Receiving a cancer diagnosis changes a person’s life in many ways. The impending sense of doom, the feeling of an uncertain future as well as the constant stress about how this disease is affecting your loved ones are just a few of the things they experience. It may be fiction to us, but it is someone else’s reality.

Avi Grant's life took an unexpected turn on August 19, 2021, when she received a diagnosis of stage III cervical cancer. At the time, she was a newlywed, thriving in her career, and looking forward to starting a family.

But that isn’t all. There was a difficult diagnosis wait for her, what's worse is that it could have gone unnoticed if it wasn’t for not giving up.

Search for Answers

Avi's health journey began in September 2019 after she had a very hard miscarriage. Besides worrying about having children, Avi just felt like something wasn't right with her body. She felt like her doctors weren't giving her enough clear answers, even though she kept asking questions. So, she decided to switch to a new women's doctor.

Her new doctor quickly got to work, doing many tests. Soon, they found what others had missed: cervical cancer. Avi used an app to check her medical records, so she actually saw the cancer diagnosis online before her doctor even called her. She recalled seeing the words "squamous cell carcinoma" and knew right away it meant cancer. Although she was shocked and was grasping the reality of her diagnosis, she did not waste any time and jumped right away into her treatment. She wanted to know what she needed to do next to fight this.

What is Squamous-Cell Carcinoma?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb (uterus) in women. Most cervical cancers are a type called squamous-cell carcinoma. These cancers are often caused by certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18.

According to StatPearl it is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, coming after breast, lung, and bowel cancer.

Can It Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer is actually easy to prevent. This is thanks to a test called the Pap smear. This test can find abnormal cells that could turn into cancer before they become a serious problem. If caught early, these bad cells can be removed. However, in many poorer countries, this cancer is still very common. This is because they don't have widespread screening programs like the Pap smear.

Tough Treatments

Avi had a very strong treatment plan. This included many medical procedures, then chemotherapy and two types of radiation – one from outside her body and one from inside called brachytherapy. The brachytherapy was especially hard for her. It caused her a lot of physical pain and emotional stress because of how it's done and its side effects.

Brachytherapy works by putting a device with radiation right inside the body, very close to the cancer.

This helps target the cancer cells directly while trying to keep healthy cells safe. For Avi, this meant a large device with radiation was put into her vagina, and she had to stay completely still while it was in place. She wants other women to know exactly what to expect with this treatment. She believes that if women understood the process and saw the equipment beforehand, it could help them feel less scared and worried. Even with all the pain and stress, Avi kept going with amazing strength.

Cancer's Impact on Feelings and Mind

Avi's fight against cancer wasn't just about her body; it also deeply affected her mind and feelings. After her treatment finished, she found herself struggling with depression and anxiety. These were feelings she hadn't expected or known much about.

She said, "I didn’t feel like myself." Even her husband noticed, asking if she wanted to go out, but she just wanted to stay home. That's when she realized something was wrong. She got professional help and learned how important it is to take care of your mental health. She feels this part is often forgotten during and after cancer treatment. She wants people to talk more about mental health, reminding everyone that "It’s OK not to be OK.”

Finding Strength in Others and Speaking Out

Throughout everything, Avi refused to let cancer make her feel negative. She looked for help and found comfort in groups like the American Cancer Society (ACS). Then, she started to speak out herself, sharing her powerful story in news interviews and at community events.

The ACS really helped her recovery. They connected her with useful resources and gave her chances to share her story and raise awareness, like at local Relay For Life events. She felt how powerful it was to share her experience and connect with other people. This also helped her find support groups and tools for life during and after treatment, which she feels is often ignored. She said, "Nobody talks about what happens after cancer. It’s like, ‘Congratulations, you did amazing. Now go live life.’ But I had to figure out how to live again."

Avi wisely puts it, "Cancer changes you. Everyone expects you to go back to the way you were, back to normal, but it isn’t like that. I’ve changed. Cancer changed me.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.

While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the flu, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference

Before tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.

Focus on High-Traffic Surfaces

Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:

• Doorknobs and drawer handles
• Light switches
• Stair rails

If someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.

Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning

In the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:

• Countertops and cabinets
• Refrigerator handles
• Sinks and faucets
• Coffee makers, microwaves, and ovens
• Garbage cans

For bathrooms, disinfect:

• Toilets, sinks, and faucets
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Shower and bathtub surfaces
• Soap dispensers and toilet paper holders
• Floors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holders
• Consider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germs
• Laundry and Bedroom Surfaces

Flu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.

In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.

Electronics Are Germ Hotspots

Mobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.

Ventilate Your Home

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.

Recovery First, Deep Cleaning Later

If you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.

Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.

By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years.

According to the American Liver Foundation. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as NAFLD. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues.

How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health?

Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect.

Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include:

• Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• Bruising easily.
• Dark-colored urine.
• A swollen stomach.
• Vomiting blood or having black stools.
• Itchy skin.

What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy?

Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver:

Sugary Drinks

Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee.

Deep-Fried Foods

Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut.

Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients.

Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed.

How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food?

The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction.

Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling.

What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery?

The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed

• Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies
• Italian Sesame Cookies
• Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies
• Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies
• Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti
• Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam

How To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction

In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Signs of a mild reaction:

• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Hives or welts on the skin
• A tingling feeling in the mouth
• Stomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)

What to do:

If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins.

Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:

• Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.
• Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.
• Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.
• Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.
• In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.

What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction?

1. You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.
2. Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.
3. Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.
4. Call for an ambulance.
5. Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.
6. Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.
7. Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.
8. If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR