In todays Health Alert, a new study estimates 21.5 million additional Americans may now qualify for statins to help prevent heart disease. The new guidelines now include adults as young as 30.

What new guidelines could mean for how young adults manage 'bad' cholesterol

So whats changed in the new guidelines to make so many more people eligible, and how did researchers determine that 21.5 million more Americans may now qualify for statins?

There are a few major changes. The guidelines now look at a wider age range, including adults as young as 30. They also lowered the thresholds used to determine cardiovascular risk, meaning more people may now be considered for statin therapy.

They give more weight to certain health conditions, like advanced kidney disease and HIV, that can raise heart disease risk. And finally, they now consider a persons 30-year risk - not just their risk over the next 10 years - to help identify younger adults who may benefit from lowering cholesterol sooner.

Now, what the researchers did for their study was look at health data from more than 4,300 adults in a national survey, between the ages of 30 and 79. And when they applied the new guidelines, they found an estimated 21.5 million more adults may now be eligible to consider statin therapy to help prevent a first heart attack or stroke.

Being eligible doesnt mean you automatically need a statin. It means its time to have a conversation with your family doctor about your cholesterol numbers, your overall health, your family history, and your personal risk.

For younger adults, their short-term risk may be low simply because of their age. But factors like high LDL, or bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a strong family history can increase their long-term risk.

Now, if medication is recommended, the good news is that most people tolerate statins well. The most commonly reported side effect is muscle aches or weakness. If that happens, doctors can often adjust the dose or try a different statin.

Also, statins can slightly raise blood sugar, which may increase diabetes risk in some people who are already at risk. But for people with significant cardiovascular risk, the benefits generally outweigh that small risk.

So whether youre taking a statin or not, lifestyle remains essential. A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, and not smoking are some of the most powerful ways to protect your heart.

And remember, the goal of these guidelines is not to put everyone on medication. Its to identify risk earlier so people can make informed decisions.

A new cyclosporiasis outbreak is under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration.

Another cyclosporiasis outbreak is being investigated by the FDA

 The FDA says the new cyclosporiasis outbreak involves at least 72 illnesses. According to the FDAs active investigations page, the product or products linked to the illnesses have not been identified. They also have not identified the location. The agency has started what is called a traceback investigation. This means theyre working backward through the food supply chain to try to determine where the contamination may have happened.

Now, this new cluster is one of at least four active Cyclospora outbreaks the FDA is investigating.  The largest outbreak - in Michigan - has been associated with recalled iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. That said, Michigan health officials say other food items have not been ruled out. As for the other active outbreaks, the FDA has not yet identified any source.

Historically, we've seen Cyclospora outbreaks linked to different types of fresh produce like herbs, berries, and green onions.

It is unusual to have separate Cyclospora outbreaks happening at the same time, but it does occur. In fact, in 2018 there were separate outbreaks linked to McDonalds salads and Del Monte vegetable trays. 

Different foods, farms or supply chains can become contaminated independently. The parasite loves our hot summers. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human waste, and warm weather helps it mature. Thats one reason cases increase during this time of year.

Another challenge is finding this parasite. Its like looking for a needle in a haystack. Its microscopic, and contamination levels can be extremely low, which makes it hard to detect.

Then theres the fact that symptoms can take days or even longer to appear.  By the time investigators begin asking questions, the contaminated food may already be gone.

Plus, standard sanitizing methods, like chlorine-based washes, are not reliable for eliminating Cyclospora.

And then theres our modern food supply system. Fresh produce can travel through many steps before reaching your plate. That means a single contamination event can potentially affect people in multiple states.

So, these investigations can take time because health officials have to carefully piece together many different clues. Unfortunately, the exact source is not always found.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

An exploration of the intricacies of human relationships. Dr. Nandi talks boundary-setting with psychotherapist Terri Cole. Also, Kim Logan-Nowlin dishes on the secrets of a happy marriage, and Wendy Darling describes the often-complicated dynamics of workplace relationships. Tune in on Sunday, July 26 at 1 p.m.

The smoke from the wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is a serious health risk, with many people wondering what's actually in the smoke we're breathing.

