New research shows a common over-the-counter drug may have significant benefits for people with colon and rectal cancer. 

A clinical trial suggests daily aspirin could cut the risk of cancer coming back by more than half.

This is really exciting. I see this type of cancer often in my practice, and this study offers real hope for these patients.

 

Now, researchers followed more than 600 people from 33 hospitals in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. They all had colon or rectal cancer with a PIK3 gene mutation. These genes usually help keep cell growth and division in check. But if they become dysregulated, cells can grow unchecked, leading to cancer.

 

So, before treatment started in this study, the patients had surgery to remove their cancer. Then they were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or a 160-milligram aspirin pill every day for three years.

 

And heres what the researchers found: those who took aspirin had a 55% lower risk of their cancer coming back compared to those who didnt. Thats a big deal because 30% to 40% of colon cancer patients face a recurrence. And once it spreads, the disease is much harder to treat.

 

So, its encouraging that something like aspirin, which is widely available and inexpensive, could offer real protection for a select group of patients.

 

The researchers arent exactly sure why aspirin cuts the risk, but they believe it works through several pathways. It lowers inflammation in the body, thins the blood and slows tumor cell growth. Together, these effects make it harder for cancer cells to survive and spread.

 

Now, we do have to talk about side effects. Aspirin has been around for over a century, but it isnt risk-free. In this trial, serious side effects were seen in 16.8% of people taking aspirin, compared to 11.6% of those taking the placebo. Of those potentially linked to aspirin, four patients experienced serious issues like stomach or intestinal bleeding, allergic reactions and bleeding in the brain.

 

So, while the benefits are promising, please do not start aspirin therapy on your own. In my opinion, larger studies are still needed before aspirin becomes a standard treatment. And, if you have colon or rectal cancer, talk with your doctor about genetic testing before considering aspirin.

 

THIS WEEK ON THE DR. NANDI SHOW

Yoga is more than poses or perfecting balance; its a powerful mind-body connection. Dr. Partha Nandi, MD, talks with a guest who shares how yoga brought her unexpected benefits: fewer asthma symptoms, less stress and even fewer colds. For her, the greatest reward wasnt stronger muscles, but the peace and stillness that transformed her daily life. Youll also hear from a yoga expert who discusses the main benefits of this extremely beneficial form of exercise. Tune in on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

In todays Health Alert, creatine, once thought of only as a bodybuilders supplement, is now seeing a big surge in popularity. Sales at GNC have jumped 75 percent since 2020, and much of that growth is being driven by women and older adults.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Why are creatine sales rising among women and older adults

Creatine used to be linked mostly with weightlifters and athletes. But more women and older adults are buying it today. Thats because the science shows creatine doesnt just support athletic performance. It can help preserve muscle, improve recovery, and may even support brain function and memory. For older adults, maintaining muscle strength is key to staying independent and active.

So what about risks? For healthy people, taking the right dose, usually 3 to 5 grams a day, creatine is generally safe. Side effects can include water retention, bloating, or mild stomach upset. But for people with kidney disease, its best avoided unless cleared by a doctor. And as with any supplement, quality matters, so choose one thats been third-party tested.

Creatine can be a helpful tool, but its not a magic pill. If you want to use it, first know your goals. Pair it with regular exercise, especially strength training, and healthy eating. Always follow safe dosing and stay hydrated.

My takeaway in this is: your most powerful weapon in health is at the end of your fork. So eat clean and wisely, fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, and move your body, folks- you dont need a lot of additional things if you eat right. Thats the real foundation for strength, energy, and long-term health.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show:

Vaccinations - a topic that often sparks questions about safety and effectiveness. Because of these fears, many children go without immunizations, and each year roughly 40,000 adults and 300 children die from diseases that vaccines could have prevented. In this episode, Dr. Nandi is joined by Dr. Jason White, a physician and father who chose not to vaccinate his own children. Also, pediatrician Dr. Zoy Patouhas joins the conversation as they explore the key issues around when and why to vaccinate. Tune in Monday, September 15th at 2:30 AM

In todays Health Alert, Detroit has been ranked the number one Asthma Capital in America. The report comes during the September Asthma Peak, when more people end up in the ER with asthma than at any other time of year.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Detroit ranked number one Asthma Capital in America

Many people dont know that where you live can affect how well you control and manage asthma. Now, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America looked at asthma rates, ER visits, and deaths across the country. They ranked the top 100, and Detroit came in at number one. Why? Because we have higher-than-average asthma cases and higher-than-average deaths from asthma.

