Cold and flu season is not far off, but right now, new parents need to be aware of another respiratory virus called RSV. Almost all children will get it during their first two years, and thousands will have serious complications.Now, a new FDA-approved vaccine can protect your baby, even before the little one is born.

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It’s that time of year again: the dreaded cold and flu season is on the horizon. But lurking in the shadows is a more sinister threat: respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Cases begin to rise in September and is at its worst during the winter. Often dismissed as just another common cold, RSV can be deadly, especially for infants and older people. But do you know the truth about RSV? Ivanhoe separates fact from fiction.

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Researchers say 8% of kids and 10% of adults have at least one food allergy. Of those, 86% are allergic to more then one food.

Epipens are life savers.

However, a new treatment may help block allergic reactions from ever happening.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

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Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and cost are appealing. But health experts say that long list of ingredients should make you think twice.

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be easy to eat, tasty, and have a longer shelf life. But doctors say they are not good for your health.

One way to tell easily: there is usually a long list of ingredients … many you’ve likely never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen, you’ll know it’s ultra-processed.

The Washington Post lists some other red flags of processed foods. Look for: added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end with “…ose” such as fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or available in many flavors.

Leaving these unhealthy, ultra-processed products on the shelf means more room in your cart for the foods that benefit your body.

Experts also warn us to be mindful of clever marketing tactics that can make processed foods look healthy but still include a lot of added ingredients or sugars.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

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People born in the U.S. today can expect to live an average of 79 years. A century ago, that age was closer to 54. A lot has been learned about what will help people reach 70, 80, 90, and even 100. Don’t smoke, alcohol in moderation, eat healthy and exercise—that advice always seems too broad. But there are five very specific science-backed things you can do today that will add a decade or more to your life.

A new study out of Tulane University found taking at least 50 steps up the stairs each day could slash your risk of heart disease by 20%.

As for your diet, a study analyzing almost a half million people found that those who switched from soda and processed meats to whole grains, nuts, fruits, veggies, and fish added an extra 10 years on average to their life.

Skip the salt. For the first time, salt intake has been linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Also, find ways to manage your stress. That will reduce your risk of early death by 22%. Other ways to combat stress: keep a daily routine, limit screen time, and stay connected with others. And get a good night’s sleep. The key word is good. That means seven to nine hours without interruption.

How much do your genes play a role in how long you live? The New England Centenarian study found that genes account for less than one-third of your chances of surviving to age 85. The rest is dependent on your lifestyle choices.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

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More than 800 thousand people have a heart attack every year. For 200 thousand of these people, it will be their second heart attack. Poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity are leading contributors to a heart attack, but your emotions can also take a toll on your heart.

In a report from the American Heart Association, researchers found social isolation can increase the risk for a heart attack by 29%.

Anger is also not good for your heart. A study from Columbia University found that after being angry, your blood vessels are impaired for up to 40 minutes. This can lead to heart problems and eventually a heart attack.

Even extreme happiness can damage your heart. A European study found that people can have a sudden weakening of the heart muscles after a joyful event like a wedding, surprise party, or a sporting event. So, what can you do to keep your emotions from breaking your heart? Try yoga.

Deep breathing during yoga is calming and relieves stress if done regularly. You can also exercise 30 minutes five times a week to improve your heart health and getting together with friends can lower your risk for high blood pressure and a heart attack.

For the Columbia University study on anger, the participants involved were all healthy and had no signs of heart disease or other chronic conditions.

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Many diets focus on what you eat but intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat. The idea is that when your body is without food for hours, your sugar stores are used up and your body starts burning fat.

But now we’re learning a type of intermittent fasting called nocturnal fasting may have more benefits than just weight loss.

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High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. The CDC says high blood pressure contributed to more than 691,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. So, how can you lower your blood pressure without medication?

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