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ExpertSpotlight: Ebola: What It Is, How It Spreads, and Whether the Public Should Be Concerned

Few diseases in modern history have generated the level of fear associated with Ebola. With graphic symptoms, high mortality rates, and images of overwhelmed treatment centres etched into public memory, Ebola became synonymous with the dangers of global outbreaks long before COVID-19 reshaped how the world thinks about pandemics. But what exactly is Ebola? Where did it come from? How dangerous is it today? And should the public still be worried? A Deadly Virus with a Modern Legacy Ebola virus disease was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The virus was named after the nearby Ebola River, and from the beginning it proved exceptionally dangerous, capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fever with fatality rates that have ranged from 25 to 90 percent depending on the outbreak and available medical care. For decades, Ebola outbreaks were typically isolated to remote regions of Central and West Africa. That changed dramatically in 2014 when the largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history spread through Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing over 11,000. The crisis exposed major weaknesses in global health preparedness and demonstrated how quickly infectious diseases can overwhelm healthcare systems and destabilize economies and communities. The outbreak also fundamentally changed international public health policy. Governments, hospitals, and health organizations around the world began investing more heavily in infectious disease surveillance, emergency response planning, quarantine procedures, and vaccine development. What Ebola Actually Does to the Body Ebola begins much like many common viral illnesses, which can make early detection difficult. Initial symptoms often include: Sudden fever Severe fatigue Muscle pain Headache Sore throat As the disease progresses, patients may develop: Vomiting and diarrhea Rash Liver and kidney impairment Internal and external bleeding Multi-organ failure The virus attacks the immune system and damages blood vessels and organs, often leading to shock and death in severe cases. Patients who survive can still face long-term complications including joint pain, neurological problems, eye disorders, and ongoing fatigue months or even years later. How Ebola Spreads -  And How It Does Not One of the most important public health facts about Ebola is that it does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19. Transmission occurs through direct contact with: Blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals Contaminated needles or medical equipment Infected animals Surfaces contaminated with infectious fluids This means Ebola is highly contagious in healthcare settings and among close family caregivers without proper protective equipment, but far less transmissible in casual public settings than many people assume. Funeral practices involving direct contact with deceased individuals have also historically contributed to outbreaks in some regions, making culturally sensitive public health education critically important during containment efforts. Treatments and Vaccines Have Changed the Outlook For years, Ebola was viewed almost as a death sentence. That perception has begun to change. Major advances in medicine and outbreak response have significantly improved survival rates, including: Rapid testing and surveillance systems Specialized isolation units Improved supportive care and hydration Monoclonal antibody treatments Effective vaccines for certain Ebola strains The development of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine represented a major breakthrough and has helped contain several recent outbreaks before they expanded into international crises. Global health organizations are now far better equipped to identify and isolate cases quickly compared to the early years of Ebola response. Should the Public Be Worried? Ebola remains a serious and deadly disease, but experts generally emphasize that widespread public panic is not warranted. Most outbreaks remain geographically limited and are aggressively monitored by national governments, the World Health Organization, and international health agencies. Countries with advanced healthcare systems also have far stronger infection prevention and containment capabilities than existed during earlier outbreaks. Still, Ebola continues to command attention because it highlights how interconnected global health has become. International travel, fragile healthcare systems, political instability, climate pressures, and human interaction with wildlife all increase the risk of future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. In many ways, Ebola serves as both a warning and a lesson: deadly viruses can emerge unexpectedly, but rapid science, coordinated public health measures, and global cooperation can dramatically reduce their impact. The world’s experience with Ebola helped shape many of the outbreak response systems now used to confront emerging diseases today, and public health experts continue to view it as one of the clearest examples of why pandemic preparedness remains essential. Connect with an expert:

Major trial shows increasing bone density fails to cut fracture risk in brittle bone disease

