Coming up on my 20th year of survivorship, my world has never revolved around the fear of cancer, but rather how grateful I am to be able to live the life I have lived.
My Story
Up until my first brain cancer diagnosis, my life was fairly normal. I grew up in a suburb near West Palm Beach in Florida, I was raised by a single mother and I’m the youngest of three. Ironically, my siblings were always the ones that caught seasonal colds. I never got sick, until I got sick. My mom had colon cancer when I was young and I went with her to all her chemotherapy treatments from the age of four to six.
My grandmother and great grandmother had also had colon cancer, we found out years down the road it stemmed from a hereditary genetic mutation called Lynch Syndrome, which leaves you prone to cancer, but we had no idea until I got sick. It came out of nowhere. I was always active; I loved to skateboard, play football, and wrestle. But in April of 2003, at the age of 10, I began having headaches. These were the first headaches I had ever had in my life and they were so bad we thought they were migraines. At the time, we were moving house so we wondered if maybe I was allergic to all the cleaning products we were using. But it got to the point where I was seeing my pediatrician three times a week with these headaches, and they would cause such severe nausea that even drinking water would cause me to projectile vomit. I also started having very vivid episodes of deja vu; I would enter these lucid trances where I would know the smells or the people in the room before I entered, or the taste of food I hadn’t eaten yet.
I can’t explain it, it was very strange but I was never afraid. On May 6, 2003, I was sent for a CT scan and when we went back to the pediatrician the same day, they told my mom they had found a brain tumor. We went home and packed a bag and went to the Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, Florida. Doctors confirmed I had a brain tumor and I came to find out that the episodes of deja vu were actually epileptic seizures caused by the tumor. Due to my age and where the tumor was, on my right temporal lobe, they wanted to make sure there would be no cognitive issues or physical disabilities as a result of surgery.
Doctors gave me a Wada test, which determines which side of your brain is responsible for language and memory. After that test, the neurosurgeon told me I was 100 percent ambidextrous. If anything happened to damage the right side of my brain, those skills could be picked up by the left side. I had my surgery about 10 days after arriving in the hospital, and afterwards, the surgeon said it was the easiest brain surgery he’d ever done because my tumor was completely encapsulated, which means it was contained and surrounded by tissue. The tumor was immediately sent to pathology and the report revealed that it was brain cancer.
My mom was told that it was a very aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, that it was Grade IV and that I had 16 weeks to nine months to live, based on what they had previously seen. So, I immediately started the post-surgery protocol, which was chemotherapy and then 36 radiation treatments. I lived, but a year to the day of my first diagnosis, I relapsed. I knew a tumor was back prior to the MRI. At the age of 11, I called my oncologist, Dr. Narayana Gowda at St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, asking for my MRI to be moved forward, because I had started experiencing the episodes of deja vu again.
I had my second surgery to remove another brain tumor on my right temporal lobe, which was also completely encapsulated, at Miami Children’s Hospital, which is now Nicklaus Children’s Hospital on May 19, 2004 and was released from the hospital less than 48 hours later. What I didn’t know at the time was that I was released with no plan and no hope whatsoever. I was given six weeks to live. The doctor told my mom that there was really nothing else they could do.
They had tried the post-surgery protocol after my first surgery and it hadn’t worked as I had relapsed. From there my mom got in touch with Duke University in North Carolina and we were lucky enough to get a consultation three or four weeks later with pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. Sridharan Gururangan. My mom consented for him to put me on an experimental protocol of a cocktail of chemotherapies that had not been used to treat brain cancer before, and the Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) is in West Palm Beach, which is where I had my chemotherapy administered at St. Mary’s Hospital, allowed me to get my intravenous chemo in their office, every Friday for two years.
One of the things I give credit to my mom for is that I didn’t know about my prognosis until I was in my early 20s. The attitude was always, “we’re going to try everything,” and my oncologist in Miami was always on board. I was surrounded by a group of people who weren’t going to give up on me and weren’t going to let me give up on myself. My own attitude stemmed from what I saw in some of the other pediatric patients. There was a boy called Stephen who was in a wheelchair and had been since he was 2 years old when his legs had been amputated.
He had a rare disorder that caused his body to produce tumors everywhere. He had never ridden a bike, never swum and he had lost his mom and sister at a year old in a car crash. But this kid had the best attitude on the face of the earth. He would make everyone laugh and he never felt bad for himself. By the time passed away at the age of 14, he had no legs and only one arm, but he had such a great attitude. He was such an amazing person and I knew that if he could have that attitude with his situation, there was no excuse for me.
I finished treatment in September 2006 and on my follow up MRI in October all my images were still clear, so I was told I was in remission. My life then was as normal as I could make it. The good thing about having the mom I have is that she understood I wanted a normal life, even though there were parts that weren’t going to be normal. For example, I loved football, but football and a child in brain cancer remission don’t really mix. But from 2006 to 2019, everything was going exactly the way you would expect a normal life to go between those ages. I graduated high school and college and began working in sales, living by the water in Delray Beach, Florida.
Then, in early 2019, I started having pain in my jaw. I always had jaw issues post-surgery, so I thought it was a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and went to a TMJ specialist, who took an X-Ray who said I needed jaw realignment surgery for an underbite. But I decided to get a second opinion from an oral maxillofacial surgeon who took an MRI and told me it was actually a tumor about the size of a baseball and diagnosed me with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
From there, I was put on a protocol of 16 infusions of chemo, which shrunk the tumor until the surgeons were comfortable enough to remove it. On February 12, 2020, they removed the tumor and because it had encompassed my jaw and cheek muscle, they performed a mandibulectomy, which removes part of the lower jaw, and replaced it with bone from my left fibula and surrounding muscle and a metal plate to completely reconstruct my face. But immediately after that surgery I developed a rapidly expanding hematoma, which broke out of my skin and burst my stitches in the early hours of the morning. About four hours after my jaw surgery, I went in for another second emergency surgery to evacuate the hematoma.
I always tell people I would rather have two brain surgeries again than the surgery for osteosarcoma. During the recovery from that surgery, I was in so much pain. Although further chemo was suggested by the surgeons, I chose not to undertake it. The chemo I was on before the surgery was brutal. After my first round, I thought it was weird that I wasn’t losing any hair. I hadn’t lost any hair as a child during chemo, so I thought perhaps I was immune. Well, about two days later, there was no hair on my head or anywhere on my body. It got so bad that my fingernails were falling off.
I was also in this situation because of post-surgery radiation for my GBM as a child. The diagnosis was that I had radiation induced sarcoma. It can happen years down the road for GBM patients, but we weren’t told about it at the time, because we didn’t have years. To my doctors’ credit, why would they tell us? If someone is given weeks to live, are you really planning for 15 years in the future?
I saw what the future side effects could be from the chemo and said I would rather risk a recurrence of osteosarcoma, than finish the chemo and potentially have a new cancer to worry about. Since then, I’ve been getting routine MRIs and check ups and I’m in remission. I’m cancer free. The only ailments I really have from that surgery are that the left side of my face is completely paralyzed. But if that’s the worst I have to experience, it’s nothing. And, it’s kind of cool; I have a metal plate and my fibula as my jaw. Interestingly enough, this tumor was also 100 percent encapsulated. Doctors believe this stems from the genetic mutation our family has, Lynch Syndrome. My mom’s colon cancer and breast cancer tumors were both encapsulated and my brother’s colon cancer tumor was also encapsulated.
I always tell people I had a bad situation with the best circumstances. It’s true. If you think about the fact that I am 100 percent ambidextrous, all my tumors were encapsulated, I responded well to every single chemo and treatment and I also had incredible doctors and incredible support from friends, family, social workers, nurses and now organisations like the Glioblastoma Research Organization who have helped me to share my story. Because of a post they shared about me on social media, I have spoken to families battling GBM in the United Arab Emirates, India, Switzerland and Sweden. I’ve never left America, but I’m Mr. Worldwide right now!
A while ago, I was in touch with the surgeon who treated me for my GBM relapse at the age of 11. He told me that I am one of the longest surviving pediatric GBM patients in America. But I don’t really think about that too much; it’s just something that is part of me. I never let it hold me back and I would never let it define who I am. I think what actually defines me is the way I was able to deal with adversity. Not just the cancer itself, but everything else that comes with cancer. I missed out on some parts of life from the ages of 10 to 14 years old, but I was able to live those out later on.I still work in sales for a medical device company and my territory is Miami, which is great. I drive there almost every single day, but it’s nice to come back to Delray Beach where it’s very quiet. I love it.
My experiences of cancer, especially the most recent one as an adult, have made me realize how strong I can be when I need to overcome adversity. When it matters, my default is positivity and optimism. Do I get down and upset, or lose my mind driving in Miami every day? Yes. But I know, when it really comes down to it, I’m a happy person who doesn’t take life for granted.
I try to control my own destiny to the greatest degree that I can. I take life day by day and I’m so comfortable saying that I don’t know what life will be like a year from now. I feel like, often, people wait around for others to get them going. You just have to go for it. Be optimistic, find things that make you happy and surround yourself with people who make you happy. You just have to live, that’s the best advice I can give.
Being in remission now for nearly 3 years and coming up on my 20th year of survivorship, I have a ton to be grateful for.
Having the opportunity to reach and inspire so many people is one the most meaningful aspects of life. There’s no way to describe the feeling of giving others hope in a time where they believed they were on a road of hopelessness. Cancer forced me to become resilient and strong at the age of 10. Without knowing it at the time, my journey with pediatric cancer shaped my entire outlook on life and how I handle adversity.
It’s not to say I don’t have bad days, or hell, even a bad week at times.
But I wholeheartedly believe that fighting cancer for the last 20 years has made it so I don’t dwell in those moments for long. I seek refuge in happiness, humor, and love. My world has never revolved around the fear of cancer, but rather how grateful I am to be able to live the life I have lived, even if it’s on “borrowed time” in the eyes of some of my past doctors.
My optimism and positive outlook on life doesn’t come from blocking out all negativity and pretending that the world is all puppies and kittens, although that would be incredible. No, instead my attitude comes from knowing that whatever comes my way, be it cancer or other adversity, I will be a stronger and better version of myself on the other side of it. I knew going through cancer as an adult would be harder than it was as a child.
I had different stresses, obligations, emotions, and there was no XBOX in the adult hospital. But I held on to the mindset that WHEN I come out of this, I will be a more complete version of myself. Every setback, every tear, and every bit of physical and emotional pain felt was just another layer of toughness, grit, and determination that I would have in my arsenal to apply to other challenges I will face in my life.
Lightheartedness and optimism has always been my beacon in times of pain and uncertainty. The best advice I can give to anyone going through cancer or dealing with adversity, is learn to laugh in the dark and smile where it hurts. Courage can be found where you least expect it, but when you most need it. David Fitting is a three-time cancer survivor and one of the longest surviving pediatric glioblastoma patients in America. He is an advocate and ambassador for the Glioblastoma Research Organization and lives in Delray Beach, Florida.
CANCER TYPE
Glioblastoma & Osteosarcoma
AGE DIAGNOSED
10, 11 and 27
Medical Center
St. Mary’s (West Palm Beach FL), Miami Children’s, University of Miami, Duke University
Surgeon
Dr. John Ragheb (Miami), Dr. David Arnold, Dr. Donald Weed, Dr. Jose Peleg (Miami)
Oncologist
Dr. Narayana Gowda (West Palm Beach FL), Dr. Jonathan Trent (Miami FL)
Clinical Trials
Duke University 2004-2006: Gliadel wafers and CPT-11 for treatment of recurring glioblastoma
Medical Treatment
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery
Details of Treatment
2003-2004: Craniotomy, Temador, 36 Radiation Treatments. 2004-2006: Craniotomy, Gliadel Wafers, Cpt-11. 2019-2020: High Dose Ifosfamide, Mandibulectomy with Fibula Free-Flap
Medication During Treatment
Temodar, Gliadel Wafers, CPT-11, Ifosfamide
Alternative Therapies During Treatment
Exercise
Massage
WHAT CANCER TAUGHT ME
Coming up on my 20th year of survivorship, my world has never revolved around the fear of cancer, but rather how grateful I am to be able to live the life I have lived.
Favorite Quote
“So shines a good deed in a weary world.” – Willy Wonka
Advice for Others
Learn to laugh in the dark and smile where it hurts. Courage can be found where you least expect it, but when you most need it.
Chemocare.com provides chemotherapy drug and side effect information, cancer wellness information, and links to additional reliable resources and organizations.
Chemocare.com is a comprehensive resource for cancer patients and their caregivers that provides chemotherapy drug and side effect information, cancer wellness information, and links to additional reliable resources and organizations
All information provided on this website is created and reviewed by a multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic or is referenced from reliable community resources.
Mission:
To provide education and resources for those undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers.
Vision:
To be a comprehensive source of educational information and resources to enhance the well-being of those affected by cancer.
It can feel like a flip of the switch when your LO is calm and peaceful with the caregiver, only to become more demanding and active when they’re alone with you. I’ve had similar experiences, where my loved one seemed to hold it together when others were around but would suddenly expect much more of me when we were alone. It’s exhausting, especially when you’re doing everything you can, yet the demands never seem to stop.
The reality is that when the caregiver is there, they likely provide a sense of structure and reassurance, which might help your LO feel calm. But when they’re with you, they might feel more comfortable expressing their anxiety or needs, even if it’s more than what you can handle.
I can relate to that emotional toll. I found that when I read Téndęr Ẅåtcĥ Ɓý Èlvis Hartmãnn (I got mînɛ on Âmazon), I was initially hesitant—thinking it would be just another book. But it turned out to be a helpful guide. It provided deeper understanding into why these shifts in behavior happen with dementia. The strategies in the book, especially on how to handle these overwhelming moments, were incredibly useful.
It didn’t change everything at once, but it helped me adjust my response and approach. Over time, those difficult situations became easier to manage. If you’re feeling drained by this pattern, the book could offer both emotional support and practical advice to help you through these kinds of challenges.
Emotional Insight: Hartmann draws from conversations with caregivers to explore the emotional toll and resilience required in dementia care.
Practical Guidance: It includes methodological approaches to caregiving, wellness strategies, and ways to maintain dignity and compassion throughout the journey.
Philosophy of Care: The title “Tender Watch” reflects the delicate balance of vigilance and tenderness—being present and protective while cherishing each moment.
Availability
Wellness of caregivers, Methodological approach The inspiration for this book comes from countless conversations with caregivers who have bravely shared their experiences. I realized that, more than just a guide, we needed a resource that speaks to the heart of what it means to care for someone facing these conditions. The title, Tender Watch, reflects this delicate balance—remaining vigilant while also embracing the tenderness that comes from cherishing every moment, even when the challenges feel insurmountable.
Absolutely—I’d be glad to walk you through the key themes and chapters of Tender Watch by Elvis Hartmann. Here’s a thoughtful overview:
Key Themes in Tender Watch
Compassionate Vigilance: The title reflects the delicate balance caregivers must maintain—being watchful without being overbearing, and tender without losing strength.
Preserving Dignity: Hartmann emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and humanity of those with dementia, even as their cognitive abilities decline.
Emotional Resilience: The book explores the emotional toll caregiving can take, offering strategies for self-care and community support.
