WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Breast cancer is fairly common, but so are myths about how you can get it, how to know you have it and how to treat it.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of a big toe. How are they created, and how can they be managed?

When the back pain strikes, one of the fastest solutions is taking a couple pain reliever pills -- but is that over-the-counter medicine actually making things worse?

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is rising.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make with at-home rapid COVID-19 tests, and how you can avoid them.

The infection dubbed “flurona” has captured the world’s attention, but many people aren’t exactly sure what it is or if it has anything to do with the “twindemic” that experts have warned about.

Here are four realistic changes you can make to help boost your mental and physical health in the months to come.

Research suggests that for women, hormones may play a bigger role in your sleeping patterns than you realize.

One recent study compared the benefits of three different types of diets for children who are obese, and uncovered positive results and a surprising challenge.

For many people, dealing with stress and anxiety is nothing new -- but with the coronavirus pandemic and all it has changed in our everyday lives, experts say more people are looking for solutions now than ever before.

A new study has found that the combination of less exercise and more screen time has a negative impact on children and teenagers’ behavior and their mental health.

Activity trackers seem to promote 10,000 steps per day as the golden standard -- but what is the science behind this number? And does this goal suit everyone? Dr. Frank McGeorge says: not really.

Entomologist Mark VanderWerp says there is a biological reason why yellowjackets are so active right now.

Ticks are no longer just a problem up north or deep in the woods -- they can be found all across Michigan, and sometimes right in our own backyard

Obesity rates in America are on the rise and the problem is spreading across the country -- including here in Michigan.

For many parents, back to school also means back to packing lunches for the kids.

While coronavirus pandemic precautions helped keep the flu away last year, experts are worried that we won’t be so lucky this year.

As students begin heading back to school, many will be playing catch-up when it comes to learning critical skills like reading, writing an actually remembering what they learn.

With students returning to in-person learning this fall, yet another concern takes center stage: Are children likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while riding the school bus?

You may not have heard of “doomscrolling,” but there’s a good chance you’re doing it -- and experts say it can take a toll on your mental health.

You may not realize the impact that poor nutrition could be having on your everyday performance.

Since parents kept their kids home amid the pandemic, countless children have missed routine vaccinations that prevent against serious diseases.

Studies show that coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, has several health benefits.

Normal human body temperature was determined over 170 years ago -- and the number has actually been decreasing since then.

The pandemic disrupted children’s lives in so many ways: from the loss of organized sports and gym class, to suddenly being home and having access to food all day.

Sleeping during the summer months can be a struggle, thanks to hotter temperatures and extra hours of daylight.

Research has clearly shown that alcohol use has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, and experts are saying this is a good time to reassess the drinking habits you may have developed over the past year.

Deciding to improve your mental health and well-being is a big step -- but it can be hard to know where to begin. Enter: Wellnest.

Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. on Local 4 News Today.

With summertime inching closer and closer, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be spending some time outdoors soon. But do you know how to protect your skin from all that fun in the sun?

Warm weather is returning to Michigan, and so, too, is the risk from ticks.

This last year has been a challenging one, due to the pandemic, and some are developing health concerns without contracting the virus.

Local 4′s Dr. Frank McGeorge answers your COVID-19 variant questions.

Our resident Dr. Frank McGeorge is answering your questions about coronavirus vaccines.

I have seen a very clear increase in COVID patients at the ER in Detroit, and many of them need to be hospitalized. Tatem is a critical care specialist in the ICU at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. They’re about 5 years or so younger than we’ve seen in the past,” said Tatem. “The fact that they’re critical ill and in an ICU means that they’re going to have pretty much a protracted course. New: Michigan governor has new COVID vaccination goal of 100,000 doses per dayCoronavirus resources:

After fears about a twindemic -- with the coronavirus pandemic taking place during flu season -- the flu has virtually disappeared altogether this year. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic began during flu season, which created an added challenge for doctors and hospitals. But this year, he says that the University Hospital hasn’t seen any cases of the flu this entire winter season. Related: Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents have received flu vaccine this season (Nov. 2020)AdThe Michigan Health Department labs have reported only five positive flu tests this entire flu season. More: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

