A recent study by George Mason University College of Public Health has highlighted a concerning correlation between the use of personal care products and elevated levels of phthalates in young children. Phthalates, chemicals used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastics, are also commonly found in lotions, hair oils, conditioners, and sunscreens. The study’s findings suggest these chemicals may pose potential risks to children's development during critical growth phases.

Led by Professor Michael S. Bloom, the study involved medical data from 630 children aged four to eight across ten sites in the United States. Each child underwent a clinical examination and urinalysis, while parents provided detailed information about their child’s sociodemographic background and the specific personal care products used within 24 hours before the examination.

The results revealed a significant association between the recent use of various skin care products and higher concentrations of phthalates and their replacements. Notably, the study found variations in the relationship between product use and phthalate levels based on the children’s racial and ethnic identities and sex assigned at birth. This indicates that different skin care routines may lead to different exposure levels of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

"The study underscores the need to understand how different personal care products contribute to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure in children," said Bloom. "These findings can guide policy decisions and help parents make informed choices about the products they use on their children."

Natural Skin Care For Toddlers And Children

- Gentle Cleansing: Use plain water or mild, homemade soap with natural ingredients like olive oil and coconut oil.

- Moisturizing: Apply natural oils such as coconut oil or almond oil, which are gentle and free of synthetic additives.

- Sun Protection: Dress children in protective clothing and hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours to avoid the need for chemical sunscreens.

- Bathing Frequency: Limit baths to avoid stripping natural oils from the skin; use lukewarm water and keep baths brief.

- Diet and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and ensure adequate hydration to support healthy skin from within.

A medication prescribed for decades to lower blood pressure may hold a surprising new use: slowing the spread of one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of breast cancer. Scientists at Monash University in Melbourne have discovered that beta blockers, medicines already used daily by millions, may shield women from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type that has few effective treatments and bleak survival rates.

The results, which appeared in Science Signaling, indicate that this group of heart drugs may open a whole new avenue in battling TNBC, providing promise to a disease that disproportionately harms younger women and is notoriously resistant to treatment.

Breast cancer is not one but a group of subtypes, each with a variable response to treatment. TNBC is characterized by what it does not have: it is receptor-negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and non-secretor of excess HER2 protein. Lacking those targets, therapies that are effective for other breast cancers—hormonal therapies or drugs targeting HER2—are not effective.

TNBC, as defined by the American Cancer Society, grows and develops more rapidly than others, giving patients fewer treatment options and poorer prognoses. While about 90 percent of women diagnosed with other breast cancers survive at least five years, that number drops to around 77 percent for TNBC. For women with advanced-stage disease, the survival rate can fall as low as 12 percent.

Can Stress Fuel Cancer Growth?

The Monash University team wanted to understand why beta blockers, medications that work by blocking stress hormones like adrenaline, were associated with better outcomes in some TNBC patients. Previous studies had hinted at a link, but the underlying mechanism remained a mystery.

Their research uncovered a crucial detail: stress hormones can activate a receptor called the beta-2 adrenoceptor, which then sets off a cascade of signaling molecules—including cAMP and calcium—that accelerate cancer growth. This process is powered by a gene called HOXC12, which effectively “fuels” the tumor’s progression.

Here’s where beta blockers come in. By targeting the beta-2 receptor, they can switch off HOXC12, halting the process at its source. In short, a drug that slows a racing heart may also slow a racing tumor.

How Beta-Blockers Help Fight Cancer Growth?

The potential impact of this discovery lies not just in its scientific novelty but in its accessibility. Beta blockers are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. One in ten Americans already takes them for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to heart rhythm disorders.

“Ultimately, this exciting discovery could pave the way to improving survival outcomes in people with TNBC when HOXC12 is found to be present,” said Terrance Lam, PhD candidate and first author of the study. “We believe further studies are urgently needed to determine if HOXC12 can be used to identify patients who will benefit from beta blocker therapy at the time of diagnosis and stop tumor spread.”

Professor Michelle Halls, senior author of the study, called the findings “exciting,” adding that the research not only confirmed the potential link between beta blockers and tumor progression but also explained why the drugs could be effective in slowing cancer spread.

A New Cancer Diagnostic Marker?