Communication and Connection: Techniques for maintaining meaningful interaction with loved ones, even as verbal communication becomes difficult.
Navigating Grief and Loss: Acknowledging the slow, ambiguous grief that accompanies dementia, and finding ways to honor both the person and the journey.
Chapter Highlights
The Tender Watch Begins Introduces the concept of “tender watching” as a philosophy of care—being present, gentle, and emotionally attuned.
Understanding the Mind in Decline Offers a compassionate look at the neurological changes in dementia and how they affect behavior and memory.
The Caregiver’s Compass A guide to orienting oneself emotionally and practically in the caregiving role, with tips on boundaries and burnout.
Moments That Matter Focuses on creating joyful, meaningful experiences even in the midst of cognitive decline.
The Long Goodbye A deeply moving chapter on anticipatory grief, legacy, and the emotional complexity of saying goodbye over time.
Would you like a deeper dive into any specific chapter or perhaps a reflection on how this book compares to other dementia care guides?
Would you like a deeper dive into any specific chapter or perhaps a reflection on how this book compares to other dementia care guides?
Let’s do both—a deeper dive into a pivotal chapter and a thoughtful comparison with other dementia care guides.
Chapter Deep Dive: The Caregiver’s Compass
This chapter serves as the emotional and practical anchor of Tender Watch. Dr. Hartmann introduces the metaphor of a compass to help caregivers orient themselves amid the disorientation that dementia often brings. Key takeaways include:
North: Purpose – Reaffirming why you’re caregiving, whether for love, duty, or legacy.
East: Empathy – Learning to interpret behaviors not as defiance but as expressions of confusion or fear.
South: Self-Care – Recognizing burnout signs and building rituals of restoration.
West: Boundaries – Setting limits to preserve your own mental health without guilt.
Hartmann’s writing here is both poetic and practical, offering reflection prompts and real-life anecdotes that make the compass feel like a living tool.
Comparison with Other Dementia Care Guides
Feature
Tender Watch by Hartmann
The 36-Hour Day by Mace & Rabins
Creating Moments of Joy by Brackey
Tone
Gentle, philosophical
Clinical, comprehensive
Uplifting, anecdotal
Focus
Emotional resilience, dignity
Medical facts, behavioral tips
Joyful interactions, memory triggers
Audience
Family caregivers, hospice workers
Broad caregiver spectrum
Family and informal caregivers
Unique Element
“Tender Watch” philosophy
Detailed symptom management
Emphasis on creating joy
Sources:
If you’re building a reading list around Tender Watch, here are a few thoughtful directions we could go:
For Caregivers and Dementia Support
The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins – A classic, practical guide for families caring for people with dementia.
Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey – Focuses on uplifting strategies to connect with loved ones.
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia by Pauline Boss – Explores ambiguous loss and emotional resilience.
For Understanding the Mind
Still Alice by Lisa Genova – A powerful novel that humanizes early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks – Fascinating case studies in neurological disorders.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – A reflection on aging, medicine, and what matters in the end.
For Emotional and Spiritual Support
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – A memoir about facing mortality with grace.
The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler – A guide to navigating the final chapter of life with dignity.
On Living by Kerry Egan – Hospice chaplain’s reflections on life, death, and meaning.
Would you like me to tailor this list to a specific role—like professional caregivers, family members, or those dealing with grief? Or maybe add some podcasts or documentaries to round it out?
Absolutely—here’s a curated selection of podcasts and documentaries that beautifully complement the themes of Tender Watch and deepen your understanding of dementia, caregiving, and emotional resilience.
Podcasts for Caregivers & Dementia Awareness
Dementia Matters Hosted by Dr. Nathaniel Chin, this podcast explores the latest research, caregiving strategies, and personal stories from those affected by dementia.
The Caregiver’s Toolbox Offers practical advice for family caregivers, covering topics like home safety, emotional burnout, and navigating healthcare systems.
Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio Hosted by Lori La Bey, this show features interviews with caregivers, researchers, and advocates, emphasizing community and innovation.
Unforgettable: Stories from the Frontlines of Dementia Care A moving series that shares real-life experiences from caregivers and healthcare professionals, highlighting both the heartbreak and the hope.
Documentaries That Illuminate the Journey
Alive Inside(2014) Explores the transformative power of music for people with dementia, showing how personalized playlists can awaken memory and emotion.
Genius of Marian (2013) A deeply personal film about a woman’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and her daughter’s effort to preserve her legacy.
Care Kanopy, PBS Investigates the undervalued labor of home health aides and the emotional complexity of caregiving in America.
Every Minute Counts (PBS) A sobering look at the public health crisis of Alzheimer’s and the urgent need for research and support.
Would you like me to organize these into a printable guide or add streaming links and episode suggestions for each podcast?
That would be a fantastic next step! Here’s how we could organize everything into a clean, printable guide with streaming links and episode suggestions:
The documentary draws upon personal accounts of people with AD and their caregivers, as well as the opinions of researchers, doctors, economists, and politicians, to make the case for an overwhelming toll of AD. Meet Daisy Duarte, who cares for her mother while already participating in Alzheimer’s research herself. The film sounds a battle cry against the disease and advocates for drastically stepping up funding to find effective treatments.
‘Every Minute Counts’ in drive to find Alzheimer’s treatment FRAZIER MOORE: Mon, January 23, 2017 at 1:32 PM EST
NEW YORK (AP) — In 2004, PBS aired a film about Alzheimer’s disease.
— With the aging of the U.S. population (especially by the outsized baby-boom generation) the number of cases is skyrocketing accordingly.
— The cost of this coming epidemic is destined to be financially ruinous, not only on an individual basis, but also as a public-health crisis nationwide.
That was then, in 2004.But the situation has grown only more dire, in 2017 Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts – The Emotional Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease – Twin Cities PBSThis image released by Twin Cities PBS shows Daisy Duarte, right, caring for her mother Sonia, who was diagnosed with a genetic form of early-onset Alzheimer’s, in a scene from the PBS documentary, “Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts.” It airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST. (Twin Cities PBS via AP)
According to this program, there are now more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease, with the number projected to soar by 55 percent by 2030, while future costs associated with it threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid and the life savings of millions of Americans.
“Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts” was produced and directed by Elizabeth Arledge, who a dozen years ago produced the Emmy-winning “The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s.” That report mainly focused on the human tragedy of a degenerative brain disease that sentences each victim to a progressive loss of memory and sense of self and, over time, an inability even to swallow and breathe.
For her new documentary, Arledge has taken a different tack.
“This is not another examination of the heartache,” she explained recently from her Cambridge, Massachusetts, base as an independent filmmaker specializing in medicine and public policy. “Instead, it’s more about how this personal tragedy is now going to become a tragedy for the whole country if nothing changes in the trajectory of the disease. We look at the epidemic as a main character in the film.”
She recites a few of its harsh bullet points:
— The sixth-largest cause of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s is the only disease among the top 10 with no prevention, no treatment and no cure.
— Given the number of people it affects — victims and caregivers — as it drags on for years, “it’s the most expensive disease in the country.”
— While research has uncovered what Arledge says are “so many promising leads, so many intriguing clues,” funds allocated for research are at a level far below those for many other diseases.
Battling Alzheimer’s, she sums up, is “100 percent about money.”
That said, “Every Minute Counts” http://www.pbs.org/tpt/alzheimer’s-every-minute-counts/home/ puts human faces on this dollar-and-cents dilemma — and not just faces of victims, but also those of researchers, health officials and loved ones of the afflicted.
Perhaps most memorable is Daisy Duarte of Springfield, Missouri. Now 45, she used to own a sports bar, but for five years has served as a full-time live-in caretaker for her mother, who can no longer dress, bathe or feed herself — or recognize her daughter.
“I lost my first mom five years ago,” says Duarte. “Alzheimer’s is my second mom.” Then things get worse. Aware that an early-onset Alzheimer’s gene runs through her family, giving Duarte 50-50 odds of having it, she decides to learn her fate.
The results from the test aren’t what she was praying for. Guaranteed to get Alzheimer’s, she continues to look after her declining mother knowing this is where her own path will take her in as little as 15 years.
The bad news galvanized Duarte to become an advocate for Alzheimer’s research.
In the film, she is seen lobbying members of Congress for increased funding, where she gets a warm reception: Alzheimer’s hasn’t spared their families either.
But Duarte’s activism points up one of the hurdles for getting out the word about this scourge: Unlike victims of most other plagues, Alzheimer’s patients can’t lobby for themselves.
All in all, “Every Minute Counts” is an alarming hour. But it isn’t without hope. “There are a lot of promising things in development,” says Arledge. “With enough support to bring them across the finish line, they could make a difference in the next five or 10 years. “It’s just a matter of money and focus.” http://www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts (2017) – FilmFlow.tv _____ is an urgent wake-up call about the national threat posed by Alzheimer’s disease. Many know the unique tragedy of this disease, but few know that Alzheimer’s is one of the most critical public health crises facing America.
Because of the growing number of aging baby boomers, and the fact that the onset of Alzheimer’s is primarily age-related, the number of Alzheimer’s cases is predicted to skyrocket in the United States. This will not only be a profound human tragedy, but an overwhelming economic one as well.
Due to the length of time people live with the illness and need care, it’s the most expensive medical condition in the U.S. Future costs for Alzheimer’s threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and the life savings of millions of Americans. Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts is an urgent wake-up call about the national threat posed by Alzheimer’s disease. Many know the unique tragedy of this disease, but few know that Alzheimer’s is one of the most critical public health crises facing America.
This powerful documentary illuminates the social and economic consequences for the country unless a medical breakthrough is discovered for this currently incurable disease.
There are now over five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the growing number of aging baby boomers, and the fact that the onset of Alzheimer’s is primarily age-related, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is projected to rise by 55 percent by 2030, and by 2050 the Alzheimer’s Association estimates the total number could explode to nearly 14 million.
This “tsunami”of Alzheimer’s will not only be a profound human tragedy, but an overwhelming economic one as well. Due to the length of time people live with the illness and need care, it’s the most expensive medical condition in the U.S. Future costs for Alzheimer’s threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and the life savings of millions of Americans. It is estimated that if the number of patients increases as projected in the years ahead, the costs to care for them will exceed $1.1 trillion.
With power and passion, Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts weaves together expert commentary with compelling personal stories filmed around the country that represent previews of the future happening today.The one-hour documentary will be accompanied by community engagement, education, and social media initiatives that will extend its reach and impact far beyond broadcast – to educate the public about the crisis as well as provide on-the-ground support to help those who already have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts is produced and directed by Elizabeth Arledge, who produced TPT’s acclaimed Primetime Emmy-winning production The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s.
Corporate funding is provided by Home Instead Senior Care. Major funding is provided by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. Additional funding by the Helen Daniels Bader Fund, a Bader Philanthropy; the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund; Charles M. Denny, Jr.; and Ellie Crosby – The Crosswols Foundation. Key project partners include the Alzheimer’s Association, National Partner; and Dementia Friendly America, Community Partner.
Let’s face it. We’re all aging. With good habits, we may stay healthy and independent for a long time. But in the end, most of us will need some help. What will it look like? Who will provide it? How will it feel? Care delves deep into the world of home elder care through the eyes of both paid caregivers and their clients.
Costa Rican, Vilma cares for Dee, a former career-woman, whose only family lives 3,000 miles away. Delores tends to Miss Nina, a stroke survivor with a spicy tongue. In a rural area, Laurie cajoles Larry to do his exercises while he waits for a lung transplant. Larry’s wife Tiff says, ‘this is the hardest job in the world’. Yet despite spending long hours caring for others, these compassionate women earn barely enough to put food on the table for own families.
Laurie can’t pay her rent. Dolores winds up in a women’s shelter. And their clients are struggling, too. Paying for long term care quickly eats up life savings. Through these stories Care reveals the beauty and intimacy of care, as well as the challenges and frustrations faced by elders, their families and care workers. It also reveals the beginning of a movement grappling with how we can better care for our elders, and those who care for them, as our country ages.
A new study published this past summer in Nature suggests that a lithium deficiency may be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The science is early, by the way, involving only mouse studies, but this discovery has been described as very promising, which is critically important to the 7 million people in this country who are dealing with Alzheimer’s right now. And by 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. I was thrilled to be able to talk to Dr. Bruce Yankner, the study’s lead author and a professor of genetics and neurology at Harvard Medical School.
By now, you probably have heard about an exciting study published this past summer in Nature that suggests that a lithium deficiency may be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The science is early, by the way, involving only mouse studies, but this discovery has been described as very promising, which is critically important to the 7 million people in this country who are dealing with Alzheimer’s right now.
And by 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
I am thrilled to be able to have a conversation with Dr. Bruce Yankner. He is the study’s lead author and a professor of genetics and neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Yankner, thank you so much for being here today and talking to me and all of my followers and viewers about this exciting study.
Lithium levels tied to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia | National Institutes of Health Um can you just try to simply say what you discovered about the importance of lithium in the brain and then we can unpack why a lithium deficiency might happen. Sure. Just uh briefly um we all know that lithium has been used for years as a drug for bipolar disorder and it’s always been thought of as a drug. But what we discovered now is that it’s actually a natural substance in the body and in particular in the brain. It plays an important role in the biology of uh of all different parts of the brain.
And we found that in aging individuals it’s particularly very important and that it drops in people who have early memory loss which we call mild cognitive impairment which is the first stage in progression to Alzheimer’s disease often. And um we then tried to translate these findings into a mouse model to determine whether that drop was meaningful by depleting it from the diet and found that it actually spur the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and led to memory loss in the mouse models.
And finally, um, we, uh, found, uh, a new lithium salt that was able to so-called resist the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Uh, because what we found was that the amyloid in the The Alzheimer brain actually was responsible in part for the low lithium levels. So the amyloid in the brain starting very early in Alzheimer’s disease acts like a sink to deplete the natural lithium from the brain and we found that that gives rise to all the major features of Alzheimer’s disease and uh leads to memory loss.
So We were able to design a lithium compound that was able to in a way evade the amyloid.
It didn’t stick to it as much as the clinically used lithium compounds and that was very potent at exquisitely low doses in reversing the changes of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. Can you just briefly tell us the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is the umbrella term and Alzheimer is the subset. Is it the other way around?
I’m always confused by this.
No, that’s a totally reasonable question because you see it in the press used uh in many ways. So, dementia is the umbrella term that refers to people who develop enough memory loss that impairs the life and the life of their families. Um and Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the human aging population. It’s 80 plus percent. Other causes of dementia are people getting multiple strokes. We call that vascular dementia. Um there’s a kind of dementia called frontotemporal dementia that has some overlap.
That’s the one Bruce Willis has.
Yes. ALS is a related syndrome. It tends to affect um you know the motor function more um so and but it’s also associated with dementia. So there are a variety of and even people with Parkinson’s disease uh can get dementia which may or may not be related to Alzheimer’s. Can I backtrack for two seconds Dr. Yankner and ask you what because I was going to look this up and then I was so busy reading all your material. What exactly is lithium? So, lithium is a metal.
