In todays Health Alert, a major change in flu vaccine guidance. The new CDC advisory panel is recommending that most Americans avoid shots containing a mercury-based preservative.

The panel voted to drop thimerosal from flu vaccines.

This is a big shift, even though it affects a small portion of flu shots. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative used in multi-dose vials to prevent contamination. Its been used safely for decades and is found in less than 5% of flu vaccines in the U.S.

Now, when thimerosal enters the body, it breaks down into ethylmercury. Ethylmercury leaves the body fairly quickly and hasnt been linked to serious health issues. Its very different from methylmercury, which is the kind found in fish. Methylmercury is a known neurotoxin and is harmful in high doses.

Despite this, fears about mercury and autism started to spread. Then, in 2001, thimerosal was removed from vaccines used for American children aged 6 years and younger. This happened not because it was proven dangerous, but as a precaution. Over the years, dozens of studies have shown that thimerosal does not cause autism. Still, some anti-vaccine groups continue to spread that misinformation.

The new vaccine panel says even the fear of thimerosal might keep people from getting a flu shot, so they want to recommend thimerosal-free vaccines only.

The panel is recommending only thimerosal-free options - that means single-dose shots and the nasal spray FluMist. It would rule out the multi-dose vials that contain thimerosal, even though theres no solid evidence theyre harmful. Theres concern that removing thimerosal might send the wrong message - like it was dangerous all along, when its not. And it could also make it harder for some clinics to offer the vaccine, since multi-dose vials are cheaper and easier to store.

As for the risk of flu, yes, it is much greater than any risk from thimerosal. The flu can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death, especially in kids, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Just last flu season, we saw 250 pediatric deaths, one of the deadliest years for kids in over a decade.

The good news is, the panel still recommends that nearly everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. Thats because the flu vaccine saves lives. And the protection it gives far outweighs any fear that isnt supported by science.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Too many of us are eating our way to health problems and early graves. Dr. Shelly Sethi reveals hidden ingredients in fast food and explains why we should be cooking in the kitchen. A guest says butter and other fats are the secret to weight loss and mental clarity. Heart Doctor Joel Kahn, MD reveals which dairy foods to ditch so you can avoid chronic disease. Nutritionist Teri Cochrane transformed thousands of lives and explains her radical back-to-basics lifestyle plan. And Ann Louise Gittleman, an Expert and Author of 30 books on diet, shares what to put on our plates for the sake of our health. Tune in this Saturday, June 28th at Noon to watch Eat Yourself Healthy.

In todays Health Alert, Metro Detroit is under an extreme heat warning through 8 pm Tuesday. Hot weather is more than just uncomfortable - it can pose serious health risks.

My family and I love summer activities, but we always play it smart when the heat gets extreme. Thats because when its really hot, your body has to work extra hard to keep a stable internal temperature. You sweat more to cool down. And your heart may beat faster to move blood to your skin so heat can escape.

But when you lose too much fluid and important minerals like sodium and potassium, you can become dehydrated. That can cause your blood pressure to drop, making you feel dizzy, tired, or even faint.

And, if your body cant cool down fast enough, you can develop heat exhaustion, or worse, heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Your internal temperature can rise above 104 degrees, and your body loses the ability to bring it back down. At that point, organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys can become damaged and start to shut down. If not treated quickly, it can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

Sadly, hundreds of Americans die from extreme heat every year, and many of those deaths are preventable.

Some of the early warning signs include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and feeling weak or short of breath. These are all signs your body is struggling to cool itself.

To stay safe, its all about prevention. Take it slow and drink water regularly, even if you dont feel thirsty. Apply sunscreen to avoid burns and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to protect your skin. And dont forget a hat. Also, avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can, stay in air conditioning.

Its also important to check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults and young kids. People over 65, kids younger than 4, and people with chronic medical conditions are most at risk. If you take medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can increase your sensitivity to heat.

The heat can sneak up on you, so pay attention to how youre feeling. Taking just a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In todays Health Alert, summer officially arrives this weekend, and its bringing some extremely hot weather. Were expecting the temperatures to soar well into the 90s.

That means certain precautions need to be taken to stay safe and well.

We love it when summer finally arrives in Michigan, but its important to remember that extreme heat can be dangerous.

As the temperature reaches the 90s this weekend, the heat index can rise as high as 100 degrees. This combination of heat and humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself down. And that increases the risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.

