You Should Never Believe These Myths You’ve Heard About Cholesterol

You’ve heard of cholesterol, you know you shouldn’t have too much of it, and yet you likely don’t know what it does exactly. In truth, it services your body in many ways, but too much can create a deadly buildup in your arteries. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains it’s a fatty substance found in your cells, and your body uses it to make hormones and vitamin D. It also helps with digestion.

You may be confused by what you’ve heard about cholesterol. Here are the most common myths, including one about a breakfast staple you can finally add back to your diet (No. 10).

1. Myth: If high cholesterol is your only health concern, you’re probably fine 

The reality: High cholesterol puts you at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke, despite healthy eating and exercise.

Your doctor says your blood pressure and weight are normal, but one reading is too high — your cholesterol. While you may think this isn’t a big deal, you shouldn’t ignore it. WebMD explains your LDL levels should be below 190, and your HDL levels should be above 40. 

2. Myth: High cholesterol always leads to heart disease  

The reality: High cholesterol is one risk factor for heart disease, but there’s no guarantee it will cause you major problems.

You shouldn’t ignore your high cholesterol, but you don’t need to panic according to Healthline. Elevated cholesterol just means you have a higher chance of developing issues later on. There are many risk factors for heart disease, like your family’s history, high blood pressure, developing diabetes, and smoking. 

3. Myth: All cholesterol is bad 

The reality: Good cholesterol exists! And it can improve your heart health.

When you hear the word “cholesterol,” you likely imagine a buttery substance clogging your veins. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains you have two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. The former actually absorbs the waxy substance that clogs your arteries and flushes it from your system. LDL, the vein-blocking plaque, is what your doctor worries about. Raising your HDL levels actually helps your heart in the long run. 

4. Myth: Cholesterol medication will kill your sex drive. 

The reality: Many prescription drugs can interfere with how you function sexually — but not cholesterol medication.

In fact, taking a prescription to lower cholesterol might improve your sex drive. According to AARP, a study found statins — a medication that lowers cholesterol — actually increase erectile function by almost 25%. 

5. Myth: Only overweight people can have high cholesterol 

The reality: Thin folks can develop the condition, too.

Being overweight puts you at a greater risk for high cholesterol, but the American Heart Association says your body type isn’t the only indicator of your cholesterol levels. Many thin people who tend to eat a diet high in saturated and trans fats probably aren’t aware they’re at risk, thus they may not check their cholesterol. Remember, no matter your body type, you should always schedule regular doctor visits. 

6. Myth: You can only have high cholesterol if you’re older 

The reality: Young adults and children deal with this issue, too.

Yes, your cholesterol will likely rise as you age. But kids are more likely to have high cholesterol if they’re genetically predisposed, if they’re obese, or if their diet is full of processed foods, WebMD explains. It’s important for kids to get their levels checked by a doctor if heart disease runs in the family. Then they can get treated early and learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

7. Myth: Americans have the highest cholesterol levels worldwide 

The reality: High cholesterol levels are a worldwide issue.

You’ve probably heard how processed foods and less movement contribute to American obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol rates. But one 2011 study reports Western European countries such as Greenland, Iceland, and Germany actually have the highest levels in the world. The U.S. and Canada had surprisingly low levels. Maybe Americans take their health more seriously than we thought. 

8. Myth: Having your cholesterol checked every decade or so is good enough 

The reality: You need to check your cholesterol more frequently than that, depending on your health.

Don’t get too excited just because you checked your cholesterol levels 10 years ago. Randy Wexler, M.D., tells Men’s Health he recommends all of his patients get a baseline reading by the time they’re 35 years old — earlier if they have a family history of heart disease.

If your levels are normal at 35, Wexler says you should check them every five years. If you develop high blood pressure or diabetes, however, you should get an annual cholesterol reading to ensure nothing changes. 

9. Myth: All cholesterol medications basically do the same thing 

The reality: Many types of cholesterol medications exist.

Statins, a popular type, prevent the liver from creating cholesterol in the first place, the American Heart Association explains. But if you’re pregnant or have liver problems, you shouldn’t take these. Instead, you may try a cholesterol absorption prohibitor, which prevents the intestines from absorbing the compound. Or, you could be prescribed a medication that increases how much cholesterol your body excretes. Your doctor will recommend one, but it’s nice to know your options. 

10. Myth: Eggs are the enemy 

The reality: Eggs may protect your heart more than you think.

You’ve heard this before: Eggs will raise your cholesterol, so leave them out of your diet. But the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health explains one egg contains about 200 milligrams of dietary cholesterol, which isn’t the same thing as the substance in your blood.