Um, it’s in the same class of molecule of elements as iron, copper, magnesium, but present at much lower levels in our bodies. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, people didn’t think it was naturally in our bodies at all until now, I guess. And um it’s one of the lightest metals in nature. Um and um that’s why it’s so effective uh for charging our phones, you know, tablets and electric vehicles. It has this property of storing energy and releasing it very rapidly. So, it has these very interesting properties that set it aside from other metals.
But I know the lithium that is generally used in bipolar disorder, drugres resistant depressive disorder is very very powerful, right? And can be super harmful. So tell me about this lithium orotate and what makes it different from other forms of lithium. Yeah. So the other forms of lithium, lithium carbonate is probably the prototype for clinical use in bipolar disorder. Um, it’s used at very high doses. It’s used at levels that are now a thousand fold higher than what’s naturally in our bodies. So, we found that the amyloid plaques as they’re accumulating in the brain and can bind this lithium carbonate which is one of the reasons is probably not very effective in Alzheimer’s disease.
And so what we did is we designed this drug screening platform where we tested a whole slew of different lithium compounds. Lithium that’s complex with different molecules purposely to look for some that might not be uh binding to this amyloid. And we found a class of lithium compounds that actually bound much less than the usual compounds used in clinical practice. And of those promising lithium drugs, lithium orotate rose to the top as being the most potent.
So it has this unique property that it can give it to a mouse at a dose that replicates the physiological level in the body. So it’s quite different from bipolar disorder where you’re using these huge doses which might be necessary for those patients. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s quite different where you’re giving it huge doses.
Um, we’re giving it at a dose that replicates what’s naturally present, but is depleted when somebody gets Alzheimer’s disease. So, what happened when you gave the mice after giving them or decreasing the amount of lithium in their bodies? What happens when you give them lithium or rotate?
So when we gave them a diet that reduced the amount of lithium naturally in the brain and it was only by about 50% that we reduced it at first but that drop in 50% was enough to cause the Alzheimer pathology to become magnified in the brain and to cause memory loss. Now if we took those mice and we gave them this exquisitely low dose of lithium orotate it basically seemed to sweep away the amyloid plaques.
It also reduced the number of a of these structures called tangles which are inside the brain cells and are thought to actually compromise their function and lead to dementia. It reduced that. It reduced the inflammation in the brain which is a very important feature of Alzheimer’s and other uh degenerative brain diseases. And most importantly, it restored the memory of the mice.
Wow. And how do you judge that? I mean, how do you know that a mouse has restored its memory? I mean, I I don’t know how you do that. Can you explain? Sure. I mean it’s a good question because it has to be done very carefully because behavior and memory are so subject to many external influences. So, you have to do it very carefully and we have a number of experimental systems developed over the years for doing this in mice, our lab and other laboratories.
One is called the Morris water maze where we take a pool of water.
We put something in the water which is harmless but it makes it opaque so you can’t see below the surface and we put these visual cues, little pieces of paper you know colored pictures around the tank. You put a mouse in the water and mice don’t particularly like water so they swim around. We have a submerged platform in one part of the tank and eventually they find that platform.
Okay. And it gets them out of the water. They’re very happy about that. Um, and you do this every day for about 7 days. And believe it or not, after 7 days, the mice have memorized the visual cues and they can now get to the platform really fast. Mh. and mice however that have memory loss that for instance that are designed to express genes that cause Alzheimer’s in humans and they get a lot of the amyloid and the tow and these other things that characterize Alzheimer’s disease they take much longer to find this platform and you can quantify that as a measure of memory and we also have some other complementary tests of memory that we use all together to get a sense of how good their memory is.
This is so fascinating and of course every answer leads me to so many other questions. When you say you reduced the amount of lithium in their diets, that makes me think, oh, I better eat foods with lithium in them. So, I mean, is it something that is normal? I know that and we’ll talk about how this will be applied to human beings and I know you’re hoping to start clinical studies, clinical trials on humans.
Are there foods rich in lithium that the average person or the average mouse should in fact be eating? Yes, there are actually. Um, one of the foods that’s richest in lithium naturally is green leafy vegetables. Uh lithium is also at relatively uh enriched levels in nuts, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. Uh some spices such as turmeric and cumin and also some mineral waters. You know, water is a very important source of lithium, drinking water. Ironically, people who are drinking very purified reverse osmosis filtered water are getting no minerals at all and no lithium.
So, interestingly, those foods I mentioned are core components of the so-called Mediterranean diet, right? So, it’s uh my colleagues and and we have been wondering whether, you know, that’s part of the benefit of the Mediterranean diet. Well, it makes me want to eat a kale salad for lunch. That’s for sure. But let’s talk about how lithium interacts with these so-called amyloid beta deposits and protein. I know here before that the thinking about Alzheimer’s disease was really about these amyloid deposits that keep the brain from functioning.
That’s about the extent of my scientific knowledge.
So can you take it from here Dr. Yankner and explain what these amyloids and protein towels are that seem to be present in people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Sure. So this dates back to the original observations about the disease by Alawa’s Alzheimer in Germany in 1906.
And he saw what we call pathological hallmarks of these features under the microscope.
When he took a patient who had died of Alzheimer’s disease and sliced the brain and stained it and looked under the microscope, he saw these dark brillow pad like deposits riddling the brain of the patient. That is the amyloid and it’s a protein that’s made inside the cell but gets outside and then it clumps together to form these very insoluble deposits around the brain. But then there’s another protein inside the brain cells called tow and it tangles together and forms what we call neurofibrillary tangles and it’s thought that they promote the eventual death of the brain cell the neuron.
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It’s now known that there are other hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease such as neuroinflammatory changes from immune cells. But the field was sort of at that level until about 1960 1970 and when you know people started debating what is the role of these pathological hallmarks and for a long time amyloid was thought to be just an inert byproduct of the disease sort of brain garbage if you will but then um you uh in 1990 we show that amyloid could actually be toxic to brain cells. So maybe it wasn’t so inert after all.
And in 1991 – 92 there was new evidence from genetics that some families had a mutation, a change in the gene sequence of the protein that gives rise to the amyloid and those people developed Alzheimer’s disease at a very early age. So this led to what was called the amyloid hypothesis which was that amyloid is the cause of the disease. This was fairly contentious in the 1990s. Uh there the genetic evidence and the biological evidence was strong but There were a few things about it that led people to question whether that was the entire story.
First, there wasn’t a clear correlation between the amount of amyloid in the brain and dementia. Some people had large amounts of amyloid in the brain when they died at an old age and they were perfectly intact cognitively and others who had less amyloid in the brain were severely demented. So you had that disconnect. Second, you know, as the genetics progressed, there were mutations in other genes that appeared to predispose to Alzheimer’s by others in other ways.
And lastly, the uh treatments that have targeted the amyloid and remove it from the brain, although effective, do not stop the progression of the disease or restore cognitive function. Again, suggesting that that was not the whole story. Mehm. So, you know, I always wondered what else was out there that was accounting for this. So, the amyloid beta deposits and the protein towel, so the deposits and the tangles, were they preventing sort of um brain connections or neuro uh connections to happen?
How were they actually creating the environment for the disease to thrive if that makes sense Katie that is the central question and it was unresolved so I’ll tell you what was thought to occur so um we showed that the amyloid could cause a loss of synapse connections the connections between the neurons and toxicity and other groups had shown that as Well, and there was a lot of work on that and it was shown that the tow could also cause the neurons to not function well. But how the tow or the amyloid did this in a step by step way was the mechanism of the disease was unclear.
So one possibility is that what the amyloid is doing is it is toxic in a passive way that by binding lithium and possibly other essential nutrients it’s depriving the brain of these essential nutrients and that leads to degeneration. We’ve shown in the mouse brain if we do that if we simply deplete the amount of lithium in the brain by 50% this leads to the degeneration and that can explain a lot of observations particularly what has been known for many years which is that um amyloid starts accumulating in the brain for decades before a person becomes symptomatic with memory loss and sometimes with Alzheimer’s disease.
And what happens is we now know from imaging studies of the brain that the amoid keeps accumulating and then something happens at some point there is an inflection point where suddenly you start to see the two accumulate inside the brain neurons start to degenerate and memory loss occurs. So clearly the brain is able to function pretty well with a lot of amyloids for a long time and then something there’s always been that big question mark triggers a relentless downhill course. And so, one candidate for that something is that you have reached a threshold of loss of lithium due to the progressive binding by the amyloid.
It reaches a threshold where you get below the level that the brain needs to function normally. So the amyloids are basically sucking the li lithium out of your brain and at a certain level that means your cognitive function is impaired and how strongly do you believe that lithium is really the reason Dr. Yankner I mean uh that that this is happening obviously this study is incredibly exciting and promising but do you think that you have found I don’t want to say the holy grail but a real possibility for what is actually causing Alzheimer’s it’s not the amyloid beta you know deposits or the the protein towel tank angles, but what those things do to the lithium in your brain.
So, I think it’s fair to say that it’s a candidate mechanism, as we call it, for this multi-system degeneration of the brain that leads to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. And one of the most attractive features of the work to me is that lithium appears to target all of the various manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. The amyloid, the toe, the inflammation, even the memory loss. Um, it doesn’t focus on one specific facet of it. You mean the lithium fights amyloid deposits and these tangles?
Yes. or do these things fight the lithium or Does it work both ways?
It works both ways and you’ve actually hit but hit upon something very important which I’ll address in a moment. Just to finish answering your question in all fairness we have to see where the science goes whether this turns out to be a common mechanism. I think it’s an intriguing possibility at this point. Now it’s interesting because we’ve shown by treatment with lithium orotate that lithium is quite effective at clearing the amyloid, clearing the tower, and restoring memory.
We’ve also shown that the amyloid plaques can deplete the natural lithium from the brain. So you can imagine a vicious cycle where you get a little amyloid in the beginning. We don’t even know if that’s the primary inciting cause of the disease. It’s probably multifactorial. But as the amyloid accumulates, it starts depleting the lithium.
The lithium normally helps keep the amyloid levels down in part by stimulating these cells called micro ga, which are the cleanup cells of the brain that take them down. So now you get even more amyloid. You deplete the lithium even more and you get into a positive what we call feedback loop that can you know play feed upon itself?
That’s fascinating. And what led you to say hey maybe it’s the lithium? That’s a good question. We came about this in an indirect way. We were studying a protein about 10 years ago called rest which we had found also plays an important role in the aging brain and protects against Alzheimer’s disease and we were you know i’m trying to find out how is this protein turned on or off in the brain and we found that it’s activated by what we call a pathway that itself is activated by lithium.
So we were using the old pharmacology route. We were giving the high doses of lithium to the animals t you know as one does clinically and you know studying this rest protein and we observed that all the various manifestations of Alzheimer’s in these mouse models seem to get better when we use these high doses very high doses and you know usually um when one targets a specific aspect of Alzheimer’s disease focused on one thing or other the inflammation. Now this would seem to cut through all of them.
So one day we just wondered if you know if lithium could actually be part of the disease mechanism. Now the problem with that thought initially was that lithium was not part thought to be a normal part of the brain you know, a natural substance. So in order to determine whether it’s there naturally, we had to um adapt some new technology to make it more sensitive and specific for lithium, which you know to make a long story short, we’re able to do and found that it’s present naturally in the brain.
And most interestingly, as people age, those people who develop very early memory loss, what we call mild cognitive impairment, half of those go on to develop Alzheimer’s roughly. Um, the lithium levels just dropped in their brains. And as they progressed from the mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease, uh, the lithium deficit became even more pronounced. I think it’s also so cool, Dr. Yankner that you collaborated with this foundation I guess in Chicago.
Tell me if I’m getting this right because it’s very difficult to study the brain. Well, look who I’m talking to. Basically, a brain scientist, but it’s hard to get tissue samples of the brain, right? And I think that’s why brain research has often lagged behind other kinds of medical research. Uh, and now with modern day imaging, they’re they’re they’re making so much more progress. But you worked with an organization or a group that made the brain tissue of people who had died from Alzheimer’s available to you.
Can you tell us about that collaboration?
Yes. Um, that was really important.
So we’ve had a longstanding collaborative relationship with David Bennett who runs what’s called the Religious Order Study out of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. and he um follows people along for many years and they get um careful neurological and memory assessments every year as well as broad clinical evaluation and they donate their brains to science afterwards.
So we had through our relationship with them access to blood samples from people in different cognitive stages postmortem after death brain samples from people who donated their brains to science from individuals who died with normal memory very early
mild cognitive impairment and various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. What’s more, each year their cognitive assessment is really detailed. It looks at various types of memory. Memory for places, memory for people, how good their speech is. So we were able to in fact correlate different aspects of brain function with Lithium. Wow.
So it was a very powerful data set. And did you see that the people who had severe Alzheimer’s at the time of their deaths had basically no lithium in their brain?
They had some lithium in their brain, but it was below the level.
Yes. So you could look at that in two ways. The total amount of lithium was significantly reduced. But of that lithium that was in their brain, a substantial proportion of it was inactively bound to the amyloid deposits. Oh, so it was rendered kind of useless or it couldn’t function fully because the amyloid had basically sucked it in and said, “Sorry, lithium. You’re not going to be able to do your thing.”
That’s right. I should be a scientist, right, Dr. you’re that that’s that’s really the central issue. What’s more, you’ve got these big amyloid deposits. I don’t want to get too technical here. Um but I think it goes to your So far so good. I’m actually following everything you’re saying. So, you’ve got these big amyloid deposits, but there are smaller pieces of the amyloid that are made by the cells which then come together to form these big deposits and they’re all over the brain.
They’re not just in the plaques.
Oh, wow. Though the so-called depletion of lithium in the brain that we attribute to the plaques, that’s an underestimate of how much the brain has lost its lithium because we think lithium is binding to these little pieces all over. It wouldn’t surprise me as in an advanced Alzheimer patient if There is no biologically active lithium left in the brain at all.
We don’t know that as a fact, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Let’s talk about the practical implications of your study. When do you think human trials uh uh about the importance or the role of lithium in the can the brain can begin?
So, we’re in the planning stages of a clinical trial of lithium orotate, a randomized placebo control trial that we hope will start in the near future. It will be based at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the Brigham Women’s Hospital in uh Boston. Um practically speaking, we need to determine the effective uh dose of lithiumate in people. We’ve done that in mice, but we need to be able to translate it to people. Um we need to determine that it’s not toxic to people.
Um, in mice, we’ve used the so-called physiological dose of lithium orotate in aging animals for as much as a year with no evidence of toxicity. We need to confirm that’s encouraging, but we need to confirm it in people. So, I would strongly recommend that people not go out and take lithium on their own at this point before the clinical trial results are in. There are a number of new uh treatments for Alzheimer’s disease which have come online in the last uh two or three years and uh people should speak with their physicians about this. So I shouldn’t go to CVS and buy myself a little bottle of lithium orotate.
Is that what you’re saying? That’s correct. Can you do that? Is it available over the counter?
I don’t I’ve never heard of it. I don’t believe it’s available over the counter but there are number of online uh supplement makers that that and you know you can imagine people hearing this study and have a loved one with Alzheimer’s are thinking gosh I need to start giving my dad or my mom or my sister or whatever this I mean would you call it an element I uh this drug um And you’re saying people definitely should not do that.