Thats a great question because many people think wildfire smoke is simply burnt wood in the air. But its actually much more complicated than that.

Of course, wildfire smoke does contain particles released by trees, plants, and other natural materials as they burn. But its also a complex mixture of water vapor and pollutants, including gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, as well as other potentially harmful chemicals.

One of the biggest concerns is particulate matter, or PM. With wildfire smoke, were especially concerned about fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 for short. And what makes these particles so concerning is that theyre so incredibly small that they can travel deep into the lungs.

Now, as for our viewer questions, people have been wondering what's safe and what's not. We turned to the WXYZ Facebook page to get some of those questions answered.

Sherry says she's currently camping at Burt Lake State Park. She wants to know what advice I have for campers.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered

I feel for you, Sherry, because its bad timing that youre camping right now. And when people camp, especially if youre tent camping, you may not have access to air conditioning or a place with filtered air.

Unfortunately, the area around Burt Lake State Park is currently experiencing an Air Quality Index level in the maroon (hazardous) category. That is the highest category on the AQI scale. At this level, everyone - not just people with health conditions - is more likely to experience health effects from the smoke.

If you can, move indoors to a place with cleaner air, keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning on the recirculate setting if available.

I would also avoid activities that increase your breathing rate, like hiking, biking, or other strenuous exercise. If you absolutely have to be outside, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask, which can help filter out the fine particles in wildfire smoke.

Another viewer, Lauren Jenkins, asks: "How badly will this affect my 1-year-old and my 8-year-old? We still had to leave the house for school and work." 

Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered

Lauren, I understand why parents are worried.  Children are among the groups most sensitive to wildfire smoke because their lungs are still developing.  They also tend to spend more time outdoors and are often more physically active.  They can breathe in more air per pound of body weight than adults, which means they may take in more smoke particles.  And that means they may be more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. 

Now, a brief trip to school or daycare does not mean your children will become ill.  But its important to watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or complaints of chest discomfort. 

And for children with asthma, wildfire smoke can make their symptoms worse and may even trigger an asthma attack.   If its possible when traveling, keep car windows closed and use air conditioning on recirculate.  The same goes once youre home. 

And since the air quality is unhealthy today, Id also try to keep the kids inside and use an air purifier if you have one.  And if anyone develops difficulty breathing or symptoms that seem to be worsening, seek medical attention promptly.

Our final question is from Laurel Clemons, who says her 14-year-old daughter, who has sports-induced asthma, practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a gym with the doors open. She wants to know if it is safe for her to practice.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered

I think it's a great question. I think it has multiple parts to it, you know, so she is young. Number 1, the air quality index is not great, and 3rd, she's got asthma.

So I'll break it down.

Number 1 is that the air quality index is in that maroon phase, right, which is like the most hazardous. So it's not great for anybody, first of all, even if you don't have health conditions. But let's talk about her. She's young; as a teenager, she's actually breathing in more than I do when she's active, so per inch of lung area that she has, she's putting in more. Guess what? More of those particles, those bad particles, are coming in. So it's even more for her if she tries to do this. So, the third thing is the asthma, and that's the most important: she has exercise-induced asthma.

So what happens is that when you have conditions like this. It can trigger asthmatic attacks, so she's at risk. So if I were her dad, I would say Please don't practice today, you know, please just hold off.

But if she absolutely has to, check with the health care provider, and make sure you have your asthma medications nearby. What should she watch out for? If she experiences any chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath, she needs to get help immediately because it can be a crisis for her.

In todays Health Alert, Michigan is under a statewide air quality alert beginning tonight due to smoke drifting in from Canadian wildfires. Officials warn that elevated levels of fine particle pollution could create unhealthy conditions for many residents over the next several days.

Ask Dr. Nandi: How is the wildfire smoke affecting Michigan's air quality?

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and extremely tiny particles known as PM2.5. These are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. And because theyre so tiny, they can travel deep into the lungs and remain there. That can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and burning in the nose, throat, and eyes.

In more serious cases, wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks and worsen heart problems. It can also lead to emergency room visits and contribute to premature death.

Now, some people are more sensitive to wildfire smoke and are at higher risk. This includes adults 60 and up, children and teens, pregnant women, people with heart or lung disease, or who have underlying conditions, and outdoor workers.

That said, even healthy people should take wildfire smoke seriously. If youre exercising outside, like running or biking, or doing physical labor, youre likely to breathe faster and more deeply. So youre taking in more of these harmful particles. Even spending a lot of time outdoors can increase your exposure to the smoke.

So, what can people do to protect themselves and their families when air quality is unhealthy?

The first step is to keep an eye on air quality conditions. They can shift throughout the day.

Then, if air quality reaches unhealthy levels, its best to stay indoors. Keep windows and doors closed and, if possible, run your air conditioner on recirculate mode. Use an air purifier or a high-quality filter rated MERV-13 or better in your HVAC system. These can help remove fine particles from smoke.

Also, try to avoid activities that create additional pollution in your home, like burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, or frying food.

And, if you must go outside, take it easy, limit your time outdoors, and consider wearing an N95 mask.

Now, for those with asthma, lung disease, or heart disease, be sure to follow your doctors recommendations regarding your medications and treatment plan. If you develop worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or severe symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly.

Unfortunately, we cant control where the smoke comes from, but we can all take steps to protect our health.

In todays Health Alert, as more cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan are being reported and no source has been identified, many viewers are concerned about how they could become infected.

So, we asked viewers to post questions to our Facebook page, and one important question came up: Can this parasite be spread through recreational water, and what types of water pose the greatest risk?

Dr. Partha Nandi answers cyclosporiasis question

Thats a great question because many people are finding relief from the heat by heading to public pools and beaches.

Now, we know that Cyclospora is most commonly spread through contaminated food, especially fresh produce. However, contaminated water is also considered a possible source of infection. The parasite is shed in human stool, but it doesn't become infectious right away. It actually needs about one to two weeks in the environment to mature before it can infect someone else.

So, when it comes to recreational water, its possible that Cyclospora may be able to survive for quite some time. And get this, it's resistant to chlorine. So swallowing contaminated water from lakes, untreated water sources, or potentially even pools or splash pads could pose a risk if conditions allow the parasite to mature and remain infectious.

At this point, there have not been any documented outbreaks of cyclosporiasis linked to properly maintained swimming pools. Most outbreaks that investigators have traced back over the years have involved contaminated produce or water used to grow or wash food. And right now, contaminated food still appears to be the biggest concern.

That said, if you plan to hit the beach or visit places with recreational water, try not to swallow the water. Also, shower before and after swimming, and always wash your hands well after using the bathroom or before eating or drinking. And if you have diarrhea, please wait at least two weeks after its gone before swimming.

Another question comes from Sharon Pelkey-Robinson.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Your Cyclosporiasis questions answered

She writes: I am on my 15th day. I didnt start feeling better until, on my 12th day, I went to the doctor and he put me on antibiotics. Do they know how long it takes to feel ? Is there a certain vitamin that may help?"

Sharon, first of all, I'm sorry you're going through this. The good news is that many people start feeling better within 7 to 14 days after starting treatment. But, frustratingly, some people can continue to have occasional diarrhea for up to a month.

Now, as for vitamins, there isn't a specific one proven to treat Cyclospora. The most important things are staying hydrated, replacing lost electrolytes, and eating nutritious foods as you're able. Severe diarrhea can leave you depleted, so water, broth, and electrolyte drinks can really help during recovery. In severe cases, IV fluids may be needed.

Another viewer, Cathy Harris, asks: I am allergic to Sulfa. Ive heard thats not good in this case. What will doctors do for me if I get it?

That's another excellent question. The standard treatment for Cyclospora is an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or TMP-SMX. Its sold as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim, and it contains a sulfa medication.

Now, if someone like Cathy has a sulfa allergy, doctors may prescribe other options like ciprofloxacin or nitazoxanide. Fortunately, most people with healthy immune systems do eventually get better, even if they don't receive treatment it just may take longer.

But because this infection can sometimes be prolonged or more severe, especially in people with weakened immune systems, it's important to speak with your doctor right away if symptoms develop.

We have two more questions from viewers about preventing infection.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Your Cyclosporiasis questions answered

Karen Casey asks: Is there something we can wash our fresh produce with that will remove Cyclospora?

