Deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are climbing at an alarming rate across the United States, with certain groups being disproportionately affected. A new study published on June 11 in JAMA Network Open found that ALD-related deaths rose nearly 9% each year between 2018 and 2022—more than double the rate of increase seen from 2006 to 2018.

Experts believe this sharp uptick is partly linked to increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other contributing factors include chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension, which can worsen liver health. “It puts numbers to what we’re seeing in the hospital, in the clinic,” said Dr. Brian Lee, a liver specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, in a report to STAT News.

Worsening Trends Among Women and Indigenous Populations

While men still experience more deaths from ALD—17 per 100,000 in 2022—women’s death rates have risen more sharply. In 2022, 8 out of every 100,000 women died from alcohol-related liver disease, a significant jump from 3 per 100,000 at the beginning of the study period. Women’s mortality rate grew at approximately 4.3% per year—almost twice the rate seen in men.

The study also revealed a devastating impact on Indigenous communities. American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest cirrhosis death rate in 2022, at 33 per 100,000 people. Additionally, alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths in these groups more than doubled between 2010 and 2022.

Dr. Nasim Maleki, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that although the pandemic has eased, its long-term effects—particularly in marginalized communities—are still unfolding. “The pandemic itself came under control, but the disparities that came with it continued and lingered,” she said.

Young Adults at Higher Risk Than Before

A particularly troubling trend is the increase in alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths among people aged 25 to 44. This condition can develop quickly and is marked by symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and liver pain—even in individuals who haven't been heavy drinkers for long.

Liver experts warn that the worst effects of pandemic-related drinking might still be ahead. “Alcohol-related cirrhosis takes time to develop. So we may not see the true extent of the consequences until five, probably 10, years from now, which is very concerning,” said Dr. Robert Wong of Stanford University.

Why Women Face Unique Risks

One reason for the sharper rise among women lies in biology. Cisgender women metabolize alcohol differently than cisgender men, which means their organs may suffer more damage from lower levels of alcohol consumption over time. That’s why current federal guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, compared to two for men.

“You’d be surprised by how shocked people are when they hear that drinking more than two drinks per day is considered heavy drinking by federal definitions,” Dr. Lee added.

Public Health Response and the Way Forward

In 2021, over 12,000 deaths from “unspecified liver cirrhosis” were linked to excessive drinking, although that may not always be evident from death certificates. Marissa Esser, who previously led the alcohol program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted this hidden toll before the program was disbanded earlier this year.

The American Medical Association is now calling for more public education on alcohol’s risks, including its link to breast cancer. It is also urging clearer labeling on alcoholic beverages to help consumers make informed choices.

Though some data suggests a slight drop in alcohol use since its peak in 2020, it remains uncertain whether this will reduce deaths in the coming years. For now, ALD continues to be the leading reason for liver transplants in the U.S., and alcohol-associated hepatitis is the fastest-growing cause.

If you think heart attacks only happen to your grandfather or someone well into retirement, think again. In recent years, cardiologists have seen a troubling trend—more young adults, even those in their 30s and 40s, are landing in emergency rooms with chest pain, elevated blood pressure, or worse. Once considered a disease of old age, heart problems are now showing up in the prime of life. So, what’s really going on? Sedentary lifestyles, rising stress levels, poor eating habits, and misinformation are silently chipping away at heart health long before most people expect it. The good news? With the right awareness and preventive care, you can lower your risk dramatically, starting now.

Your heart is more than just a symbol of emotion, it’s a tireless organ beating over 100,000 times a day to keep you alive. Yet most people don’t think about protecting their heart until they’re sitting in an emergency room. Increasingly, heart attacks are no longer reserved for the elderly. Men and women in their 40s and even 30s are now facing cardiac issues once considered rare at their age. So what can you do—right now—to prevent this?