Yes. Because as encouraging as the mouse studies are, you know, until we see it in humans, we cannot say definitively whether it would be safe or not and what is the effective dose. Um and this is, you know, an issue I encounter every single day. I I hear from patients and their families and um some of the stories are very sad frankly and um every time I open my email box there several more um stories like this and um this has been the most difficult part of what I do in the last month or two and but I think the prudent thing to do is for people to consult with their physicians and use the tried tried and true treatments that have been vetted in human studies.
At this point, I do a lot of cancer research or support a lot of cancer research and awareness and I know how difficult it is to get people to enroll in clinical trials. Um, is there a way or can I share any information with people watching this about how they could be considered for a clinical trial? So when the trial begins uh a notice will be put out I believe at that point in the hospital will be mediating that not me and um it will probably be publicly known at that point although I can’t say for certain uh what the mechanism will be um so we’re not at that stage yet but I’m very hopeful that we will be soon.
When you say soon, I’m just curious. Are you talking about a year, a couple of months? I mean, I know it’s probably hard to predict exactly, but when do you think you can commence phase one clinical trials? We’re hoping within the next year.
A lot of people have questions for you, uh, Dr. Yanker. One was could this study help with Parkinson’s and other neuro degenerative diseases and is there a sharing of your research with people in those areas of expertise?
That’s one of our major areas of interest and our research is open to everybody and my hope is that investigators in those areas will look at this. Uh we’re also very interested in ALS and Parkinson’s disease um vascular dementia which can be due to strokes and we’re looking at some of this. We don’t have any good results yet. by good I mean well developed results on Parkinson’s so I can’t comment on that but it’s um but it’s an interest of ours and hopefully others and the way those diseases manifest themselves is different than how Alzheimer’s does in terms of the synapse synapses it’s it’s it’s a different um maybe delivery system in terms of how Parkinson’s manifests itself in a patient or ALS because obviously it’s clearly not just a neuro disease.
It’s a neurodegenerative disease that affects your entire body and Alzheimer’s really doesn’t. Right.
So you’re right, the way they manifest themselves are different. So Parkinson’s disease has many motor muscle symptoms, slowness, rigidity. My dad and my dad died of Parkinson’s so I saw it firsthand.
Yes. So you know it can sometimes overlap with Alzheimer’s and ALS is a different kind of muscle motor disease. Many of the differences have to do with where in the brain the disease arises, and they certainly have different proteins that may cause the disease. uh for instance there’s the amyloid protein in Alzheimer’s something called alphas clean and Parkinson’s but some of our hope is that some of the mechanisms some of the ways in which the neurons are degenerating or dying will be common to the different disorders and that there may be some treatments possibly lithium among them that could cut a broad swath across all these diseases it’s so exciting I know that I don’t want you know, overstate it, but it does sound so promising.
And someone asks, given the new findings on lithium’s potential to reverse or protect against Alzheimer’s disease, do patients, I thought this was such a smart question, do patients with mood disorders like bipolar, schizoaffective disorder who have been treated with lithium show a lower risk or incidence of developing Alzheimer’s later in life?
It’s a very good question. The short answer is yes. There have been a few studies over the years which have shown that individuals with bipolar disorder and there’s one study suggesting this for schizophrenia as well are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease SA. Um and uh those treated with lithium actually do not appear to be at a higher risk.
Now, one problem with lithium with the lithium treatment for bipolar disorder as individuals age is that they become more susceptible to the toxicity of those high doses of lithium uh particularly for the kidneys and the thyroid and that oftentimes requires them to discontinue treatment.
And our hope is that alternative lithium compounds such as lithium bartate that can be given at 100 to a thousand fold lower levels might not have that toxicity associated with it. So obviously there are many things to test and tweak in the future. Um a lot of people uh wanted to know if humans can actually be tested for lithium levels. In other words, is there a simple blood test when I go get my physical this fall?
Can I say to my internist, “Hey, Dr. Nash, can you test me for lithium?”
So, people who are on lithium therapy for bipolar disorder have their blood lithium levels monitored. Make sure they’re in what we call the therapeutic range, that they’re not in a toxic range. They’re not too high. But those blood tests, you know, monitor a much higher level of lithium in the blood than uh what we’re talking about here. So, one thing we’re very interested in is whether one can predict lithium deficiency early by measuring either lithium or other markers that are responsive to lithium in the blood or possibly in other tissues. you know, for instance, um, uh, people have advocated in the hair.
Uh, we have no data on that, but it would be really, um, quite advantageous if it turns out that lithium deficiency is important for Alzheimer’s to be able to see that early as part of a general physical exam.
So, it sounds to me that you and someone else asked this potentially, again, I don’t want to get ahead of us, but potentially see a future where lithium orotate in some quantity could be used to stave off and potentially even reverse Alzheimer’s disease.
That is my hope. Certainly, we’ll see where the science goes.
But um in the mouse models and one has to be cautious about that in the mouse models we gave lithium orotate to the animals that develop Alzheimer like pathology plaques tangles memory loss early before they developed those symptoms and it prevented it. But we also gave it to animals at a very much more advanced stage when their brains had quite a bit of this uh this pathology and and and more significant memory loss and it helped to reverse that as well.
So, I think it’s important to take a preventive approach, but it’s also important not to give up on the many people who already have the disease. As you know, Dr. Yankner, more women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
And I wondered if in your research you discovered that men have more lithium in their brains or from the tissue samples of men and women that you examined from that lab in Chicago if there was any difference because people have tried to understand and you could tell me more about this the role estrogen or the lack thereof plays in Alzheimer’s disease among women.
So we were not able to find a significant difference in the levels of lithium um when we analyzed that in our human brain samples or blood samples. Um but what we can’t exclude at this point is whether the response to lithium so lithium interacts with cells and cells respond to it very strongly whether that might not be um sex dependent. So you don’t know yet?
We don’t. Do you know anything about estrogen and Alzheimer’s separate and apart from lithium?
So, um it’s been thought that possibly the post-menopausal decline in estrogen could relate to the increased incidence in women versus men of the disease. And um that men who still um make testosterone into an old into their old age um and some of that testosterone gets converted to estrogen might be a bit protected.
But I think the science of that is not conclusive at this point. We definitely Yeah, I was going to say we definitely need more research into that and all kinds of diseases affecting women because they’ve certainly been under-represented and underfunded in a whole panoply of diseases and conditions. That’s just my little political statement.
Oh, I I couldn’t agree more and especially something as prevalent as Alzheimer’s disease.
I think this is a very important issue and it’s ironic in a sense Katie because women on average live longer than men. So this discovery, I know I asked you before about neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS, but do you feel like this holds a potential hope for not only Alzheimer’s, the largest subset of dementia related illnesses, but other things like like you were saying frontotemporal dementia and other things that um are impacting cognitive function in in individuals.
I do and the reason I say that is we know that lithium affects the basic cellular processes that can lead to death of the cell and dysfunction of the neuron. We have shown that the natural lithium in the brain is important for the communication between neurons. It’s important for these cells that insulate the connections, the wires between the neurons called myelin. It’s what enables us to think quickly.
Frankly, electrical transmission goes fast because of this insulin.
So, it affects these immune cells called micro glee in the brain that are thought to be so important for cleaning up the brain as well as inflammation when they’re not functioning well. So it’s important for that. So it’s important for all these different normal functions.
So that gives me hope that capitalizing on this function might be helpful for many different diseases of the brain. Let me ask you about the importance of NIH funding. That’s another thing I’ve been on my high horse about. I am absolutely sickened by how much money is being taken away from the National Institutes of Health and Argo research universities all across the country.
You have said that the NIH support was absolutely critical for this work. Um how concerned are you? I just read a big article about UMass Chan and all their work on cancer, pediatric cancer in particular, that’s being stopped. And you know, of course, we’re all worried about a brain drain with young scientists going to places where their work can be supported and valued.
So, how concerned are you about these cuts to medical research overall?
Well, I’m quite concerned. Uh I’m concerned that we’re losing the advantage that the US has had in the world and for the world uh where we’ve been the sort of gem of biomedical research. um that the best and brightest will not want to come from other countries to the US any for much longer given that they perceive a negative environment.
Um and one of the most productive um forces in this country has been the partnership between the US government and biomed research at the university level at the company level and it’s been estimated that for every dollar the government puts puts in there has been an effective return multiple fold a economically, not to mention society and people’s benefits.
I mean, we think about what we can do for cancer now compared to what we could do 30, 40 years ago, um, and many other diseases as well. The progress has been enormous. The idea of losing that jewel is so concerning and it’s not a spot that we could turn on and off. So if it’s turned on or there’s a turned off, excuse me, or there’s a perception that it is going off and we lose people, the young people who need to be trained at this point, the next generation of investigators, the people who will have the cancer and Alzheimer cures for our grandchildren and their children.
Um it’s not as if down the road it gets turned on and suddenly those people are going to rejoin the ranks and we’ll have them again. There will be a gap because there’s such a long period of training that’s required to get people to be great scientists and to actually enter this area. People are going to go into other areas.
Do you think these cuts will impact your ability to have clinical trials on this very important and exciting discovery? It could be because the NIH uh does support clinical trials and if their funding is limited, you know, I would imagine that will considerably constrict what they’re able to fund. Uh so it might be a limiting factor.
Do you think you’ll be able to work around it? That would be so devastating?
It would. It would. We’re trying to do that. In fact, we’re trying to accelerate these trials and get this information to people. Does this work or does it not work as fast as possible through philanthropy? Well, I’m so grateful for your time, even more grateful for your work, which involves a lot of time, and I hope that this initial discovery in mice really translates to human beings because if it does, it’s going to have an extraordinary impact on so many people and so many families.
And I hope if it works out, you get the Nobel Prize, Dr. Yankner. I’m gonna nominate you, even though I don’t even know how to do that. I appreciate that. Thank you, Katie. And uh our hopes are there as well. And uh we’re working as hard as we can, as are many other scientific groups across the country.
Well, please give our best to all the people on your team from the people who wash out the test tubes to the people who are looking through microscopes to the people who are studying brain tissue and um you know we’re just personally I just want to say I am so grateful for the work you do. I can’t think of anything more important.
At fifty, Alicia Baca Rush thought she was preparing for a new chapter of life —
About Alicia : Alicia Baca Rush is a thyroid cancer survivor, entrepreneur and advocate for resilience. Living in Lake Arrowhead, California she now dedicates her life to inspiring others facing life-altering challenges to rediscover hope, healing and purpose!
But nothing could prepare her for what came next. Her powerful story is captured in her memoir The Good Kind of Cancer, where she recounts her battle with Stage 2 thyroid cancer, including undergoing two tracheostomies and facing life-threatening complications. Despite nearly losing her voice and independence, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a mission to inspire others through their darkest moments.
She also shares her journey on podcasts and public platforms, emphasizing themes of healing, personal reinvention, and the emotional toll of illness. Living in Lake Arrowhead, California, Alicia now dedicates her life to helping others rediscover hope and strength.
Alicia Baca Rush’s journey as a thyroid cancer survivor is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and purpose. Diagnosed with Stage 2 thyroid cancer, she endured two tracheostomies and faced the terrifying possibility of losing her voice permanently. Her battle wasn’t just physical—it was deeply emotional and spiritual, challenging her identity and strength.
Alicia Baca Rush’s cancer story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation.
Her diagnosis with Stage 2 thyroid cancer came as a shock, but what followed was even more harrowing: she underwent two tracheostomies, lost her ability to speak, and faced the terrifying possibility of permanent vocal damage. For someone who had built her life around communication and connection, this was devastating.
Alicia Baca Rush underwent several intense treatments during her battle with Stage 2 thyroid cancer, as detailed in her memoir The Good Kind of Cancer. While the book doesn’t list every medical procedure in clinical terms, here’s what we know about her treatment journey:
Surgeries and Tracheostomies
Alicia had two tracheostomies, which are surgical procedures that create an opening in the neck to place a tube into the windpipe. These were necessary due to complications from her cancer and treatment, and they temporarily took away her ability to speak.
She also underwent thyroid surgery, likely a thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland), which is common in treating thyroid cancer.
Post-Surgical Recovery and Monitoring
Her recovery involved intensive monitoring, especially of her vocal cords and breathing, given the risk of permanent voice loss.
While not explicitly stated, thyroid cancer treatment often includes radioactive iodine therapy and hormone replacement, which may have been part of her regimen.
Emotional and Psychological Healing
Alicia emphasizes the emotional toll of treatment—feeling isolated, silenced, and nearly losing her life twice. Her healing journey included therapy, journaling, and eventually writing her memoir to reclaim her voice.
Her story is less about the technical details and more about the emotional and spiritual transformation that came through surviving cancer. If you’re curious about the medical side of thyroid cancer treatments in general, I can break those down too.
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The Turning Point After her second tracheotomy, Alicia found herself isolated, unable to speak, and struggling with the emotional toll of her illness. She described feeling like she had lost her identity. But in that silence, she began to listen—to herself, to her pain, and to a deeper calling.
Reclaiming Her Voice Through months of recovery, therapy, and inner work, Alicia slowly regained her voice—both physically and metaphorically. She began journaling, reflecting, and eventually writing her memoir The Good Kind of Cancer, which explores how trauma can be a gateway to purpose.
Themes in Her Memoir: The Good Kind of Cancer: Turning Pain Into Purpose chronicles her experience with raw honesty and hope. It’s not just a cancer story—it’s a guide for anyone facing adversity.
Vulnerability as strength: Alicia shares raw moments of fear and despair, showing how embracing vulnerability helped her heal.
Purpose through pain: She reframes cancer not as a curse, but as a catalyst for transformation.
Empowerment: Her story encourages others to find meaning in adversity and to speak their truth—even when it’s hard.
Her Story Highlights:
Diagnosis & Treatment: Alicia underwent aggressive treatment for thyroid cancer, including surgeries that left her temporarily unable to speak.
Emotional Toll: She grappled with fear, isolation, and the loss of independence, but found strength in vulnerability.
Rebirth & Advocacy: Alicia emerged with a renewed mission—to help others find light in their darkest moments.
“Cancer took my voice not once, but twice – I’ve had two trachs. But, it also gave me my life. It taught me that even when everything feels broken, there’s still a way forward. You just have to keep going – one day at a time!”
Tune into this week’s episode of “Living an Intentional Life Podcast” as I had the insane honor of sitting in conversation with Alicia Rush, a 3x cancer survivor with paralyzed vocal cords for this empowering episode, “From out of the ashes to a woman full of fire!”
Throughout this episode, Alicia shares her journey:
Being a 3x cancer survivor
Her vocal cords being paralyzed and living with a “trachs”
Empowering herself with moving through these life changing truths
The power behind her morning routine + daily gratitude
How she holds space for her trauma
Moving forward after a near death experience
Her story is a reminder that even when life silences us, we can still find ways to speak volumes. If you’re interested in her story, you can check out her book on Amazon.com or listen to her podcast episode. Here’s a glimpse into Alicia Baca Rush’s powerful story through both her podcast and book:
Quote from The Good Kind of Cancer
“Cancer didn’t just take my voice—it gave me a new one. One that speaks with purpose, not just sound.”
This quote captures the essence of Alicia’s transformation. Her memoir is filled with reflections on how illness stripped away her old identity and forced her to rebuild from the inside out.
Podcast Summary: From Out of the Ashes to a Woman Full of Fire In this episode, Alicia shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual toll of losing her voice after two tracheostomies. She discusses:
The fear of being silenced forever
The isolation and identity crisis that followed
How she found healing through writing and reflection
Her mission to help others turn pain into purpose
She speaks candidly about the moment she realized her suffering could be a gift—not just for herself, but for others who feel lost in their own battles.
Here’s a deeper look into Alicia Baca Rush’s advocacy work, along with a powerful quote from her memoir:
Another Quote from The Good Kind of Cancer
“I had to lose my voice to find it. What I speak now comes from a place deeper than sound—it comes from survival.”
This line encapsulates Alicia’s transformation. Her voice, once physically silenced by cancer and tracheotomies, became a symbol of her emotional and spiritual rebirth.
Her Advocacy Work Alicia’s mission is to help others turn pain into purpose. She advocates for:
Thyroid cancer awareness: Sharing her story to educate others about symptoms, treatment, and emotional impact.
Mental health during illness: She speaks openly about the psychological toll of cancer and the importance of emotional healing.
Empowerment through storytelling: Alicia encourages survivors to reclaim their narratives, using writing and speaking as tools for healing.
Support for women facing identity loss: Her work especially resonates with women who feel disconnected from themselves due to illness, trauma, or life transitions.
Public Speaking & Podcasts She’s appeared on podcasts like From Out of the Ashes to a Woman Full of Fire, where she discusses how surviving cancer reshaped her purpose. Her talks often center on resilience, reinvention, and the power of vulnerability.
If you’re interested, I can help you draft a message to her or explore similar survivor stories that align with her advocacy.
Here are some powerful cancer survivor stories that echo Alicia Baca Rush’s themes of resilience, emotional healing, and turning pain into purpose:
Fight Like a Girl Club – Survivor Stories
This platform features dozens of deeply personal stories from women who’ve battled various cancers, including thyroid, breast, ovarian, and more. Many of these survivors share:
The emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment
How they reclaimed their identity post-cancer
Their advocacy efforts to support others through awareness and empowerment
These platforms align beautifully with Alicia’s advocacy—especially her focus on emotional healing, storytelling, and helping others find light in dark times.
Houston, Texas, has the highest poverty rate among all cities, according to data from the US Census Bureau
Inside red state city where one in five residents live in poverty Story by Jack Toledo
SORRY JACK TOLEDO MOST BIG CITY MAYORS ARE DEMOCRAT!!!
John Harris Whitmire (born August 13, 1949)[2] is an American attorney and also politician who has served as the 63rd mayor of Houston, Texas, since 2024. Whitmire was previously a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 until 1983, and the Texas State Senate from 1983 to 2023. In the state senate, he represented District 15, which included much of northern Houston.
In November 2021, Whitmire announced his candidacy for mayor of Houston in the 2023 election. In November 2023, he advanced to a runoff with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. He won the runoff by a wide margin on December 9, 2023.[3]
A Texas metropolis has the highest poverty rate among all cities in America, according to data from the US Census Bureau.
New data shows that in 2024, 21.1 per cent of residents in Houston lived at or below the federal poverty line.
The national poverty rate of the US is 10.6 percent, which is nearly half of the rate of Houston, according to census data.
Daniel Potter, the Director of the Houston Population Research Center at the Kinder Institute, told ABC 13 that the issue is not due to a low number of jobs.
He believes that Houston’s poverty issue is due to a lack of higher-paying opportunities.
Director Potter told the outlet: ‘We’re missing jobs that are paying between about $100,000 and $150,000. These are not entry-level positions we’re talking about.
‘These are your mid-career. These are positions that oftentimes people are working towards.’
A study this year by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research found that the gap for homeownership in Houston and Harris County has increased as land prices outpaced wage gains.
A homeless man panhandles at I-69 and Weslayan Street in Houston in January this year
In 2024, 21.1 per cent of residents in Houston lived at or below the federal poverty line. Pictured: Homeless outreach teams are seen above in Houston in December 2024
The study also found that significant rent increases have added roughly 15,000 new cost-burdened renters in the year.
More than half of Houstonians are spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent, according to ABC.
‘When I’m taking half of my income and I’m putting it into just my lodging, it is leaving very little behind for me to have money for my food, my utilities, my insurances,’ said Potter.
He added: ‘It’s just recognizing we’ve got to make sure we’re prioritizing those living wage positions because we’ve got folks that are working here. It’s just making sure they’ve got those opportunities.’
The director also highlighted that Houston’s poverty rate has decreased from 15 years ago, when he stated that it was about one in four people in the city who were living in poverty.
On July 9, Houston Mayor John Whitmire discussed his plan for addressing homelessness in the city.
‘There’s no doubt about it, a solution to the homeless conditions is a top priority, it’s one of the reasons I listed for running office, certainly for the mayor’s office, and I know all of us share that.
‘We’ve made progress, this is just going to be another tool in the kit if the council approves it to where we can encourage individuals to get out of the elements to get healthcare, food and a bed that are not receiving it.
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There are a total of 3,325 people experiencing homelessness in Houston.
Of those people, 1,282 live unsheltered a 15.8 percent increase from 2024 and 2,043 are staying in shelters a 6 percent decrease from the year before
‘It’s just wrong for people to live in those conditions, and it’s wrong for the public to have to engage this population in public spaces.’
Of those people, 1,282 live unsheltered, a 15.8 percent increase from 2024 and 2,043 are staying in shelters, a 6 percent decrease from the year before.
While Houston suffers from poverty, a suburb on the outskirts was recently rated the hottest zip code in the US.
Why Do America’s Cities Have Such Terrible Mayors?
Could Changing the Incentives Change the Quality of the Candidates?
By Matthew Gasda
Matthew Gasda is a critic, writer, and director. He is the founder of the Brooklyn Center for Theater Research. His novel The Sleepers has just appeared with Skyhorse Publishing.
New York City’s imminent Democratic primary on June 24th, which is most likely to select the next mayor of the city, and features a cast of borderline criminals, progressive grandstanders, and city government careerists and apparatchiks, has got me thinking. Why do America’s biggest cities have terrible mayors? The ultra-partisan answer is that America’s big cities are Democrat-run, and the Democratic Party is traditionally more focused on big national legislation than on governance, administration, or executive leadership. But that answer doesn’t strike me as fully explanatory: there are structural reasons why urban voters in the United States must choose between transparently terrible candidates.
Urban dysfunction is a failure of professional class incentives and party machinery that mistake symbolic performance for potential competence. NYC’s entrenched machine politics, for instance, prioritizes loyalty and connections over competence, while campaign finance systems that appear to be democratizing still put candidates’ name recognition before fresh talent and perspective (Andrew Cuomo is the most painfully obvious example). Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, across the country, has become shrill and performative, rewarding candidates who can deliver the most dramatic progressive rhetoric rather than those who can manage budgets, coordinate services, and solve practical problems, or even develop a consistent, unifying message.
The Democratic Party has become shrill and performative, rewarding candidates who can deliver the most dramatic progressive rhetoric rather than those who can solve practical problems.
In Chicago, Brandon Johnson’s approval rating has been below 15% (14% as of January 2025). Los Angeles’s Karen Bass has watched her city burn (twice now). Michelle Wu’s progressive policies in Boston—particularly her sanctuary city stance—have put her at odds with the city’s business leaders, and her reelection campaign against Josh Kraft has grown contentious as a result, even though she is likely to win re-election. Portland is experiencing civilian flight and depopulation (though recent efforts to increase police staffing and implement data-driven crime reduction strategies have shown some positive effects). Seattle is grappling with budget reallocations (cuts to police and human services), ongoing housing policy battles over zoning and rent control, and increasing tension between a ideological progressive city council and the more pragmatic Mayor Bruce Harrell, who has pushed for a public safety agenda and a rollback of some earlier left-wing initiatives.
At this point in the 2020s, Democrat mayors seem corrupt and incompetent (as the response to the LA and Chicago riots is making clear). But the issue isn’t that we’re getting Democrats per se, it’s that the party itself has been selecting for most partisan, most bought, most insider Democrats, while talent moulders (Zohran Mamdani’s relative success in his candidacy for NYC mayor is proof that there is an immense hunger for earnestness, youth, and authenticity); and equally, that most big cities do not have meaningful opposition parties: so the Democrats face little pressure to promote candidates who can pass the test of a competitive election. Cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and LA have ultra-high concentrations of talented and able Americans, but politics doesn’t attract that talent; local public service seems to attract sociopaths who seek a path for self-advancement.
Why? I would suggest that the concentration of professional political operatives—people working in and for politics, messaging, consulting, and the broader professional-managerial class—in cities like L.A., Chicago, San Francisco, New York, or Boston (or indeed Philadelphia, D.C., and Atlanta) creates a filter through which it’s very hard for non-neurotic, non-careerist potential politicians to pass; too many professional political operatives control practical access to city politics. You have to run their playbook to run for office and have to be willing to play dirty. City politics is arcane, complex, and in many ways captured by an insider class. Because there are so many better, higher-paying jobs available, we end up with a mixture of career insiders like Lander, Cuomo, or Stringer, or Democratic Socialists like Mamdani, who run on slogans and “visions”.
City politics is arcane, complex, and in many ways captured by an insider class.
Some of Mamdani’s major talking points and policy proposals are vague and poorly thought through. Free citywide buses seem like a fair reward for hard working citizens, but bus fares are a basic check against vagrancy on buses. I’m not sure bus drivers want to lose a legal control point for who gets on. Again, low-cost grocery stores run by the city are possible—but it’s unclear how these stores would be implemented: whether they’d be built on existing city-owned property, or if the city would need to acquire property or leases; whether they’d be unionized; whether they’d be competitive with existing social welfare options; and whether cheaper, healthier groceries would go to the people who need them most.
Mamdani also talks about the price of housing and food scarcity in New York’s school-age population, but rent-control laws like the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA)—though they undeniably strengthen tenant security—tend to reduce the supply of available housing, creating perverse incentives for landlords to keep units off-market. And while New York City’s schoolchildren deserve much healthier and more nutritious meals, it’s hard to imagine city-run initiatives fully mastering the supply chains—procurement, storage, preparation, equitable distribution of fresh food—when the DOE already moves about 230 million meals a year and only ~60 percent of school kitchens can cook from scratch; a school-meals fix therefore need not entail a Soviet-sized food bureaucracy but rather focused kitchen upgrades and the use of Albany’s “30 % NY-grown” reimbursement bonus.
Progressive campaigns just haven’t resulted in good governance. I’d like to believe that Mamdani is the exception, but I’m skeptical. Career hack Andrew Cuomo doesn’t deserve his pole position, which is based on name recognition and the deep roots of the Cuomo machine that is nested inside the larger Democratic machine. Cuomo’s campaign handlers don’t want to let him speak publicly—and for good reason. Cuomo is just a free floating signifier whose brand pays the salaries of PMC operatives. They want him to run so they can get paid. And yet, Cuomo’s track record on COVID politics, when he mashed emergency laws like video game buttons, should disqualify him from citywide office.
America’s cities deserve better. Bad urban governance is one of the major reasons Americans are feeling pessimistic right now (many New Yorkers are just happy that Eric Adams has managed to increase the number of not-overflowing trash cans on city streets–having learned to expect that nothing will get better, only worse). Granular increases and declines in quality of life have massive second order, holistic effects.
So I think cities would do well to adopt two basic filters, or radical changes, to the process of electing mayors.
Cities would do well to adopt two basic filters, or radical changes, to the process of electing mayors.
One, raise executive salaries to competitive levels—levels competitive with corporate executives or near enough to draw talent and competence—but let voters, not bureaucrats, select thresholds for the mayor’s paycheck on the same ballot that chooses the candidate. If pay now flows from a collective verdict, candidates must persuade the electorate that their track record and plan justify the figure; compensation becomes a referendum on trust and results. When an incumbent runs again, voters revisit the same mayor’s pay, and, if the mayor has actually delivered, the public can reward that record by raising the candidate’s pay, or signal disappointment by sliding the pay back down. This provides a mechanism, I think, for voters to say: “you’re the best choice we have right now, but you’re not doing a good enough job”. This system also creates a stronger accountability loop: the paycheck is re-negotiated in public, the campaign narrative shifts from party politics to concrete deliverables (“Did the streets get cleaner, did crime fall, did housing approvals speed up?”).
Second: cities should employ a system whereby two mayoral spots on the ballot are reserved for ordinary residents who volunteer, clear a simple eligibility screen, and are then chosen by public lottery. Each citizen-slot entrant receives the same public campaign grant which the top-funded insider would get, and a place in any debates, guaranteeing real exposure and a fair fight. These candidates would be a public option hedge against insiders.
Finally, urban civic pragmatism does not have to be expressed in technocratic terms. There’s a rich tradition from Lewis Mumford to Jane Jacobs to Christopher Alexander that champions human-scale governance: cities designed around what works for residents rather than theories of political economy or bureaucratic efficiency. Good city policy should feel intuitive and responsive to human needs, not require specialized knowledge to navigate or understand; city bureaucracies must serve and not be served. If incentives were structured along the lines I’ve suggested above, then it’s possible that mayors themselves would finally start to govern in the human-scaled ways that voters reward, and that pull creative, original political souls into the political arena and off the sidelines.
This video explores also the unique social, cultural, and economic factors that shape homelessness in Japan, contrasting it with the situation in North America. We examine why Japan’s homeless population is less visible, how societal norms influence their living conditions, and the key differences in public perception and support systems.
Blue Zones (BZs) are regions across the world associated with exceptional human longevity, where individuals routinely live into their 90s and beyond. These areas share distinct lifestyle and environmental factors that promote healthy aging. The established BZs include Sardinia, Okinawa, Ikaria, and Nicoya, while several “emerging” BZs have been reported in various parts of the globe.
This study investigates an area in Sicily for similar longevity patterns. Demographic data from the Italy National Institute of Statistics and local civil registries identify the municipality of Caltabellotta, home to approximately 3000 residents, and the nearby Sicani Mountains as a potential emerging BZ.
The area exhibits a significantly higher prevalence of nonagenarians and centenarians compared to national and regional averages. Between 1900 and 1924, the proportion of newborns in Caltabellotta who reached age 90 and above rose from 3.6% to 14%, with 1 out of 166 individuals during this period reaching the age of 100.
Historical, dietary, environmental, and sociocultural characteristics align with known BZ traits, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity through agrarian routines, strong social cohesion, and minimal environmental pollution. A comparative analysis with the validated Sardinia BZ supports the hypothesis that this Sicilian area may represent an emerging longevity hotspot. Further multidisciplinary investigation is warranted to substantiate these findings.
Human longevity has long fascinated scholars across multiple disciplines, including gerontology, public health, and anthropology.
Although global life expectancy has risen consistently over the last century [1], certain geographical pockets, known as “Blue Zones” (BZs), stand out for their remarkably high concentration of individuals living well into their 90s and beyond [2]. The concept of BZs was introduced more than two decades ago, following the rigorous identification of a long-lived population in inland areas of Sardinia, Italy [3]. Since then, BZs have become focal points for studying the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors contributing to human longevity [4].
