There are different types of treatment for children and adolescents with tumors related to MEN2 syndrome. You and your child’s cancer team will work together to decide treatment. Many factors will be considered, such as your child’s overall health and whether the cancer is newly diagnosed or has come back.
Your child’s treatment plan will include information about the cancer, the goals of treatment, treatment options, and the possible side effects. It will be helpful to talk with your child’s cancer care team before treatment begins about what to expect. For help every step of the way, see our booklet, Children with Cancer: A Guide for Parents.
Types of treatment your child might have include:
Surgery
Surgery may be done to remove the thyroid gland when a child has medullary thyroid cancer caused by MEN2 syndromes. The thyroid may also be removed to prevent medullary thyroid cancer from developing.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to block the action of specific enzymes, proteins, or other molecules involved in the growth of tumor cells.
Selpercatinib and vandetanib are used to treat medullary thyroid cancer caused by MEN2 syndrome.
For some children, joining a clinical trial may be an option. There are different types of clinical trials for childhood cancer. For example, a treatment trial tests new treatments or new ways of using current treatments. Supportive care and palliative care trials look at ways to improve quality of life, especially for those who have side effects from cancer and its treatment.
You can use the clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials accepting participants. The search allows you to filter trials based on the type of cancer, your child’s age, and where the trials are being done. Clinical trials supported by other organizations can be found on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
Treatment of tumors caused by childhood MEN2A syndrome
There is an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer, an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, in people with MEN2A syndrome. Children with MEN2A syndrome and certain changes in the RET gene usually have surgery to remove the thyroid before age 5 years to lessen the chance cancer will form or spread. Treatment is also given for pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism as needed.
Treatment of medullary thyroid cancer in children who have MEN2A syndrome may include:
Treatment of tumors caused by childhood MEN2B syndrome
There is an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer, an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, in people with MEN2B syndrome. Infants with MEN2B syndrome and certain changes in the RET gene usually have surgery to remove the thyroid to lessen the chance cancer will form. Treatment is also given for pheochromocytoma and other conditions as needed.
Children with MEN2B syndrome who have medullary thyroid cancer may be treated with:
Treatment of recurrent tumors caused by childhood MEN2 syndrome
If the cancer linked to MEN2 syndrome comes back after treatment, your child’s doctor will talk with you about what to expect and possible next steps. There might be treatment options that may shrink the cancer or control its growth. If there are no treatments, your child can receive care to control symptoms from cancer so they can be as comfortable as possible.
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As we age, it’s natural to experience a decline in cognitive function. However, there are several strategies that can help maintain mental sharpness and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. In this article, we will discuss tips for maintaining cognitive function and staying mentally sharp.
h2: Understanding Cognitive Function
Cognitive function refers to the brain’s ability to process information, perceive, remember, and respond to the environment. It encompasses various aspects, including attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and executive functions. Maintaining cognitive function is essential for daily life, as it enables us to learn, work, and engage in social activities.
h2: Factors That Affect Cognitive Function
Several factors can affect cognitive function, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. For example, a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can increase the risk of cognitive decline. Lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and lack of sleep, can also negatively impact cognitive function. Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and stress, can also contribute to cognitive decline.
h2: Tips for Maintaining Cognitive Function
There are several strategies that can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. These include:
Engaging in Regular Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which helps to keep brain cells healthy.
Eating a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain cognitive function. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, are particularly beneficial.
Getting Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for cognitive function. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and clears out toxins that can damage brain cells.
Staying Mentally Active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills, can help maintain cognitive function.
Managing Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation and yoga, can help mitigate the effects of stress.
h2: Cognitive Training and Stimulation
Cognitive training and stimulation can also help maintain cognitive function. This can include activities such as:
Brain Games and Puzzles: Engaging in brain games and puzzles, such as crosswords, Sudoku, and chess, can help improve cognitive function.
Learning New Skills: Learning new skills, such as a new language or a musical instrument, can help build cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Social Engagement: Social engagement, such as volunteering or participating in group activities, can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation.
h2: Nutritional Supplements and Cognitive Function
Certain nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium, may also help maintain cognitive function. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can interact with medications and have adverse effects in certain individuals.
h2: Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Mental health is also closely linked to cognitive function. Conditions such as depression and anxiety can negatively impact cognitive function, while maintaining good mental health can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
h2: Conclusion
Maintaining cognitive function is essential for daily life, and there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. By engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, staying mentally active, managing stress, and seeking cognitive training and stimulation, individuals can help maintain cognitive function and stay mentally sharp.
FAQs
What are the early signs of cognitive decline?
Early signs of cognitive decline can include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with communication, and mood changes.
Can cognitive decline be reversed?
While some forms of cognitive decline, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or certain medications, can be reversed, others, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cannot be reversed. However, there are several strategies that can help slow down cognitive decline and improve cognitive function.
How can I improve my memory?
Improving memory involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and sufficient sleep, as well as cognitive training and stimulation, such as brain games and puzzles.
What is the relationship between exercise and cognitive function?
Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which helps to keep brain cells healthy.
Can nutritional supplements improve cognitive function?
Certain nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium, may help improve cognitive function. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can interact with medications and have adverse effects in certain individuals.
If you’re burned out, discouraged, and disconnected by all the struggle and suffering in the world, you’re not alone. In times of intense upheaval, mindfulness practice can feel impossible. Try this simple, grounding meditation to pause, reconnect with compassion and clarity, and return to yourself.
Many of us are bearing witness daily to suffering all over the planet. We care about others, and we want desperately to be of use—and seeing the horrors in images and videos and stories every day can be deeply dysregulating to our nervous systems.
When we get overwhelmed by this vicarious trauma, we tend to shut down. We disconnect for ourselves and each other. We’re so spun out in our anxiety, anger, or overwhelm that it can feel impossible to engage in any kind of mindfulness or meditation practice.
This week, Shalini Bahl offers tender and practical guidance for how to pause, reconnect, and return to ourselves and our essential practice in times of intense internal and external upheaval.
A Meditation to Return to Ourselves When Practicing Feels Impossible
Read and practice the guided meditation script below, pausing after each paragraph. Or listen to the audio practice.
Welcome and thank you for being here, for caring enough to practice despite the gazillion things you could be doing with your time. The world needs people right now who can stay grounded while engaging with the suffering we’re all witnessing with open hearts and minds, people who can act from wisdom rather than overwhelm. People who haven’t lost themselves in the chaos. But we do lose ourselves, all of us.
When we bear witness to crisis after crisis after crisis, our nervous systems dysregulate. We lose contact with our wisdom, our intentions, our sense of what’s actually ours to do. This practice helps us return.
We’ll move through three pathways to return home to ourselves. First, inner calm, where you return to clarity and agency. Then compassion, where we are going to reconnect with our humanity and others. And finally curiosity, where you discover what’s actually yours to do, what’s possible for you to do. If you find one pathway calling to you more than others, feel free to linger there longer. Trust what you most need. So ready to begin?
Come to a posture that feels supported, lying down or seated. Feel the elongation along the back of your spine and neck. Roll your shoulders up, back and down. When you feel ready, lower or close your eyes.
From this place of presence let’s begin by taking three intentional breaths. Breathe in through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth. If you like, you can make a sighing sound as you exhale.
Now return to your natural rhythm of the breath. Invite your mind to be here with your body, with your breath, resting in your awareness of the direct sensations of breathing in the region of your heart. Settle your attention in that one place in your body, in the region of your heart as you breathe in, perhaps noticing the space that’s created in your chest. And as you exhale the relaxation, letting go just for these few minutes letting go of any rushing, any expectations or judgments.
If you like, place one or both hands on your chest. Especially on days where our minds are busy, we feel fragmented. Placing one or both hands on the chest can really relieve the nervous system. Sense the warmth or coolness of your hands. The rising and falling of your chest under your hands, making contact with your body, sensing the beating heart.
Give your full care and attention to every inhale, to every exhale and resting in the pauses in between. Notice that space when your in-breath turns to an out-breath. And a slight pause before a new breath enters the body.
From time to time, your mind may wander away, and that’s natural. As soon as you notice that, with kindness invite your mind to return to this place of rest and awareness in the region of your heart. Connect with your direct experience of breathing, just the way you are. And notice if there’s any striving here, letting go of any effort to even meditate as the breath moves itself and your awareness. All you’re doing is returning to your awareness of this breath moving effortlessly in and out of your body.