Dr. Evan S. Levine, a leading cardiologist at Mount Sinai Health in Scarsdale, says the answer lies in consistent, preventive care. In a widely shared video that’s sparked thousands of views online, Dr. Levine breaks down 10 fundamental rules—rooted in science and decades of clinical experience—that can help you avoid a heart attack before 60. Here’s what he wants you to know.

Rule #1: Don’t Smoke—Ever

Dr. Levine is emphatic: “Never smoke, not even once.” Cigarettes constrict blood vessels, increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and double your risk of heart attacks. Even occasional smoking damages arteries and speeds up plaque buildup. And it’s not just cigarettes, cocaine use has an equally devastating impact on your heart’s ability to pump efficiently. Nicotine and drugs aren't just bad habits, they’re cardiovascular landmines.

Rule #2: Ditch Sugary Drinks

That daily soda may seem harmless, especially if you're active, but sugary drinks are directly linked to elevated blood pressure and triglycerides. Over time, this combination raises your heart disease risk significantly. According to Dr. Levine, eliminating sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffees is a smart and simple step to better cardiovascular health.

Rule #3: Steer Clear of Fast Food

Your heart doesn’t need another burger-and-fries night. Fast food is typically high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium—all of which contribute to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and weight gain. Over time, these factors compound, raising the risk of cardiovascular events. Cooking more meals at home or choosing whole, unprocessed foods can dramatically improve your heart profile.

Rule #4: Move Your Body for 30 Minutes Daily

One of the simplest yet most overlooked steps? Just move. Regular exercise—at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day helps regulate blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce stress. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a bike ride, or a dance class, the key is consistency. Your heart benefits every time your body moves.

Rule #5: Consider a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan

Dr. Levine advises those with risk factors—like high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or obesity—to get a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test evaluates plaque buildup in your arteries and helps determine your risk of future cardiac events, even if you’re under 40. It’s a preventive tool that can lead to early interventions and even save lives.

Rule #6: Address Stress Proactively

Chronic stress is no minor inconvenience—it’s a silent contributor to heart disease. Elevated cortisol levels increase inflammation, blood pressure, and even abdominal fat. Dr. Levine recommends managing stress through practices like meditation, listening to calming music, therapy, or simply taking regular breaks. Mental health is heart health.

Rule #7: Don’t Ignore Diabetes or Hypertension

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure, managing these conditions aggressively is critical. Both are major contributors to atherosclerosis—a buildup of plaque that narrows arteries and leads to heart attacks. Monitoring blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet can make all the difference.

Rule #8: Maintain a Healthy Weight Especially Around the Belly

Dr. Levine emphasizes the risks of central obesity—fat stored around the abdomen. This type of fat is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, which includes elevated triglycerides, fatty liver, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Together, they raise the risk for a fatal heart event. Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can drastically improve heart function and metabolic balance.

Rule #9: Beware of Medical Misinformation

In the age of TikTok doctors and Instagram wellness influencers, misinformation spreads faster than ever. “Avoid them like the plague,” warns Dr. Levine. Only trained medical professionals with verified credentials can provide safe, effective heart health advice. Look for board-certified cardiologists or specialists when seeking health-related guidance.

Rule #10: Limit Your Alcohol

Alcohol in excess has a direct effect on heart health it raises blood pressure, contributes to irregular heart rhythms, and can lead to heart failure. While a single glass of wine might be acceptable occasionally, Dr. Levine advises keeping consumption to a minimum. Moderation is not just wise—it’s protective.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, but many of its risk factors are preventable. From quitting smoking to managing weight and cutting sugar, the choices we make every day can drastically reduce our risk. Dr. Levine’s message is clear: take action early, be informed, and prioritize your heart health now not after a scare.