Following the formal recognition of the Sardinian BZ [3], other communities with similar demographic patterns have been discovered, including populations on the islands of Okinawa, Japan [5], and Ikaria, Greece [6], and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica [7]. These regions consistently show demographic indicators of longevity that significantly exceed national averages, thus supporting their classification as established BZs. For example, Okinawa’s 1975 census recorded 37 centenarians in a population of 1.04 million (35.5 per million), roughly seven times the Japanese average of 5.1 per million [8].
The number of newborns reaching age 90 per 100,000 in the Sardinia BZ is 12,575 and 12,729 for men and women, respectively, versus 3506 and 8745 in mainland Italy [9]. Other BZs, including Nicoya (Costa Rica) and Ikaria (Greece), are similarly noted for longevity. Nicoya men, in particular, live far longer than average, and Ikaria has one of the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality [7]. Across Europe, high longevity is concentrated in Mediterranean countries. France, Italy, and Greece each had over 20 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants in 2011.
These statistics underscore that Mediterranean communities support much higher proportions of very old individuals than national averages. Collectively, the data illustrate that BZ areas in Europe and around the world host an unusually large share of the oldest-old, highlighting the role of environmental and lifestyle factors in healthy aging. Other locations, such as the Cilento region in Southern Italy [10,11,12], a municipality in the Netherlands [13], and the island of Martinique in French Antilles, one of the overseas departments [14], have been identified as potential or emerging BZs, but conclusive evidence remains pending.
A few years ago, a Chinese region was also proposed as a possible BZ based on the proportion of 90-year-olds [15]. By contrast, some regions considered potential candidates, including Menorca in the Balearics [16] and Southern California [17], have failed to meet the criteria for exceptional longevity. Notably, Loma Linda in California is often included among BZs despite a lack of comprehensive demographic validation [18].
Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is renowned for its complex demographic and cultural history shaped by millennia of migration and trade [19]. The island has been influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and other populations, each leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape [20]. The island population is also known for its adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil [21]. Despite its similarities to Sardinia in terms of diet and geography, Sicily has been less extensively studied for the presence of longevity clusters [22], although evidence of individuals who have reached extreme age and recent local surveys [23,24] suggest that inland Sicilian villages may share features with known BZs.
In recent years, specific areas of inland Sicily have attracted attention for demographic patterns that seem to mirror those of established BZs: small, rural towns exhibiting a disproportionately high number of nonagenarians and centenarians [22,23]. Many of these individuals not only reach advanced ages but also maintain good cognitive and physical function, continue to follow traditional dietary and lifestyle practices, and adhere strongly to the Mediterranean diet [21,23,24,25]. Despite these promising indicators, systematic research into the potential existence of longevity hotspots in Sicily remains limited. Much of the available data is anecdotal or derived from municipal civil registries, lacking the epidemiological consistency required to confirm such claims.
Furthermore, much of the existing literature on longevity primarily focuses on genetic or clinical determinants, while the synergistic role of environmental and sociocultural factors remains less explored. An interdisciplinary approach integrating community-based demography, environmental science, and nutritional epidemiology is therefore needed to uncover the drivers of healthy aging in this region.
The present study investigates whether specific areas in Sicily, particularly the Sicani Mountains, exhibit the characteristics of an emerging BZ. We compared the longevity metrics of this region with those of the validated BZ from Sardinia, since Sardinia represents a valid point of comparison for investigating the environmental, dietary, and sociocultural factors that may promote healthy aging. The findings also offer a basis for reflecting on broader conceptual and methodological challenges involved in defining a region of exceptional longevity when observed in an early stage of development.
We can expect to live more than twice as long as our ancestors in 1900.
As the chart shows, global average life expectancy was just 32 years at the beginning of the 20th century. This was a short life by today’s standards: in 2023, average life expectancy had increased to 73 years.
I’ll tell you it’s Powerfully antifungal. And of course, it does a hundred and one other beneficial things for overall health. Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a vital nutrient with a wide range of health benefits.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand its importance:
🌞 What Is Vitamin D3?
It’s the form of vitamin D your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight.
It’s more potent and longer-lasting in the body than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
💪 Key Benefits
Bone Health: Enhances calcium absorption, crucial for strong bones and teeth.
Immune Support: Helps regulate immune responses and may reduce the risk of infections.
Mood & Brain Function: Linked to improved mood and cognitive clarity; deficiency may contribute to depression.
Heart Health: Supports cardiovascular function and may help regulate blood pressure.
Skin Health: Promotes healthy skin and may reduce inflammation.
🍳 Natural Sources
Vitamin D3 is found in limited foods, mostly from animal sources:
Yes, there is a rationale behind ensuring adequate vitamin D3 levels before or during treatment for infections, including COVID-19. Here’s why vitamin D3 is important:
1. Immune Support
– Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system. It enhances the body’s ability to fight infections by promoting the production of antimicrobial peptides and regulating inflammatory responses.
2. Antifungal Properties
– Vitamin D3 has been shown to have antifungal effects, helping the body combat fungal infections, which can sometimes complicate viral illnesses or occur as secondary infections.
3. Overall Health Benefits
– Beyond immune function, vitamin D3 supports bone health, cardiovascular function, and neurological health, which are important for recovery and resilience during illness.
4. Clinical Observations
– Some clinicians and researchers, including Prof. Dalgleish, emphasize optimizing vitamin D3 levels because deficient patients may have poorer outcomes and slower recovery.
While vitamin D3 is not a standalone treatment, maintaining adequate levels is considered a supportive measure that can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and improve overall health outcomes.
Ohio River Tributaries and Cancer Risk due to the presence of toxic chemicals and pollutants. The river basin also received the largest volume of toxic discharges by weight nationwide in 2020, with industrial facilities responsible for a substantial portion of these discharges. These toxic substances are linked to severe health problems, including cancer, and are particularly concerning for drinking water sources. The Ohio River Foundation and other organizations emphasize the need for tighter control of persistent chemicals and the importance of monitoring and reducing pollution to protect public health and the environment.
(If the images do not come through on the newsletter, please go to my website www.amygivler.com to view them.
Stigma, anyone? I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) in 1993 that I felt a tad of reluctance to tell people about it. It’s not that I could have kept it a complete secret, by any means, because I was diagnosed at the hospital where both my husband and I worked – and news travels fast there. Besides, I was eager to tell friends so they could support me and, ideally, pray for healing. But sharing it with acquaintances, that is, people with whom I was not deeply invested, was a bit of a quandary.
Why, you ask?
Back in 1993 there was much less openness about a cancer diagnosis than there is now. As a family physician I had cared for many patients with cancer, and had taken an oncology elective during residency, and knew that many people wanted to keep their diagnosis and treatment as private as possible. This saddened me, for they were not availing themselves of the love and care that their friends could give. If the cancer progressed, and the person was clearly sick or dying, then the secret would leak out.
This scenario led to the general public, who were only hearing about a cancer diagnosis late in the game, thinking that cancer meant being very ill. Yet the world of cancer diagnosis and treatment had been transforming the world of cancer by the time I was diagnosed. More people were living – and thriving – with cancer in their past than ever before. One marker for this is the five-year survival rate, which for all cancers has risen from 60% at the turn of the millennium to 71% as of 2017.
Seldom does an oncologist use the word “cure” (they don’t seem to have the word in their vocabulary) but even in 1993 many, many people were living long and healthy lives in “long-term remission.” Knowing all this, I wanted to title my 2003 book, Cancer is Not a Death Sentence, but my publisher prevailed with a more positive title:
Amy Givler, M.D. a cancer survivor, shares her experience and the stories of others with the voice of encouragement, faith, and strength she so desperately needed at the point of her diagnosis. With medical knowledge and insight into the path to come, Dr. Givler is able to offer answers and hope as she discusses:
looking at cancer through the lens of hope
seeking, evaluating, and making decisions for treatment
drawing closer to God along the journey
facing family and friends
Dr. Givler shares more than professional wisdom; she extends her friendship. And as a fellow survivor she provides a comforting presence during an experience that too often is mired in uncertainty, fear, and loneliness.
Of course, different cancers have different response rates to treatment, with different long-term survival rates, and most of us want to live far longer than five years after diagnosis. But five years is a good start.
So early on in my diagnosis I decided I was going to be very open about my cancer, especially since the chance I’d have a long-term remission was very high. And I was right – 31 years and counting.
More Negativity
But what I encountered was something unpleasant. A widespread belief held at that time was that stress was the cause of cancer. After sharing I had cancer, many people asked me if I was anxious, or depressed, or feeling overworked. The line of questioning seemed intrusive. And far too often, it came with a suggestion that I needed to be whole-heartedly happy from that moment forward. If I was feeling sad (and yes, I was a bit sad having my life upended by cancer) I needed to wipe that frown off my face and think only positive thoughts. Since the cancer had only attacked me because of my mental state, the reasoning went, then the only path to removing it was staying cheerful at all times.
This was a heavy burden to dump on people newly diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. I wasn’t buying it – I knew enough about cancer to know that emotions were not its driving force. But I kept thinking about the vulnerable people who were not as well-versed medically. I was angry thinking of them having to deal with this verbal onslaught. Maybe I could do my part to lessen the stigma with my openness and thus help them a little bit. And ever since I have spoken and also written openly about my cancer history. Chemo FAQ | Cancer Quick Facts
Fast Forward to 2024
Now I face a new diagnosis, one that has its own stigma attached to it.
I dislike having this new diagnosis, but it’s not as strong a dislike as I felt toward cancer. For one thing, it’s not interfering with my life nearly as much. Cancer meant basically a year of chemotherapy with a slew of side effects, and two more years of slowly recovering energy. There were follow-up scans and decision points along with way, with uncertainty throughout.
My journey with heart disease, in contrast, has been fairly rapid and straightforward. It started with a radiologist spotting calcium in my coronary arteries back in March. (I had a chest CT for something unrelated.) I put that little nugget of information into the back of my brain, where I deposit all information I want to ignore. But when I saw my family doctor for my yearly visit in September, I mentioned the radiologist’s comment, and she ordered a coronary calcium score, which is a screen for atherosclerosis.
A good score is basically zero. Certainly you want a score below 10. Mine was 1033.
Bummer.
This led to my seeing a cardiologist. I have never had chest pain, so I was glad but not surprised that I had no evidence of a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack). But my nuclear stress test showed that – happily only with exertion – a big chunk of my heart wasn’t getting enough blood flow. That is, I was at risk of cutting off the blood supply to a substantial part of my heart muscle. A heart attack was likely in my future.
And so I needed a cardiac catheterization, commonly called a “heart cath”.
Next Step: A Heart Cath
A heart catheterization procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, but the total time spent at the hospital can range from 5 to 9 hours or longer due to preparation and recovery.
A heart cath looks at the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood. All but one of my heart vessels were wide open, but that one, the left anterior descending artery, was 85% blocked. My cardiologist eased a balloon in the artery’s narrow passageway, then gently filled the balloon enough to open the artery so he could insert a mesh stent. That stent will – the Lord willing – keep that vessel open and functional for the rest of my life.
So in the course of one hour in the “cath lab” I became a person with a diagnosis of heart disease. I also became the owner of a shiny new stent, which hopefully will keep that heart disease from snuffing out my life. That timeline contrasts sharply with my 1993 diagnosis of cancer, which took a murky month to fully delineate, and then a year to fully treat and monitor, with all sorts of fits and starts along the way.
Why Did This Happen?
Having heart disease is a bit embarrassing. It’s like admitting that I am old. But then I remember I am 66 years old. But I don’t feel old, and my father is still alive at 100. And plenty of younger people have cardiovascular disease. But still, I am “over 65” – the group of people who are most likely to have heart disease.
So is it my diet? Seven years ago I completely changed the way I ate from the “Standard American Diet” (with its apt acronym “SAD”), to a focus on minimizing carbohydrates and eating whole foods (that is, avoiding processed foods or ingredients). This meant I was eating more fat, but it has been, as I like to describe it, “fat that God made.” That is, not eating seed oils which require massive processing.
This led to a 70-pound weight loss, a resolution of many aches and pains, and a big boost in energy and mental clarity. My cholesterol level, including the LDL “bad cholesterol,” dropped.
Going back to SAD would make me, well, sad. I’m quite certain it would lead to weight gain, and I don’t want to be obese again. When I was eating sugar, I craved sugar. It was an obsession, and I don’t want to go back to that, either.
So how shall I eat moving forward? I’m sticking with whole foods and will be focusing on making sure I eat enough protein and fiber, and substituting more olive and avocado oils (mono-unsaturated fats) instead of eating animal fats, which are saturated.
Room for Improvement
What are my other risk factors? I have never smoked, my blood pressure is low without medication, and my blood sugar is normal – lower than it was when I was eating lots of sugar and other carbs – although I do have a tendency to insulin resistance and there is diabetes in my family. I make sure I have quality sleep and I minimize stress as much as possible.
But, exercise, you ask. What about exercise?
Oh yeah, there’s that.
Okay, I could definitely improve in that department. I never feel good during exercise, and have no glow afterwards. Exercise for me is just a grind. I do enjoy walking, though, because I like to be in nature and breathe fresh air, but I don’t push myself very hard. Starting now, I’m committing myself to be more active.
Heart disease is a very common diagnosis. And,(the bad news – which I know is no surprise to you)it can be fatal.
For many years, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for around one in five deaths. The following illustration by the CDC shows causes of death from 2017 in a nice (though sobering) graphic. [Note: CLRD stands for “chronic lower respiratory diseases”]Now the good news: Heart disease is trending downwards. That is, it is becoming slightly less likelyfor people to develop heart disease.
As people get older they’re more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease. But, as this graph from the CDC shows (looking at the years between 2009 and 2019), those between 55 and 74 years old have a decreasing likelihood of carrying this diagnosis.
As common as heart disease is, you would think it would be a common topic of conversation. But it is not. Seldom have I heard a friend tell me about their heart issues, though I have often heard about their rashes, infections, arthritis, and headaches, to name a few. Seldom, that is, until I was diagnosed myself.
In the last month multiple friends have shared about their heart catheterizations, needed because of chest pain or a heart attack. Many have received stents or had bypass surgery. Before this, I had no idea. Of course I knew about my own patients’ heart disease because I monitor it, but cardiovascular issues do not seem to be topics of casual conversation.
I think it should be. We could be spurring each other on in our heart-healthy lifestyles. We can all be more aware of suspicious symptoms – in ourselves or in others – that might mean heart muscle is at risk. We could be encouraging friends with heart disease to stay vigilant.
Proverbs 4:23 speaks about the heart: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Of course, the writer is being metaphorical – describing the emotional and spiritual “heart”.
But it is certainly true for the physical heart also. We all need healthy hearts. Just as cancer emerged from the shadowy gloom of shame decades ago, we can also bring heart disease into the light. Together, let us jettison the stigma.
Locals in this region outlive everyone on Earth, and it’s down to a couple of clever life hacks. The principality of Monaco boasts an impressively high average lifespan of 87.01 years as of 2023.
Marking a 2.38 percent uptick since 2022, the citizens’ longevity is tied to superb living conditions and top-notch healthcare available there. But it’s two particular habits that stand out for praise, reports Surrey Live.