Just for these few moments, allow yourself to rest. To replenish yourself, to feel resourced. And once your mind and body feel stabilized, listening within, ask yourself: What would support you in feeling rested, resourced? What would care for yourself look like in this moment? It might be as simple as turning towards yourself with kindness, appreciating the goodness of your heart and mind. Taking this time to listen within what you need more of, more rest, more movement, connection. Let yourself be held by your own loving kindness.
From this innate capacity for goodness, for compassion, gently note who you might have hardened against today. You don’t need to start with the hardest person, the one whose actions feel unforgivable. Start with someone easier. Maybe someone who said something online that rubbed you the wrong way. Maybe someone doesn’t understand or see you. Maybe a family member, a colleague, a stranger. Or maybe yourself. With kindness, simply notice the hardness. There’s no need to change it or fix it. Just feel the way it lives in your body, in your chest or belly, your throat. Breathe in to make space for it, to make space around it.
Recognize this hardness, its protection. You’ve seen unbearable things. You’ve been hurt. The hardness makes sense. And it’s also disconnection. Disconnection from our relational intelligence, from our capacity to see our shared humanity. And if it’s helpful gently invite this question: What if you had grown up in their circumstances? What if you’d received the same information, the same upbringing, the same experiences? Who would you be? Can you soften just a little when you consider this? That we’re all shaped by causes and conditions, often beyond our control. You may not agree with them or even condone what they’re doing. Can you consider saying this person has suffered just like me? This person also wants to be happy just like me?
Using your breath as an anchor to stay connected with yourself and with your good heart—can you feel that invisible thread connecting you? You’re both breathing the same air, drinking the same water. Living on this one planet we all call home.
Take a few moments to listen within. What shifts when we touch this shared humanity?
From this place of connection with yourself and our shared humanity, let’s explore what’s important to you, what’s possible, and what’s yours to do. So return to our open awareness. What’s most important to you in this moment? Take this time to reconnect with your deepest intentions and values. You might ask questions like: What am I not seeing? What might your body be trying to tell you that your mind is missing?
Without trying to find something special or seeking answers, just staying connected with your body. Trust your inner knowing as you consider the possibilities for actions you can take that are aligned with your intentions, with your unique gifts, with your values. What if there’s something you haven’t tried yet? Some approach you haven’t considered or some alliance you haven’t imagined? Open your mind and heart to new possibilities. Even if you don’t receive specific answers right now, just hold that question, being willing to love the unanswered question and being willing to live the question.
From this place of open curiosity, willing to see what you’ve been missing, ask what’s actually possible here. Not what you’ve always done, not what everyone is doing or telling you to do but what is yours to do and what would actually help If you need more clarity. Try journaling, being in nature and any other activity that supports you in returning to yourself to feel connected, alive, present with the gift of this life at this time on this planet Earth.
Even as we end this practice, remember that you can come back anytime. Every time you notice you’re lost in the scroll, in the rage and the numbness, you can return to your inner calm, your compassion, and your innate capacity for keeping an open and curious mind. This is where clarity, humanity, and creativity live.
Thank you for your practice. May our practice together benefit us and benefit all beings.
Sham surgery trials have shown that some of our most popular surgeries are themselves shams.
Intragastric balloons “arrived with much fanfare in the 1980s,” since they could be implanted into the stomach and inflated with air or water to fill much of the space. Unfortunately, surgical devices are often brought to the market before there is adequate evidence of effectiveness and safety, and the balloons were no exception.
The “gastric bubble” had its bubble burst when a study at the Mayo Clinic found that 8 out of 10 balloons “spontaneously deflated,” which is potentially dangerous because they could pass into the intestines and cause an obstruction, as you can see below and at 0:40 in my video Is Gastric Balloon Surgery Safe and Effective for Weight Loss?.
Before balloons deflated, however, they apparently caused gastric erosions in half the patients, damaging their stomach lining. The kicker is that, in terms of inducing weight loss, they didn’t even work when compared to diet and other behavior modification strategies. Eventually, intragastric balloons were pulled from the market. But now, balloons are back.
After a 33-year hiatus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started approving a new slew of intragastric balloons in 2015, which immediately resulted in the placement of more than 5,000 devices. By then, the Sunshine Act had passed. It forced drug companies and the surgical and medical device industry to disclose any payments made to physicians, shining a disinfecting light on industry enticements. By now, most people know about the overly cozy financial relationships doctors can have with Big Pharma, but fewer may realize that surgeons can also get payments from the companies for the devices they use. The 100 top physician recipients of industry payments received an unbelievable $12 million from device companies in a single year. Yet outrageously, when they published papers, only a minority disclosed the blatant conflict of interest.
