skin irritant that increases skin inflammation and can make certain diseases, such as eczema, worse. 

But why scratching exacerbates swelling and whether the evolutionary response offers any benefit is something University of Pittsburgh researchers said remained "poorly explored."

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To investigate the relationship between itch, scratching and inflammation, the researchers, led by University of Pittsburgh professor of dermatology and immunology Daniel H. Kaplan, applied an allergen to the ears of mice to trigger allergic-contact dermatitis, an eczema-like inflammatory skin condition.

The mice developed the type of skin reaction people commonly have to poison ivy, certain metals, like nickel and some skincare ingredients.

One group of mice was designated as "normal," while another group was genetically modified to lack an itch-sensing neuron.

A set of mice was allowed to scratch freely, while another was prevented from scratching with an Elizabethan-style collar, often referred to as the "cone of shame" among pet owners.

The researchers found that scratching activated mast cells, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as part of the body's "alarm system" that "looks out for harmful invaders." 

Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause itchiness.

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"Sometimes, they activate when they shouldn’t, causing allergic reactions," the Cleveland Clinic noted. 

The researchers found the mice that scratched freely released more substance P, a signaling molecule that activated more mast cells, causing increased inflammation and a prolonged itch-scratch cycle.

The mice that were prevented from scratching and those lacking the itch-sensing neuron experienced less inflammation.

Scratching is satisfying, however — and as Science reported, "The capacity to both sense itch and behaviorally respond by scratching evolved hundreds of millions of years ago."

Because mast cells are "also important for protecting against bacteria and other pathogens," the researchers performed another experiment to determine "if scratching-induced activation of mast cells could affect the skin microbiome," the University of Pittsburgh reported in a news release.

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The scientists found that scratching reduced levels of staphylococcus aureus, one of the bacteria most associated with skin infections.

"The damage that scratching does to the skin probably outweighs this benefit when itching is chronic," Kaplan cautioned.

"At first, these findings seemed to introduce a paradox: If scratching an itch is bad for us, why does it feel so good?" he said. "Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behavior must provide some kind of benefit. Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections."

The American Academy of Dermatology says that cold compresses and 1% hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Science last year.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Fireworks have been a quintessential part of Fourth of July celebrations across the nation for generations.

But as Independence Day festivities light up the night sky, the colorful displays can also pose serious health risks — especially to the lungs.

Nearly 300 million pounds of fireworks are released into the atmosphere each year in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. This creates smoke filled with tiny particles and gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are "very harmful to our lungs."

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The smoke from fireworks can also release harmful metals, like aluminum, manganese and cadmium, into the air.

Some illegal fireworks may contain lead, which the association describes as "extremely dangerous" due to its potential to cause lasting health damage.

"Inhaling any of these chemicals can irritate the lungs, making it hard to breathe and causing serious health problems, which is why it is important to avoid firework smoke whenever possible," the group said in a public advisory.

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Air pollution levels increase by an average of 42% on the Fourth of July, according to a 2015 study.

Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Fine particle pollution has also been linked to more serious health consequences, including heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer and premature death, according to the American Lung Association.

The organization warned that children, older adults and pregnant women, as well as people with lung and heart disease, are especially vulnerable.

Dr. Afif El-Hasan, member of the Lung Association’s board of directors, shared some advice for high-risk fireworks spectators in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Instead of using fireworks at home, El-Hasan recommends watching them from a distance.

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People with asthma who use a rescue inhaler should keep it close in case fireworks trigger wheezing or other symptoms, the expert advised. Wearing a well-fitting N95 mask can also help reduce exposure to fine particles from fireworks smoke and debris.

"If you are familiar with the area and the wind patterns, try to be upwind from the fireworks display and avoid areas where smoke may accumulate," he said.

The expert also recommends attending fireworks events with friends or family so someone is available to help if a medical emergency arises.

"Make sure you have taken all of your preventative medication before a fireworks show," El-Hasan advised. "If possible, take a car to the fireworks display. Try to park as close as possible to the event in case you have to get to the car quickly."

The expert also recommends drinking water immediately after the show to clear the upper airway. Changing and washing clothes upon returning home can also help to prevent smoke particles from accumulating in the home.

If case of shortness of breath or chest pain, it's important to seek medical care immediately.

The leading causes of death have changed dramatically since America's founding 250 years ago, highlighting how far medicine has come.

Diseases that once devastated communities have largely given way to chronic conditions, data shows, reflecting centuries of breakthroughs in public health, prevention and treatment.

"The amount of changes that have happened over the past 250 years are immeasurable when it comes to life expectancy and disease," Kenneth J. Perry, M.D., an emergency physician in Charleston, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

5 OF AMERICA'S GREATEST MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS REVEALED AS THE NATION MARKS 250 YEARS

"Our life expectancy as a country increased from roughly 30 years at the time of the country’s founding to close to 80 years today."

Check out the following details.

Although there were no official national mortality records in 1776, historians agree that the following illnesses were responsible for the largest number of deaths.

These conditions had much higher fatality rates in 1776 because Americans had no antibiotics, few vaccines, no understanding of germ theory, no sterile surgical techniques and limited access to hospitals, experts note.