So why might this be happening in the Motor City? Well, poor air quality and limited access to care are two major factors, according to this report. Also, other things like high pollen, more infections, poverty, poor housing, and schools can all make asthma worse.

As for why September is Asthma Peak month, thats because several triggers come together: kids are back in school, respiratory infections spread, and weed pollen peaks. All of that leads to a spike in asthma emergencies and hospitalizations - first in children, and then in adults.

Asthma itself is a chronic condition where the airways swell, narrow, and fill with mucus. That makes it harder to breathe and can trigger coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. Attacks can be life-threatening if theyre not managed. Sadly, every day in the U.S., 9 to 11 people die from asthma.

The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. First, see your doctor or specialist to look over your symptoms, triggers, and medications. Make sure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date so you know what to do if symptoms worsen.

Next, keep up to date on vaccines like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. These infections can really flare up asthma.

Also, pay attention to your environment. Improve indoor air quality by changing filters regularly, and keep air moving with good ventilation. And before heading outside, check pollen and air quality reports. Be sure to limit time outside on high-risk days.

Unfortunately, asthma cant be cured, but it can be controlled. And with the right care and awareness, people living with asthma can stay healthier and avoid unnecessary trips to the ER.

In todays Health Alert, high blood pressure is often called the silent killer. By age 40, more than half of Americans have it, and many dont even know. So what does that mean for your health, and what can you do about it?

In my practice, I see high blood pressure all the time, and I talk about it often with my patients. Its called the silent killer because most people dont have any warning signs. You can feel perfectly fine and still have dangerously high numbers. And, if its left untreated, it can damage your heart, kidneys, and brain. It raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Thats why keeping it under control is so important.

Now, the new guidelines from the American Heart Association emphasize earlier action. Lifestyle changes are the first step. That means cutting back on salt, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and managing stress with things like meditation or yoga. It also means maintaining a healthy weight and following a heart-healthy eating plan, like the DASH diet.

However, if you have stage 1 hypertension - thats 130 or higher on the top number - and nothing changes after 3 to 6 months of modifying your lifestyle, then medication is recommended.

If you have stage 2 hypertension, which means your blood pressure is in the 140s or higher, then the American Heart Association recommends starting with two medications. Research shows that one pill is often not enough to bring blood pressure down to the healthy range, which is below 120 over 80.

Regular blood pressure screenings are very important. I recommend adults get checked at least every couple of years starting at 18, and more often if youre older or at higher risk.

As for medications, there are several types: diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. But not everyone responds well to these. Thats why theres excitement about a new class of medication in development. It targets a hormone called aldosterone, which affects fluid and sodium balance. Too much can drive blood pressure up. Studies so far are promising and could provide us with another tool in the future.

The main thing I tell my patients is this: get your blood pressure checked regularly. The earlier you catch high blood pressure and manage it, the better your chances are of staying healthy for years to come.

In todays Health Alert, a new study shows that one dose of the RSV vaccine may protect older adults through not just one, but two cold and flu seasons. However, the protection faded over time.

New study finds RSV vaccine may provide two years of protection to older adults

For the study, researchers looked at nearly 7,000 adults over the age of 60. All had been hospitalized with severe breathing problems in 20 states.

And heres what they found: the RSV vaccine works. RSV is short for respiratory syncytial virus. Overall, the shot cut the risk of hospitalization by about 58% over two seasons. Breaking it down, in the first season after the shot, protection was strongest and lowered the risk of being hospitalized by about 69%. In the second season, protection dropped, but was still nearly 50%.