The benefit of balloons over most types of bariatric surgery is that they’re reversible, but that doesn’t mean they’re benign. The FDA has released a series of advisories about the risks, which include death. But how could someone suffer a stomach perforation with a smooth, rounded object? By that smooth, rounded object causing the patient to vomit so much that they rupture their stomach and die. Nausea and vomiting are unsurprisingly “very common side effects,” affecting the majority of those who have balloons placed inside of them. Persistent vomiting likely also explains cases of life-threatening nutrient deficiencies after balloon implantation.
Some complications, such as bowel obstruction, are due to the balloons deflating, but others, oddly enough, are due to the balloons suddenly overinflating, causing pain, vomiting, and abdominal distention, as you can see below and at 2:45 in my video.
This issue was first noticed in breast implants, as documented in reports such as “The Phenomenon of the Spontaneously Autoinflating Breast Implant.” Out of nowhere, the implants can just start growing, increasing breast volume by an average of more than 50%. “It remains an underreported and poorly understood phenomenon,” one review noted. (Interestingly, breast implants were actually used as some of the first failed experimental intragastric balloons.)
As with any medical decision, though, it’s all about risks versus benefits. Industry-funded trials display “notable weight loss,” but it’s hard to tease out the effect of the balloon on its own from the accompanying “supervised diet and lifestyle changes” prescribed in the studies. In drug trials, you can randomize study participants to sugar pills, but how do you eliminate the placebo effect of undergoing a procedure? Perform sham surgery.
In 2002, a courageous study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The most common orthopedic surgery—arthroscopic surgery of the knee—was put to the test. Billions of dollars are spent on sticking scopes into knee joints and cutting away damaged tissue in osteoarthritis and knee injuries, but does that actually work? People suffering from knee pain were randomized to get the actual surgery versus a sham surgery, in which surgeons sliced into people’s knees and pretended to perform the procedure—even splashing saline—without actually treating the joint.
The trial caused an uproar. How could anyone randomize people to get cut open for fake surgery? Professional medical associations questioned the ethics of the surgeons as well as “the sanity” of the patients who agreed to be part of the trial. Guess what happened? The surgical patients got better, but so did the placebo patients, as you can see below and at 4:42 in my video.
The surgeries had no actual effect. Currently, rotator cuff shoulder surgery is facing the same crisis of confidence.
When intragastric balloons were put to the test, sham-controlled trials showed that both older and newer devices sometimes fail to offer any weight-loss benefit. Even when they do work, the weight loss may be temporary because balloons are only allowed to stay in for six months (at which point the deflation risk gets too great). Why can’t you keep putting new ones in? That’s been tried; it failed to improve long-term weight outcomes. A sham-controlled trial showed that any effects of the balloon on appetite and satiety may vanish with time, perhaps as your body gets used to the new normal.
What sham surgery trials have shown us is that some of our most popular surgeries are themselves shams. Doctors like to pride themselves on being men and women of science. For example, we rightly rail against the anti-vaccination movement. Many of us in medicine have been troubled by the political trend in which people “choose their own facts.” But when I read that some of these still-popular surgeries are not only useless but may actually make matters worse (for example, increasing the risk of progression to a total knee replacement), I can’t help but think we are hardly immune to our own versions of fake news and alternative facts.
For more on bariatric surgery, check out related posts below.
My book How Not to Diet is focused exclusively on sustainable weight loss. Borrow it from your local library or pick up a copy from your favorite bookseller. (All proceeds from my books are donated to charity.)
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is far more flexible than once believed. Longevity science shows that daily habits influence healthspan—the years lived in good health—more than inherited genes alone. While genetics play a role, consistent lifestyle choices shape inflammation levels, cellular repair, and resilience over decades.
Healthy aging depends on movement, nutrient-dense foods, restorative sleep, and strong social bonds. Vitality research suggests these multidimensional factors reduce mortality risk and delay chronic disease. Rather than focusing solely on lifespan, modern longevity science emphasizes extending vitality, mobility, and cognitive clarity well into later years.