There was also a lack of safe drinking water, modern sewage systems and refrigeration — making it more likely for foodborne and waterborne illnesses to spread.

Patients also did not yet have access to blood transfusions, anesthesia and other lifesaving medical advances, according to the CDC, NLM and NIH.

The first official national mortality statistics were published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1900.

The data points to the following leading causes of death in the 1900s.

Nearly one-third of all deaths were caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases, and about 30% of all deaths occurred in children younger than age 5, records show.

The introduction of vaccines dramatically reduced certain diseases, including smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles and whooping cough. 

In 1980, smallpox became the first human disease ever eradicated worldwide.

Improvements in clean water and sanitation also contributed to greater longevity, as cities built sewage systems, water treatment plants and indoor plumbing, according to the CDC. As a result, deaths from cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever fell dramatically.

Germ theory also emerged in the late 1800s, in which scientists discovered that germs caused disease. This led to vast transformations in surgery, childbirth, handwashing, sterilization and infection control, per NIH and the Science History Institute.

Routine screening has enabled earlier detection of breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, while improvements in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have helped many patients live longer.

A recent analysis by the National Cancer Institute found that prevention and screening accounted for about 80% of the cancer deaths averted over the past 45 years for five major cancer types.

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In the 1940s, the widespread use of penicillin allowed for the treatment of diseases that were once fatal, including pneumonia, strep infections, wound infections and sepsis.

Advances in childbirth — including prenatal care, Cesarean sections, blood transfusions, antibiotics and neonatal intensive care — also dramatically improved maternal and infant survival compared with colonial America.

The mid-20th century also ushered in improvements in heart disease treatments. The use of CPR, defibrillators, coronary care units, bypass surgery, stents, statins and blood pressure medications helped to reduce cardiovascular deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

In a vast contrast to 1776, chronic diseases now account for most American deaths, because people generally live long enough to develop them.

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Current U.S. health data indicates that the following conditions are now the leading causes of death.

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"The transformation of deaths in the last 250 years, largely from infectious diseases to currently chronic debilitating diseases, represents both success and new challenges Americans will have to face," Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

The uptick in chronic diseases is driven not only by an increasingly aging population, but by people’s lifestyle behaviors, according to the doctor.

"The chronic disease epidemic has been fueled by lack of exercise, as well as diets rich in fats, salts and ultraprocessed foods," he told Fox News Digital. "This has also led to the rise of obesity, which contributes to many of the chronic medical conditions that are among the top killers for Americans in the modern era."

Public health advances can change the course of health for millions of Americans, Awan said.

"Just as vaccines and antibiotics prolonged life centuries ago, so can lifestyle changes, exercise and new therapies that target obesity — like GLP-1 drugs and medications that promote better metabolic health."

Federal health officials are attempting to track down the source of a microscopic parasite that triggers prolonged gastrointestinal illness, as domestic cases begin to climb for the summer season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 145 cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 states as of mid-June 2026, all linked to infections acquired in the U.S.

The culprit is Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis.

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The hallmark symptom of the infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

Cases have cropped up in states ranging from Texas to Alaska. New York has been hit the hardest so far, reporting between 31 and 80 cases, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. Out of the 145 confirmed cases, 20 patients have required hospitalization, per the CDC.

No deaths have yet been reported. Patients range from 5 to 86 years old, though the median age is 42, and women make up 61% of the reported cases, data shows.

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The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multi-state clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

"There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases," the CDC noted in its surveillance report.

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The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

America has been at the forefront of medical innovation since the nation's founding in 1776.

From groundbreaking surgeries to cancer breakthroughs, U.S. physicians have helped transform nearly every field of medicine.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, experts are highlighting some of the most influential medical innovations in the nation's history.

John Uribe, MD, orthopedic surgeon and system chief executive at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care in Florida, said he believes the greatest breakthrough in orthopedics is the evolution of joint replacement surgery, particularly of the hip and knee.

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"A generation ago, severe arthritis or joint damage often meant a lifetime of pain, limited mobility and loss of independence," he told Fox News Digital.

"Today, orthopedic surgeons can replace a damaged joint with highly durable implants, use advanced imaging and navigation, and increasingly rely on robotic-assisted technology to personalize implant positioning and improve precision."

Today, patients can walk the same day after joint replacement, return home sooner and recover with less disruption than in the past, according to Uribe.

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"Hip and knee replacements, arthroscopic procedures, advanced fracture care and spine treatments have allowed patients to stay active longer and maintain independence as they age," the doctor said. "The biggest impact is that orthopedic care can give people back parts of their lives they thought they had lost."

"For many patients, the goal is no longer just to relieve pain; it is to restore movement, independence and quality of life."

For most of America’s 250 years, mental illness was largely treated indirectly with medication, or not at all when medication was ineffective, according to Dr. Russ Voltin, a West Virginia-based practicing psychiatrist and medical consultant at BrainsWay.

The biggest breakthrough, Voltin told Fox News Digital, has been neuromodulation therapies like deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which are "clinically proven to non-invasively target the brain circuits involved in conditions such as depression and OCD, helping rebalance neural activity at its source."