Here are some tips for staying safe in the heat:

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Stay out of the direct sunlight to reduce your risk of overheating. Apply sunscreen. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help your body stay cool. Take a break from physical activities during the hottest part of the day. And, check your air conditioners and fans now to make sure they are working.

So, whos at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses, and what symptoms should we look out for?

The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions are more likely to experience heat-related issues. So, check on family members, friends, and neighbors who fall into these high-risk categories.

If youre going to be outside, here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Heavy sweating fatigue muscle cramps headache nausea dizziness.

These all signal that something is wrong, and you could have heat exhaustion. You should cool off in the shade or air conditioning. More severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, and slurred speech could mean a life-threatening heat stroke, and youll need immediate medical attention.

So, lets all take the necessary steps to cool off and enjoy a safe and fun summer.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Is your belly making you blue? Join Dr. Partha Nandi and guest Gabby D'Auria, whose poor gut health didn't just lead to indigestion, but depression too. And, hear from Dr. Shawn Talbot about what exactly is going on in your gut and how you can improve your stomach and your mood! Tune in this Monday, June 23rd at 2:30 AM.

In tonights Health Alert, marijuana is now legal in many states, including Michigan, and millions of Americans report using it daily. But new research is raising red flags.

A large study just published in the Journal of the American Heart Association links daily marijuana use to a significantly higher risk of heart problems.

As a doctor, I always say just because something is legal doesnt mean its harmless. This new study looked at over 430,000 adults and found that people who use marijuana every day were 25% more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke compared to those who dont use it at all.

Even occasional use showed some increased risk, but it was most pronounced in people using cannabis daily. The researchers believe marijuana may affect heart rhythm and blood pressure, potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular issues.

Importantly, this risk remained even after accounting for tobacco use, alcohol, and other health conditions. So were seeing more and more data suggesting marijuana is not as safe as some might assume, especially when its used regularly.

If you or someone you love is using marijuana daily, its time to talk to your doctor, especially if theres a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke in the family.

Heres what I recommend:

Be honest with your doctor about your marijuana use. Its not about judgmentits about protecting your health. If youre using marijuana to help with sleep, anxiety, or pain, ask about safer alternatives. And remember: moderation is key. Daily use comes with higher risks, even if you feel fine right now.

As we learn more about cannabis and the body, it's important to make informed decisions, not just popular ones.

In todays Health Alert, there has been a dramatic rise in pediatric flu deaths in Michigan since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to state data, the number jumped from zero in 2020 to ten deaths over this past flu season.

This is very concerning news. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the ten pediatric flu deaths represent the highest number in the state since 2004.

So, whats causing the surge? Public health experts point to declining vaccination rates thats fueled by a growing distrust of vaccines by parents.

For example, the flu shot coverage for ages 6 months to 17 years old in Michigan was just 16.3 percent this past season. Thats a big drop from the 31-point-2 percent coverage in the 2020 to 2021 season.

And unfortunately, its feared the deaths could continue to increase as more people become vaccine-hesitant.

In addition to the declining vaccination rate, county and state health officials say the end of the COVID pandemic is another reason for the rise in pediatric flu deaths. Thats because people began gathering in large groups again, no longer wearing masks or social distancing, and that has led to an overall increase in communicable diseases.

The flu season runs from October to May, and it typically peaks between December and February. Its recommended that anyone six months and older get the annual flu vaccine early in the season.

Health officials and pediatric doctors are trying to combat the mistrust in vaccines and overall healthcare by listening to parents concerns, dispelling myths about the flu vaccine, and educating people on the effectiveness of vaccines.

In the end, its up to the parents whether they want their child vaccinated. However, our role as healthcare professionals is to provide facts and resources so they can make an informed decision.

In todays Health Alert, a new study is raising red flags about teen skincare routines on TikTok. Researchers say many of these routines may actually harm the skin, and theyre not cheap.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Why TikTok skincare routines are not right, too expensive for teens

Its surprising that a lot of kids and teens are using and promoting skincare routines made for adults.

Now, researchers looked at 100 TikTok videos from creators between the ages of 7 and 18. They found that many of the routines used strong ingredients that can do more harm than good to young skin.

Many of the products contained alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs for short. These exfoliants remove dead skin cells and can help even out skin tone. But they also make skin more sensitive to the sun and can lead to redness and dryness, especially if overused. The same goes for common vitamin-based ingredients like niacinamide. On top of that, more than 50% of the products had fragrance, which is a common trigger for allergic contact dermatitis. Plus, researchers identified 20 other inactive ingredients that are known to cause allergic reactions.