Researchers also found much lower protection for people with weakened immune systems or heart disease - about 30% and 56% protection over two years.

One reason RSV is so dangerous is that it can make existing health problems worse. It can flare up asthma, COPD, or worsen heart failure. It can also lead to pneumonia and other serious lung infections.

Scientists say boosters may be needed later, especially as protection fades with time.

The CDC says this is not an annual vaccine like the flu shot. Right now, just one dose is recommended. But these results suggest the guidelines may need another look.

As for the best time to get the vaccine, thats right before RSV season begins. For most of the U.S., including Michigan, that means now through October.

Those eligible for the vaccine include seniors 75 and older, and adults ages 50 to 74 who are at higher risk. That includes people with chronic heart or lung conditions, chronic liver disease, those with weakened immune systems, people living in nursing homes, and those with severe obesity.

For many people, RSV feels like a cold - runny nose, cough, low fever, sore throat. But for certain groups, like older adults, it can be life-threatening. Every year, RSV leads to about 150,000 hospitalizations and 8,000 deaths in seniors.

The good news is that this study shows RSV vaccines can prevent hospitalizations and serious illness in older adults. My advice: if you qualify, talk to your doctor about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.

In todays Health Alert, a new study suggests the fatty foods kids eat may play a surprising role in a severe form of asthma.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Could fatty foods be causing a form of asthma in kids?

Asthma is very common in children. This study looked at a type called neutrophilic asthma, which has been linked to childhood obesity. But that may change.

What the researchers did was focus on certain fatty acids. One fat in particular, called stearic acid, is a saturated fat found in animal products like beef and dairy, and also in many processed foods.

Now, researchers found that stearic acid can affect specialized white blood cells in the lungs, called macrophages. These are immune cells that normally help the body fight infection, control inflammation, and repair tissue. But with too much stearic acid, they can build up in the lungs and make asthma worse. And this can happen even in kids who arent overweight.

The researchers also looked at a healthier, unsaturated fat called oleic acid. Its found in foods like olive oil. That fat seemed to have the opposite effect and helped calm down inflammation.

Neutrophilic asthma is tough to manage. Its caused by too many neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the lungs.

Unlike the more common allergic asthma, this one is triggered not by pollen or dust but by microbial and bacterial proteins. Kids with neutrophilic asthma can have harder-to-control symptoms and more hospital visits. It can seriously reduce quality of life, and in rare cases, even be life-threatening.

Its also difficult because standard asthma medicines dont work as well. But heres the encouraging part: the study found that some drugs we already use for other conditions might also help calm the inflammation caused by these fats. This means doctors may not have to wait years for new treatments to become available.

The research also points to another way to help: modifying diet. Together, these approaches could better manage this hard-to-treat asthma.

So what kids eat really matters; it affects not just their weight and overall health but may also help prevent or ease this difficult type of asthma.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Can love and romance help you live longer? Partha Nandi, M.D., explores the connection between emotional, mental, and physical health. He talks with a couple who have been married for almost 60 years to get their secrets to longevity. Plus, relationship experts explain the importance of communication, staying connected socially as you age, keeping the passion alive after losing a partner, and understanding how romance and love impact health. Tune in on Monday, September 1st, at 2:30 a.m.

In todays Health Alert, cooler mornings are making it feel like fall, and for many, that means allergy season is kicking in. Millions are already dealing with sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.

Ask Dr. Nandi: How to get ahead of fall allergies

Fall allergies are a type of allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever. They happen when your immune system overreacts to pollen in the air.

Ragweed is the biggest trigger this time of year. The season usually starts in August, peaks in September and October, and lasts until the first hard frost.

Now, ragweed is a weed that grows wild almost everywhere, in every state, including here in the Midwest. Its pollen is especially powerful because it can travel for miles in the air. So even if its not growing in your yard, you can still breathe it in.