Longevity Science Behind Healthy Aging and Cellular Repair
Longevity science highlights how nutrient-sensing pathways such as IGF-1, insulin signaling, and mTOR regulate cellular repair and oxidative stress. These pathways influence inflammation, DNA stability, and metabolic efficiency. While certain gene variants like FOXO3A are associated with increased odds of reaching advanced age, lifestyle remains the dominant factor in determining overall health outcomes.
According to the National Institute on Aging, genetics account for roughly 20–30% of lifespan variation, with environmental and behavioral factors contributing the majority. Avoiding smoking, managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active significantly increase the likelihood of living longer in good health.
Vitality research also connects lower inflammation markers, such as IL-6, with extended healthspan. Caloric moderation and nutrient-rich diets appear to reduce oxidative stress, supporting cellular maintenance mechanisms. Together, these factors delay morbidity and preserve function into advanced age.
Healthy Aging Through Exercise and Nutrition
Healthy aging accelerates when exercise and nutrition work together. Muscle mass declines about 1–2% per year after midlife, increasing frailty risk. Strength training and aerobic activity help preserve lean tissue, maintain metabolic rate, and improve cardiovascular endurance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and premature death. Regular movement also improves balance and cognitive function, lowering fall and dementia risks.
Nutrition complements activity by supplying antioxidants, fiber, and essential fats that reduce chronic inflammation. Mediterranean-style, plant-rich diets support microbiome diversity and heart health. Intermittent fasting and moderate calorie reduction may activate autophagy, a cellular cleanup process linked to improved metabolic resilience.
Vitality Research on Sleep and Social Connection
Vitality research underscores the importance of restorative sleep and meaningful relationships in supporting longevity. Sleep between seven and nine hours nightly supports DNA repair, immune function, and hormone balance. Poor sleep is linked with accelerated aging markers and increased chronic disease risk.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, adequate sleep improves cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, and metabolic regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with higher risks of obesity, hypertension, and heart disease.
Social bonds are equally powerful. Strong relationships correlate with significantly lower mortality rates compared to social isolation. Mental stimulation, lifelong learning, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness reduce cortisol levels and support brain health, delaying cognitive decline.
Genetics Versus Lifestyle in Longevity Science
Although genetic inheritance influences aging, lifestyle shapes how those genes are expressed. Twin studies indicate that only a fraction of lifespan variation is directly genetic. Environmental exposures, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management accumulate effects over decades.
After age 60, genetic predispositions may become more visible, but modifiable behaviors still determine disease onset and functional independence. Lifestyle choices build resilience early, compounding protective benefits across the lifespan.
Longevity science consistently demonstrates that proactive habits outweigh passive inheritance. Healthy aging becomes achievable when daily actions support metabolic and inflammatory balance.
Emerging Biomarkers in Healthy Aging
Biomarkers offer measurable insight into biological aging. Inflammation markers, oxidative stress indicators, insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, and glycation end products help assess physiological age beyond chronological years.
Tracking these indicators allows researchers to evaluate how exercise, nutrition, and sleep influence cellular aging. Lower inflammation and improved metabolic markers often correlate with extended healthspan.
As vitality research evolves, biomarker monitoring may guide personalized interventions that maintain function longer. Preventive strategies grounded in measurable physiology strengthen the science behind feeling younger.
Longevity Science Practical Applications in Daily Life
Practical longevity strategies mirror patterns seen in long-lived communities worldwide. Plant-forward diets, regular movement, strong social networks, and purposeful living consistently appear in populations with extended life expectancy.
Daily routines matter more than occasional extremes. Walking regularly, preparing whole foods, prioritizing sleep, and cultivating supportive relationships create cumulative benefits over decades.
When applied consistently, these habits reduce chronic disease risk, preserve cognitive clarity, and enhance emotional resilience. Longevity science translates into simple daily practices that build lasting vitality.
Habits That Extend Healthspan and Preserve Vitality
Feeling younger is less about chasing trends and more about sustaining foundational habits. Exercise, nutrient-dense meals, restorative sleep, and social engagement work together to reduce inflammation and strengthen cellular repair. These elements form the backbone of healthy aging.