In fact, evidence suggests the dietary kind and the cholesterol in your blood are not closely related. Still, the American Heart Association has guidelines: Try to keep it to 300 milligrams a day if you’re healthy, or 200 grams if you have heart disease. 

11. Myth: Coconut oil is a cholesterol-friendly alternative to butter 

The reality: If you have high cholesterol, you may want to skip coconut oil.

Walter C. Willett, M.D., tells Harvard Health Publications coconut oil is actually about 90% saturated fat. That’s even higher than butter, which is about 64% saturated fat, and beef fat, which is 40%. Here’s where things get confusing: Although it’s high in saturated fat, coconut oil has also been shown to improve good cholesterol levels.

The takeaway? If you want to lower your cholesterol, you should use both coconut oil and butter sparingly. 

12. Myth: You should eat more chicken and less beef if you have high cholesterol 

The reality: If you prepare chicken in an unhealthy way, it’s just as bad for you.

You can help keep your cholesterol levels low by grilling chicken. But frying it changes everything. Everyday Health explains you can ruin your low-cholesterol meal in a heartbeat by eating the chicken skin. In fact, a leg with skin typically has more fat and cholesterol than most hamburgers. So skip the dark meat and skin. Otherwise, you may as well eat a T-bone steak (though we advise against this, too). 

13. Myth: All the cholesterol in your body comes from your food 

The reality: Cholesterol comes from what your body produces, not directly from food.

The American Heart Association says foods like meats, poultry, and full-fat dairy don’t directly become plaque; they trigger your liver to create more cholesterol. But even on a low-cholesterol diet, your body produces the substance. It just (in most cases) produces less when you eat healthy. If high levels run in your family, however, your body might naturally produce more than it needs. 

14. Myth: Focus on low-fat foods for optimal cholesterol levels 

The reality: Your meals can be more flexible than you think.

You don’t have to focus on low-fat everything according to AARP. The fat found in butter, cheese, and meat can clog your arteries and cause heart disease, but it also increases good cholesterol.

Foods low or high in saturated fat can be good or bad — it all depends on which foods you eat. Healthy fats, like nuts and olive oil, can reduce your odds of having a heart attack or stroke. A low-carb diet (avoiding white bread, potatoes, white rice, and sugar) will raise your good cholesterol and reduce triglycerides. Educate yourself on food’s fat content. 

15. Myth: You should fast before taking a cholesterol test 

The reality: You can starve or eat normally — it won’t affect your cholesterol test.

AARP notes research finds equally accurate test results for cholesterol whether the patient fasted or not. (Heart disease predictions didn’t vary between fasting and nonfasting people, either.) Dr. Sripal Bangalore of New York University says, “It doesn’t make sense to measure their cholesterol levels when they’re on their best behavior.” 

16. Myth: If you’re on cholesterol medication, you don’t need to worry about your diet 

The reality: Depending solely on cholesterol medication and not eating better or exercising is a mistake.

Medication saves lives, no doubt, but you need to take action in other ways, too. Mayo Clinic says you can help keep your cholesterol medication dosage low by losing weight, limiting alcohol, and eating heart-healthy foods. If you just take the pills without improving other areas, you may end up having to increase your dosage. 

17. Myth: If a food contains 0 grams of cholesterol, it’s heart-healthy 

The reality: Saturated and trans fats primarily raise your cholesterol levels.

Some food labels advertise products as being “cholesterol-free.” But it’s not dietary cholesterol you have to worry about. Berkeley Wellness explains the types of fats you consume (in animal products and processed foods) will have a much greater effect. Avocados and nuts are also full of fats, but they won’t hurt your cholesterol levels since they’re unsaturated. 

18. Myth: High cholesterol only affects your heart 

The reality: High cholesterol can severely impact your sex life.

Dr. Michael Krychman tells Fox News elevated cholesterol levels can clog blood vessels near your pelvic area, leading to less blood flow and erectile dysfunction for men. High cholesterol can also cause a lack of lubrication in women, which can result in lowered libido and painful intercourse. If your sex life has taken a turn for the worse, get your cholesterol levels checked.

10 Truths (and Lies) You’ve Been Told About the Flu Vaccine

Every year, people spend a considerable amount of time pondering whether they should get a flu shot. Maybe the reason they spend so much time weighing the decision has to do with all the misinformation out there. After all, no one wants to get injected with something they think could adversely affect their health. The tricky part is figuring out what’s fact and what’s just a bunch of crap, which is where we come in.