"Mental health is brain health, and for the first time, we have treatments designed to address it that way."

A generation ago, a patient who didn't respond to medication had very limited options, he said.

"Today, a clinician can offer noninvasive brain stimulation in an outpatient chair – no anesthesia, no sedation, none of the prominent side effects of medication, and all with limited lifestyle interruption."

The FDA recently expanded clearance for an accelerated Deep TMS protocol that shortens the initial phase of depression treatment from about four weeks of daily visits to just six treatment days.

"For someone in a depressive crisis, this is the difference between waiting and getting better," the expert said.

In clinical trials, roughly 78% of patients reached remission and more than 80% were still in remission a full year later.

"As a clinician, that last figure is the one that matters most: People going back to work, repairing relationships and re-entering their own lives, not just scoring better on a questionnaire," Voltin said.

"The biggest shift is that for people who once cycled through medication after medication with no relief, durable recovery is now a realistic goal rather than a hope."

Cancer care has advanced dramatically over the past 250 years, with breakthroughs in prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment transforming patient outcomes.

Leonard Kalman, MD, acting system chief executive at Baptist Health Cancer Care and acting executive medical director at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute in South Florida, said one of the most important breakthroughs in oncology is the understanding that "at its core," cancer is a genetic disease.

"Cancer can be driven by inherited germline mutations or by somatic mutations that occur in normal tissue and lead cells to become malignant," he told Fox News Digital. "That discovery has transformed how we understand, diagnose and treat cancer."

Today, physicians can cure certain leukemias and lymphomas that were "once far more difficult to treat," the doctor noted.

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"We can also extend life while preserving quality of life for many patients with metastatic cancers — including diseases such as lung cancer, melanoma and prostate cancer, where treatment options were much more limited a generation ago," Kalman said.

Many of those advances have shifted cancer care toward more individualized treatment, allowing physicians to tailor therapies based on a patient's specific disease.

"Advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, molecular testing and supportive care allow physicians to better personalize treatment, manage side effects and help patients live longer with a better quality of life, even when cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor," the doctor said.

Tom Nguyen, MD, system chief executive at Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care and chief medical executive at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in South Florida, highlighted the ability to diagnose heart disease earlier and treat "even the most complex conditions" with safer, more precise and less invasive therapies.

"Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but patients who once might have died in their 40s or 50s are now routinely living into their 80s and 90s with an excellent quality of life," he told Fox News Digital.

Procedures like open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, coronary stents, catheter-based valve replacement, advanced imaging and robotic heart surgery have "completely transformed what is possible," according to Nguyen.

"Robotic heart surgery is a powerful example of how far the field has come," he said. "For appropriately selected patients, surgeons can now perform highly complex heart procedures through much smaller incisions using robotic technology that provides exceptional visualization, precision and control."

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The biggest achievement, Nguyen said, is not only helping people live longer, but also helping them "live better."

"Today, heart and vascular specialists can perform procedures that would have seemed almost unimaginable just one generation ago," he said. "Patients are surviving heart attacks, valve disease, rhythm disorders and complex vascular conditions at rates that would have been difficult to imagine decades ago."

Success isn't measured only by survival, Nguyen added. "Our ultimate goal is to help patients feel better and return to the lives they enjoy."

Michael McDermott, MD, system chief executive of Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care and chief medical executive at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, said the ability to safely operate on the brain is the greatest advancement in American neuroscience.

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"Less than a century ago, a craniotomy was an extraordinarily risky operation, and survival itself was far from guaranteed," he told Fox News Digital. "Today, advances in anesthesia, electrocautery, imaging, surgical navigation, brain mapping and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring have transformed brain surgery into a highly precise and much safer procedure."

The ability to treat acute stroke in real time has been "equally transformative," McDermott noted.

"Using advanced imaging and mechanical thrombectomy, physicians can now remove a clot from the brain and restore blood flow before permanent damage occurs in many eligible patients," he said. "At the same time, innovations such as high-intensity focused ultrasound for essential tremor demonstrate how neuroscience has become increasingly precise and less invasive."

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Today, neuro experts can accomplish tasks that "would have been difficult to imagine just one generation ago," McDermott noted.

"We can remove blood clots from the brain during an active stroke, implant deep brain stimulation devices for Parkinson's disease, and perform highly sophisticated brain and spine surgery using advanced imaging, navigation and artificial intelligence," he said.

Advances like image-guided surgery, intra-operative brain mapping, neurophysiologic monitoring and radio-surgery allow surgeons to remove tumors more safely while protecting areas of the brain responsible for movement, speech and other critical functions, he said.

Beyond brain tumors, other advances across neuroscience, like corrective spine surgery, have allowed doctors to restore posture and mobility in patients with severe spinal deformities. Meanwhile, focused ultrasound can "significantly reduce tremors that interfere with everyday activities such as writing, eating or drinking," McDermott noted.

"Increasingly, our goal isn't simply to help patients survive – we're helping them maintain their independence, preserve function and return to the lives they want to live."