There’s a lot we learned in the past year about the coronavirus on COVID-19. Here’s a look at what we wish we’d known before the pandemic swept into the United States and the state of Michigan. Related: 1 year into COVID, what would you go back and tell yourself? Here’s what you said

Trials with the COVID-19 vaccine for children will build on what we’ve learned from the adult trials. A vaccine for younger children isn’t expected until early next year (2022). Moderna is enrolling about 3,000 children in its COVID-19 vaccine trial. Last month, British researchers launched a trial testing the AstraZeneca in children age 12 to 17. AdRight now, a vaccine for younger children isn’t expected until early next year (2022).

Here’s what to know about the J&J vaccine:The J&J vaccine can be stored in a normal refrigerator unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines -- it’s not a mRNA vaccine. Testing, efficacyThe Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been tested on nearly 44,000 people in United States, Latin America and South Africa. Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit also was one of the clinical sites for the J&J vaccine, so many Metro Detroiters have already received the vaccine. Johnson & Johnson is running an additional trial to test effectiveness of a second dose of its vaccine. AdFeb. 24: FDA says J&J 1-dose shot prevents COVID; final decision soonFeb. 4: Johnson & Johnson asks US regulators to OK its one-shot COVID-19 vaccineMore: Local 4′s Dr. Frank McGeorge answers COVID vaccine questions

About a third of diagnosed COVID-19 patients will have some type of neurological symptoms including seizures and strokes. We don’t have solid data on how many will battle brain fog, but many report it. “Even still today, with this interview, I’ve got a notebook sitting right here.”What causes COVID brain fog? Post-COVID brain fog is being studied. If you’re suffering from brain fog or other memory issues, it’s important to tell your doctor because there are steps you can take to help your brain recover.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on heart health in so many different ways. To get back on track, Dr. Crawford said it is important to know your numbers. AdIf yours is high, don’t ignore it. A lot of people go into heart failure or get thick heart muscles, or end up on kidney dialysis way earlier in life just because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. You know, so many people says it’s because ‘I am getting older.’ I hear people 46 say, ‘I am getting older.’ Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Crawford.

Questions about the vaccine scienceMany people have questions about the two vaccines closest to approval. Will the benefit outweigh the risk in this case?”Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, meaning they are not live virus vaccines. it’s estimated that over a period of weeks the mRNA is naturally destroyed after it has been used to produce spike proteins. Should you get an antibody test to determine your ranking for the vaccine? Another related question is if you should get an antibody test to help determine your ranking for receiving the vaccine?

University of Michigan’s Dr. Arnold Monto, a world-renowned expert in infectious disease prevention and vaccine effectiveness, held a Q&A on the Pfizer vaccine and emergency use authorization. Monto, chair of the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee, hosted an online chat Wednesday to reassure people that the speed in Operation Warp Speed is due to advances in science and large monetary contributions, not shortcuts in safety. Those large studies have given the FDA a lot of data on the vaccines. “This is one of the major success stories of the response to the pandemic,” Monto said. “There may need to be further studies in children.”Will Monto get a vaccine if he’s authorized?

“For total transparency, it’s going to be on YouTube,” said Dr. Arnold Monto, acting chair of the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. That’s important to know, said the University of Michigan’s chief health officer Dr. Preeti Malani. Review: CDC’s frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccinationAre the experts you trust getting the vaccine? The bottom line: I hope everyone will listen, learn and ask the questions you need to ask to make an educated decision about the vaccine. Related: Will Michiganders be willing to get COVID-19 vaccine?

Some kids may not be getting the physical activity they would have gotten before the pandemic. Here we take a closer look at what experts have to say about this trend, and how to stop it. Watch the video above. More: Wellness Wednesday health stories

Ideally, we need to gather in small groups -- if at all -- to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus amid the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. From the CDC:Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu. For more CDC guidelines and tips for Thanksgiving amid the pandemic, go here.

Dr. Frank McGeorge discusses the effect of seasonal depression and what can be done to help battle it, even during a pandemic.