On top of that, climate change is making things worse. With warmer, longer summers, pollen season starts earlier, lasts longer, and produces more pollen. Thats why more people are feeling it now than in the past. About 32% of adults and 27% of kids deal with seasonal allergies. Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy watery eyes, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, hives, and even asthma flare-ups.

There are several steps you can take to stay ahead of symptoms. First, avoid triggers by watching pollen counts and staying indoors during high-pollen times, especially in the morning. Also, keep doors and windows closed.

When outside, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and a high-quality mask for yard work can help. Once youre back indoors, change your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair to remove pollen.

Another tip is to start allergy medications early. Dont wait for symptoms to kick in. Start about two weeks before they usually appear, and continue for a couple of weeks after the first frost. Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops can make a difference.

Now, if your allergies are severe or persistent, immunotherapy, like shots or tablets, can help desensitize your immune system and build tolerance, reducing or eliminating symptoms.

Also, it's best to see a board-certified allergist if symptoms are worsening or if you havent been tested before. Allergists can find out whats causing your symptoms and offer treatments not available over the counter. They can also help you put together a personalized plan so you can enjoy fall without all the sneezing and wheezing.

In todays Health Alert, researchers found that what you drink every day may affect more than just your waistline. A new study suggests sugary sodas and fizzy drinks could raise your risk of hair loss.

New study suggests sugary sodas and fizzy drinks could raise risk of hair loss

The researchers looked at 17 studies on diet and hair health. What they found is that people who drink a lot of sodas and fizzy drinks more than 3,500ml per week or about 11 cans - were more likely to have thinning hair or hair loss.

So, why might that be? Well, excess sugar is linked to poor circulation and inflammation. That can weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.

Aside from sugary drinks, the researchers found some other interesting links. Low vitamin D levels were linked to worse cases of both androgenetic alopecia - the medical term for genetic pattern baldness - and alopecia areata - an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Also, too much vitamin A or retinol was tied to more severe autoimmune hair loss. And alcohol was also linked to more hair loss and slower hair growth.

Hair loss is very common. By age 50, about 85% of men and nearly half of women will experience some form of it.

On the positive side, the review suggests that keeping vitamin D at healthy levels may protect against both genetic and autoimmune hair loss. Iron can also play a role, as supplementation was linked with improved hair growth in women with feminine alopecia. Also, protein intake may play a role in keeping hair strong. And some evidence suggests soy, veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, and certain multi-nutrient supplements, may also support hair health.

So, if youre noticing hair loss, focus on eating well, getting enough vitamin D, iron, and protein, and cutting back on sugary drinks and alcohol, which is what we should all be doing anyway. And if youre concerned, talk to your doctor.

There are effective treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and laser therapy for some types of hair loss. New treatments are also being studied. For example, an experimental medication, called PP405, showed early success in regrowing hair in both men and women within just a couple of months.

The encouraging news is that, in many cases, there are steps you can take to slow hair loss or even improve it.

A Kent County resident has died after contracting West Nile virus. Health officials say its the first confirmed case and death in the county this year.

Kent County resident dies of complications of West Nile virus

So far, three human cases have been reported across Michigan, including Oakland and Livingston counties.

First, my sincere condolences to the family of this resident. While death is rare, I know a colleague whose father died from West Nile.

Now, West Nile spreads when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then passes the virus on to humans. Most people who get it will never even know they have it. Thats because about 80% do not develop symptoms. The 20% who do can experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or sometimes a rash. Fewer than 1% of cases develop severe illness.

Those most at risk are adults over 50 and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or a weakened immune system.

As for the specifics of the Kent County case, we dont know the persons age or gender because no further details have been released. But when the virus infects the central nervous system, it can lead to swelling of the brain or spinal cord. Severe symptoms may include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, tremors, confusion, convulsions or, in rare cases, paralysis or coma. Sadly, about 10% of those who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system do not survive.

Right now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus. Doctors can only manage the symptoms and provide supportive care.  Thats why prevention is so important.