An international clinical trial involving Aston University researchers has challenged long held assumptions about how brittle bone disease is treated in adults, after finding that substantially increasing bone density did not reduce the risk of fractures. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), examined whether a two stage treatment using the bone building drug teriparatide followed by the bone preserving drug zoledronic acid could reduce fractures in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta, often referred to as brittle bone disease, a rare genetic condition that causes bones to break easily throughout life. Researchers followed 349 adults treated at 27 specialist centres across the UK and Europe. While the treatment led to clear increases in bone density in the spine and hip, fracture rates were no lower than among patients receiving standard care, suggesting that bone quality may matter more than bone density alone in preventing fractures in people with the condition. The findings underline a key distinction between brittle bone disease and more common bone conditions such as osteoporosis, where increasing bone density is known to reduce fracture risk. In osteogenesis imperfecta, the study suggests that bones can become denser without becoming less likely to break, indicating that the underlying quality and structure of bone tissue may play a greater role in fracture risk than density alone. Dr Zaki Hassan Smith, an endocrinologist at Aston Medical School who contributed to the research, said: “This study shows that in osteogenesis imperfecta, simply increasing bone density doesn’t necessarily translate into fewer fractures. That’s important, because it tells us that the disease is more complex than what we see on a scan. The findings help shift the focus towards understanding bone quality and how bones behave in real life, which is essential if we are to develop more effective treatments that genuinely reduce harm for patients.” Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic condition that affects collagen, leaving bones fragile and prone to fracture throughout life. There is currently no licensed treatment specifically approved to prevent fractures in adults with the condition, and patients often experience repeated fractures, chronic pain and long term disability. The trial tested a sequential treatment strategy commonly used in osteoporosis, where a bone building drug is followed by a treatment designed to preserve gains in bone strength. Although this approach successfully increased bone density in people with osteogenesis imperfecta, it did not reduce fracture rates, suggesting that treatment strategies effective in osteoporosis may not directly translate to rare bone diseases. Researchers did observe improvements in some quality of life measures among participants receiving the treatment, including reduced pain interference and improved mobility. However, fracture prevention remained unchanged, reinforcing the need for new approaches that target the fundamental properties of bone in osteogenesis imperfecta rather than density alone. The study was led by the University of Edinburgh and funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Aston University contributed clinical and academic expertise through Aston Medical School as part of the large international collaboration, which involved specialist centres across the UK and Europe. The study was led by the University of Edinburgh, with Aston University contributing clinical and academic expertise as part of a wider international collaboration involving multiple specialist centres across the UK and Europe. The research was funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Researchers say the findings provide important guidance for future research, helping to steer efforts towards treatments that focus on bone quality, strength and resilience in everyday life. They also highlight the value of large scale clinical trials in rare diseases, where learning what does not reduce harm is an essential step towards better care. The paper, Teriparatide Plus Zoledronic Acid for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, is published in JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2026.6889

UD experts break down the 2026 World Cup

As the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, experts from the University of Delaware are available to provide timely insight on the science, business, and human impact behind the global tournament. Player Safety, Concussions and the Future of the Game Tom Kaminski, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology, is a leading authority on player safety and head injuries. As the sole U.S. representative on FIFA’s Heading Expert Group, Kaminski is helping shape international guidelines around heading in soccer—particularly for youth athletes. He can speak to concussion risks, prevention strategies, and how evolving safety standards are influencing the modern game. Joining him is Tom Buckley, who also specializes in concussion research and athlete health, offering additional perspective on injury trends and recovery in elite competition. The Business of the World Cup: Tourism and Global Impact Matt Robinson from UD’s Lerner College of Business and Economics explores how mega-events like the World Cup drive tourism, economic growth, and global connection. Robinson can discuss how host cities benefit, the long-term economic ripple effects, and how sports act as a powerful unifier across cultures. Youth, Development and the Next Generation of Fans Sara Goldstein brings expertise in adolescent development, offering insight into how traditions with family shape youth identity, social development, and engagement with physical activity. Her perspective is especially relevant for younger audiences experiencing the World Cup through schools and community programs, including UD’s Lab School initiatives. Inside the Game: Sports Analytics in Action With the rise of data-driven performance, UD’s new Sports Performance Analytics major is preparing students to analyze gameplay at the highest level. Martin Heintzelman, department chair, can connect media with program leaders and practitioners including Jack Davis and Christina Rasnake, who are helping students apply real-time analytics to global competitions like the World Cup. The Science Beneath the Game: Playing Surfaces World Cup matches are required to be played on natural grass—a costly and complex requirement, especially for indoor stadiums. Erik Ervin can discuss how turfgrass systems have evolved, the science behind maintaining elite playing surfaces, and the massive investment required to meet international standards. Why Watching Together Matters Amit Kumar studies the psychology of happiness and shared experiences. He can speak to why gathering to watch World Cup matches—whether in stadiums, bars, or living rooms—boosts well-being and strengthens social bonds, making the tournament as meaningful off the field as it is on it. Connect with UD experts to explore every angle of the 2026 World Cup – from the pitch to the people. Email mediarelations@udel.edu to connect with these experts. 

Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: Epidemiologist discusses causes and challenges

A deadly outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship currently stuck off Cape Verde, Africa, has put the virus on the national radar for the first time since 1993. University of Delaware epidemiologist Jennifer Horney can talk about the potential for a larger outbreak and the challenges associated with responding to the emergency. There have been nearly 1,000 cases of hantavirus in the U.S. since surveillance began in 1993. That year, an outbreak of the severe respiratory disease in the four corners area of the U.S. Southwest was linked to domestic exposure to rodents, Horney said. Horney can discuss the following points in reference to the Dutch vessel M/V Hondius, which has seen three people die since departing from Argentina on April 1. • The response to this global public health emergency will be challenging given the cuts to U.S. public health and extensive leadership turnover at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Climate change and global transit likely contributed to the new cases, as rodent populations thrive during certain weather conditions. • When humans inhale rodent feces, urine or saliva, often when dust is aerosolized through cleaning, they can become infected. While symptoms may develop up to two months after exposure, the disease has a mortality rate of up to 50%. To reach Horney directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" button. Interested media can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

April 1st is the one day we all expect to be fooled. Scammers are counting on the other 364

Breaking News: Free Cruise for All Retirees! Congratulations!!! If you are reading this, you have just been chosen for a luxury Caribbean cruise, a $5,000 shopping spree, and a lifetime supply of… well, something vaguely exciting. All you need to do is: Click this link, enter your banking info, confirm your SIN, and maybe your childhood pet's name for good measure. Still reading?  Good. Because if that opening gave you even the tiniest thrill, the little flutter of wait, really? You've just experienced exactly what scammers are counting on. APRIL FOOL'S!!! And also: welcome to the world of phishing. Population: way too many of us. Phishing vs. Fishing: A Retirement Skill You Didn't Know You Needed There are two kinds of fishing in retirement.  One involves a dock, a thermos of good coffee, and no deadlines at all. The fish might or might not cooperate. That's fine. That's the whole point. The other scenario involves someone trying to steal your identity by congratulating you on a cruise you never booked, a prize you never won, and a windfall that demands your banking details, your SIN, and, just for fun, the name of your first pet. (Buttons. It's always Buttons.) Let's make sure you're fluent in the first kind and bulletproof against the second. Fraud Doesn't Just Happen to Fools Here's something important to say aloud before we proceed. Fraud isn't caused by people being careless, gullible, or old. It is orchestrated by professionals whose full-time job is to manipulate human behaviour under pressure. There is a clear difference between these two, and how we discuss fraud influences whether victims come forward or stay silent out of shame. This issue is more significant than most realize. Canadians lost over $638 million to fraud in 2024, an increase from $578 million the previous year, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. However, that figure only tells part of the story. The CAFC estimates that just 5 to 10 percent of total fraud losses are ever reported. Think about that for a moment. The number we see is already staggering, and the real total is almost certainly ten times higher. Seniors make up a disproportionate share of those losses, especially in investment fraud, romance scams, and the grandparent scam. But here's the part the statistics don't show: fraud is improving at its craft. These aren't the poorly written emails of 2005. Today's scams are refined, patient, and psychologically targeted. They're designed to create urgency, confusion, and fear — aiming to override careful thinking precisely when it's needed most. So let's talk about what that actually looks like. A Very Personal Fraud Story That Will Stay With You A family reached out to me recently, after reading one of my earlier posts on fraud and seniors. Their father had been the victim of a prolonged scam, one that unfolded over months and caused significant financial damage. They only found out after he passed away. Three things about this story stopped me cold. First, their father kept meticulous records. He journaled every interaction, every step, every decision. There was essentially a play-by-play account of how he became entangled and how difficult it became to find a way out. Second, he was an intensely private person. Not a single family member knew any of it was happening while it was happening. Third, he was a chartered professional accountant. Decades of financial training, discipline, and experience. Someone who understood numbers, risk, and how money moves better than most people ever will. And still. Under the right conditions, with the right psychological pressure applied at the right moments, he was drawn in. That is not a story about a foolish man. That is a story about how sophisticated fraud has become. And it is a story that is playing out in living rooms and email inboxes across this country every single day. Why Seniors Are Targeted (And It's Not What You Think) Scammers don't just go after older adults because they think we're naive. They go after us because we have assets. Savings. Home equity. Good credit. Pension income that actually shows up every month. We're not easy targets; we're valuable ones. They also go after us because retirement can come with conditions that fraud is specifically designed to exploit: financial anxiety about making savings last, changes in how we process decisions under pressure, and, for many, reduced opportunities to run something by a trusted person before acting. Social isolation is not a character flaw. It is a vulnerability, and the people running these operations know exactly how to use it. The Scams You Actually Need to Know About The Grandparent Scam. You get a call. It's your grandchild. They're in trouble, arrested, in an accident, stranded, and they need money right now. Please don't tell Mom and Dad. The caller may not even sound exactly right, but panic has a way of filling in the gaps. Sometimes a fake lawyer or police officer jumps on the line to add credibility. The script is designed to bypass your rational brain and go straight for your heart. If this ever happens: hang up. Call your grandchild directly on a number you already have. Every time. The CRA Impersonation Call. This one is especially popular at tax time.  