Sleep neurologists have dubbed it “COVID-somnia.”They’re seeing an increase in patients suffering from insomnia, sleep disturbances and the misuse of sleep medications. The pandemic is even impacting our dreams, and not for the better. More than half of them reported dreams that were pandemic-specific. Disrupted schedules, work stress, shifting family responsibilities and fears about the virus itself can all contribute. Sticking to a sleep schedule, getting regular exercise and time outdoors will help if you are struggling to get good sleep.

Every year, people ask me well into December or January if it’s too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are readily available at retail pharmacies, doctor’s offices and local health departments. Pediatrician’s offices have flu shots for children, and they made it easier for pharmacists to vaccinate children over age 3. All have been updated to better match the viruses expected to be circulating this flu season. There also are flu shots recommended for those 6 months and older.

Parents, who are now more deeply involved in their child’s learning, are increasingly raising concerns about their child’s inability to pay attention or complete tasks. “I do encourage parents to remember this -- this is not necessarily what your child is like in the classroom. She stresses, if there were not any concerns about your child’s attention or learning before the pandemic, other factors are likely to blame. “I think some parents are maybe surprised at some of the skills that their students haven’t mastered yet. If you have any concerns about mental health or learning disabilities, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

With many students learning from home on screens, posture problems may arise. Heres a look at what you can do to help avoid tech neck and back problems.

Harvard researchers wanted to see if increases in emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses among older adults happened in the days surrounding thunderstorms because vulnerable groups and those with common chronic respiratory disease may be able to take steps to prevent worsening. The study in JAMA Internal Medicine found thunderstorms are linked with an average of 3,700 emergency department visits annually in the U.S. among seniors with respiratory illnesses, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They collected the data from 1999 through 2012 in more than 3,000 counties and looked at emergency department visits due to respiratory conditions in older patient populations in the days before and after thunderstorms. They found an uptick of ER visits of those with asthma and COPD on the day before thunderstorms. You can find the full study here.

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the fact that COVID-19 can have a serious impact on the heart. Other symptoms related to heart failure are swelling in the ankles, and weve seen some of the patients in the study presented with chest pain and other patients presented with palpitations. They were surprised to find that more than half of those patients had worrisome heart scans:55% of patients had abnormal changes to the way the heart was pumping blood. These COVID-19 patients were all referred to the study because heart complications were suspected. A prior coronavirus infection may be considered an additional risk factor down the road.

As of this report, there are 23 coronavirus vaccines being tested in humans. Researchers cannot deliberately expose people, so the vaccines are tested in places where the virus is circulating at higher levels in the community. Related: First COVID-19 vaccine tested in US poised for final testingIf a large number of participants are naturally exposed, researchers could have their answer fairly quickly. However, if that doesnt happen there are people signing up to step in and volunteer to become exposed. They are agreeing to participate in challenge trials.Right now, researchers believe they can test the virus vaccines without these challenge trials due to the number of hot spots around the country and world.

They said its vaccine induced antibody responses in all 45 participants in the first phase of testing. Related: First COVID-19 vaccine tested in US poised for final testingAccording to the New England Journal of Medicine, each participant received two vaccinations, 28 days apart. The researched said all participants developed neutralizing antibodies after the second dose. The study said antibodies were up to four times the amount found in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Our vaccine generates neutralizing antibodies to levels that seem to be higher than what you get with a typical infection, said Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna Chief Medical Officer.

The coronavirus pandemic is causing stress, and kids are feeling it, too. While some children are able to talk about their concerns, research finds that parents also need to watch out for physical signs of stress from their kids. That stress can continue into the summer with normal routines broken and major uncertainties about what to expect in the fall. The signs of stress can vary by age. In toddlers, a lack of emotion or toilet training regression are signs of stress or anxiety.

Pool safety:The risk of coronavirus at the pool isnt from the water, its from the people. The less people at the pool, the less risk of virus. The CDC says the coronavirus will not survive in a well-kept pool. The virus can survive on surfaces, so pool staff should be cleaning surfaces often -- gates, chairs, etc. Sunlight will kill the virus on playground surfaces, but take along hand sanitizer, too.

