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  • June Brought Two Major FDA Advances for Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Here’s What Each One Does

    June Brought Two Major FDA Advances for Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Here’s What Each One Does

    June 2026 brought two separate FDA decisions that, together, represent a meaningful shift in how children with Type 1 diabetes can be monitored and treated.

    On June 12, the FDA cleared the Dexcom Stelo continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for over-the-counter use in children as young as 2 years old — the first OTC CGM ever cleared for a pediatric population. And also on June 12, the FDA granted accelerated approval to teplizumab (Tzield; Sanofi) for a new indication: slowing the loss of insulin production in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 who were recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes.

    These two developments address different stages and aspects of the same disease, one making it easier for families to track glucose levels without a prescription, and the other giving newly diagnosed children a disease-modifying therapy option that did not exist before.

    Why This Matters

    Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. An estimated 1.9 million Americans live with Type 1 diabetes, with a significant share diagnosed in childhood. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 has no lifestyle-driven cause and no cure. Management has historically consisted entirely of insulin replacement, keeping glucose levels in range through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, guided by continuous glucose monitoring.

    These two approvals change what is available to families. One makes glucose monitoring more accessible without the barrier of a prescription or insurance prior authorization. The other introduces the first therapy that targets the disease’s underlying mechanism — the autoimmune destruction of beta cells — rather than simply replacing what those cells would have produced.

    The OTC Children’s CGM: What the Stelo Clearance Means

    According to HCPLive reporting on the June 12 FDA announcement, the FDA cleared Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System for OTC use in children aged 2 and older who do not use insulin. This expands a clearance that previously existed for adults without insulin use.

    The Stelo is designed for real-time blood glucose monitoring without the need for a prescription. It can be purchased directly by consumers and is intended for children managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and oral medications, as well as those who want to understand how food and physical activity affect glucose levels.

    “Children deserve access to the best tools available to manage their health,” said Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, Director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in the agency’s announcement. “Today’s clearance reflects the FDA’s commitment to fostering innovation for pediatric patients and supporting the safe and effective use of medical devices where children live, learn, and play.”

    This is an important distinction: the Stelo OTC clearance is for children not currently on insulin. Children with Type 1 diabetes using insulin will continue to use prescription-level CGMs (like the Dexcom G7) that integrate with insulin pumps and have more intensive monitoring features. The OTC clearance primarily benefits children with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes — and those at risk for blood sugar fluctuations from other causes — whose families have previously faced barriers accessing CGM technology without a prescription.

    Teplizumab for Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes: The First Disease-Modifying Treatment

    The FDA’s June 12, 2026 accelerated approval of teplizumab (Tzield) for Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes in patients aged 8 to 17 is the more clinically transformative of the two decisions.

    What the stages mean: Type 1 diabetes is a staged disease. Stage 1 is the presence of autoantibodies with normal glucose. Stage 2 is autoantibodies plus dysglycemia (abnormal glucose levels but no clinical symptoms). Stage 3 is the onset of clinical diabetes — the point at which symptoms appear and insulin treatment begins.

    What teplizumab does: Teplizumab is an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting and partially exhausting the autoimmune T cells that attack and destroy the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By limiting this autoimmune destruction, teplizumab preserves residual beta cell function, allowing the pancreas to continue producing some insulin even after diagnosis.

    The pivotal PROTECT trial enrolled 328 newly diagnosed Type 1 patients aged 8 through 17 within six weeks of diagnosis. Participants received two 12-day infusion courses — one at baseline and one at 26 weeks. Those who received teplizumab showed significantly better preservation of beta cell function, measured by stimulated C-peptide levels at 78 weeks, compared to placebo.

    According to Patient Care Online, Mahtab Niyyati, MD, acting associate director at the FDA’s Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders and Obesity, stated: “Based on robust evidence of safety and effectiveness, this accelerated approval provides a chance for pediatric patients with recently diagnosed Stage 3 type 1 diabetes to alter the course of their disease.”

    What Preserved Beta Cell Function Means Clinically

    Teplizumab does not cure Type 1 diabetes. Children who receive it still need insulin. But preserving some residual beta cell function — even for one to two years longer than without treatment — is clinically meaningful in several ways:

    • Lower insulin requirements
    • Better glycemic control with less hypoglycemia (dangerous low blood sugar)
    • A longer window of the “honeymoon period,” when some natural insulin production reduces the intensity of insulin management

    The Pediatric Endocrine Society notes that the drug is given as a 14-consecutive-day IV infusion cycle at baseline and again at 26 weeks, and that prescribers must monitor for Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus reactivation, cytokine release syndrome in the first five days, and transient drops in lymphocytes and neutrophils.

    The approval is accelerated, meaning a post-marketing confirmatory study is required.

    Where Teplizumab Has Been and Where It Is Going

    Teplizumab was first FDA-approved in November 2022 for individuals aged 8 and older with Stage 2 Type 1 diabetes — to prevent or delay progression to Stage 3. In April 2026, that Stage 2 indication was extended to children as young as 1 year old. The June 2026 action is the first approval for Stage 3 disease, meaning teplizumab can now be used across multiple stages of T1D in pediatric patients.

    This progression matters: it means a child could potentially receive teplizumab at Stage 2 to delay clinical onset, and again at Stage 3 to preserve beta-cell function after diagnosis.

    Who Qualifies for Each Approval?

    Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM: Children aged 2 and older who do not use insulin. No prescription required. Available for purchase directly by consumers.

    Teplizumab (Tzield) for Stage 3 T1D: Children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 who have been recently diagnosed (within 6 weeks) with Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes. Administered by infusion in a clinical setting. Requires a physician’s prescription and monitoring for adverse effects.

    What You Can Do Now

    • If you are the parent of a child with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, talk to your pediatrician or endocrinologist about whether the Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM is appropriate for monitoring your child’s glucose levels.
    • If your child has been recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (within the past six weeks) and is between 8 and 17 years old, ask their pediatric endocrinologist about teplizumab (Tzield) and whether they are a candidate for treatment.
    • If your child was previously diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes more than six weeks ago, they likely fall outside the current approval window for Stage 3 teplizumab, but your endocrinologist can advise on whether clinical trial participation is an option.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    The Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM can be purchased without a prescription at major retailers and online. Without insurance, the cost of CGM sensors is approximately $90 to $100 per month. Some insurance plans cover OTC CGMs, but coverage varies — check with your insurer.

    Teplizumab (Tzield) is an infusion drug that requires administration in a clinical setting. Insurance coverage for teplizumab has historically been a significant access barrier. Sanofi has a patient assistance program for eligible patients; families should contact their endocrinologist or the manufacturer for current access program details.

    What Happens Next

    The accelerated approval for teplizumab in Stage 3 requires a post-marketing confirmatory study. Sanofi has ongoing clinical research programs. The OTC CGM market for children is likely to expand as additional manufacturers seek similar clearances. MedicalDaily will report on confirmatory study results and any guideline updates from the American Diabetes Association or Pediatric Endocrine Society.

    The Bottom Line

    June 2026 delivered two meaningful changes for children living with Type 1 diabetes and those at risk. A prescription barrier for glucose monitoring in non-insulin-dependent children has been removed with the OTC CGM clearance. And for newly diagnosed children ages 8 to 17, teplizumab is now the first FDA-approved therapy that targets the autoimmune destruction underlying their disease, not just its metabolic consequences. Families should discuss both developments with their pediatric endocrinologist.

    References

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  • The Happy Dog Gut Blueprint – 7-Step Video Course

    The Happy Dog Gut Blueprint – 7-Step Video Course

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  • From Burnout to Balance: How to Use Productivity Hacks to Take Control of Your Day

    From Burnout to Balance: How to Use Productivity Hacks to Take Control of Your Day

    In today’s fast-paced world, achieving balance in life has become a daunting task. With increasing demands from work, family, and social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and succumb to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to decreased productivity, strained relationships, and poor physical and mental health. However, by incorporating productivity hacks into your daily routine, you can take control of your day, reduce stress, and achieve a better balance between work and personal life.

    Understanding Burnout

    Burnout is not just a result of working too much; it’s a complex issue that arises from chronic stress, lack of control, lack of social support, lack of recognition or reward, and poor work-life balance. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial to addressing it. These signs include chronic fatigue, cynicism and detachment, reduced performance, and physical symptoms such as headaches and sleep disturbances.

    Identifying Your Productivity Style

    Before implementing productivity hacks, it’s essential to understand your productivity style. Everyone has a unique approach to how they work best. Some people are morning larks, while others are night owls. Understanding your energy levels, focus, and creativity patterns can help you schedule your tasks more effectively. Additionally, identifying whether you’re a planner, a prioritizer, or a predictor can help you choose the productivity systems that suit you best.

    Setting Clear Goals and Priorities

    Setting clear goals and priorities is fundamental to achieving balance and reducing burnout. Start by setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for both your professional and personal life. Then, prioritize these goals based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus on what needs to be done and eliminate non-essential tasks that can derail your progress.

    Using Productivity Hacks

    Productivity hacks are simple strategies that can significantly boost your efficiency and reduce burnout. Here are several hacks you can incorporate into your daily routine:

    1. Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break. This technique can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

    2. Time Blocking: Schedule large blocks of uninterrupted time to focus on important tasks. This can help you make significant progress on critical tasks.

    3. The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. This matrix helps you decide which tasks to do first, which to delegate, and which to eliminate or defer.

    4. Batching Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and complete them in one session. For example, check and respond to all your emails at once instead of constantly throughout the day.

    5. Learning to Say No: Be mindful of taking on too much. Learn to say no to tasks that are not aligned with your goals or that interfere with self-care.

    Managing Distractions

    Distractions are a significant productivity killer. Managing distractions requires discipline and the right strategies. Here are a few tips:

    1. Turn Off Notifications: Silence notifications for non-essential apps during work hours to minimize interruptions.

    2. Create a Conducive Work Environment: Ensure your workspace is comfortable, well-lit, and organized. A cluttered space can contribute to a cluttered mind.

    3. Use Focus-Enhancing Tools: Tools like website blockers can prevent you from accessing distracting websites during your work sessions.

    4. Schedule Social Media and Email Checks: Designate specific times to check social media and emails to avoid constant checking throughout the day.

    Practicing Self-Care

    Achieving balance also involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Here are a few self-care practices to incorporate into your daily routine:

    1. Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as walking, running, or yoga. Exercise can reduce stress and boost energy levels.

    2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.

    3. Healthy Eating: Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary and processed foods that can lead to energy crashes.

    4. Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep can significantly impair your productivity and increase stress levels.

    Building a Support System

    Having a support system is crucial for achieving and maintaining balance. This includes:

    1. Colleagues and Friends: Build strong relationships with colleagues and friends who can offer support and understanding.

    2. Family Support: Communicate your needs and boundaries clearly with your family to ensure they understand your situation.

    3. Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling with burnout or other mental health issues.

    Conclusion

    Burnout is a preventable condition that requires intentional effort to avoid. By understanding your productivity style, setting clear goals and priorities, using productivity hacks, managing distractions, practicing self-care, and building a support system, you can achieve a better balance in your life and reduce the risk of burnout. Remember, balance is not a static state; it’s dynamic and requires constant adjustment. Be patient, flexible, and kind to yourself as you work towards creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

    FAQs

    Q: What are the early signs of burnout that I should look out for?

    A: Early signs of burnout include chronic fatigue, reduced motivation, increased cynicism, and decreased performance. Physical symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances can also be indicators.

    Q: How can I avoid burnout if I have a demanding job?

    A: To avoid burnout with a demanding job, prioritize self-care, set clear boundaries between your work and personal life, and use productivity hacks to manage your workload more efficiently.

    Q: What role does technology play in preventing burnout?

    A: Technology can both contribute to and prevent burnout. It can facilitate work-life balance by providing tools for time management and communication, but it can also blur the lines between work and personal life if not used mindfully.

    Q: How often should I review and adjust my goals and priorities?

    A: It’s a good practice to review and adjust your goals and priorities regularly, ideally on a quarterly basis, to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with your current situation and aspirations.

    Q: What if I’m not sure where to start with implementing productivity hacks and self-care practices?

    A: Start by identifying one area you’d like to improve, whether it’s your morning routine, task management, or self-care. Begin with small, achievable changes and gradually build upon them. Seek advice from professionals or online resources for tailored guidance.

  • A Telehealth Mental Health Company Billed Medicaid for Visits That Never Happened — And It Is Not Alone

    A Telehealth Mental Health Company Billed Medicaid for Visits That Never Happened — And It Is Not Alone

    A telehealth company that provided mental health services through video appointments admitted it billed Medicare and Medicaid for patient appointments that never took place — and agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve the allegations.

    The company, Aptihealth, Inc., and Aptihealth Medical, PLLC, is based in Clifton Park, New York. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement on June 23, 2026, the settlement resolves False Claims Act allegations that included billing for patient appointments where patients did not show up, billing for patient messages without regard to whether those communications involved billable clinical content, and billing for psychological testing services that were not adequately documented.

    Aptihealth also admitted to implementing a patient incentive program involving $25 gift cards that the government contends violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.

    Why This Matters

    Telehealth mental health services have transformed access to psychiatric care for millions of Americans — reducing geographic barriers, eliminating transportation requirements, and expanding appointment availability for people who previously could not access care at all.

    That growth has attracted fraudulent billing on a significant scale. The DOJ’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, announced simultaneously with the Aptihealth settlement, charged 455 defendants — including 90 licensed medical professionals — in connection with more than $6.5 billion in alleged fraud. Telehealth and digital health billing fraud were specifically named as one of the takedown’s key targets, with 49 defendants charged in connection with $1.17 billion in allegedly fraudulent telehealth and genetic testing claims.

    When telehealth companies bill for services that never occurred, two harms result: the federal programs are defrauded, and patients may develop billing records that do not accurately reflect their care history, with consequences for insurance, disability claims, or future treatment.

    What We Know So Far

    According to the DOJ announcement, Aptihealth’s billing violations included:

    • No-show billing: Submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid for patient appointments that did not occur because the patient did not attend.
    • Message billing: Billing for responses to patient messages without determining whether those communications involved clinically billable content.
    • Documentation failures: Billing for psychological testing services without sufficient documentation to support the claims.
    • Anti-Kickback violation: Offering $25 gift cards to patients who attended therapy sessions — a financial incentive that the government determined violated the Anti-Kickback Statute because it could improperly influence patients’ decisions to use the service.
    • Compliance program failures: Aptihealth’s compliance program did not meet New York statutory requirements for billing oversight, compliance monitoring, and training.

    The settlement was filed as a whistleblower action by a former Aptihealth employee under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions. The whistleblower will receive approximately $51,000 of the settlement proceeds.

    Not an Isolated Case

    The Aptihealth settlement is one of the smaller cases in the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, but it illustrates a fraud pattern that investigators say is systemic in the telehealth sector.

    According to the DOJ’s Fraud Division, the largest telehealth fraud case in the takedown was United States v. Blackman, involving Brett Blackman, founder and CEO of HealthSplash. His company, DMERx, used foreign call centers to blast spam to Medicare beneficiaries, pressuring elderly patients to accept medically unnecessary orthotic braces. The fraud involved $1 billion in allegedly fraudulent Medicare claims for equipment that, in many cases, was never ordered by a legitimate physician or needed by the patient.

    The Southern District of Florida takedown included charges against 12 defendants in connection with more than $4 billion in allegedly fraudulent claims for community mental health services, among other categories, illustrating the scale at which telehealth billing fraud now operates.

    What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not

    The Aptihealth settlement involves admitted conduct — the company admitted responsibility for the billing practices described. This is a settlement, not a jury trial verdict, and the $300,000 payment is not described as encompassing the full amount billed improperly. Settlement amounts in False Claims Act cases typically do not represent the full extent of alleged fraud.

    The DOJ’s 2026 Takedown data represent alleged fraud that has been charged or settled, not a comprehensive picture of the total volume of telehealth billing irregularities that may exist in the market. Experts in health care fraud have noted that telehealth billing is particularly difficult to monitor in real time because virtual care occurs without the physical presence of oversight, and documentation standards vary widely.

    Who Is Most Affected?

    • Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries who received mental health services through telehealth platforms and may have claims in their records for sessions they did not attend
    • Patients who were billed for message-based consultations that did not meet the clinical threshold for a billable service
    • Taxpayers and program beneficiaries generally, since telehealth billing fraud increases costs borne by the Medicare and Medicaid trust funds

    What You Can Do Now

    • If you receive mental health services through telehealth and are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or Medicare Summary Notice carefully. Check that every listed service date corresponds to an appointment you actually attended.
    • If you see a claim for a session you did not have, contact your insurance company or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it.
    • If you receive telehealth care, you have the right to ask your provider for a copy of your billing records. These records should reflect only services that were actually provided.
    • Report suspected Medicare or Medicaid billing fraud to the HHS OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
    • If you work for a telehealth company and suspect fraudulent billing, the False Claims Act’s whistleblower provisions allow you to report it and, if the case results in a recovery, receive a portion of the settlement proceeds.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    Patients whose Medicare or Medicaid records contain claims for services they did not receive should not owe out-of-pocket costs for those fraudulent claims. If a co-payment or cost-sharing was collected for a session that did not occur, patients should request a refund from the provider. If the provider does not respond, contact your insurance plan or state Medicaid agency.

    Patients who have experienced genuine fraudulent billing should not discontinue telehealth mental health care as a result of this fraud. The fraud problem lies with the billing practices of specific providers, not with telehealth as a modality for delivering legitimate mental health services.

    What Happens Next

    The DOJ’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown is ongoing, with additional enforcement actions expected. CMS has suspended billing privileges for 1,403 providers and revoked them for 1,079 more as part of the 2026 action. A newly announced Health Care Fraud Data Fusion Center will deploy artificial intelligence and cloud computing tools to identify telehealth billing fraud patterns more rapidly. MedicalDaily will continue tracking enforcement actions in the telehealth sector.

    The Bottom Line

    A telehealth mental health company admitted it billed Medicare and Medicaid for appointments that never happened, and the DOJ’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown makes clear this is not an isolated case. Telehealth billing fraud is one of the fastest-growing categories of health care fraud. Patients who use telehealth for mental health care should review their billing records regularly, confirm that every claim in their record corresponds to an actual appointment, and report any discrepancies promptly.

    References

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  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Stroke

    ClinicalTrials.gov: Stroke

    Source: National Institutes of Health – From the National Institutes of Health
    Related MedlinePlus Pages: Stroke

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  • Seniors Taking Antidepressants May Benefit from Adding a Daily Probiotic, New Clinical Trial Finds

    Seniors Taking Antidepressants May Benefit from Adding a Daily Probiotic, New Clinical Trial Finds

    A small but carefully designed clinical trial has added meaningful weight to the idea that gut health and mood are biologically connected — with practical implications for millions of older Americans living with depression.

    The trial, published June 17, 2026, in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS), enrolled 58 adults aged 60 and older with moderate depression. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) or a placebo for 12 weeks, while both groups continued their prescribed antidepressant treatment.

    The result: older adults who added the probiotic experienced meaningfully greater reductions in both depressive and anxiety symptoms than those who received the placebo.

    Why This Matters

    Depression is common in older adults and difficult to treat. Standard antidepressants are effective in roughly half of patients — a success rate that leaves millions without adequate relief. In older adults specifically, antidepressant response rates are lower still, side effects are more pronounced, and polypharmacy (taking many medications simultaneously) adds complexity to treatment decisions.

    A daily probiotic is inexpensive, widely available without a prescription, and has a well-established safety profile in healthy older adults. If it can augment the effect of antidepressants already being taken — with no significant drug interactions — that is a meaningful low-risk option worth discussing with a physician.

    The qualification is equally important: this was a pilot trial of 58 people. It is preliminary evidence, not a treatment recommendation.

    What We Know So Far

    The PRODG trial (Efficacy of Adjunct PRObiotics in Moderate Unipolar Depression in Geriatric Patients) is described by its authors as the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial specifically designed to test probiotic adjunct therapy in a geriatric depression population.

    According to ScienceDaily and Nutrition Insight reporting on the study, participants received either Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum (approximately 6 billion CFU daily) or a placebo. Both groups continued their standard antidepressant treatment throughout.

    Both groups showed substantial overall improvements over the 12-week period — a pattern typical of depression trials, where placebo response is often significant. The probiotic group showed meaningfully greater benefit. Researchers also found elevated serum levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — a protein that supports neuron survival and growth — in the probiotic group, and measurable shifts in gut bacteria composition consistent with enhanced gut-brain axis signaling.

    What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not

    MedicalDaily Evidence Check

    • Study type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial (PRODG)
    • Participants: 58 adults aged 60 and older with moderate depression
    • Treatment: Lactobacillus helveticus + Bifidobacterium longum (~6 billion CFU daily) vs. placebo for 12 weeks, alongside standard antidepressant treatment
    • Published in: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, June 17, 2026
    • What it found: Meaningfully greater reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms in the probiotic group; elevated BDNF levels; measurable shifts in gut bacteria composition
    • What it did not find: Significant improvement in quality of life or cognitive performance (possibly due to small sample size)
    • Key limitation: 58 participants is small. The trial was conducted in India; how well findings translate to other populations requires further study. A larger confirmatory trial is planned but not yet conducted.
    • What readers should know: This is promising preliminary evidence for a low-risk, low-cost intervention. Discuss with a physician before adding any supplement to an existing treatment regimen.

    Co-corresponding author Saibal Das, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD of the Indian Council of Medical Research stated: “The results of our study are novel, and we are now planning a follow-up, larger-scale clinical trial due to the encouraging findings.”

    What Doctors and Experts Say

    The gut-brain axis — the bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal microbiome and the central nervous system — has gained substantial scientific credibility over the past decade. Microbial diversity decreases with age, and communities shift toward pro-inflammatory configurations that may parallel the neuroinflammatory processes observed in geriatric depression.

    Dr. Abhinaba Ghosh, physician and neuroscientist at Tata Medical Center, and lead author, said: “We found that adding specific strains of probiotics has the potential to enhance improvement in depression and anxiety. We did not see a change in the quality of life of the patients, probably because this is a pilot study and there weren’t enough patients. We plan to address this in a follow-up full-scale clinical trial.”

    Psychiatrists reviewing the data have noted that the biological plausibility is sound, the safety profile is established, and the low cost makes the risk-benefit ratio favorable enough to be a reasonable discussion item between patients and their physicians.

    Who Faces the Greatest Risk?

    Older adults with depression who have not achieved adequate symptom relief with their current antidepressant regimen are the primary population for whom this discussion is most relevant. People who are not responding well to treatment, who want low-risk supplementary options, and who are otherwise healthy without contraindications to probiotic use are the most appropriate candidates for this conversation.

    People who are immunocompromised — including those undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressants, or with HIV — should consult their physician before starting any probiotic, as probiotics carry a small risk of translocation (movement of bacteria into the bloodstream) in severely immunocompromised individuals.

    What You Can Do Now

    • If you are an older adult taking antidepressants and are not achieving adequate symptom relief, ask your physician whether adding a probiotic supplement is something worth trying as an adjunct to your current treatment.
    • The specific strains used in the trial were Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum. Products containing these strains are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription.
    • Do not stop or change your antidepressant without discussing it with your physician first. The trial showed benefit from adding a probiotic alongside existing treatment — not from replacing it.
    • If you are immunocompromised or have serious gastrointestinal conditions, consult your physician before starting any probiotic supplement.
    • Monitor for the larger confirmatory trial, which the research team says is in planning.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    Probiotic supplements are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription, typically costing $15 to $40 per month. They are not covered by most insurance plans but are accessible to most people without financial hardship. A physician’s recommendation is not required to purchase them, but discussing any supplement change with your prescribing physician is advisable to ensure there are no contraindications with existing medications.

    What Happens Next

    The research team has announced plans for a larger, full-scale confirmatory trial. No timeline has been publicly specified. Until that trial is completed, the PRODG results should be treated as promising preliminary evidence warranting further study — not as established treatment guidance. MedicalDaily will report on the confirmatory trial results when published.

    The Bottom Line

    A well-designed pilot trial has found that seniors with depression who added a daily probiotic to their antidepressant showed greater improvement than those on placebo, meaningfully, with biological markers to support the finding. The evidence is preliminary, the sample is small, and a larger trial is needed. But the safety profile is good, the cost is low, and the risk-benefit conversation with a physician is reasonable. If you are an older adult who is not getting adequate relief from antidepressants, this is worth asking your doctor about.

    References

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  • Healthy Minded

    Healthy Minded

    Product Name: Healthy Minded

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  • Prioritizing Your Day: How to Make Time for What Matters Most

    Prioritizing Your Day: How to Make Time for What Matters Most

    Introduction to Prioritizing Your Day

    In today’s fast-paced world, managing our time effectively has become more crucial than ever. With numerous tasks competing for our attention, it’s easy to get bogged down in non-essential activities, leaving us with little time for what truly matters. Prioritizing your day is the key to maximizing your productivity, reducing stress, and achieving a better work-life balance. In this article, we will explore the importance of prioritizing your day, provide you with practical tips on how to make time for what matters most, and discuss strategies for overcoming common obstacles.

    Understanding the Importance of Prioritization

    Prioritization is the process of identifying and focusing on the most important tasks and activities that align with your goals and values. By prioritizing your day, you can ensure that you’re making progress towards your objectives, whether they’re personal or professional. Effective prioritization helps you to:

    • Manage your time more efficiently

    • Reduce stress and feeling overwhelmed

    • Increase your productivity and focus

    • Achieve a better balance between work and personal life

    • Make significant progress towards your goals

    Setting Clear Goals and Priorities

    The first step in prioritizing your day is to set clear goals and priorities. This involves identifying what needs to be accomplished and categorizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix is a useful tool for this purpose. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants:

    1. Urgent and Important (Do First): Deadlines, emergencies, and critical tasks fall into this category.

    2. Not Urgent but Important (Schedule): Long-term planning, relationships, and personal growth are examples of tasks that are important but not necessarily urgent.

    3. Urgent but Not Important (Delegate): Interruptions, emails, and meetings can often be delegated to others or automated.

    4. Not Urgent and Not Important (Eliminate): Time wasters such as excessive social media use or watching too much television should be minimized or eliminated.

    Creating a Daily Schedule

    Once you have identified your priorities, the next step is to create a daily schedule that reflects these priorities. Here are some tips for creating an effective daily schedule:

    • Start with Your Most Important Task: Begin your day with the task that is most critical or has the greatest impact.

    • Use Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for each task to help you stay focused and avoid multitasking.

    • Leave Space for Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. Leave some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected tasks or emergencies.

    • Schedule Breaks: Taking regular breaks can help you recharge and maintain your productivity throughout the day.

    Managing Distractions and Minimizing Procrastination

    Distractions and procrastination are two of the biggest obstacles to effective time management. Here are some strategies to help you manage distractions and minimize procrastination:

    • Identify Common Distractions: Be aware of what commonly distracts you, such as social media, email, or chatty colleagues, and develop strategies to minimize their impact.

    • Use the Pomodoro Technique: This involves working in focused, 25-minute increments, followed by a five-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

    • Create a Conducive Work Environment: Ensure your workspace is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions.

    • Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate your work hours and boundaries with family, friends, and colleagues to protect your work time.

    Leveraging Technology to Enhance Productivity

    Technology can be both a tool and a distraction. Here’s how you can leverage it to enhance your productivity:

    • Use Task Management Tools: Apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist can help you organize your tasks, set reminders, and track your progress.

    • Implement Website Blockers: Tools such as Freedom or SelfControl can block distracting websites or social media during your work hours.

    • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Use software or apps to automate tasks that are repetitive or time-consuming, freeing up more time for important activities.

    Maintaining Energy and Motivation

    Maintaining your energy and motivation is crucial for sustaining your productivity over the long haul. Here are some tips to help you stay energized and motivated:

    • Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for physical and mental rejuvenation.

    • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts energy levels and improves focus.

    • Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet provides the nutrients your body needs to function at its best.

    • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to keep yourself motivated.

    Conclusion

    Prioritizing your day is a powerful strategy for achieving more in less time, reducing stress, and improving your overall quality of life. By setting clear goals, creating an effective daily schedule, managing distractions, leveraging technology, and maintaining your energy and motivation, you can make significant progress towards your objectives. Remember, prioritization is a skill that takes practice to develop, so be patient with yourself and make adjustments as needed. With consistent effort, you can master the art of prioritizing your day and achieve a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.

    FAQs

    • Q: How do I prioritize tasks when everything seems important?
      A: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into urgent vs. important, and focus on the most critical ones first.

    • Q: What if I’m not a morning person? Can I still prioritize my day effectively?
      A: Yes, the key is to find your most productive time of day and schedule your most important tasks then.

    • Q: How can I avoid procrastination?
      A: Break down large tasks into smaller ones, use the Pomodoro Technique, and remove distractions to help you stay focused.

    • Q: Is it necessary to use technology to prioritize my day?
      A: While technology can be helpful, it’s not necessary. Pen and paper or a planner can also be effective tools for prioritizing your day.

    • Q: How often should I review and adjust my priorities?
      A: Regularly, ideally at the end of each day or week, to ensure you’re on track with your goals and make adjustments as needed.

  • 10 Subtle Micromovements That Reveal Anxiety’s Early Indicators in Adults

    10 Subtle Micromovements That Reveal Anxiety’s Early Indicators in Adults

    You’re sitting in the waiting room to go into your first big interview or give the presentation you’ve been working on for weeks. Maybe your foot starts tapping quicker and quicker, or you start twirling your hair. Why is your body doing this, and what can these small movements tell you? 

    Micromovements serve as the body’s way to signal rising anxiety.  

    Learning to recognize early tension triggers can help build emotional resilience and maintain calm through the day.

    When you hone awareness, you can use mindful techniques to respond, which can help you preserve well-being and maintain focus in work and play. Plus, learning to recognize early tension triggers can also help build emotional resilience and maintain calm through the day.

    Here are 10 common signals your body might be sending you. 

    The 10 Subtle Micromovements

    1. The Brow Furrow or Knit

    We often knit our eyebrows together when looking at a computer screen or reading a dense email. While in some cases, this might be due to awkward positioning at your desk or a need to make adjustments to your screen, worry or mental strain can trigger this tiny contraction of the forehead muscles. The brain signals these muscles to tighten as it tries to process a difficult problem, mirroring the internal effort to solve a stressful situation.

    2. Jaw Clenching or Grinding

    Do you ever catch yourself clenching your jaw in a stressful moment, like when you’re driving through heavy traffic or working under a tight deadline? Awake bruxism, another term for grinding, is common, affecting up to 23% of adults. A tense jaw is part of your body’s physical defense system: it’s preparing to stabilize your head and neck in the presence of physical threat.

    3. The Shallow Breath

    During a stressful meeting, you might notice your chest rising and falling rapidly while your stomach remains perfectly still. Internal tension disrupts normal breathing, leading to a shift to rapid, shallow chest breathing. The autonomic nervous system enters a sympathetic response, treating minor mental strain the same way it treats actual physical danger.

    4. Finger Tapping or Cuticle Picking

    When we’re anxious, we might repeatedly taps a desk or pick at the skin around our fingernails during a long pause in conversation. The nervous system drives these small, rhythmic movements when it contains too much restless energy. The motor system generates repetitive actions to help discharge that excess stimulation and restore internal balance.

    It’s common to curl our toes tightly inside our shoes or bounce a heel rapidly against the floor. This lower-body tension shows that stress has traveled down the musculoskeletal system. The body prepares its legs and feet for sudden action, keeping you in a constant state of hyper-vigilance.

    6. Lip Biting or Chewing

    Sometimes we trap our bottom lip between our teeth or chew on the inside of our cheek. The lower lip bite is the classic signal of I’m thinking that over or I’m trying to decide—moments that often come with some anxiety or uncertainty. It might seem strange, but this self-regulating behavior increases physical sensations in the mouth. The nervous system uses this sensory input to distract you from emotional discomfort.

    7. Subtle Neck and Shoulder Tensing

    Here’s one to notice: when a difficult email arrives, see if you shrug your shoulders up toward your ears without realizing it. This posture mimics a protective instinct to guard the neck from a sudden blow. Muscles in the upper back tighten to prepare you for a perceived threat.

    8. Hair Twirling or Touching

    Do you tend to wrap a strand of hair around your finger or stroke your head during a challenging presentation. This form of fidgeting is a pacifying behavior. The gentle, repetitive touch provides comfort to an overstimulated brain, helping to soothe rising internal agitation.

    9. Eyelid Fluttering or Rapid Blinking

    In many situations, people blink rapidly when answering a stressful question. Rapid blinking is an important facial expression that indicates heightened anxiety and fatigue. The accelerated blink rate reflects a sudden spike in adrenaline and stress hormones within the nervous system.

    10. The Freezing Response

    Sometimes a sudden loud noise or receiving unexpected news can cause a lock in posture. We stop moving for a few seconds. This momentary pause represents the primal freeze response. The brain temporarily halts all motor functions to evaluate its surroundings before choosing an action.

    The autonomic nervous system is a network of nerves that regulates involuntary body processes, like heart rate and blood pressure. 

    This system relies on the sympathetic and parasympathetic networks. The sympathetic nervous system drives the “fight or flight” response, accelerating heart rate and muscle readiness during perceived danger. The parasympathetic nervous system manages the “rest and digest” system, lowering heart rate and encouraging recovery when the threat passes.

    You might notice that many of these micromovements are a primal body-response to perceived physical threat—even when no such immediate threat is present. Micromovements are the physical spillover of this intense internal activation; they often serve as unconscious attempts at self-regulation, as the motor system discharges excess nervous energy.

    Micromovements prove that the body actively communicates a specific need—and often, that need is simply rest.

    Anxiety signals a chronically overactive sympathetic nervous system. When this stress response remains active, the adrenal glands flood the bloodstream with stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

    It’s easy to miss early nervous system warning signs when our attention is fractured. Micromovements prove that the body actively communicates a specific need—and often, that need is simply rest. Recognizing these micromovements is the first step toward altering behavioral responses and proactive stress management.

    Mindfulness as a Solution

    Mindfulness offers a way to keep our awareness in the present moment. This practice trains interoception, which is our ability to  accurately perceive internal bodily signals. 

    One way that mindfulness can help us build better interoception is through practices like the body scan, a structured exercise in which individuals monitor physical sensations from head to toe. As you scan your body, assess how each part feels. This can help determine where an emotional reaction took place and where it sits. For example, you may experience tension in your stomach, and can intentionally breathe into the belly to relax that tension.

    Mindfulness training strengthens structural connectivity within the brain’s interoceptive networks, supporting emotional well-being. Mindful practices put you back in the driver’s seat: when you experience yourself as the observer of your thoughts, you have more say in how you respond. This more objective stance de-escalates the anxiety cycle, rewiring neural pathways to foster better emotional regulation. 

    In addition, focused sensory attention gently steers the mind away from anxious and negative thought loops. It involves focusing on the world around you by using all five senses. This practice establishes a supportive relationship between the mind and body.

    Need Some Practice? Start here. 

    You can build bodily awareness through simple daily routines. 

    • Set a recurring phone reminder for a daily check-in—for example, a 60-second exercise to pause and scan the body for physical indicators of stress. Alternatively, detecting a micromovement could also trigger the mindful pause. This is when you would start doing a body scan.
    • Expand this routine with the 4-7-8 breathing technique to regulate heart rate. This involves breathing through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds and exhaling through pursed lips for eight seconds. A study from the National Institutes of Health shows that structured slow-breathing exercises significantly lower blood pressure and reduce stress responses.
    • A micromovement journal can reveal your personal patterns, and writing about your stress can also help to understand and alleviate emotional hooks. 
    • For deeper exploration, the RAIN method guides you to recognize, allow, investigate and nurture internal sensations. This four-step mindfulness technique helps to process difficult emotions and break reactive habit loops.

    Focusing on just one type of micromovement per week keeps the practice manageable. This supportive practice emphasizes personal compassion over perfection, empowering you to reclaim agency over your daily lives.

    Bring Personal Awareness Into Daily Life

    Anxiety often begins with quiet physical signals. Mindfulness provides the tools to listen to these subtle bodily signs. This clear awareness transforms you from a passive reactor into a conscious, proactive manager of your inner state. Recognizing early bodily shifts allows professionals and practitioners to build greater emotional stability.

    This post comes to us from Lola Marks, Senior Editor at Body+Mind.



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  • About Group B Strep Disease | Group B Strep

    About Group B Strep Disease | Group B Strep

    What it is

    GBS disease is a name for any infection caused by GBS bacteria. These bacteria commonly live in people’s gastrointestinal and genital tracts.

    Gastrointestinal tract: The part of the body that digests food and includes the stomach and intestines

    Genital tract: The part of the body involved in reproduction and includes the vagina in women

    Most of the time, the bacteria aren’t harmful and don’t make people feel sick (have any symptoms).

    Illustration of group B Streptococcus

    This image of group B Streptococcus was computer generated.

    Types

    GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections. Some of these infections can be life threatening.

    Infections include:

    • Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
    • Sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection)
    • Bone and joint infections
    • Urinary tract (bladder) infections
    • Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
    • Pneumonia (lung infection)
    • Skin and soft tissue infections

    Most common infections

    Newborns: GBS bacteria most commonly cause bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns.

    Adults: Bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and skin and bone infections are the most common GBS infections among men and non-pregnant women. It’s very uncommon for GBS bacteria to cause meningitis in adults.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms and complications of GBS disease depend on the part of the body that’s infected.

    Who is at risk

    Anyone can get GBS disease, but some people are at greater risk than others. Being a certain age or having certain medical conditions can put you at increased risk for GBS disease.

    How it spreads

    GBS bacteria come and go naturally in people’s bodies. How people spread GBS bacteria to others is generally unknown.

    From mothers to babies

    Pregnant women can pass the bacteria to their babies during delivery. Most babies who get GBS disease in the first week of life are exposed to the bacteria this way. It can be hard to figure out how babies who develop GBS disease after the first week of life got the bacteria. The bacteria may have come from the mother during birth or from another source.

    Ways the bacteria don’t spread

    In the United States, there’s no evidence that GBS bacteria spread through food, water, or anything that people come into contact with.

    Prevention

    There are currently no vaccines to prevent GBS disease, but they are under development. Unfortunately, experts haven’t identified effective ways to prevent GBS disease in people older than one week.

    In newborns

    Healthcare providers can take steps to help prevent GBS disease during the first week of a newborn’s life.

    Screening and diagnosis

    Screening

    Healthcare providers should screen all pregnant women for GBS bacteria.

    Diagnosing GBS disease

    After seeing someone who is sick, healthcare providers may take samples depending on the type of infection they suspect:

    Healthcare providers may also order a chest x-ray to help determine if someone has GBS disease.

    Treatment and recovery

    Healthcare providers usually treat GBS disease with antibiotics. Sometimes people with soft tissue and bone infections may need additional treatment, such as surgery. Treatment will depend on the type of infection caused by the GBS bacteria.

    It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.

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