After several years, multiple diagnosis and cancer treatments, Steve Drayton continues to give back to his community and those who stood by him even during tough times. Not only was he diagnosed with HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the body's immune system, but he also survived cancer three times. Going through all of these harrowing processes did not make him disheartened, instead this only fueled his drive to support and advocate for the well-being and health gap experienced by LGBTQIA+ community through education and advocacy.

Promise Made Amidst the HIV Epidemic

In the 1990s, when the HIV epidemic was devastating the gay community, Steve personally experienced its harsh reality. In 1994, he was diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma. KS is a type of cancer that is often seen in people with weakened immune systems. Being diagnosed with HIV, his immune system was already compromised and this diagnosis confirmed that his HIV had progressed to AIDS.

What is Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)?

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that usually shows up as purple spots or bumps on your skin, in your mouth, or in your digestive system. These growths can also spread to other parts inside your body. It's caused by a specific virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). However, most people who have this virus do not get KS. This cancer usually develops in people whose immune system is weak, like those with HIV, individuals who have received an organ transplant, or older adults.

Steve and his best friend both received HIV and AIDS diagnoses. Sadly, his friend did not survive. Before his friend passed away, Steve made a heartfelt promise: he would do everything he could to prevent others from enduring the same suffering.

Honoring this promise, Steve immediately took action. He began raising money for HIV resources, joined support groups, and taught safe sex classes in prisons to educate people on how to reduce their risk of HIV. He credits his best friend as the inspiration for his lifelong journey of advocacy.

Bike Ride Leads to a Life-Saving Discovery

Years later, in 1999, Steve met his husband, Stephen. Together, "the Steves" expanded their advocacy efforts. Witnessing many friends and family affected by cancer, they found a shared passion for cycling and began participating in bike rides to raise money for cancer research.

In 2016, one particular bike ride dramatically changed Steve's life. While participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, riding from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey, Steve felt an unusual discomfort. It was the morning after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, and despite the emotional weight and physical exertion of the ride, he knew something was wrong with his body.

Steve reported his symptoms to his doctor, leading to a quick colonoscopy. In September 2016, at age 56, he was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer. The National Institute of Cancer explains that this kind of cancer forms in the rectal tissue of the rectum. He believes the discomfort he felt while cycling, which prompted him to see a doctor, was crucial in catching the cancer early.

He underwent two months of chemotherapy and radiation. While his doctors warned of side effects, Steve was unprepared for the intense and persistent rectal pain. To find relief, he opted for an ostomy procedure, which created a new way for waste to leave his body. The pain subsided, but Steve had to adjust to permanently wearing an ostomy pouch. In July 2018, Steve received his third cancer diagnosis: squamous cell skin cancer. He was treated with surgery and has had no recurrence, continuing annual skin checks.

Understanding Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Skin cancers typically begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. This layer has two main types of cells where cancer can start. Squamous cells are the flat cells on the surface that are always shedding. When these grow abnormally, they can become squamous cell skin cancer. Below them are basal cells, which constantly divide to create new skin cells. As these new cells move upward, they flatten out and become squamous cells. When cancer begins in these basal cells, it's called basal cell skin cancer.

Treatment And Advocacy For Multiple Cancer

Nearly seven years after his skin cancer diagnosis and ten years after his rectal cancer diagnosis, Steve is living cancer-free. He and Phen are approaching their 26th anniversary and still enjoy their Saturday date nights. Although treatment effects prevent Steve from cycling now, he and Phen continue to be active advocates in their community. They share their powerful story, encouraging everyone to be aware of their cancer risks and to get recommended screenings. Steve believes it's his duty to share his journey and raise awareness about organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Health officials are urging people to seek immediate medical help if they notice three particular symptoms appearing alongside Covid, as these could signal a more serious infection.

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Covid cases have dipped slightly but remain present at “low levels” across the country. Hospital admissions have also fallen modestly, with weekly test positivity dropping to 10.3 percent from 11.9 percent the week before.

Despite the decline, people aged 85 and older continue to face the greatest risk of being hospitalised with the virus. Experts stress that identifying certain warning symptoms early can be key to preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.

3 Covid Symptoms That Are Major Warning

People are being urged to seek urgent medical advice if they or their child develop three specific symptoms while infected with Covid, as it may point to a more serious illness.

Health experts recommend contacting a GP or calling for medical assistance if symptoms such as a rash, loss of appetite, or unusual weakness appear. Immediate help is also advised if a high temperature of 38°C or above lasts for five days or fails to reduce with paracetamol.

Medical attention is further encouraged if symptoms worsen, show no improvement, or if you are unsure how to manage them. For infants, extra caution is necessary as any baby under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a child aged three to six months with a temperature above 39°C, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Covid Booster Shots: Who Can Get Them This Autumn

The eligibility rules for Covid booster vaccines have been updated for the current autumn rollout. While earlier boosters were offered to people aged 65 and above and those with certain long-term conditions, this year’s criteria have been made more specific.

Those eligible for the latest booster include:

• Adults aged 75 and over, including anyone who will turn 75 by January 31, 2026
• Individuals aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults
• Health officials continue to encourage eligible groups to stay up to date with vaccinations, especially heading into the winter season, when respiratory infections tend to rise.