That's a great question because many people are wondering the same thing. Right now, there is no special wash or product that has been proven to completely remove Cyclospora from fresh produce.

In one study in 2021, researchers in Norway tested different ways to wash berries contaminated with Cyclospora. They found that a vinegar solution - one part vinegar with three parts of water removed more of the parasite. But unfortunately, it still did not remove all of it.

So, the best thing you can do is rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. If your produce has leaves, remove the outer layers and separate the leaves as you wash. Scrub firm produce well, and be sure to cut off any damaged spots. And always wash your hands, cutting boards, and kitchen surfaces before and after preparing fresh produce.

And Tami Taylor Hanaka asks: Is it safer to use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

I can see why frozen raspberries may seem like a better option during this outbreak. Fresh raspberries can be very difficult to wash thoroughly due to their bumpy texture. And, many U.S. outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce, including raspberries.

That said, freezing does not guarantee that cyclospora is eliminated. However, the good news is that commercially frozen produce has not been identified as the source of those outbreaks.

If you are concerned about a specific fruit or veggie, frozen may be a reasonable alternative. And when possible, cooking produce to 158F or higher is another way to help reduce the risk because heat can help kill the parasite.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show:

Dr. Nandi, MD, explores how the foster care crisis has led to a shortage of foster homes. Leading Foster Care Expert Dr. DeGarmo has cared for over 50 foster children and reveals why so many kids need homes. A guest shares how her child-molesting step-father led to a string of foster homes, with one foster parent exploiting her as a round-the-clock live-in babysitter. Dr. Nandi explores fostering challenges with National Parenting Expert Dr. Sue Cornbluth. And a former foster child shares how the right loving home can positively impact the outcome of your life. Tune in this Sunday, July 12th, at 2 a.m. (early Monday morning).

West Nile virus is showing up much earlier than usual this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

West Nile virus showing up earlier could mean a severe season for the illness

Experts worry that this could indicate an active and severe mosquito season ahead.

Its the earliest start to the season in more than 20 years. As of June 30, the CDC has reported 48 human cases. That may not sound like a lot, but back in 2004, the season also started this early and ended with more than 2,500 cases and 100 deaths.

 

Heres whats really concerning this year: its the severity of the cases were seeing. Nearly 80% of those cases have involved the most serious form of West Nile disease. Thats when the virus affects the brain or nervous system, leading to brain inflammation or meningitis. This can become life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

In Michigan, weve had one human case of West Nile so far, reported in Detroit. I expect well see more as the season continues because Michigan has seen an increase in cases over the last several years. We had 26 cases in 2023, 34 in 2024 and 61 in 2025. Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, along with Kent County, have typically seen the most West Nile virus activity.

 

While serious illness can occur at any age, adults over 60, along with people who have weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions, face the greatest risk of severe illness.   

Most people who become infected about 80% dont have symptoms at all. About 1 in 5 develop a fever, headache, body aches or a rash and usually recover, although fatigue can linger.

 

In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the brain or nervous system, causing neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis or even coma. Unfortunately, there are no approved specific treatments or vaccines for people. Recovery can take weeks or even months.

Thats why preventing mosquito bites is so important. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves and pants if youre outdoors, and remove standing water from items like buckets, flowerpots and birdbaths where mosquitoes breed. 

A few simple steps now can go a long way toward preventing mosquito bites and West Nile virus throughout the rest of the summer.

In todays Health Alert, dangerously high heat and humidity are predicted across Michigan this week, with conditions expected to continue through the holiday weekend. Extreme heat can become dangerous, and its important to be aware of how it can affect your health.

Extreme heat isnt just uncomfortable; it can become a serious medical emergency. There are three main heat illnesses people should know about. First, there are heat cramps. These are muscle pains or spasms that happen in the legs, arms, or stomach. They can occur after sweating heavily, and theyre often your bodys way of saying its time to cool down and hydrate.