These secrets to a long life?
It’s the Med-inspired grub and ample alfresco time enjoyed by most, according to Insider Monkey.
The common meaning of “alfresco” is “outdoors,” particularly when referring to dining or other activities enjoyed in the open air. It comes from the Italian phrase “all’aperto,” meaning “in the open air.” The association of “alfresco” with prisons arose due to the historical conditions of these institutions. Italian prisons were often cold, dark, and damp, mirroring the harsh outdoors, particularly in winter. This negative connection to the outdoors led to the slang usage of “alfresco” to describe the unpleasant reality of prison life.
Beyond the common understanding of “alfresco” as meaning “outdoors,” its slang usage in contemporary Italian paints a starkly different picture. This unexpected twist in meaning reveals a fascinating interplay between language, culture, and historical context. The word “alfresco,” originally stemming from the Italian phrase “all’aperto” (meaning “in the open air”), has been hijacked by slang to refer to a far less pleasant place: prison.
This unexpected twist in meaning isn’t arbitrary. It reflects a historical reality where Italian prisons were often cold, dark, and damp, offering little respite from the harsh outdoor elements. This contrast between the original meaning of “all’aperto” and the slang usage of “alfresco” illustrates the dynamic nature of language and how words can adapt to reflect evolving cultural perceptions and experiences.
Mediterranean munching
Clinching the title of “world’s healthiest diet” for a seventh consecutive year, the Mediterranean menu is lauded not just for its comprehensive wellbeing payoffs but also for its specific perks for heart health, blood sugar levels, bone and joint wellness. Plus, it scores points for being a doddle to follow and fab for family dinners.
The Mediterranean way of eating revolves around heaps of veggies, fruit, beans, lentils, and nuts, alongside a solid serving of wholesome grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice. Seafood gets the thumbs up in this diet, as does a moderate nip of natural cheese and yogurt, coupled with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for those all-important good fats.
Dodging red meats and sugary snacks is part of the deal, but a glass of vino during meals is totally acceptable. A large panel of medical and nutrition experts, who evaluated numerous popular diets and eating habits in categories such as nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability, and evidence-based effectiveness, selected the diet. It received a score of 85.1 percent, comfortably surpassing the second-ranked diet on their list.
Dan Buettner, an expert in longevity, has identified one activity he believes is ‘better than the gym’. Considering this is part of their lifestyle, the people of Monaco are likely onto something.
In a conversation with Dr Tim Spector on the ZOE Health podcast, Dan, the founder of Blue Zones, explained how an outdoor activity like gardening could extend your lifespan. Blue Zones refers to unique longevity hotspots around the globe where people regularly live to be over 100 years old.
These areas have low rates of chronic diseases and are marked by specific lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity, such as a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and strong social connections. If you’re seeking a low-impact outdoor activity to incorporate into your routine, Dan suggests gardening as it allows for varied body movement.
Gardening is not only a serene activity but it’s also excellent for lowering cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, while keeping your joints limber. Dan stated: “I’ve seen the studies that show that when you’re gardening, your cortisol levels or your stress hormones drop.
“And it could very well be you get your hands dirty and you wipe your mouth and you’re getting the microbiome. There’s a little bit of dirt. But I argue that gardening is probably much better than joining a gym, the best longevity exercise you could do.”
I’ve visited 170 countries – these are five of the worst places I’ve been to… and why Canada and France make the list
Story by Esther Marshall
Lauren Heavner, from Arkansas, offers ruthless verdicts of places she’s been to
Find out which country she thinks has ‘hostility just beneath the surface’
The American globetrotter put a few popular destinations on the hall of shame list.
There’s the glitzy Mediterranean spot with ‘no culture’, the African nation where men will ‘just pee anywhere’ and the Asian nation with ‘a hostility that seems to linger just beneath the surface’.
Allow us to introduce globetrotter Lauren Heavner’s – Search hall of shame – a list of the ‘least favourite’ places she’s been too that’s noteworthy because she has been to an astonishing 170 countries in total.
So, she’s certainly not lacking in perspective.
Lauren, a professional vocalist from Arkansas, talks through the list on a TikTok (@laurenheav) video with over 3,000 likes and reveals further details here about experiences she had in the countries she’s named.
Scroll down for more, including her explanations for the controversial decision to include France and Canada on the list.
Monaco
Lauren explains that city-state Monaco is ‘unapologetically built for the ultra-rich’
In her TikTok video, Lauren explains that she’s been to city-state Monaco ‘at least 20 times’, but says ‘it’s not for her’.
She says: ‘It just doesn’t have much of a culture. It’s impossible to walk around the streets and see anything.’
Speaking separately to MailOnline, Lauren reveals: ‘The thing about Monaco, the bitter pill you can’t quite swallow, is that it’s unapologetically built for the ultra-rich. Every time I’m there, I’m confronted by my place in the food chain. Just someone passing through, acutely aware of what I don’t have.
‘It’s not even subtle, either. Monaco whispers it to you through every overpriced glass of wine, every gleaming yacht, every diamond-studded wrist watch you pass on the street.’
In the video, Lauren recounts her experience of entering a shop to look at a ‘pair of shoes’ that she thought she could afford and being told by the shop assistant that they were $500 (£394) and feeling like a ‘peasant’.
Despite its flaws, Lauren admits that Monaco is ‘beautiful at night’ in the video and tells MailOnline the ‘view alone’ could get her back there.
The traveller says: ‘To be fair, Monaco is something else entirely.
‘It’s a playground of indulgence and spectacle, where the city lights at night from the harbour hit you like a scene out of a dream or movie you’re not rich enough to star in. That view alone could bring me back. But if there’s one thing that might really pull me in again, it’s the Grand Prix.’
She also explains that Monaco isn’t a dangerous destination, saying: ‘Monaco isn’t the kind of place where you feel unsafe. It’s too polished, too tightly controlled. When there’s this much money floating around – billions tied up in yachts, diamonds, and offshore accounts – petty crime doesn’t stand a chance.’
But perhaps the best part of Monaco is the ease with which you can leave it.
Lauren tells MailOnline Travel: ‘Monaco, for all its gilded edges, has its charms. One of them is the train station. In 15 minutes flat, you’re in France. Head the other way, and you’re in Italy. It’s like a portal, a quick escape from all the polished perfection.
‘On the train, suddenly the French Riviera unfolds before you from your window. Towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cannes, and Nice – places that feel less like an exclusive club and more like somewhere you actually belong.’
Some would say Influencers are like locusts; they make a lot of noise!
As Canada is becoming more socialized and Toronto a sad city to live in, Canada is a fantastic country. Something like 90% of the Canadian population are within 100 miles of the United States border. That’s not even hyperbole, that’s the actual statistic. And those People are polite, everything is clean, great food and beautiful scenery. Likewise sounds like most of her complaints about France were really about Paris.
Some Canadiens would say she does not need to go back and I am sure Canadians won’t mind it. That’s usually the consensus I see: People who complain about French people being rude, for instance, often don’t come across as very courteous themselves. Perhaps she is treated as she behaves….especially with not greeting people properly. Life is a chance to have one bad experience that will create an impression and many times you talk with 10 different people you gain 10 different impressions about a region or country.
The makeup of the gut microbiome has shifted dramatically in recent times due to factors like antibiotic overuse, processed foods, and environmental pollutants. “In Super Gut”, William Davis argues that this “Frankenbelly” negatively impacts everything from mental health to heart disease through disrupted microbial diversity.
Davis explores conditions like SIBO and SIFO, characterized by overgrowth of bacteria and fungi in the small intestine. He also shares strategies to restore balance, such as probiotics, dietary changes, and natural antimicrobials like curcumin. With practical advice for rebuilding a healthy gut microbiome, this guide aims to help reclaim gastrointestinal—and overall—wellbeing.
The balance of microbes in the contemporary digestive system has become disrupted, with various factors playing a role in this imbalance.
Contemporary people have experienced a substantial disruption in their gut microbiome. In contemporary times, the balance between individuals and their intestinal flora has altered, resulting in the loss and replacement of numerous species, and in certain instances, their complete eradication from the digestive tracts of modern humans. The result has caused a reduction in both the variety and population of bacterial communities. The reduction in beneficial microbial diversity and the resulting imbalance are key factors in the widespread occurrence of chronic diseases in today’s society.
The author calls this altered microbial landscape a “Frankenbelly”, and they compare it to the destructive consequences of the changes inflicted on modern wheat, what they call “Frankengrain”. Our contemporary lifestyle has disturbed the equilibrium of helpful microorganisms in our bodies, resulting in various negative effects on our health.
Modern human lifestyles have led to a significant reduction in the variety of our intestinal microbiota.
Davis emphasizes several factors that have dramatically altered the composition of bacteria in our digestive systems, resulting in what he terms a “Frankenbelly.” Many aspects of modern life are likely familiar to most individuals.
Antibiotics are frequently employed in medical practice.
Antibiotics significantly contribute to the demise of advantageous bacterial colonies. Although antibiotics are essential for treating serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis, the author argues that doctors often overprescribe these drugs, even for viral conditions like the common cold and flu, where they are ineffective. At times, they are given in advance as a protective measure against the potential emergence of bacterial infections. The author believes that employing antibiotics in this manner is unnecessary and simply disrupts the balance within the communities of microbes.
Antibiotics, even when used correctly, can also harm our health by eradicating not only the harmful pathogens but also the beneficial microbes that reside within us. A disruption in the equilibrium of the gut’s microbial community may result in an excessive proliferation of detrimental bacteria and fungi, often referred to as dysbiosis, SIBO, and SIFO. The use of antibiotics can lead to lasting effects, potentially rendering the human microbiome into a condition where full restoration is impossible, culminating in the irreversible disappearance of specific species. The overuse of antibiotics in farm animals worsens the problem, as traces of these medications found in beef, poultry, and fish could potentially disturb the equilibrium of microbial populations.
The rise in the intake of processed foods has been observed.
Modern eating habits, characterized by an excessive intake of sugar, have a profound impact on the equilibrium of intestinal microbiota. This includes not only sucrose but also various types of sweetening agents such as high-fructose corn syrup. Indulging in a sugary delight might be alluring, yet the author cautions that it essentially serves as a lavish summons to the microbes and yeasts inhabiting your digestive system, encouraging them to engage in an uncontrolled banquet. The abundant sugars not only provide a consistent supply of preferred food but also shift the balance of microbes, leading to an increase in populations of species such as Candida that thrive on high sugar levels. Davis recommends avoiding sugar, including the types present in natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup, as well as those in processed foods.
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharine carry comparable risks to human health as sugar does. The balance of gut microbiota can be negatively impacted by the use of artificial sweeteners. While people reach for these sugar-free alternatives in the hope of reducing their sugar intake and thereby losing weight, in the author’s view, these artificial sweeteners can actually contribute to weight gain and obesity through altering gut microbes that worsen [restricted term] resistance.Our bodies are exposed to numerous contaminants from industrial byproducts and substances through various routes of exposure. These include inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact with harmful chemicals. The U.S. EPA evaluates human exposure to environmental contaminants and their health effects, using this information to develop guidelines for safe handling and management of hazardous substances. The Agency tracks exposures and health conditions across different segments of the population to guide public health decisions and strategies.
Toxic chemicals are part of many industrial and commercial processes, but their presence can pose significant health risks if not handled properly. Exposure to these substances—whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact—can cause short—and long-term harm to human health. Understanding the potential effects of toxic chemicals is key to protecting workers, communities, and the environment.
How Toxic Chemicals Enter the Body
Toxic chemicals can affect human health through three main routes of exposure:
Inhalation: Breathing in fumes, vapours, dust, or gases.
Ingestion: Accidental swallowing of chemicals, often through contaminated food or water.
Skin Contact: Absorption through the skin when handling chemicals without proper protective equipment.
Even at low levels, repeated or prolonged exposure can increase health risks over time.
Immediate Effects of Toxic Chemical Exposure
Short-term or acute exposure to toxic chemicals can cause immediate symptoms, including:
Respiratory Issues: Coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation caused by inhaling chemical fumes.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Chemicals like acids, solvents, or corrosives can cause burns, rashes, or redness.
Nausea and Vomiting: Ingestion or inhalation of toxic substances often leads to gastrointestinal distress.
Headaches and Dizziness: Common effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like paint fumes or industrial solvents.
Severe acute exposure may result in life-threatening conditions such as chemical burns, organ failure, or respiratory collapse.
Long-Term Health Effects of Toxic Chemicals
Chronic exposure, where individuals are repeatedly exposed over time, can lead to serious long-term health conditions, including:
Respiratory Diseases: Prolonged exposure to chemicals like asbestos or silica dust can lead to lung damage, asthma, or chronic bronchitis.
Neurological Disorders: Chemicals like lead, mercury, and certain pesticides can impair brain function, causing memory loss, tremors, and cognitive decline.
Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos) increases the risk of various cancers, including lung, liver, and bladder cancer.
Reproductive Issues: Some chemicals can cause congenital disabilities, infertility, or developmental problems in unborn children. Examples include exposure to phthalates and pesticides.
Organ Damage: Toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals, solvents, and certain industrial chemicals, can cause liver, kidney, and heart damage over time.
Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk
Certain individuals face greater risks when exposed to toxic chemicals:
Workers in High-Risk Industries: People in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction are frequently exposed to hazardous materials.
Children and Pregnant Women: Developing bodies are more sensitive to chemical exposure, which can cause lifelong health effects.
Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe health effects.
Proper safety measures are critical to reducing the risks faced by these groups.
Preventing the Harmful Effects of Toxic Chemicals
Protecting human health from toxic chemicals requires awareness, planning, and safety measures:
Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers use gloves, masks, goggles, and respirators when handling hazardous chemicals.
Ventilate Work Areas: Proper ventilation reduces the buildup of toxic fumes and vapours.
Provide Training: Educate employees on safe chemical handling, storage, and emergency response.
Follow Storage Guidelines: Store chemicals in sealed, labelled containers with appropriate hazard symbols.
Monitor Exposure Levels: Conduct regular air quality testing and exposure assessments.
Have Emergency Plans in Place: Equip workplaces with first aid kits, spill response tools, and clear protocols for exposure incidents.
Why Awareness Matters
Toxic chemicals are unavoidable in many processes, but their effects on human health can be devastating if ignored. By recognizing the risks and implementing effective safety measures, businesses can safeguard their employees and prevent long-term harm.
How Global Hazmat Can Help
At Global Hazmat, we specialize in providing comprehensive hazardous material safety solutions. From employee training and workplace assessments to chemical handling and spill response planning, we help businesses mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
Protect your people, your business, and the environment. Contact Global Hazmat today to learn how we can support your safety initiatives.
You can access a PDF version of Super Gut by William Davis through the following sources:
Many local libraries offer digital lending through apps like Libby. If you have a library card, you might be able to borrow the ebook version for free.
Let me know if you’d like a summary or key takeaways from the book!
The United States spans nearly 2,800 miles from the East Coast to the West, leaving space for many different areas and regions throughout the country. Within those regions lie cities with varied life expectancy rates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the average life expectancy in the U.S. as a whole was 76.4 in 2021. This was a drop for both males and females for the second year in a row, leading people to wonder which cities have the highest and lowest life expectancy rates.
