TIME Health is reporting that Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria thriving in warm waters, presents a risk when consuming raw shellfish or swimming with open cuts. It said Florida recently recorded its first death of the year linked to the bacteria, though officials did not specify the infection source. An expert advised against eating raw oysters during summer months to mitigate risk.
The publication also addressed the etiquette of commenting on strangers' weight on social media. Dr. Jennifer L. Gaudiani, an eating disorder specialist, suggested that while expressing concern is possible if a body is publicly presented, it must originate from kindness, not judgment. She recommended unfollowing content that feels unhealthy or triggering to safeguard one's own well-being. Gaudiani emphasized that kindness, compassion, and avoiding assumptions should guide online discussions about body size.
Additionally, TIME Health shared insights from hospice workers on communicating with individuals nearing the end of life. It highlighted that presence often outweighs the need for perfect words. Hospice workers advised visiting promptly, as the opportunity for meaningful conversation can diminish unexpectedly. They suggested expressing love, gratitude, and offering or seeking forgiveness while the person can still hear. The most compassionate act, it said, can be to simply sit nearby, hold a hand, and listen without rushing to offer reassurance or platitudes.
In other health news, TIME Health noted that the Wall Street Journal is reporting on researchers developing biological-age tests and anti-aging treatments for dogs, aiming to extend pet lives and inform human aging research. It also mentioned that the New York Times Magazine reported on some members of the Trump Administration adopting a diet largely composed of beef and fermented vegetables. The Washington Post is reporting that "super movers," individuals aged 80 and older who walk faster than their peers, exhibit less cognitive decline.