Next is heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, feeling weak or dizzy, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, pale skin, and even fainting. If heat exhaustion happens, move to a cool place right away, loosen clothing, and cool the body with water or wet cloths. Slowly sip fluids if they can be tolerated. But skip caffeinated drinks or alcohol. Plain water or sports drinks are best. If the person doesnt improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Now, the biggest concern is heat stroke. This is when your body can no longer control its temperature, and your body temperature rises above 103 degrees. Watch for confusion, hot or dry skin, dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately because heat stroke can damage the brain, and it can also be fatal. Cool the person down until help arrives.

So what can people do to stay cool and protect themselves during this stretch of dangerous heat?

First, stay hydrated. Drink fluids throughout the day and dont wait until youre thirsty. But if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, or are on fluid restrictions, check with your doctor about whats right for you.

Also, try to stay indoors as much as possible during the hottest part of the day. Keep your home cooler by closing shades or curtains during direct sunlight. If you dont have air conditioning, try spending time in air-conditioned places like a library, shopping center, or community center.

Now, if you must be outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Limit strenuous outdoor activity, find shade, and take frequent breaks.

And one more thing - check in on neighbors, family members, and anyone living alone. Heat illness can develop fast, especially in older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without air conditioning.

Finally, never leave children or pets in a parked car - not even for a minute.

In todays Health Alert, a new study is challenging a belief many people have held for years: that fish oil and omega-3 supplements can help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that older adults at risk for Alzheimer's who took omega-3 supplements did not experience improvements in memory or cognitive function.

New study casts doubt on whether omega-3 supplements help prevent Alzheimer's

This study followed older adults who were considered at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and examined whether omega-3 supplements could help preserve memory and thinking abilities. Researchers found that while the supplements increased omega-3 fatty acid levels in the body, they did not improve cognitive performance or slow memory decline compared with placebo. In other words, the supplements changed blood levels, but they did not translate into measurable benefits for brain function.

Now, this is important because millions of Americans take fish oil supplements specifically for brain health. The findings suggest that simply taking an omega-3 supplement may not be enough to prevent Alzheimer's disease or age-related cognitive decline. That said, this does not mean omega-3s are "bad" for you. Omega-3 fatty acids remain important nutrients that support overall health, and previous research has linked higher dietary intake of omega-3-rich foods with better long-term brain health.

The good news is that we already know several lifestyle habits that have much stronger evidence supporting them than any single supplement.

Regular physical activity, controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar, getting quality sleep, staying socially connected, and following a Mediterranean-style diet have all been associated with better brain health and a lower risk of cognitive decline. I tell my patients to think about brain health the same way we think about heart health. There is rarely one magic pill. Instead, it's the combination of daily habits that makes the biggest difference over time.

And when it comes to omega-3s specifically, I generally prefer getting them from food whenever possible. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel provide omega-3s along with many other nutrients that work together to support health.

The bottom line is this: don't rely on a supplement alone to protect your brain. Focus on the fundamentals. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and staying mentally engaged remain some of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining cognitive health as we age.

In todays Health Alert, researchers are taking a closer look at whether childhood social media habits may influence later behavior. A new study found that kids with earlier and increasing social media use were more likely to report trying substances during their teen years.

Tweens on social media: Experts say it could lead to earlier substance use

The findings from this published study are something that parents should be aware of.

Now, researchers followed more than 7,000 children between the ages of 9 and 11 for about five years. They tracked their social media use over that time, and heres what stood out. The teens whose social media use increased over time were more likely to report experimenting with alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis later on.

The strongest association was seen in the group of kids who started earlier and used social media more - about three or more hours a day. They had about 17 times higher odds of reporting cannabis experimentation and 14 times the odds of tobacco experimentation compared with the very-low-use group.

Social media can expose kids to several factors: alcohol and vaping marketing, posts that make substance use look fun or harmless, and peer content that makes it seem more normal. And because what they see is mostly positive and doesnt show the consequences, kids may get a distorted picture of the risks.

As for parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the 5 Cs:

know your CHILD because every child reacts differently to media pay attention to CONTENT help kids find other ways to CALM themselves, look for what media may be CROWDING OUT and start COMMUNICATION early and talk often

Now, Id like to point out that this study does not prove social media causes substance use. It only shows a link. But healthy digital habits start at home, and involved parents can make a real difference.