In total, 11 key ingredients were identified among the skincare routines that could irritate the skin, trigger allergies, and increase sun sensitivity.

Thats concerning because only about a quarter of the routines included sunscreen. That leaves skin unprotected from UV rays, raising the risk of sunburn and even skin cancer.

And then theres the cost. The average routine had about six steps and included cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums. Monthly costs ranged from $168 to more than $500. Thats insanely costly, especially for kids who already have clear, youthful skin packed full of collagen that adults reminisce about.

This really doesnt have to be complicated. If a child or teen doesnt have acne, I recommend keeping it very simple: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a mineral-based sunscreen. Thats it.

Now, if a teen does have mild acne, they can try adding salicylic acid or a small amount of benzoyl peroxide. But again, keep it minimal. And if it doesnt help, then talk to a board-certified dermatologist.

As for parents, I think it would be best to keep the conversation open. Ask your kids what theyre watching on social media, what theyre using, and why. Help them understand the difference between what's being marketed and what's helpful.

At this age, teen skin is naturally firm and elastic. Loading up on too many active ingredients, especially repeatedly, can actually do more harm than good. At the end of the day, skincare should support health, not damage your skin, or drain your wallet.

Could warning labels on your favorite ultra-processed foods help improve your health or just add confusion? The Food and Drug Administration is weighing bold new labels that could change how we shop for food, but would they actually help make Americans healthier? 

These warning labels are part of a proposed FDA plan to put simple, easy-to-see nutrition information right on the front of packaged foods. The goal is to give shoppers quick, clear guidance. Theyd show whether a product has high, medium or low levels of added sugar, saturated fat or sodium.

So, why put them right on the front? Well, ultra-processed foods like chips, snack bars, cereal, frozen pizza and many other popular prepared foods often contain high amounts of these ingredients.

These are foods that you cant really make in your home kitchen. Why? Because theyre created using industrial techniques that chemically or physically change the food. They also have things added like artificial colors, flavors and preservatives to make them last longer and make your taste buds want more.

Now, heres the problem: research has linked eating too much sugar, salt and unhealthy fats to obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and even depression and anxiety.

Right now, many Americans are eating more of these ingredients than they should, often without realizing it.

Some countries are using warning labels albeit different from what the FDA is proposing. Results have been mixed. In Chile, warning labels led people to buy fewer foods high in sugar, salt and fat, but they didnt stop obesity rates from rising. Nor did the labels affect rising diabetes rates in Mexico. And in Brazil, warning labels didnt really change how people shopped or how healthy they thought a product was.

So, while warning labels might help raise awareness, they dont seem to spark big behavior changes on their own. Thats likely because food choices are influenced by many factors like price, habits, culture and, of course, marketing.

I think wed see similar patterns here. Labels wont be a magic fix, but they could help, especially if theyre part of a bigger effort that includes nutrition education, smarter food policies and better access to fresh, whole foods.

One hopeful outcome is that manufacturers start changing their recipes to avoid getting a warning label. That could lead to more healthy options over time.

In the meantime, we really need to keep educating people to choose healthy, nutrient-dense foods and go easy on the junk food.

In todays Health Alert, a growing number of studies are revealing a surprising connection between stress and dementia. Experts say long-term stress may play a much bigger role in cognitive decline than previously thought.

Stress is your bodys natural response to challenges or danger. Back in caveman days, stress helped us survive. The rule was quite simple: Eat lunch today - dont be lunch today. Usually, once the danger passes, the stress fades. So in small doses, it can actually help us stay sharp. But when stress sticks around for too longwhat we call chronic stressthats when it can start to harm your health.

So, how is stress connected to dementia? There are a few important links. One is a hormone called cortisol, which your body releases when youre stressed. High levels of cortisol over time can affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps with memory and learning.

Stress also affects your immune system and can trigger inflammation. When inflammation becomes chronic, especially in the brain, it can damage brain cells and disrupt communication. Also, animal studies have shown that stress can weaken the connections between brain cells and lead to a buildup of harmful proteins, both of which are linked to dementia.

When youre stressed, its harder to sleep, exercise, or eat well, which just makes the stress worse. It becomes a tough cycle.

The good news is, theres a lot we can do. First, focus on the three basics: eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, and get enough sleep. Even small changes in these areas can lower your stress levels and support your brain.

Also, make time to relax - whether thats taking deep breaths, stretching, meditating, or doing something else you enjoy. Even a few minutes can make a big difference.