Our list begins with Enid, Oklahoma, where the average life expectancy is 74.99. The city with the lowest life expectancy is Beckley, West Virginia where the average life expectancy is only 71.93. Many factors were taken into consideration when determining life expectancy including county health rankings for smoking, physical activity and average sleep.
While many of the cities on this list are located in metropolitan areas, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all metropolitan cities have low life expectancy rates. MoneyGeek reports that some of the healthiest cities with the longest life expectancy rates include the Bridgeport/Stamford/Norwalk area of Connecticut. This is closely followed by the Bay Area in California.
Regardless of where you live, there are many things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. NIH News in Health suggests daily movement, a healthy diet and refraining from smoking to extend one’s life expectancy.
To determine the cities where people have the shortest life expectancy, 24/7 Tempo reviewed 2023 county-level life expectancy at birth figures from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. To obtain metro area life expectancy estimates, we mapped each metro area to its corresponding county. We included US cities where the life expectancy was lower than 75 years. (For more health-related reading, check out a few warning signs that your health is bad .)
Here is the list of the US cities with the shortest life expectancy.
Based on our criteria mentioned above and methodology outlined below, these are the worst cities for healthy living in the U.S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 76.6
Birmingham, Alabama 74.6
Memphis, Tennessee 75.5
Columbus, Ohio 75.2
Phoenix, Arizona 71.0
Kansas City, Missouri 77.0
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72.7
Orlando, Florida 77.5
Detroit, Michigan 77.5
Charlotte, North Carolina 76.6
Cincinnati, Ohio 75.3
Cleveland, Ohio 75.3
Nashville, Tennessee 77.0
Atlanta, Georgia 78.6
New Orleans, Louisiana 76.6
Houston, Texas 78.9
St. Louis, Missouri 76.3
Virginia Beach, Virginia 81.0
Louisville, Kentucky 74.8
Jacksonville, Florida 76.0
Richmond, Virginia 78.3
Riverside, California 77.3
Dallas, Texas 78.3
San Antonio, Texas 78.6
Austin, Texas 81.9
Note: Based on data collected in May 2024.
Note: Life expectancy in Phoenix, Arizona varies significantly depending on the neighborhood, reflecting broader social and economic disparities:
South Phoenix (ZIP code 85004): Average life expectancy is around 71 years.
Scottsdale (ZIP code 85258): Just 12 miles away, the average life expectancy jumps to 85 years.
These differences are shaped by access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe housing, and clean environments. For example, neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores and safe outdoor spaces tend to have lower life expectancy due to poor nutrition and reduced physical activity.
The life expectancy in Oklahoma City varies significantly across different neighborhoods. According to the Oklahoma City-county Health Department, residents in the 73131 ZIP code have a life expectancy of 82 years,
While those in the 73141 ZIP code live for an average of less than 68 years.
This stark difference highlights the impact of various social, economic,
and environmental factors on health outcomes within the city.
Oklahoma City’s life expectancy reflects broader trends across the state of Oklahoma, which ranks among the lowest in the U.S. According to recent CDC data, the average life expectancy in Oklahoma is approximately 72.7 years, placing it eighth from the bottom nationally.
Several factors contribute to this lower life expectancy:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma.
Rising use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl has also impacted longevity.
Socioeconomic challenges—such as high poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and low education rankings—play a significant role.
Oklahoma ranks 50th in education and 46th in child well-being, which are key indicators tied to long-term health outcomes.
If you’re curious about how Oklahoma City compares to other cities or want to explore health initiatives aimed at improving these numbers, I’d be happy to dive deeper.The life expectancy in Detroit, MI varies significantly by neighborhood. In some inner-city areas, the average life expectancy is as low as 62 years, while in suburban areas, it can reach up to 90 years. Overall, this disparity highlights the differences in health outcomes across different regions within the city. Detroit Data Center | Life Expectancy by RaceUnderstanding social determinants of health in Detroit – Planet Detroit
Life Expectancy in Cleveland, Ohio
Life expectancy in Cleveland varies significantly by neighborhood, reflecting deep-rooted disparities in income, education, housing, and access to healthcare:
In zip code 44103 (St. Clair-Superior area), the average life expectancy is around 70 years.
Just a short drive away in zip code 44124 (Lyndhurst), it rises to about 82 years—a 12-year difference.
These gaps are shaped by factors like:
Access to healthy food and safe housing
Opportunities for physical activity
Exposure to pollution and environmental hazards
Quality of schools and job availability
Access to healthcare and public transportation
In general, Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, has a lower life expectancy than the national average. The disparities are especially pronounced in neighborhoods with higher poverty rates and larger Black populations.
In Nashville, Tennessee—specifically Davidson County—the average life expectancy is approximately 77 years, which is slightly above the state average of 75 years.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Men in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is about 71 years
Women in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is around 77 years
Davidson County (Nashville): Ranked #13 among Tennessee counties for longest life expectancy
Life expectancy in Tennessee is influenced by factors like income, education, smoking rates, opioid addiction, obesity, and access to healthcare. Nashville benefits from better healthcare infrastructure compared to more rural counties, which helps boost its numbers. If you’re curious about how Nashville compares to other cities or want tips on improving longevity, I’d be happy to dive deeper
socioeconomic status, and environmental conditions.
Life expectancy in Atlanta, Georgia varies by county and demographic factors, but here’s a general overview:
Metro Atlanta Counties: Residents in county’s like Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb tend to live 2–3 years longer than the national average, which was around 78.6 years as of the most recent CDC data.
Fulton County (includes much of Atlanta): Life expectancy here is slightly below the state average, influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and chronic disease prevalence.
Statewide Average: Georgia’s overall life expectancy is approximately 77.4 years, which is below the national average.
If you’re curious about specific neighborhoods or want to explore factors that influence life expectancy in Atlanta—like healthcare access, income, or education—I’d be happy to dive deeper.
The average life expectancy in New Orleans is 76.6 years, which is slightly higher than the national average of 78.7 years. This figure reflects significant disparities across neighborhoods, with some areas having life expectancies as low as 62 years and others as high as 88 years. Factors such as socioeconomic status and health disparities contribute to these variations, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions to improve life expectancy in the region.
Across Houston Texas, the average life expectancy is 78.9 years. But the researchers found it ranges from 69.8 years in the 77026 ZIP code, which encompasses Kashmere Gardens, to 89.7 years in the 77073 ZIP code, which includes an area along the Interstate 45 corridor, north of Greenspoint Mall.
In St. Louis, Missouri, life expectancy varies significantly depending on the specific area:
City of St. Louis: The average life expectancy is 71.5 years, which is notably below the national average of 77.5 years.
St. Louis County (which surrounds the city): Life expectancy is higher at 76.3 years.
St. Charles County, part of the greater metro area, leads with 79.1 years, reflecting better health outcomes in suburban areas.
These differences highlight disparities in access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental factors. Neighborhood-level data within the city also reveals deep inequities tied to poverty and systemic barriers.
If you’re curious about how specific neighborhoods compare or want to explore what’s being done to improve public health in St. Louis, I can dig deeper.
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, the average life expectancy is approximately 81 years, which is notably higher than the national average of around 77 years. This figure reflects relatively strong public health outcomes for the city, influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, safe housing, nutritious food, and clean environments
However, it’s important to note that life expectancy can vary significantly between neighborhoods due to disparities in income, education, and environmental conditions. For example, nearby cities in the Hampton Roads region show a wide range—from 88 years in Williamsburg to 74 years in Portsmouth, highlighting how much “place matters” when it comes to health outcomes. Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA – Life Expectancy at Birth
Louisville’s Life Expectancy Overview
As of the most recent analysis covering 2017–2021, the average life expectancy in Louisville, Kentucky is 74.8 years, down from 76.8 years in the previous 2011–2015 report.
Key Findings:
West End communities show the lowest life expectancy, dipping as low as 65.4 years.
East Louisville fares much better, with life expectancy reaching up to 80.8 years.
Black men in Louisville have the lowest life expectancy among all demographic groups.
Hispanic residents average the highest life expectancy at 86.5 years, followed by females at 78 years and males at 71.7 years.
Leading Causes of Death:
Heart disease and cancer are the top contributors across Jefferson County.
The decline is also linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid overdoses, and systemic inequities in healthcare access.
If you’re curious about how your neighborhood compares or want to explore the city’s health equity dashboard, I can help you dive deeper into that data.
In Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County), the estimated average life expectancy is approximately 76 years. This figure aligns closely with the national average, which was 76.4 years in 2021. However, life expectancy can vary significantly across neighborhoods due to factors like income, access to healthcare, education, and environmental conditions.
If you’re curious about how specific areas within Jacksonville compare or want to explore what contributes to these differences, I can dig deeper.
In Richmond, Virginia, life expectancy varies significantly by location. According to a VCU study, residents in different neighborhoods can experience a 20-year difference in life expectancy. For instance, Westover Hills recorded the highest average life expectancy at 83 years, while areas like Gilpin Court had a life expectancy of just 63 years. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including access to healthcare, pollution, and socioeconomic conditions.
Access to healthcare: Neighborhoods with better access to clinics, screenings, and pharmacies tend to have longer life expectancies.
Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, violence, and lack of green space can negatively impact health.
Socioeconomic conditions: Income, education, and job opportunities play a major role in shaping health outcomes.
Food and exercise: Availability of healthy food and safe places to exercise also contributes to the disparity.
These differences are driven by factors like access to healthcare, exposure to violence or pollution, availability of healthy food, and socioeconomic conditions.
Statewide, the 2025 Health Metrics Annual Report revealed a 25-year gap in life expectancy across Virginia, with Manassas Park at the high end and Petersburg at the low end (64.3 years). The report also noted that regions with already low life expectancy saw sharper declines in recent years, influenced by COVID-19 deaths, drug overdoses, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes Center on Society and Health
In Riverside County, California, the average life expectancy is approximately 80 years, which aligns closely with the statewide average for California. Life expectancy can vary within the county depending on socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and environmental conditions. Health Concerns in Riverside, California – GeoStat.org
If you’re curious about how Riverside compares to other counties or want insights into specific neighborhoods or demographics, I can dig deeper. Just let me know!
Life expectancy in Dallas, Texas varies significantly depending on ZIP code, race, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Here’s a breakdown:
Overall Life Expectancy
Dallas County average: 78.3 years
Texas state average: 78.5 years
ZIP Code Variation in Dallas
Lowest life expectancy: 67.6 years in ZIP code 75215 (South Dallas)
Highest life expectancy: 90.3 years in ZIP code 75204 (Uptown Dallas)
Demographic Differences
Women live on average 5.2 years longer than men.
Hispanic residents have the highest life expectancy (81.2 years), followed by white residents (78.1 years), and Black residents (75.3 years).
Poverty Impact
Residents in areas with <5% poverty live an average of 82.4 years.
Those in areas with >20% poverty live an average of 76.4 years.
Life expectancy in San Antonio varies significantly depending on the ZIP code, with disparities of up to 18 years between neighborhoods. Here’s a snapshot:
Life Expectancy by ZIP Code in San Antonio
78254 (Northwest San Antonio):
Overall: 89.2 years
Women: ~93 years
Men: ~84 years
78202 (East San Antonio):
Overall: Just over 71 years
Women: ~75.6 years
Men: ~67 years
Key Factors Influencing Longevity
Access to healthcare: Limited in disadvantaged areas.
Neighborhood safety: Affects ability to exercise and maintain health.
Stress levels: Chronic stress contributes to poorer health outcomes.
Nutrition and lifestyle: Clean eating and regular activity are more common in higher-income areas.
Lowest nearby: ZIP code 76104 (Fort Worth) — 66.7 years
Demographic Insights
Women live longer: On average, 5.2 years more than men
Hispanic residents: Life expectancy is 3 years longer than white residents and nearly 6 years longer than Black residents
Poverty impact: ZIP codes with <5% poverty average 82.4 years; those with >20% poverty average 76.4 years
If you’re curious about your specific ZIP code or want to explore the interactive life expectancy map for Texas, you can check it out on UT Southwestern’s mapping tool. Let me know if you’d like help interpreting it or comparing Austin to other cities!
Life expectancy in Austin, Texas varies significantly by ZIP code, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here’s a snapshot based on recent data:
Overall Life Expectancy in Texas
Statewide average: 78.5 years
Women: 81.1 years
Men: 75.9 years
Hispanics: 81.2 years
Whites: 78.1 years
Blacks: 75.3 years
Austin Area Highlights
In ZIP codes near Austin, life expectancy can be as high as 97.0 years (e.g., 78634 in Hutto)
ZIP codes with higher poverty levels tend to have lower life expectancy. For example:
ZIPs with <5% poverty: 82.4 years
ZIPs with >20% poverty: 76.4 years
This dramatic variation shows how deeply health outcomes are tied to geography, income, and demographics—even within the same city.
If you’re curious about your specific ZIP code or want to explore the interactive map, I can guide you to it. Want to dive deeper?
What the Book Offers
Availability
Key Themes in Tender Watch
Chapter Highlights
Chapter Deep Dive: The Caregiver’s Compass
For Emotional and Spiritual Support
Podcasts for Caregivers & Dementia Awareness
Documentaries That Illuminate the Journey
About Alicia : 
Surgeries and Tracheostomies
Post-Surgical Recovery and Monitoring
The Turning Point After her second tracheotomy, Alicia found herself isolated, unable to speak, and struggling with the emotional toll of her illness. She described feeling like she had lost her identity. But in that silence, she began to listen—to herself, to her pain, and to a deeper calling.
Reclaiming Her Voice Through months of recovery, therapy, and inner work, Alicia slowly regained her voice—both physically and metaphorically. She began journaling, reflecting, and eventually writing her memoir The Good Kind of Cancer, which explores how trauma can be a gateway to purpose.
Her Story Highlights:
Podcast Appearance: In the episode titled 
Being a 3x cancer survivor 
Public Speaking & Podcasts She’s appeared on podcasts like From Out of the Ashes to a Woman Full of Fire, where she discusses how surviving cancer reshaped her purpose. Her talks often center on resilience, reinvention, and the power of vulnerability.
Fight Like a Girl Club – Survivor Stories
Rush to Crush Cancer – Community Voices
Library Access:
South Phoenix (ZIP code 85004): Average life expectancy is around 71 years.
Scottsdale (ZIP code 85258): Just 12 miles away, the average life expectancy jumps to 85 years.
Socioeconomic challenges—such as high poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and low education rankings—play a significant role.
Oklahoma ranks 50th in education and 46th in child well-being, which are key indicators tied to long-term health outcomes.
Life Expectancy in Cleveland, Ohio
In general, Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, has a lower life expectancy than the national average. The disparities are especially pronounced in neighborhoods with higher poverty rates and larger Black populations.
Men in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is about 71 years
Women in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is around 77 years
St. Louis County (which surrounds the city): Life expectancy is higher at 76.3 years.
Key Findings:
Westover Hills: Residents here enjoy the highest life expectancy in Richmond, averaging 83 years.
Gilpin Court: Just 4.5 miles away, life expectancy drops to 63 years.
Overall Life Expectancy
Demographic Differences
Poverty Impact