COVID-19 Variant Stratus: What You Should Know

A new COVID-19 strain known as Stratus, officially labeled XFG, has begun to circulate globally. First identified in Southeast Asia in January 2025, the variant quickly spread across 38 countries by mid-year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring,” meaning it is being closely studied to understand its transmission rate, symptom pattern, and potential health impact.

Frankenstein Variant: Common Symptoms of Stratus

For most people, especially those who are vaccinated or boosted, Stratus infections appear to be mild to moderate. Still, recognising its symptoms early remains important.

The most common signs include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Fever
• Other possible symptoms:
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Headache and body aches
• Upset stomach, nausea, or loss of appetite
• Loss of taste or smell (now less frequent)
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Atorvastatin Recall 2025: Statins have long been the first-line treatment for high cholesterol, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed a nationwide recall of over 140,000 bottles of a cholesterol-lowering medication. Officials flagged that some pills may not dissolve properly after ingestion, potentially reducing effectiveness for patients who rely on them daily.

The recall affects Atorvastatin Calcium, the generic version of Lipitor, which is taken by roughly 39 million Americans, most of them adults over 40, according to Dr. Tamanna Singh of the Cleveland Clinic. Federal records show that the recalled batches were manufactured by Alkem Laboratories and distributed by Ascend Laboratories in New Jersey. The FDA’s September 19 enforcement report found that several batches failed quality tests designed to ensure proper dissolution of the pills.

If the pills dissolve inconsistently or more slowly than intended, the medication may not deliver the expected cholesterol-lowering effect. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II action, indicating moderate concern. While temporary or reversible side effects could occur, the likelihood of serious harm is low.

Atorvastatin Recall: Which Atorvastatin Tablets Are Affected

The recall covers multiple strengths and bottle sizes of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, which are among the most commonly prescribed statins globally. Affected formulations include:

• 10 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 20 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 40 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 80 mg – 90 and 500 tablets per bottle

Cholesterol Medication Recalled: Safe Alternatives to Atorvastatin

If you are affected by the recall, there are several alternatives to help manage cholesterol levels effectively:

1. Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Ezetimibe is often recommended when a statin alone doesn’t sufficiently lower cholesterol. It may be used if you are on the maximum statin dose but your cholesterol remains high, or alongside statins such as atorvastatin or simvastatin for conditions like homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Ezetimibe works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, causing the body to use up more cholesterol from the blood. It is one of the few non-statin medications that can further reduce LDL cholesterol, either alone or combined with statins or other alternatives.

2. Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)

Fibrates mainly target high triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease and pancreatitis, and can also mildly lower LDL cholesterol. They can be taken alone, with ezetimibe, or with a statin. However, combining gemfibrozil with a statin may increase side effects, so caution is advised.

3. Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam)

Bile acid sequestrants lower cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. The liver then uses more cholesterol from the blood to produce new bile acids, reducing LDL cholesterol.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Multiple pills per day may be needed
• Possible interactions with other medications or vitamins, which can reduce effectiveness
• May increase triglyceride levels
• Can cause constipation or stomach upset

Imagine sitting down to a juicy, perfectly cooked steak on a warm evening, and hours later you’re hit with terrible stomach cramps, itchy hives, and swelling so bad you might need to rush to the ER. The weird part? It’s not food poisoning, and the steak wasn’t bad. What’s actually happening is your own immune system is reacting, because of a tiny tick bite you got weeks or even months ago, one you probably don’t even remember.

What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that can develop after a tick bite, leading to allergic reactions to red meat and products made from it. While several types of ticks can trigger it, the lone star tick is the most common culprit. Not everyone who gets bitten will develop the allergy, but repeated bites can increase the risk or worsen symptoms, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What Can Trigger an Alpha-gal Reaction?

You may have an allergic reaction to:

• Meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb
• Foods or products made with animal fat
• Certain medications
• Cow’s milk and dairy products

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals (except humans) and in tick saliva. Not everyone who is bitten by a tick develops alpha-gal syndrome, and you might not react to every food or product that contains it.

Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

• Skin changes, like itching, hives, or flushing
• Swelling of lips, eyelids, throat, tongue, or face (angioedema)
• Respiratory issues, such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing
• Digestive problems, including stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Joint pain

Timing of Symptoms

Unlike most food allergies, reactions to alpha-gal can occur two to six hours after eating meat or dairy. Medications containing alpha-gal may trigger a faster reaction.

Causes of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome develops after a tick bite, most commonly from the lone star tick, though bites from black-legged (deer) ticks and other species can also cause it. Ticks carry alpha-gal molecules in their saliva, and exposure during a bite can make your immune system recognize alpha-gal as a threat, triggering an allergy.

Experts aren’t certain why some people develop the allergy while others do not. Repeated tick bites can worsen symptoms or make reactions more frequent.

What Is Lone Star Tick?

The lone star tick is a tiny bug, sometimes as small as a poppy seed. Adult female lone star ticks are easy to identify by the white dot on their backs, the “lone star.” They are commonly found in and around wooded areas across the Midwestern and Eastern United States.

Having alpha-gal syndrome is not just about giving up burgers or steaks. Like other food allergies, it can affect a range of products you may need to avoid. While caution is important, most people with AGS won’t react to every item that contains alpha-gal, and for some, symptoms may improve within a few years. Your healthcare provider can guide you on which foods to steer clear of and what to expect in your individual case.