Take a closer look at that soft or perhaps not-so-soft belly around your midsection. What appears to be a harmless sign of middle age may be causing more harm than you realize. From late-night feasting and skipped exercise to something much more sinister—environmental toxins—the culprits behind belly fat extend beyond diet. Daily exposures to plastic containers, personal care products, and more may disrupt your hormones and stealthily lead to weight gain. As we celebrate Father's Day 2025, take the discussion about so-called "dad bod" from funny to healthy—and discover what your gut may be whispering.

On the surface, the "dad bod" can look like a endearing sign of fatherhood—a physical manifestation of priorities changing after children enter the equation. That bulging belly, even affectionately referred to with colloquialisms such as "beer belly" or "potbelly," has gained cultural validation in recent times. But behind that soft (or occasionally hard) façade, there exists an emerging health issue with dire consequences.

As we honor fathers on this Father's Day, it's time to shine the spotlight on a problem that affects millions of men around the world: middle-aged abdominal fat. More than a vanity issue, this colloquially termed "dad bod" is strongly associated with chronic illness, hormonal imbalance, and even mortality.

What Is a Dad Bod?

The phrase "dad bod" has become shorthand for calling a middle-aged guy with an average body—someone who isn't obese but isn't lean either. Social media and popular culture have fully embraced this trope, providing a welcome respite from sculpted gym physiques.

But what fuels this change? Anecdotally, the change occurs after becoming a father. The physical and emotional stresses of having children frequently result in lifestyle changes: more sedentary, midnight snacking, and added stress. But it's not just anecdotal. Northwestern University conducted a study tracking more than 10,000 men that concluded that first-time dads gained more than 4 pounds following their child's birth, while men without children lost weight during the same timeframe.

Beer Belly: Why Men Store Fat in the Abdomen?

Although both men and women accumulate fat with age, men have a biological tendency to store it around the belly. Unlike women, for whom estrogen serves to store fat around hips and thighs to use as energy during pregnancy or lactation, men do not have this hormonal benefit. Instead, decreases in testosterone and natural loss of muscle mass lead to the accumulation of belly fat—in this case, the unhealthy sort called visceral fat.

This tough belly fat doesn't just fill out the midsection—it encircles internal organs such as the liver and intestines. And that's where it becomes lethal. Visceral fat triggers inflammation, derails metabolic function, and surges the bloodstream with fatty acids, elevating cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Why Visceral Fat Around The Belly Is A Health Time Bomb

Imagine the belly as the trunk of a vehicle. A bit of storage is fine. But when that trunk is full to bursting, fat starts being deposited in unhealthy locations such as the liver, muscles, and pancreas. The overflow effect significantly increases the risk of:

• Heart disease and heart attacks
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Fatty liver disease
• Colon and breast cancer
• Asthma and dementia

Visceral fat spews out more inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids than subcutaneous fat, the type that lies just beneath the skin. The hormonal and metabolic imbalance sets the stage for a cascade of chronic disease—most often quietly and without apparent symptoms until it is too late.

What most people don't know is that environmental chemicals also contribute to midlife weight gain. Endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormones—are present in common products such as plastics (BPA), detergents, cosmetics, food preservatives, and even furniture. These chemicals disrupt hormone function, cause insulin resistance, and eventually lead to excess fat storage around the abdomen.

Chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS, and triclosan not only disrupt metabolism but also induce improper hormonal responses to the extent that the body will store fat or produce insulin when it's not required. In the long run, this may establish a metabolic condition that's almost impossible to change without help.

Does Fatherhood Change Men's Bodies?

Becoming a father is not only a milestone—it's a way of life disruption. From sleepless nights, at-large meals, and losing self-care habits, most fathers gradually gain weight. Eating patterns change, exercise becomes the exception, and stress increases. Factor in the psychological burden of possible postpartum depression among men—usually underrated—and the danger of gaining unhealthy lifestyle habits compound.

Even dietary habits become distorted: finishing children's meals, having snacks while driving, and favoring ease over nutrition becomes the usual. These changes, as small as they may appear, take their toll on a slow and steady build-up of visceral fat.

How to Lose the Midlife Belly?

Here's the good news: even small weight loss can significantly lower visceral fat. A study in the journal Obesity discovered that a loss of 5% of total body weight is sufficient to decrease visceral fat by 11%. For a 200-pound person, that's only 10 pounds of weight loss—but with a big health benefit.

Steps to begin with:

Get tested: Have lab testing done to determine nutrient deficiencies or hormonal disruptions that might be causing weight gain.

Cut the toxins: Get rid of products containing toxic parabens, phthalates, and BPA in your home and personal care products.

Know your genetics: Some genes play a role in how well you absorb and store fat. Knowing what your genetic makeup is can assist you in personalizing a diet and lifestyle plan that suits you.

Move more: Walking, bodyweight training, or going to the gym, all add up to burning fat and lowering inflammation.

Eat closer to nature: Lean proteins, fiber vegetables, and whole foods aid in weight loss and healthy microbiome. A healthier gut can lower inflammation and avoid obesity.

Consult medical assistance: GLP-1 receptor inhibitors such as Ozempic can be considered with a doctor's guidance for those who have resistant visceral fat or metabolic complications.

Father's Day 2025 can be more than just burgers and presents. It can also be a time for reflection. For all that energy and love dads invest in their family, now it's time to invest some of that energy into self-care. That midlife belly isn't all about image or clothing size—it's a way to your future health.

One of the biggest worries people have currently is being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and foreign variants found in processed foods and products. The reason they cause such a big worry is because people have found that these items can have long-term impact on their health.

One cause of concern many people have is forever chemicals. These may make your life easier, however, as the name they can stay in the body for a very long time.

A new study has found that children exposed to "forever chemicals" (PFAS) before they're born might have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow up, especially during their teenage years.

Early Exposure, Later Problems

Researchers reported on June 12 in the Journal of the American Heart Association that teenage boys had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood pressure if their mothers had high levels of PFAS in blood samples taken after giving birth.

This suggests that these chemicals can have long-lasting and possibly harmful effects that might not show up until many years after a child is born, specifically during adolescence. The delayed appearance of these health issues makes it harder to immediately link them to early exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term health tracking.

What Are "Forever Chemicals"?

These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they almost never break down. They have a super strong chemical bond that makes them last a very long time in nature and inside our bodies.

These chemicals are widespread and can be found in 99% of Americans. We can absorb them through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or even by touching products that contain them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, found in everything from drinking water to fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware like Teflon, stain-resistant furniture and clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products.

How the Study Was Done

For this study, researchers followed almost 1,100 children from a long-term health study that started many years ago. After the mothers gave birth, they gave blood samples. Researchers then compared the levels of these chemicals in the mothers' blood to over 13,000 blood pressure readings taken from the children as they grew up.

The results showed that as the amount of these chemicals doubled in mothers, the risk of higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) increased in their children. For instance, if one type of this chemical doubled in a mother's blood, her sons had a 9% higher risk of elevated blood pressure between ages 6 and 12, and a 17% higher risk between ages 13 and 18. The study also found that children from certain racial groups had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure when their mothers had more of these chemicals.

Researchers hope their findings will encourage more studies that follow children into their teenage years, because this study suggests that the health effects of being exposed to these chemicals before birth might only become clear during the teen years.

Why High Blood Pressure in Kids is a Concern

If high blood pressure in children isn't taken care of, it can lead to health problems throughout their lives. These can include serious issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even vision difficulties. Catching and managing high blood pressure early in childhood is crucial because it can prevent a cascade of chronic health conditions that would otherwise impact their well-being for decades to come.

Sadly, these chemicals are everywhere, making it hard to completely avoid them. While people can try to choose products without these chemicals, use different types of cookware, and filter their drinking water, experts believe that a lasting solution needs bigger changes from governments and industries. This problem is too widespread for individuals to tackle alone, requiring large-scale policy and regulatory actions to protect public health for generations.