First things first … 

Notice we’re only talking about the shot. That’s right, no nasal sprays. In June 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report explaining data showed the nasal mist was only 3% effective among children between the ages of two and 17 for the 2015-2016 flu season. This means a shot in the arm is the only way to go. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about getting a flu vaccine.

Truth: You have more than one option  

While you might not be able to choose between the nasal spray and a good old fashioned syringe to the upper arm, you do still have a decision between multiple versions of the flu vaccine. Medscape details each of the six different options, which include versions that protect against three strains and ones that protect against four. There are also more specific options for those over the age of 65 as well as people who are allergic to eggs.

Lie: It can cause you to get the flu 

Perhaps the top reason preventing people from getting vaccinated is the idea it can actually cause the flu. This myth has been around for decades and it’s just not true. The CDC explains flu vaccines made with the virus contain strains that are inactive, meaning they’re not potent enough to do any damage. That being said, it’s possible you will experience some symptoms. The most common ones are redness and tenderness around the point of injection and, in some cases, a mild headache or low fever.

Truth: It offers good protection against the flu

The exact efficacy varies from year to year, but the flu vaccine can be quite helpful for prevention. The CDC tracks the data every year, which you can see over on the website. Some vaccines have clearly been duds, though many years show protection rates around 50%. That may not sound terribly impressive, but cutting your odds of spending a week in bed feeling terrible is probably a good idea.

Lie: It can prevent colds

Because the vaccine is formulated to guard against the most active influenza strains every year, it only offers protection against the seasonal flu. Though colds are also caused by viral infections, keeping yourself protected is a lot more difficult. The reason? There are more than 200 different viruses that can lead to colds, according to Prevention. Your best bet for steering clear of a cold is practicing good hygiene. This means regularly washing your hands and keeping them off your face.

Truth: You need a new one every year

Even if you got a flu vaccine last year, you need to get another one in order to protect yourself in the coming months. The specific vaccine formula is only designed to protect against the most active strains, which vary from year to year, so last year’s dose probably isn’t going to work.

Lie: You should wait until flu season peaks to get it

Some folks think they should hold out on getting a shot until well into the flu season (which is fast approaching), reasoning it will ensure they get full protection. This isn’t the best idea, though. Dr. Susan Rehm, an infectious disease specialist, told WRAL News, “It takes at least two weeks for antibodies to show up after the vaccine’s been given.”

So, getting a shot late in the season means you’re really putting yourself at risk. That being said, there are also medical professionals who worry people are getting the vaccine far too early. As a general rule, you should get your shot sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Truth: There are some people who shouldn’t get the flu vaccine

Though the general population is totally in the green, the CDC acknowledges there are a handful of people who shouldn’t receive the flu shot: children younger than 6 months old and those with severe allergies to specific ingredients in the vaccine. Those with egg allergies and anyone with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which Mayo Clinic describes as a disorder that causes your body’s immune system to attack your nerves, should speak with their doctor before getting a shot.

Lie: The flu vaccine contains harmful ingredients

You’ll find blog after blog talking about the toxic ingredients in flu vaccines, and they claim everything from mercury to formaldehyde. This information is seriously skewed. USA Today explains one of the ingredients in the vaccine is made from a type of mercury, but it isn’t the toxic kind most of us think about. As for formaldehyde, it is true the vaccine contains some. It’s not even remotely problematic, though, because our bodies naturally have a small amount anyway. The concentration in the vaccine is too small to have any effect.

Truth: Flu vaccines are crucial for those with heart disease

Getting the flu when you’re perfectly healthy is a bummer. Getting the flu when you have a heart condition is much more serious. According to Mayo Clinic, those with cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop complications from the flu, including pneumonia and heart attack. Contracting the virus can also make a pre-exisiting condition worse, so getting an annual flu shot is really important for people with heart problems. There’s even some research indicating the vaccine may reduce your risk of a cardiovascular event.

Lie: The flu shot temporarily weakens your immune system

Whoever started the rumor about flu shots suppressing the immune system needs to brush up on their facts. WebMD says this idea is nothing more than a myth, explaining the vaccine simply prepares your body for the virus by teaching it what to recognize. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid getting the flu, but the story says there’s a good chance the vaccine can make the illness milder than it otherwise would have been. That’s certainly better than nothing.

The Hidden Dangers of Taking Anti-Anxiety Drugs

You're probably familiar with the benzodiazepines diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax). They're among the most popular drugs worldwide, prescribed most often for generalized anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax has become the fourth most widely prescribed drug in the United States, and it's no surprise. In a nation where anxiety is as prevalent as the common cold, these medications do their job.

But there is a dark side -- many dark sides -- that should make you think twice before hopping on the benzo bandwagon. These drugs can be used safely, but the decision to take them shouldn't be entered into lightly.

How do benzodiazepines work?Benzodiazepines stimulate the brain's receptors for a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter impacting anxiety, mood, sleep and pain sensitivity. The various benzodiazepines differ primarily in how fast and how long they act.

What are the side effects?They can decrease your ability to think clearly, impair memory and reduce your ability to respond to emergency situations that may arise (for example, if you are driving a car or operating a dangerous piece of machinery).

These effects can be seen even in the lowest doses that are usually prescribed. In addition, a recent study found that the use of one of these drugs for at least three months increases your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 50 percent.

In high doses, benzodiazepines can cause life-threatening respiratory suppression or result in a coma. Since 2000, the number of emergency-room visits due to benzo use has doubled. When combined with narcotics, the risk and severity of these side effects is significantly increased.

Are these drugs habit-forming?Yes. Their continued use downregulates the brain's sensitivity to GABA, so not only will you need more of the drug to get the same benefit over time, your baseline state of anxiety without the drug actually increases.

It can be very difficult to get off benzos once you've started them, and stopping can come with serious withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia, irritability, heightened anxiety, panic and restlessness are among the most common symptoms. More patients now end up in detox for the combined use of benzodiazepines and opioids than for all alcohol-related complications.

Can you use these drugs safely? Are there alternatives?Benzos can be effective in relieving an acute panic attack or preventing one in a high-risk situation. However, there are almost always better alternatives. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertaline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are the first choice in managing generalized chronic anxiety in those patients who require medication.

In the long run, getting to the root of the problem through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling and modifying your lifestyle to fortify your defenses against anxiety (getting proper sleep, optimizing nutrition and avoiding caffeine and alcohol) can have a cumulative effect that can lessen or even eliminate your need for these drugs.

Applying skills learned in CBT or using deep-breathing exercises or visualizations (there are many mobile apps that make this convenient) can abort many panic attacks before they become unmanageable. And the more you practice and use these skills, the more effective they become.

What to Eat for a Stronger Immune System

The right foods can prevent you from getting sick and help you recover quicker if you do fall ill. Here's how to build a strong immune system and help your body fight off the bad guys.

You got sneezed on in the subway. Coughed on in the coffee shop. Your colleagues keep coming to work when they should be calling in sick. And your kids are bringing home illnesses you never even heard of. How the heck are you supposed to stay healthy?

It might seem like seasonal illness is out of your control. And, yeah, sometimes, sick happens. But you have more power than you think.

Your immune system is an incredible thing. The bacteria in your gut is actually a powerful army willing to fight on your behalf, but only if you feed them properly. And if you do get sick, certain foods can help you recover quicker. What you eat today can determine whether or not you get sick tomorrow.

Here's how to build a strong immune system and help your body fight off the bad guys.

The immune system is your best line of defense.OK, gang, it's time to layer on the armor and bolster our defenses. (And I'm not just talking about scarves and winter coats, though those are probably good to have around too.) To stay healthy, energetic and sick-day-free, we have to strengthen our immune systems.

Here's how the immune system works: Our body's battle for immunity begins in the mouth. Bet you didn't know that your saliva contains powerful antimicrobials like lysozyme, alpha-amylase and lactoferrin.

Any germs that sneak past those will confront our stomach's hydrochloric acid.

Then, should they survive, they'll go up against the proteins and chemical compounds in our digestive system that break down bad bacteria.

Finally, our own personal good bacterial population goes to work. They prevent bad bacteria from entering our bloodstream or taking root in our small intestine and colon. Those good bacteria are called probiotics. Think of them as an army against illness.

Feed your bacteria army.The GI tract comprises over 70 percent of the immune system. That's home to our good gut bacteria, which fight off a whole lot of yucky stuff.

If you want those bacteria to work for you, you've got to feed 'em. They love to chow down on nutrient-dense, fiber-rich whole foods. But processed foods, fats and sugars? Not so much. That's why a balanced whole-foods diet is your best insurance against all kinds of viruses and infections.

In other words, if your diet is lousy, you'll get sick more often and stay sick for longer. Eating poorly while you're sick will only make you sicker. Good nutrition, on the other hand, enables your body to deliver a swift roundhouse kick straight to those germy invaders.