To help keep mosquito bites at bay, here are some steps you can take:

Use EPA-approved insect repellent with ingredients like DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Get rid of standing water around your home - things like clogged gutters, flowerpots, buckets, and birdbaths can become mosquito breeding grounds. Repair windows and door screens so mosquitoes stay outside.

And remember, its only August. Mosquito season usually lasts until the first hard frost, so its important to stay vigilant for the next couple of months. Protecting yourself and your family is the best defense we have.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

It's hard to believe, but even some of the fittest and seemingly healthy people have an eating disorder. Dr. Partha Nandi explores the signs and symptoms of this debilitating condition and talks with some athletes who say no one ever knew they had an eating disorder. And we hear important information from Dr. Gail Hall, who talks about orthorexia, an eating disorder where people refuse to eat anything but clean, whole food. Tune in this Monday, Aug. 25 at 2:30 a.m.

In todays Health Alert, theres a new way to protect yourself and your family from the flu this season - without leaving the house.  Its called FluMist Home, and it could make flu prevention much easier. 

FluMist itself isnt new. Its a nasal spray vaccine that uses a weakened form of a live flu virus. Its sprayed directly into the nose and helps your immune system build protection without causing an infection. Its been FDA-approved since 2003. The difference with FluMist Home is that its the same vaccine, but instead of going to a doctors office or pharmacy, you can now have it delivered to your home and self-administer it.

How do you get it? Well, its available online in 34 states, including Michigan. When you order, youll provide some personal and medical information along with insurance details. A healthcare professional will review it before its shipped.

FluMist isnt for everyone. Its approved for ages 2 through 49. Parents and caregivers should administer it to kids ages 2 to 17. But it should not be used if a person has a severe allergy to any of its ingredients, including eggs. Its also not for children or teens taking aspirin.

What are the possible side effects?  And when should people think about ordering it?

Most side effects are mild - like a runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, or a low-grade fever. Some people might experience a cough, tiredness, headache, chills, or muscle aches. Rare but serious reactions can happen, like trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat. If that happens, get medical help right away.

As for when to order FluMist Home, flu season usually ramps up in the fall. You could order in August and use it in September or October. Just store FluMist in the fridge until youre ready. But remember, it takes about two weeks to build protection, and always check the expiration date before using.

I think FluMist Home could be very helpful, especially because many kids even adults - are afraid of needles. Sadly, this past season, more children died from the flu than in any year since the swine flu pandemic in 2009. Most of them had not been vaccinated

I hope the convenience of skipping appointments and waiting rooms will help more people, including families, get vaccinated. It could make a real difference.

Even though we usually think of them as a winter problem, summer colds are real. Hot weather often drives people indoors with air conditioning. And when people gather inside, germs have an easier time spreading. Thats why its not unusual to see summer bumps in cases.

The good news is that flu is low, and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is also very low. However, COVID-19 is trending up in many areas of the country. Federal data shows more emergency department visits for COVID across all ages. Wastewater testing confirms that the new XFG variant thats been nicknamed 'Stratus' is now the most common in the U.S.

Stratus can cause what some describe as a razor blade sore throat. The good news is vaccines still work against it, and the World Health Organization classifies it as a variant under monitoring, not a major threat.

With this Stratus variant spreading, you may be wondering if you should get another COVID-19 booster now or wait until fall.

My best response to that is that timing matters. You want to be fully protected when youre most likely to be exposed. And for many, that means holding off until fall when cases are expected to climb. But if youve got a big trip, family gathering, or wedding coming up, getting boosted a few weeks before could be the right move.

Now, if youre an older adult, a person with a weakened immune system, or at higher risk, its important to talk to your doctor about when to get vaccinated. They may recommend you get boosted sooner rather than later. And for kids, the CDC reported more ER visits among children under four just last month. That is likely because many young kids are unvaccinated or catching the virus for the first time. Despite some confusing messaging, the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends COVID-19 shots for kids over 6 months.

If you want to lower your risk, the usual prevention tips apply: spend time outdoors when you can, wash your hands often, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, stay current with your vaccines, and stay home if youre sick. Thats the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the people around you.

Where Your Voice Matters