Medical Minutes with WISH-TV

 Doctors are pushing back on President Donald Trump’s new claim that using Tylenol during pregnancy could lead to autism in children, and the administration’s scrutiny of vaccines. On Monday, Trump announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will notify doctors that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a “very increased risk of autism,” despite decades of eviden...

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic explores the rise in heart attacks among young adults, focusing on nontraditional causes such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection. SCAD is a condition where the artery in the heart suddenly develops a tear or blood forms around the outside of the artery, leading to a heart attack without cholesterol buildup. This condition is nearly six times more common i...

In this episode, WISH-TV Medical Contributor Dr. Janelle Gordon, discusses the rising cases of West Nile virus, its symptoms, and prevention strategies. Highlighting the current 40% national increase and local cases in Indiana, Dr. Gordon advises on recognizing symptoms and when to seek medical attention. Emphasis is placed on avoiding mosquitoes through the use of insect repellents, eliminating s...

Following recent updates to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by the Department of Health & Human Services, many are unsure if and where they can receive a vaccine. Offerings are rapidly changing across the nation and some schools may even cancel vaccine recommendations for other illnesses in addition to COVID-19. Where can eligible individuals receive their COVID-19 booster? See Privacy Policy...

Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay struggled with opioid addiction for decades and spent the final years of his life fighting relapses . The Indiana Department of Health says 562 people died in the state this year from drugs. “I think one of the hard parts about addictions and substance abuse disorder is that the person suffering feels a lot of their own personal shame. They don’t want to adm...

High blood pressure affects almost half of all U.S. adults and is the leading cause of death globally.  New blood pressure guidelines call for early treatment, including lifestyle changes, to decrease the risk of dementia as well as improved management before, during and after pregnancy.  High blood pressure is the #1 preventable risk factor for dementia, cardiovascular disease (heart at...

It’s National Minority Donor Awareness month, a time to raise awareness about the need for organ donors in diverse communities. More than 104,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list, and 60% of them are from minority communities. In Indiana, hundreds of Black, Hispanic, and Asian residents are waiting for a match. Many of these communities are more likely to develop conditions that...

A promising new therapy is helping stroke survivors regain lost motor skills by using a micro-transponder to stimulate the brain. Up to one million people suffer a stroke each year, a number experts say could soar to 200 million by 2050. This innovative approach offers hope to those affected by stroke-related disabilities. The therapy involves implanting a micro-transponder traditionally used for...

Back-to-school season is here, and while parents are busy grabbing supplies and organizing routines, health experts say it’s also the perfect time to focus on sleep and nutrition. Amanda Pantone, a registered dietitian with Community Health Network, joined News 8 Daybreak to share ways families can set their kids up for success both in the classroom and at home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19...

Mike Hamm is a 87-year-old veteran with dementia. He stayed indoors in the cool air conditioning while outside temperature ticked to 91 degrees on Thursday. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 59 years. They’re helping each other, so they don’t overheat. Mike usually sits in his La-Z-Boy and uses a walker to get around. There’s a small license plate on his walker that reads “Too cool 4...

The Indiana Health Fair is back as part of the Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration, offering free health screenings, fitness activities, and vital resources for families across the state. State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver says the goal is to break down barriers, especially for communities of color, by creating a welcoming space to talk about wellness. “It’s way less intimidating tha...

Learn several common health myths, and what science truly says about them: from the belief that 10,000 steps a day is necessary for health benefits to the misconception that only women can get breast cancer. The data suggests that any movement, any getting up and moving around is gonna reduce risk in the long-term, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study...

Adults need a good seven to nine hours of sleep at night. But the National Sleep Foundation says one-third of people don’t get that and feel sleepy at least half the week. And things you do or don’t do during the day can have a big impact on sleep quality. Fighting fatigue day after day is a struggle for many people. The main cause is usually poor sleep. The number one suggestion is to maintain a...

In the next two decades, up to 60 million people will get atrial fibrillation or A-fib. It doesn’t always show symptoms but people with it have a five-times increased risk of a stroke. A new treatment that could change the future for millions who are diagnosed with A-fib. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info...

The use of smartwatches in detecting congestive heart failure could revolutionize early diagnosis and treatment, offering a promising tool for patients and health care providers alike. Congestive heart failure affects 26 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of death globally, often striking with warning signs that go unnoticed. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include chest pain, sh...

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death, but what if you could defeat it before it ever has a chance? About one in every 24 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. And most of the time, your genes are not to blame. So what can you do to lower your risk? First, eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, veggi...

May is Women’s Health Month and it’s a great time for women, especially those over 35, to take a closer look at their nutrition. Megan Allen, a registered dietitian with Community Health Network and a friend of Daybreak, broke down all her health tips and gave you a jumpstart on better eating habits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com...

Almost half a million children face a life-threatening illness in the United States each year. For many, it means missing out on school, hanging out with friends and just doing the things kids do. We want to introduce you to a young woman who beat the odds and found a way to be a shining star, even when just eating put her life at risk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...

One in 31 American children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, three times higher than in the early 2000s . Diagnostic criteria have broadened significantly over time, likely contributing to this rise, though unlikely to be the sole reason for the increase. WISH-TV Medical Expert Dr. Janel Gordon shares the basics, debunks a few myths, and shares some advice for parents in a new ed...

The IU Motorsports Medicine Fellowship gives trainees a chance to specialize in everything a doctor might see while working with a motorsports team. The program teaches the fellow about high velocity crash injuries, but they also manage primary care and injury prevention for these teams. A fellow is a fully qualified doctor that has completed their required residency training. Working as a fellow...

Shining a spotlight on the importance of emotional well-being for everyone: That’s the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Autism and mental health often overlap in ways that can be difficult for families to recognize. Experts at Easterseals Crossroads share advice on how to support people on the spectrum, especially when emotional or behavioral challenges arise alongside a diagnosis. Fo...

Acid reflux is a common issue across the U.S. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 20% of adults suffer from chronic acid reflux. But doctors say the good news is it’s treatable. Some people know it all too well, the uncomfortable feeling after a big meal or eating certain foods. Doctors warn it’s not only what you eat, but when you eat. Experts say it’s best to finish eating three hours before goin...

A cervical teratoma is a rare, large tumor that develops in the neck, often in fetuses or newborns. The cancer often grows as the baby grows, and causes the airway to be restricted or even blocked. These cases require a specialized procedure during delivery to help the baby breathe and perhaps survive. News 8’s Brittany Noble has details of the lifesaving procedure in Monday’s Healt...

Adults on average get one or two colds per year, with children getting up to six, and they usually last four to five days. The symptoms are runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat. But with the common cold, there are also some common myths that come with it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

A new study from Australia shows that bacterial vaginosis (BV), commonly known as BV, should now be considered an STI/STD. BV affects 1 in 3 women, and is often recurrent in 50% of affected women following antibiotic treatment.   Typical symptoms from BV include, vaginal itching, discharge, odor and pain with urination. BV can increase a woman’s risk of developing STIs/STDs, such as...