One of the most promising aspects of the study is its potential to identify which patients are most likely to benefit. Researchers noted that high levels of HOXC12 expression were strongly associated with poorer survival outcomes. This means HOXC12 could serve as a diagnostic marker—helping doctors determine, at the time of diagnosis, whether beta blockers might be added to a patient’s treatment plan.

If validated in larger trials, this approach could make TNBC treatment more personalized and cost-effective. Instead of waiting for new experimental drugs to be developed, physicians might be able to repurpose a safe, widely available medication to immediately improve outcomes.

TNBC accounts for about 15 percent of all breast cancers in both the US and the UK. While most breast cancer patients now survive at least five years thanks to improved therapies, TNBC remains stubbornly resistant to progress.

Because TNBC does not respond to hormone or HER2-targeted therapies, treatment usually relies on chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Immunotherapy has shown promise for some patients, but it is expensive, not universally available, and not always effective.

For this reason, the possibility of adding beta blockers—drugs that cost pennies a pill and are already well understood—could represent a major shift in the global fight against breast cancer.

How Important Is Mental Health For Cancer Behaviour?

The study also highlights the role of stress in cancer biology. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline don’t just affect mood and blood pressure; they can also influence the way cancer cells behave. By showing that stress-related pathways drive tumor growth, the research makes a strong case for viewing cancer not only as a disease of genetics but also as one shaped by the body’s physiological responses.

This finding echoes a broader movement in oncology, integrating psychological care and stress management as part of cancer treatment. While beta blockers may provide a pharmacological way to interrupt stress signaling, lifestyle interventions—such as mindfulness, counseling, and stress reduction—could also complement medical treatment.

What This Means For Cancer Patients Right Now?

It’s important to stress that while the research is promising, it’s still in its early stages. The Monash team has identified a mechanism and a potential pathway, but clinical trials are needed before beta blockers can be officially recommended as part of TNBC treatment.

For now, experts urge patients not to self-prescribe or change medications without consulting their doctors. While beta blockers are generally safe, they can cause side effects and interact with other medications.

Signs Of Breast Cancer That Aren't A Lump

Still, the research represents a rare piece of good news in the fight against TNBC—a cancer subtype that has long frustrated patients and doctors alike. Recognizing breast cancer beyond lumps. Most people associate breast cancer with the discovery of a lump. But doctors emphasize that other visual and physical signs can also be key to early detection. These include:

• Nipple changes or bloody discharge
• Breast dimpling or skin thickening
• A sore on the breast that does not heal
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit
• Unexplained breast pain

Experts recommend regular self-checks, paying attention not only to touch but also to visual changes in the mirror. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in improving survival outcomes across all breast cancer types, including TNBC.

Beta blockers, once thought of solely as heart medications, could become an unexpected ally in the battle against triple-negative breast cancer. By targeting stress hormone pathways and shutting down the HOXC12 gene, they may offer a low-cost, widely accessible way to slow tumor progression.

August 19 marked a sharp split in U.S. vaccine policy after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated immunization guidelines that call for COVID-19 vaccination in young children. The move breaks from recent federal guidance shaped by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Why the AAP is Standing Apart

The AAP, which represents more than 65,000 board-certified pediatricians, has long been a central authority on children’s health. In June, the organization had already signaled its concern, saying the federal process for creating vaccine schedules was “no longer credible” after Kennedy dismissed the 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. That panel traditionally guides the CDC’s vaccine recommendations.

Kennedy replaced the group with appointees that many in the medical community consider unqualified, several with ties to anti-vaccine organizations. The May announcement that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be on the CDC’s recommended list for healthy children and pregnant women further deepened tensions.

“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations that are rooted in science and in the best interest of children and families,” AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly said in a statement.

Also Read: CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?

What the AAP Recommends for Kids

The updated AAP schedule covers vaccines from birth through age 18, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The pediatric group recommends:

Ages 6 months to 23 months: All children should receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine to lower the risk of severe illness.

Ages 2 to 18: Children and adolescents without other high-risk conditions should be offered the vaccine if not already immunized.

High-risk children and adults: Those with conditions like weakened immune systems should receive the vaccine regardless of age.

The organization stressed that its guidance is based on peer-reviewed evidence, countering federal messaging that leaves vaccination decisions to parental consultation with physicians.

Federal Guidance Under Kennedy

The CDC has not completely eliminated COVID-19 vaccination from its schedule but shifted language in August to a softer stance. Instead of recommending annual doses for children, the agency now advises parents to “consult with their child’s physician” to decide.

Kennedy has said publicly that the vaccine should be reserved for people over 65 or those at high risk. The CDC website still lists recommendations for everyone over six months, but with a notice that the information is being updated to reflect new schedules.

Experts have warned this change may create barriers to access, since insurance coverage often mirrors CDC recommendations. Families who want their children vaccinated but do not fall under the new federal priority categories could be forced to pay out of pocket.

Read More: FDA Approves New Covid Vaccine For Kids With Selective Eligibility

The Growing Clash Between AAP and HHS

The disagreement has sparked sharp exchanges between pediatric leaders and the federal government. HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon accused the AAP of advancing commercial interests, citing pharmaceutical funding ties.

“By bypassing the CDC’s advisory process and issuing its own recommendations, the AAP is putting politics above children’s health,” Nixon said in a statement.

Kennedy echoed those concerns on social media, calling the pediatric guidance “corporate-friendly” and suggesting it primarily benefits vaccine manufacturers. He also warned that diverging from federal recommendations could leave doctors legally vulnerable, since liability protections under the Vaccine Injury Act apply only to CDC-approved schedules.

AAP President Dr. Kressly rejected those claims. “This attack on the integrity of pediatricians is unfortunate, but it does not change the facts. Our immunization recommendations are rooted in decades of peer-reviewed science,” she said.

What Comes Next

The newly appointed federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has not yet voted on COVID-19 guidance and is expected to meet again in early fall. Meanwhile, the FDA is weighing whether to revoke authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children.

The split leaves parents facing a confusing landscape. While federal authorities have scaled back recommendations, pediatricians say the science still supports protecting children with the COVID-19 shot. As the AAP put it, the mission is clear: to keep kids, families, and communities healthy, regardless of shifting political winds.

Contact Lens Health Week, observed annually in the third week of August, comes to a close today. This year, it ran from August 18 to 22, serving as an important reminder of how crucial eye health is in our daily lives. While it may seem like a niche health observance, the initiative highlights an issue that affects millions worldwide: the proper care and safe use of contact lenses.

Why Eye Health Cannot Be Overlooked

Vision is one of the most vital senses, yet it is often taken for granted. With modern technology, access to corrective options such as glasses, contact lenses, surgeries, and even transplants has made many believe that eyesight will always be easily restorable. But experts emphasize that carelessness with something as simple as contact lenses can lead to lasting damage. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, and poor hygiene or overuse can compromise vision. This is exactly why Contact Lens Health Week remains significant.

A Brief History of Vision Correction

The journey of improving human sight stretches back centuries. Records suggest that spectacles first appeared in the late 1200s to early 1300s, with Salvino D’Armate often credited as their inventor. Initially, these crude lenses were luxury items reserved for the wealthy. By the time of the industrial revolution, glasses became widely available and affordable, changing lives across classes.

In the early 1800s, scientist Thomas Young built the first prototype of a contact lens, using wax and water-filled lenses. Over the following century and a half, various improvements led to a more practical design. By the 1940s, significant strides had been made in creating lenses suitable for everyday wear. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of soft lenses in the 1970s that contact lenses truly became mainstream.

The Rise of Contact Lenses, and the Risks

Today, millions of people choose between glasses and contact lenses. Contact lenses offer freedom, convenience, and in many cases, improved aesthetics. Yet, their popularity has also led to widespread misuse. Many users overlook the two key rules: sticking to the replacement schedule and respecting the wear schedule. Even the most advanced lenses should not be worn beyond 30 consecutive days and nights. Ignoring this can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes, cause infections, and in severe cases, lead to vision loss.

Why Contact Lens Health Week Matters

The week serves as a call to action for everyone who relies on contact lenses. It emphasizes the need for proper cleaning, regular replacement, and awareness of risks linked to negligence. Simple practices, like washing hands before touching lenses, never reusing solution, and removing lenses before sleeping, can prevent long-term harm.

Milestones in Contact Lens Development

1508: Leonardo da Vinci illustrates the first concept of contact lenses.

1939: Plastic technology enables the creation of the first plastic contact lenses.

1971: Soft contact lenses gain public approval for comfort.

1987: Disposable soft contact lenses are introduced, making them more accessible.