An official-sounding voice informs you that you owe back taxes and if you don't pay immediately via e-transfer or gift cards, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. The Canada Revenue Agency does not call you out of the blue demanding gift cards. Full stop. If you're ever unsure, hang up and call the CRA directly as 1-800-959-8281. The Romance Scam. Someone finds you online, charming, attentive, almost too good to be true. Weeks or months in, a crisis emerges. Could you help, just this once? These scams are emotionally brutal and financially devastating. If an online relationship moves unusually fast and a financial request follows, that's not love. That's a script. The Investment Opportunity. Guaranteed returns. Exclusive access. Limited time. These words belong together the way "healthy" and "deep-fried" don't. Legitimate investments don't come with countdown clocks. Phishing Emails and Texts. These mimic your bank, Canada Post, Service Canada, Amazon, and anything you'd recognize. They look almost right. The email address is a little off. The link goes somewhere slightly wrong. They want you to click, to enter information, to act now before something bad happens. The urgency is the tell. No Shame. Seriously. None.  If this has happened to you, or someone you love, please hear this: falling for a scam does not mean you are getting old, losing it, or slipping cognitively. It means you are human and were placed under carefully engineered psychological pressure by someone who practices this for a living. That is it. The end. And if you need a reminder that this crosses every age and profession, consider the case of a retired district court judge who lost the equivalent of over $100,000 to a digital arrest scam. Fraudsters called claiming his phone number was linked to a trafficking investigation. Despite decades on the bench watching deception unfold in real time, fear and intimidation did what all that professional knowledge could not protect against. A judge. Still got hooked. That is what these scams do when they are built well. (Source: Devdiscourse) RCMP Sergeant Guy Paul Larocque of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre puts it plainly: "Fraudsters are professional salespeople who work a target until they close the deal and get their money." That framing matters. You would not blame yourself for being sold something by a skilled salesperson operating under false pretenses. This is no different. The embarrassment is real and completely understandable. However, it does not fairly reflect what occurred. The CAFC has pointed out that many individuals feel ashamed of being victims of fraud and hesitate to report it, but every report helps break up fraud schemes and protect others. Reporting to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not a sign of failure; it is a vital way to safeguard the next person. A Word to Family Members re: Fraud: Drop It Like It's Hot If someone you care about has been scammed, put down whatever you are holding, take a breath, and read this carefully. Do not scold them. Do not lecture them. Do not "grandsplain" them into the ground. Grandsplaining, for the uninitiated, is mansplaining for the aged, and it is just as unwelcome. Nobody needs a slow, patient, thoroughly detailed breakdown of everything they should have done differently while they sit there wishing the floor would open up and swallow them whole. They already know. They feel terrible. They have probably been replaying every moment of it since it happened, asking themselves how they missed it, why they trusted it, and what they were thinking.  What they do not need is you asking those same questions out loud. Your role at this moment isn't to be the smartest person in the room. It's not to claim you would never have fallen for something like this. And it's certainly not to start a sentence with "well, I always said you should..." because if you finish that sentence, you're on your own. Your job is to be kind. Full stop. Help them contact the bank. Sit with them while they file the report. Make the tea. Handle the phone call they are too rattled to make. Be the calm in the room. That is what love looks like in a crisis, and this is a crisis. Now here is the part where the tables turn, so pay attention. Scammers are not ageist. They are not sitting in a room somewhere saying, "Let's only go after the over-65s today." They go after anyone with money, a phone, and a moment of distraction. Which means they go after everyone. Your inbox is not immune. Your judgment under pressure is not immune. Your "I would never fall for that" confidence is, frankly, exactly the kind of thing scammers count on. Fraud can happen to anyone, and sharing your experience with others, whether or not money was lost, can help prevent them from being victimized by the same or a similar fraud. Nobody is too sharp, too young, or too digitally savvy to be targeted. The call is coming for all of us eventually. So when it comes for you, and you call your mother in a panic, wouldn't you rather she answer with warmth instead of a very long "I told you so"? Be nice to her now. Consider it an investment. One day, she might be the one sitting you down for "the talk." And at that point, the only appropriate response is to make the tea and keep your opinions to yourself. What the Experts Say: Practical Tips to Stop Fraud In my book "Your Retirement Reset" (ECW Press: Now available for Pre-Order here), I cover the topic of fraud and scams." I wanted to address this issue in depth because fraud prevention is not a footnote in retirement planning. It belongs front and center. Here is an excerpt of Chapter 9 of the book: "Remember the old saying, 'Nothing ever comes free'? While it is hard for many seasoned Canadians not to trust a caller, unfortunately, that's the way of the world today. Here are some tips for protecting yourself. Be skeptical. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages, especially those asking for personal information or money. Don't take their word for it. Ask the person for their details. If they say they are calling from your bank, get their name and branch number and call your bank for verification. If the message is in an email, contact the institution identified in the email. Do not respond right away, ever. Don't share personal information. Never share personal, financial, or health information with unknown individuals or organizations. Consult trusted individuals. Discuss suspicious offers or communications with family members, friends, or trusted advisors. This is especially important if you are asked to donate to a charity or make any kind of financial investment. Use technology wisely. Install antivirus software, create strong passwords, and stay alert to phishing tactics such as harmful links in texts or emails. Use the block feature on your phone to cut off repeat callers you suspect are fraud artists. Work closely with your financial institution. Ask your bank to send alerts for any unusual activity on your account. Review your statements every month and report unauthorized transactions immediately. Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a scam has targeted you, contact the police. Stay informed. Keep up to date on prevalent scams aimed at older adults. A quick Google search on any unsolicited information request can often tell you whether it has already been flagged. These scams are frequently reported to authorities and featured in the media and on consumer advocacy websites." How to Stay Off the Hook When It Comes to Fraud A little friction can be helpful. Scammers depend on speed, on you reacting before you think. The best thing you can do is slow down. Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages; instead, go directly to the company's website by typing it yourself. Call back on a number you find independently, not one provided in the suspicious message. Check email addresses carefully, as a transposed letter can sometimes be all it takes. Keep your devices updated, since those updates fix real vulnerabilities. Discuss these topics openly. With your kids, friends, book club, or the person behind you in the coffee line. Scams flourish in silence and shame. Talking honestly is one of our strongest protections. In retirement, urgency belongs in spin class. Not your inbox. What to Do If You Took the Bait No judgment here. These scams are truly sophisticated. Smart, experienced, financially educated people fall for them, as we've just established. If you think you've been scammed, stop engaging immediately, change your passwords, contact your bank to flag or freeze your account, run a security scan on your device, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Reporting matters even if you cannot recover the money. It protects the next person in line. Think of it as cutting the line before the fish swims off with your whole tackle box. 3 Things Worth Setting Up This Week to Protect Yourself from Fraud These take 20 minutes and quietly protect you around the clock. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step. It's usually a text code. And it helps ensure that a stolen password alone won't give access to your accounts. Credit Card controls allow you to lock and unlock your debit or credit card instantly through your bank's app, so if something seems suspicious, you can freeze it within seconds. Real-time alerts enable you to set notifications for any transaction over a threshold you specify, so if someone is spending your money, you are informed immediately, rather than finding out at the end of the month when the damage is already done. Don't Get Hooked by Fraud.  Retirement should be about freedom. The freedom to fish from a proper dock, travel somewhere warm, and spend your money on things that truly bring you happiness. It's not meant to involve fake urgency, suspicious links, or people who want your SIN and the name of your childhood cat. We Need to Do More to Protect Seniors The fraud prevention system in this country, to be frank, hasn't kept pace with the rise of fraud itself. That gap is real, it's growing, and it needs more attention than it currently gets. Meanwhile, the best we can do is stay informed, keep in touch with trusted people, and not let embarrassment prevent us from seeking help or reporting what happened. You worked hard for what you have. You deserve to enjoy it without looking over your shoulder. So enjoy the lake. Take the cruise — a real one that you booked yourself. Spend wisely, live well, and protect what's yours. And if anyone ever tells you that you've won something you never entered? Smile. Wish them a Happy April Fool's. Then hang up. Have a scam story, a close call, or thoughts on what fraud prevention is getting right or getting wrong? I would love to hear from you. Drop it in the comments or send me a note. This is exactly the kind of conversation we should all be having, and the more real experiences we share, the better equipped we all are to protect each other. Sue Don't Retire…ReWire! My Book is Now Available for Pre-Order If this message speaks to you, or to someone you love, I hope you will pre-order a copy of Your Retirement Reset. Available September 8, 2026. Here's the link. And if you love supporting Canadian booksellers, please also check with your local independent bookstore. Most can easily order it for you.