While genetics influence aging, lifestyle choices determine how those genes express over time. By prioritizing movement, balanced nutrition, sleep quality, and connection, individuals can extend not only lifespan but healthspan. Longevity science supports a practical message: consistent daily habits are the most powerful tools for maintaining vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does genetics influence longevity?
Genetics typically account for about 20–30% of lifespan variation. Lifestyle and environmental factors contribute the majority. Healthy behaviors can offset some inherited risks. Daily habits play a major role in determining healthspan.
2. What type of exercise best supports healthy aging?
A combination of strength training and aerobic activity is most effective. Strength training preserves muscle mass and bone density. Aerobic exercise supports heart and brain health. Balance exercises also reduce fall risk in later years.
3. Does sleep really affect aging?
Yes, sleep supports cellular repair and hormone regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation increases inflammation and metabolic risk. Consistent restorative sleep protects cardiovascular and cognitive health. Quality sleep contributes to longer healthspan.
4. Can diet alone extend lifespan?
Diet is a critical factor but works best alongside exercise and stress management. Nutrient-dense foods reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Balanced eating supports immune and metabolic function. Combined lifestyle strategies offer the greatest benefit.
Secondhand tobacco smoke is the combination of the smoke given off by a burning tobacco product and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. It is also called environmental tobacco smoke, involuntary smoke, and passive smoke.
More than 7,000 chemicals have been identified in secondhand tobacco smoke. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including arsenic, benzene, beryllium, chromium, and formaldehyde.
How are people exposed to secondhand smoke?
People can be exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, cars, the workplace, and public places. In the United States, the source of most secondhand smoke is from cigarettes, followed by pipes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
Which cancers are associated with secondhand smoke?
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke; even low levels of secondhand smoke can be harmful. In the United States, legislation has helped to reduce nonsmokers’ exposure to secondhand smoke. Federal law bans smoking on all domestic airline flights, nearly all flights between the United States and foreign destinations, interstate buses, and most trains. Smoking is also banned in most federally owned buildings. Many state and local governments have also passed laws prohibiting smoking in public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and airports, as well as private workplaces, including restaurants and bars.
Internationally, a growing number of nations require all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, to be smoke free.
Selected References:
National Toxicology Program. Tobacco-Related Exposures, Report on Carcinogens, Fifteenth Edition. Triangle Park, NC: National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety, 2021. Also available online. Last accessed December 8, 2022.
Office on Smoking and Health. About Secondhand Smoke. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024. Available online. Last accessed June 13, 2024.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006.
Families raising children with health challenges often face an overwhelming mix of appointments, therapy schedules, and daily care routines. The Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) Program offers a lifeline to these families, helping them access quality care right at home while maintaining stability, comfort, and emotional well-being.
By emphasizing compassion, consistency, and customized support, CHCBS helps parents turn their homes into nurturing spaces where care feels natural and family life stays balanced. It’s a model built on the belief that children heal and grow best where they feel most loved and secure.
A Program That Puts Families First
Parents of children with complex medical needs often juggle between clinical care and providing their kids with a normal, joyful life. The CHCBS model bridges this gap by promoting home-based support that’s both personal and adaptable.
At the heart of the program is collaboration. Every care plan begins with open conversations among families, case managers, and caregivers to ensure that the child’s medical, emotional, and developmental needs are fully understood. Instead of relying on rigid systems, CHCBS encourages flexibility and empathy, allowing caregivers to adapt to the rhythms of family life.
This approach builds trust. When caregivers become familiar faces in the home, children feel more comfortable, and parents gain confidence that their child is in dependable, compassionate hands. Care transforms from a clinical task into a partnership, one grounded in understanding and respect.
Why Home-Based Support Matters
For many children, home is the most healing environment. The familiar sights, sounds, and routines of daily life create a sense of safety that can’t be replicated in hospitals or clinics. Programs like CHCBS make it possible for children with significant medical needs to receive care in this comforting space.
In-home care reduces anxiety for both children and parents. Rather than traveling long distances for appointments or waiting in crowded facilities, families can focus on meaningful moments together. Parents can stay engaged in their child’s progress without the stress of constant travel and scheduling conflicts.
This structure also benefits children educationally and emotionally. By minimizing disruptions to school, therapy, and playtime, CHCBS helps children maintain a sense of normalcy, something essential for emotional growth and social development. Families often report that when care happens at home, their children are more relaxed, cooperative, and open to participating in therapy.
A Team-Centered Approach to Individualized Care
Each child’s journey is unique, and CHCBS is designed with that understanding at its core. Under this program, a team of healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and trained caregivers, work together to create a care plan that fits each child’s specific needs.
Before services begin, families collaborate with their care coordinators to assess the child’s medical requirements, personality, and daily environment. This evaluation ensures that care is customized, whether that means assistance with mobility, wound care, medication management, or developmental therapy.
Parent involvement is vital in this process. Families are encouraged to share their insights about routines, preferences, and triggers, allowing caregivers to blend seamlessly into the household dynamic. This teamwork ensures that every decision reflects the family’s priorities and the child’s comfort.
Blending Medical Care with Emotional Support
Medical treatment is only part of what makes care effective. Children also need emotional stability and trust to thrive. CHCBS recognizes this by training caregivers to address both the medical and emotional sides of pediatric care.
Through techniques like play-based therapy, storytelling, or simple compassionate conversation, caregivers turn routine medical procedures into positive experiences. A nurse might sing softly during a dressing change, or a therapist may turn stretching exercises into a fun game. These small gestures make an enormous difference, transforming fear into familiarity.
Emotional reassurance helps children build resilience and fosters long-term confidence. Families often find that when their child feels emotionally supported, therapy outcomes and overall mood improve significantly.
Empowering Parents and Building Confidence
One of the greatest strengths of the CHCBS program is how it empowers parents. Rather than being passive observers, parents are seen as essential partners in the care process. They’re encouraged to stay hands-on: learning techniques, communicating openly with their care teams, and participating in the development of care routines.
This involvement helps parents feel capable and informed, reducing the sense of helplessness that can come with complex medical situations. Some programs also offer opportunities for parents to undergo formal caregiver training, allowing them to provide specialized care safely and confidently at home.
By equipping families with knowledge and skills, CHCBS not only supports the child’s immediate needs but also strengthens the family’s ability to manage care independently in the long run.
Coordinated Care Across Healthcare Systems
CHCBS doesn’t exist in isolation; it functions as a bridge between families and medical professionals. The program promotes seamless coordination between home-based caregivers and physicians, specialists, and therapists.
This communication ensures that everyone involved in the child’s care stays informed about treatment updates, therapy schedules, and medication changes. When care is coordinated, families spend less time managing logistics and more time focusing on their child’s well-being.
The continuity of care also helps reduce hospital readmissions and ensures that each child’s treatment plan remains consistent, even as needs evolve over time. For families already managing high levels of stress, this structure provides much-needed stability and clarity.
The Real Impact on Families
Families who participate in home-based care programs like CHCBS often describe profound emotional and practical benefits. Parents regain time and energy to simply be parents again, rather than full-time caregivers. Children, surrounded by familiar faces and routines, gain a sense of independence and confidence that might otherwise be lost in institutional settings.
Many families report that their children show greater progress in therapy, improved moods, and better school attendance after transitioning to home-based care. The home environment encourages a natural rhythm of healing—one that values connection and trust as much as medical precision.
For parents, the reassurance of having consistent, well-trained support brings peace of mind. They know they’re not facing their child’s health challenges alone but are backed by a system designed to empower them every step of the way.
A Future Focused on Family-Centered Care
The CHCBS Program continues to evolve as more families recognize the benefits of personalized, in-home care. It’s not just about medical treatment; it’s about preserving dignity, nurturing independence, and ensuring that children with complex needs can live full, joyful lives surrounded by the people they love most.
By combining medical expertise with human understanding, CHCBS stands as a model for how modern healthcare can adapt to the realities of family life. It shows that the best care doesn’t always come from a clinic; it can come from the heart of a home.
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Exfoliating is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. When done correctly, exfoliating can help to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. However, exfoliating can be a bit intimidating, especially for those who are new to skincare. With so many different exfoliating methods and products available, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to remove dead skin cells and achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Understanding the Importance of Exfoliating
Exfoliating is important because it helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make the skin look dull. As we age, our skin’s natural ability to shed dead skin cells slows down, which can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This can cause a range of problems, including dryness, flakiness, and a dull complexion. By exfoliating regularly, we can help to remove these dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which is the process by which new skin cells are produced.