ANN ARBOR Ann Arbor-based Epic Races has had to shift its outdoor events dramatically since the coronavirus outbreak began at the onset of its busiest season. Considering the current times, the unique event replaces traditional swimming and cycling events with yoga and meditation. I wanted to create a virtual event that could feel as real as possible, Epic Races CEO Eva Solomon said in a news release. Those three disciplines would be challenging to do as a group online so we put a twist on it and created a triathlon event that consists of yoga, running, and meditation. To date, Epic Races has raised $3,141 -- equivalent to 9,423 meals -- for Washtenaw Countys premier food rescue organization through race entries and participant donations.

Dr. Frank McGeorge has some advice on avoiding mask-related skin problems during the coronavirus pandemic. Published: May 13, 2020, 6:51 amIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Kidney stones are increasing in kids and can show multiple symptoms. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

How you can avoid a hangover this holiday seasonPublished: December 11, 2019, 9:14 amThe science behind alcohol's effect on your body and how to best combat its effects.

If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Copyright © 2020 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

Research suggests that when children are over-scheduled, it impairs their ability to develop self-directed executive function ⁠— the ability to set a goal and independently figure out how to reach it. A study at University of Colorado Boulder, led by Jane Barker, analyzed 67 six-year-old children and their families for their activities throughout a week and gave the children verbal fluency tests to gauge their self-directed executive function. Children with good executive function naturally listed foods by categories, like vegetables or breakfast foods, and the kids who did better on these tests were those with more free time. Previous studies have found that children from low-income households may benefit from adding structured activities. So, it's all about striking a balance between scheduled and free time, a balance that's hard to find even in adulthood.

"There were just a lot of things little by little that I was losing." There are four questions you can ask yourself to see if you're ready for joint replacement. Most people struggling with osteoarthritis in their knees and hips are able to manage the condition with weight loss, medication, cortisone injections or physical therapy. Physical therapy a mustFinally, are you prepared to do physical therapy? "You've got to do therapy," Littleton said.

Those awkward, puberty-laden middle school years are notoriously tough on youngsters who are just beginning to find their footing in life. Jen Clausing's daughter, Jadyn, started middle school this fall. ASU psychology professor Suniya Luthar was one of the researchers who measured moms' adjustment during their children's middle school years. Luthar said that while husbands and partners can offer support, moms need a "sister network" as well. Clausing joined an online support group for mothers and feels the middle school years will be easier the second time round.

Back-to-school could mean back pain for some children. Here's why and how to help them avoid this issue.

While cavities are extremely common, there are a lot of misconceptions about what causes them and how best to prevent them. Studies show virtually all Americans will experience tooth decay at some point in their lives, and the numbers are increasing. "Dental research is showing us that in fact some people are much more prone to tooth decay or dental cavities than others," said Niessen. Unfortunately, fillings wear down and the tooth can still decay around the edges, or on other sides of the tooth. The good news is the better you care for your teeth every day, the less likely you are to get cavities.

The heat may be a shock to many peoples systems -- take the heat seriously and watch out for these red flags. The heat doesn't mean life stops, so a lot of people either have to, or choose to, stay active outdoors. How you feelThe first red flag that the heat is taking a toll is obvious in how you feel. Bathroom trips, urine colorAnother red flag may seem indelicate, but it's very practical and important. Blacking outAs someone's body temperature becomes dangerously high the biggest red flag to watch for is confusion and blacking out, almost like being drunk.

That's different than swimmer's ear, which is otitis externa. Swimmer's ear affects the ear canal. Symptoms that suggest you might have swimmer's ear include itchiness in the canal, pain, especially when you tug on your earlobe, gooey drainage from your ear canal, or muffled hearing. Because one of the main causes of swimmer's ear is leftover dampness after swimming, many of the preventative measures are aimed at that. If you see a doctor for swimmers ear, we usually precribe antibiotic eardrops or drops with a combination of antibiotics and a steroid.

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.