UF researchers aim to improve nutrition for cancer patients

A new study and first-of-its-kind food pharmacy at UF aim to help patients with cancer access and eat nutritious foods, giving them the best possible shot at a healthy future. As many as a third of cancer patients face food challenges, particularly in rural areas. Good nutrition can improve outcomes during and after treatment. With a grant from the Florida Department of Health, a team of researchers at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will first assess the community’s nutritional needs. Then they’ll test the usefulness of a food-focused digital tool designed to connect patients to helpful resources. An on-site food pharmacy will help patients not only get the food they need to thrive but also provide tools for lasting change. “We’re taking a community-based approach to holistic cancer care,” said Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., associate director for population sciences at the UF Health Cancer Center. “Patients consistently express that nutrition is an important issue for them during cancer treatment. We want to address nutritional needs from treatment through survivorship with a sustainable intervention. ASCENT brings science and community together to make that a reality in Florida.” Braithwaite, a professor and division chief in the UF Department of Surgery, is leading the multi-institution study with Tracy Crane, Ph.D., R.D.N., director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health and co-lead of the Cancer Control Program at Sylvester, part of the University of Miami Health System. Researchers from the UF colleges of Journalism, Medicine, and Public Health and Health Professions and UF/IFAS Extension are participating. The Florida Partnership for Adding Social Context to Address Cancer Survivorship Outcomes study, which the researchers have nicknamed ASCENT, will focus on those affected by the most prevalent cancers in Florida, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and blood cancers. “Cancer survivors who follow a healthy dietary pattern have a lower risk of recurrence and death,” said Cora Best, Ph.D., R.D.N., an assistant professor of nutritional sciences in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and study team member. “Some cancer therapies have long-term or late side effects that increase the risk for chronic conditions, like osteoporosis, which can be alleviated with good nutrition. That means a healthy diet during and after oncologic treatment can enhance lifespan and quality of life.” Researchers will start by conducting interviews with patients, providers and community-based organizations. They want to understand how to best use resources to meet the nutritional needs of those with cancer, such as food security and diet quality. “Community outreach and engagement with various groups is a cornerstone of the study,” said Francis Dalisay, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UF College of Journalism and Communications who helped develop the interview guides. The team will use the information to build a diet intervention with online surveys and patient navigator support, which they will test in a randomized clinical study at UF Health and Sylvester. Patient navigators will connect patients with resources like community programs or specialist referrals. The food pharmacy, located at the UF Clinical and Translational Sciences Metabolic Kitchen, will help cancer patients get healthy, whole nutrient-dense foods like high-protein items, fruits, vegetables and pantry staples. It will also provide workshops, personalized recipes and meal plans. Although the United States is a wealthy nation, food insecurity remains common, including in Florida, Best said. “The ASCENT study pairs evidence-based dietary guidance for cancer survivors with innovative strategies to overcome barriers like food insecurity,” she said. Ultimately, the study aims to empower patients so they can address lifestyle factors in their control, boosting their well-being. “I am hopeful this study will provide patients with appropriate resources to improve their overall nutrition, especially those who are malnourished,” said Paul Crispen, M.D., the Cancer Center’s associate director for clinical research and a study adviser.