Types of Exfoliants
There are several different types of exfoliants available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and brushes, work by physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, making it easier to remove them. Enzyme exfoliants, such as papain and bromelain, work by breaking down dead skin cells using enzymes.
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants are a great option for those who prefer a more manual approach to exfoliating. These types of exfoliants work by physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, using ingredients such as sugar, salt, or ground nuts. Some popular physical exfoliants include:
Sugar scrubs: These are gentle and effective, making them a great option for sensitive skin.
Salt scrubs: These are more intense than sugar scrubs, making them better suited for thicker skin.
Ground nut scrubs: These are gentle and nourishing, making them a great option for dry skin.
Konjac sponges: These are gentle and effective, making them a great option for all skin types.
Exfoliating gloves: These are gentle and easy to use, making them a great option for those who are new to exfoliating.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants are a great option for those who prefer a more gentle approach to exfoliating. These types of exfoliants work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, making it easier to remove them. Some popular chemical exfoliants include:
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): These are gentle and effective, making them a great option for sensitive skin.
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): These are more intense than AHAs, making them better suited for thicker skin.
Glycolic acid: This is a type of AHA that is commonly used in skincare products.
Lactic acid: This is a type of AHA that is commonly used in skincare products.
Salicylic acid: This is a type of BHA that is commonly used in skincare products.
Enzyme Exfoliants
Enzyme exfoliants are a great option for those who prefer a more gentle approach to exfoliating. These types of exfoliants work by breaking down dead skin cells using enzymes. Some popular enzyme exfoliants include:
Papain: This is an enzyme that is derived from papaya, and is commonly used in skincare products.
Bromelain: This is an enzyme that is derived from pineapple, and is commonly used in skincare products.
Ficin: This is an enzyme that is derived from figs, and is commonly used in skincare products.
How to Exfoliate Like a Pro
Exfoliating like a pro requires a bit of practice and patience, but with the right techniques and products, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin. Here are some tips for exfoliating like a pro:
Start with a gentle exfoliant and gradually increase the intensity as your skin becomes more tolerant.
Exfoliate in the direction of hair growth to avoid causing ingrown hairs or irritation.
Be gentle when exfoliating sensitive areas, such as the skin around the eyes or mouth.
Exfoliate at night, and follow up with a moisturizer to help lock in hydration.
Exfoliate 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type and concerns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes that people make when exfoliating, including:
Over-exfoliating: This can cause irritation, dryness, and even scarring.
Under-exfoliating: This can cause a buildup of dead skin cells, leading to dullness and dryness.
Using the wrong exfoliant: This can cause irritation, dryness, or other adverse reactions.
Exfoliating too frequently: This can cause irritation, dryness, and even scarring.
Not moisturizing after exfoliating: This can cause dryness and irritation.
Conclusion
Exfoliating is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. By understanding the different types of exfoliants and how to use them, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin. Remember to start with a gentle exfoliant and gradually increase the intensity as your skin becomes more tolerant, and be sure to moisturize after exfoliating to help lock in hydration. With a little practice and patience, you can exfoliate like a pro and achieve the skin of your dreams.
FAQs
Q: How often should I exfoliate?
A: The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and concerns. Generally, it is recommended to exfoliate 1-3 times per week.
Q: What is the best type of exfoliant for my skin?
A: The best type of exfoliant for your skin depends on your skin type and concerns. If you have sensitive skin, a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant may be best. If you have thicker skin, a more intense physical or chemical exfoliant may be best.
Q: Can I exfoliate my skin every day?
A: No, it is not recommended to exfoliate your skin every day. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation, dryness, and even scarring.
Q: How do I know if I am exfoliating too much?
A: If you are experiencing irritation, dryness, or other adverse reactions after exfoliating, you may be exfoliating too much. Start with a gentle exfoliant and gradually increase the intensity as your skin becomes more tolerant.
Q: Can I use a physical exfoliant on sensitive skin?
A: Yes, but be gentle and start with a gentle physical exfoliant. Some physical exfoliants, such as sugar scrubs, can be gentle and effective for sensitive skin.
Q: What are the benefits of exfoliating?
A: The benefits of exfoliating include improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more even skin tone.
Q: Can I exfoliate my skin if I have acne?
A: Yes, but be gentle and start with a gentle exfoliant. Exfoliating can help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne, but over-exfoliating can cause irritation and make acne worse.