Also, dont underestimate the power of connection. If youre feeling stressed or alone, reach out to someone - a family member, a friend, or your doctor. Even a quick chat can lift your mood.

And if youre noticing memory issues or caring for someone who is, talk to your doctor about ways to manage the stress that comes with it.

Stress affects the brain in many ways, and those effects build up over time. So its important to take time to slow down and recharge.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show:

Dr. Partha Nandi, MD looks at why diets fail and what kind of mindset you need to set yourself up for success. Two former food addicts who each lost 70 pounds share how they kicked sugar out of their lives for good. Research Neuroscientist Dr. Nicole Avena explains sugar addiction and the grip it has on our lives. Functional Nutrition Expert Sarah Morgan reveals how our digestive tract can affect our weight and brain. And learn what exactly is a healthy weight and mindset with RDN Mitali Kapila. Plus, how the ancient practice of yoga encourages healthy eating habits with Weight Loss Coach Bethany Perry. Tune in this Saturday, May 31st, at 5 pm, to watch Can You Set Your Mind To Get To A Healthy Weight?

In todays Health Alert, tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging people to protect themselves from being bitten.

The most common tickborne disease in our state is Lyme disease. Cases have jumped 168% in just five years. There were 452 cases recorded in 2020. Last year, that number jumped to 1,215.

But its not just Lyme disease. Another tick-borne illness, anaplasmosis, went from 17 recorded cases in 2020 to 82 in 2024. Thats almost a fivefold increase.

Now, both diseases are spread by the blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick. Its well established in parts of Michigans Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and it continues to spread to more areas.

So why does this matter? Well, Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It can lead to fever, fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a rash that looks like a bullseye. If untreated, it can cause heart, joint, and nervous system issues.

Anaplasmosis is caused by a different bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Symptoms can feel like the flu - fever, chills, and muscle aches. Without treatment, it can lead to confusion, seizures, brain inflammation, internal bleeding, and serious breathing issues. Its especially dangerous for older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Getting outside is great for your health, so dont let ticks stop you. Just take a few steps to protect yourself.

Avoid grassy, brushy, and wooded areas where ticks live. Stick to the middle of trails. Wear long sleeves and pants, and treat clothes with permethrin or wear pre-treated gear. Also, use an EPA-registered bug spray on exposed skin.

After coming indoors, do a full body check, including your kids and pets. Try to shower within two hours, and wash and dry clothes on high heat to kill any ticks.

Now, if you find a tick, remove it right away. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it close to the skin, and pull steadily. Then clean the bite with antiseptic.

Be sure to watch for symptoms like fever, fatigue, rash, or muscle aches. If anything seems off, especially if you think the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, call your doctor. Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment is key.

Everyone should get out and enjoy summer, but just be mindful when it comes to ticks.

In todays Health Alert, former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread beyond the reproductive system.  The news has many Americans wondering what this means for his health and what kind of treatment he might need. 

Its serious. While most prostate cancers are highly curable, Biden has been diagnosed with what's called metastatic prostate cancer. That means the cancer has spread outside the prostate, in this case, to the bones. This is considered an advanced stage. Its harder to treat, and its not curable.

Whats more, his Gleason score is 9. Doctors use the Gleason score to grade prostate cancer, and its based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope. It ranges between 6 and 10, so 9 is a high score and means the cancer is very aggressive.

But there is some good news. The cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive. That means there are treatments that can slow it down.

Biden will likely receive hormonal therapy. Its a treatment that either blocks testosterone or stops the body from making it. Prostate cancer cells use testosterone to grow. So, cutting off that fuel can slow the cancer down or even kill some of the cells.

Now, surgery and radiation usually arent good options at this stage, but doctors may also add targeted treatments or chemotherapy, depending on how he responds. Even though his cancer is advanced, newer therapies are showing strong results.

As for prognosis, every patient is different. But many men at this stage live four or five years, sometimes even longer.

I do want to mention that prostate cancer is very common and often doesnt cause symptoms at first. But here are some signs to look for:

Trouble starting to urinate A weak stream or stopping and starting Going to the bathroom more often, especially at night Burning or pain when urinating Blood in your urine or semen

If you notice any of these, talk to your doctor right away. The American Cancer Society recommends that men get screened at age 50. But if youre Black or have a family history, you should start at 45. When its caught early, prostate cancer is very treatable. But its still the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

So it is a serious diagnosis. But there are options. And with the right care, men like President Biden can still live with purpose and stay active for years.