Experts in the Media: What You Need to Know About Medication Safety and Everyday Health

From medication safety to seasonal illness prevention, pharmacists are often the most accessible, and overlooked,  healthcare professionals in our communities. In a recent segment on NBC, Dr. Shannon Yarosz breaks down common misconceptions about prescriptions, explains how drug interactions really work, and shares practical advice patients can use immediately to better manage their health. Dr. Shannon Yarosz is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Prior to joining the faculty at Cedarville University, served in multiple pharmacy roles. Her career reflects a deep commitment to patient care with experience in pediatrics, community pharmacy practice, and clinical healthcare services. As healthcare systems face growing pressure and patients navigate increasingly complex medication regimens, pharmacists are playing a larger role than ever before. This discussion highlights why their expertise matters, from helping patients avoid costly mistakes to providing front-line guidance on everyday health concerns. When should I stop taking antibiotics? Is it ok to stop when I begin feeling better? This question and several others were addressed in this week's Ask the Pharmacist segment on WDTN TV in Dayton, Ohio. Looking to know more or connect with Dr. Shannon Yarosz? Simply contact: Mark D. Weinstein Executive Director of Public Relations Cedarville University mweinstein@cedarville.edu

Sun-Sentinel: What happens when parents go beyond sharenting?

So many parents routinely share photos and news about their kids on social media that the behavior has a name: sharenting. Usually harmless and well-meaning, it can also take a dangerous turn, exposing children to online predators, allowing companies to collect personal information and creating pathways for children to become victimized by identity theft. The risks are most pervasive when parents overshare to profit from their social media accounts. Whenever parents share, they are the gatekeepers, tasked with protecting their children’s information, but they are also the ones unlatching the gates. When parents profit from opening the gates, it is especially challenging to balance protecting their kids’ privacy against sharing their stories. Federal and state laws typically give wide deference to parents to raise their children as they see fit. But the state can and does intervene when parents abuse their children. Those laws protect children in the physical world. However, few laws shield children when parents risk harming them online. Let’s consider this hypothetical situation based on a composite of real-life events. Mia (fictional name) is a 7-year-old girl growing up in Orlando. Her mother is a stay-at-home parent who has a public Instagram account and considers herself an influencer. Many lingerie brands pay Mia’s mom to model their clothing. When a lingerie company from overseas offers Mia’s mom some money to have Mia also pose in their clothing, Mia’s mom says yes. Over the next few weeks, Mia and her mom model the clothing together in pictures and videos, sometimes wearing the outfits while reading together in bed, having pillow fights or being playful around the house — always in clearly intimate but arguably appropriate settings. Mia’s mom’s social media page explodes with new followers, many of whom appear to be grown men. The images on the page receive hundreds of likes and multiple comments. Mia’s mom deletes the most inappropriate comments but leaves others, hoping to increase engagement. As Mia’s mom’s social media following grows, so does the amount of money she earns. Mia tells her teacher about the social media page. Her teacher reaches out to Mia’s parents, to no avail. Mia’s mom keeps sharing. The teacher sees this as a potential form of abuse and neglect and, according to her obligation as a mandatory reporter of abuse, she calls in a report to the state’s central abuse registry. The teacher isn’t trying to get Mia’s mom in criminal trouble, but she thinks the family could use some education surrounding safe social media use and possibly access to financial support if they need this type of online exposure to pay the bills. The intake counselor declines to accept the hotline call. The counselor explains that the posting of pictures is not grounds for an abuse, abandonment or neglect investigation. The parent is sharenting, the counselor says, and that is within a parent’s right. Of course, child sexual abuse material is illegal, but the photos posted by Mia’s mom fall into a gray area — not illegal material, but likely harmful to Mia. Should there be a law to stop this? I believe there should be. Just as our views regarding child abuse have evolved, so must our views on sharenting. Merely 150 years ago, it was legal for parents to beat their children. It wasn’t until 1874, when a little girl named Mary Ellen was beaten severely by her caregiver, that courts began to step in. Drawing from existing laws prohibiting animal cruelty, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals argued that Mary Ellen had the right to be free from abuse. At the time, there were laws protecting animals from harm by their caregivers but no laws protecting children from such harm! Back to the present: Mia’s disclosure to her teacher could have changed her life and led to her family getting online safety help, if only the child welfare laws were suitably tailored to protect her in the online world as they attempt to do offline. Child protection laws should be expanded to include harms that can be caused by online sharing. The law can both protect parental autonomy and honor children’s privacy through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary new approach toward protecting children online — one that allows for thoughtful investigation, education, remediation and prosecution of parents who use social media in ways that are significantly harmful to their children. This conduct, which falls beyond sharenting, is ripe for legal interventions that reset the balance between a parent’s right to share and a child’s right to online privacy and safety. Stacey Steinberg grew up in West Palm Beach and now lives in Gainesville, where she is a professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law; the supervising attorney for the Gator TeamChild Juvenile Law Clinic; the director of the Center on Children and Families; and the author of “Beyond Sharenting,” forthcoming in the Southern California Law Review. This piece was also published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

ExpertSpotlight: Why Hangovers Hurt (and Why Almost Everyone Gets Them Wrong)

The hangover is the ultimate party plot twist: a night of celebration followed by a morning of regret. Headache, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, these aren’t random punishments for having fun. They’re your body’s way of saying it’s been busy processing alcohol, which acts as a diuretic (hello dehydration), irritates the stomach lining, disrupts sleep, and triggers inflammation. Even “just a few drinks” can tip that balance, especially when sleep is short and water is scarce. One of the biggest myths is that hangovers are all about dehydration. Water helps, but it’s only part of the story. Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that contributes to headaches and nausea. It also messes with blood sugar, expands blood vessels, and fragments REM sleep, which is why you can wake up exhausted even after eight hours in bed. Darker drinks often get blamed too; while congeners (chemical byproducts in darker alcohols) can make symptoms worse for some people, quantity and timing usually matter more than color. Then there’s the cure-all folklore: greasy breakfasts, hair of the dog, miracle supplements. Some comfort foods can help stabilize blood sugar, and anti-inflammatory foods may take the edge off, but no remedy truly “cures” a hangover once it’s underway. Time, hydration, light food, and rest remain the most reliable fixes. Prevention, of course, is king: pacing drinks, alternating with water, eating beforehand, and prioritizing sleep do far more than any next-morning hack. Journalists covering health, lifestyle, or New Year’s recovery stories: connect with experts who can explain the real science behind hangovers, what actually works, what’s wishful thinking, and how our bodies respond to alcohol. Whether you’re debunking myths or offering evidence-based tips, expert insight can turn morning-after misery into a smarter story. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com

From Libraries to Heart Health: Marlo Vernon Takes Cardiovascular Care Into Rural Georgia

Marlo Vernon, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy at Augusta University’s School of Public Health, is leading a creative public health initiative designed to improve cardiovascular monitoring in rural Georgia. Through the university’s Rural Obese At-Risk initiative, Vernon and her team are placing blood pressure monitors in local libraries, allowing residents to check them out just like books. The effort addresses a critical access gap in rural communities where preventive health tools are often limited or difficult to obtain. Vernon’s work focuses on the realities facing communities in the South’s so-called Stroke Belt, where overlapping health conditions significantly elevate cardiovascular risk. View her profile “There are significant chronic disease risk factors in this so-called Stroke Belt. We’ve got high obesity rates. We have family history. We have high rates of diabetes and kidney disease and they all kind of feed into each other to really create this cardiovascular health need in our communities. And women, in general, are just at a higher risk for this,” said Marlo Vernon, PhD. Beyond equipment access, Vernon’s research also examines how people understand and manage their health when traditional care options are limited. The library-based model helps normalize blood pressure monitoring while reducing barriers such as travel distance, cost, and limited clinic availability. It also creates opportunities to study how community-based solutions can improve awareness, engagement, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. For journalists covering rural health, women’s health, chronic disease prevention, or innovative public-health strategies, Vernon offers grounded, real-world insight into how trusted community spaces can play a vital role in addressing persistent health disparities. A full article on this topic is available below.  To arrange an interview with Dr. Vernon simply click on her iconnow  to set up a time to talk today.