Prebiotics and probiotics.Want a ready-to-roll squadron of healthy bacteria? Here's how to keep the soldiers well fed.

Prebiotics (aka bacteria food) help nourish our good microbial friends. Essentially, prebiotics are a form of semi-digestible fiber. You should get at least two to three servings of prebiotic-rich foods each day (more if you're unhealthy and need extra support from your gut flora).

Some of the best whole-food sources of prebiotics are:

* Vegetables: asparagus, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks and onions
* Carbs: barley, beans, oats, quinoa, rye, wheat, potatoes and yams
* Fruits: apples, bananas, berries, citrus fruits, kiwifruit
* Fats: flaxseed and chia seeds

You can also take a prebiotic supplement. Just remember, supplements are exactly that -- an addition to the real foods you're eating, not a replacement for them.

Meanwhile, probiotics (the bacteria themselves) help us stay healthy and recover faster once we get sick.

If you're healthy, aim for one to two servings of probiotic-rich foods each day (more if you are trying to prevent or alleviate a medical problem).

Some of the best whole-food sources of probiotics are:

* Dairy: yogurt, cheese and kefir with live and active cultures
* Fermented vegetables: pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi
* Fermented soy: miso, tempeh
* Miscellaneous: soy sauce, wine, kombucha

You can also take a probiotic supplement to give your healthy gut bacteria an extra helping hand -- just check with your doctor first. Eating lots of prebiotics and probiotics will help you fight off viruses and bacterial infections. But even the healthiest diet can't protect you from every invader. Sometimes we just get sick.

How to get un-sick.We've been told a million times there's no cure for the common cold. But is there a way to at least speed up recovery when we're sick? As a matter of fact, there is. Certain foods can help you kick that crummy feeling quicker. For example:

* Garlic: It acts as an antibiotic and lessens the severity of colds and other infections.

* Chicken soup: Yep, chicken soup actually works. It provides fluids and electrolytes and may contain anti-inflammatory properties that decrease cold symptoms. You have to eat real chicken soup though -- the kind you make from simmering a chicken carcass -- not the kind from a can.

* Green tea: It boosts the production of B cell antibodies, helping us rid ourselves of invading pathogens.

* Honey: It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and helps suppress coughs. A few teaspoons in a cup of green tea are all you need.

* Elderberries: These have antiviral properties and are loaded with phytonutrients. Elderberry extract may reduce the duration of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.

What about "feed a cold, starve a fever"?Should we really fast while feverish? While there could be a degree of truth to the old saying, our bodies are complicated. Science hasn't given us a firm, one-size-fits-all answer yet.

Here's all you really need to know: Listen to your body. Our own appetite cues probably give us the clearest picture of what we should eat (or avoid eating) when we're sick.

For example, very few of us want to eat when suffering from influenza or gastroenteritis. That's because flu-like bugs and bacterial infections create inflammation that leads to appetite suppression. So, if your body's telling you not to eat, you should probably listen.

What are you eating most of the time?It's cool to think about the power of specific foods, but if you really want to give your immune system a boost, consider how you eat most of the time. For example:

* How much are you eating? Consistently over- or undereating could compromise how the immune system responds to invaders. If your diet is broken, it's time to fix it.

* What's your fat intake like? Chowing down on an abundance of fats (especially saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids) could harm your gut and compromise your immune system. On the other hand, a moderate intake of healthy fats, such as nuts, olive oil and avocados, can supply a good source of vitamin E, which may help minimize your risk of influenza and respiratory infections.

* Hooked on sugar? Added sugars and high-glycemic-load diets may reduce white blood cell function and encourage inflammation, damaging your overall immune system.

* Getting enough protein? On the other hand, dietary protein insufficiencies and/or depletions in iron and zinc may lower overall immunity. In general, one palm-size portion of protein for women and two palm-size portions for men should be included at each meal.

* Are you eating the rainbow? Lots of fruit and vegetables are needed to get the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs. That includes iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 and B12. So, boys and girls, do what your mother told you and eat your veggies.

Remember: An overall, healthy balanced diet that supports your immune system is your best bet to avoid getting sick in the first place.

Second White House aide resigns over domestic abuse claims

A second White House staffer in a week resigned Friday over domestic abuse claims, in a widening scandal that called into question the president`s judgment and tainted his chief of staff John Kelly and longtime aide Hope Hicks.

Hours after Trump`s comments about staff secretary Rob Porter, a White House speechwriter, David Sorensen, resigned after his wife said he was abusive, claims he denies.

Porter -- who also denies abuse alleged by two ex-wives, one of whom released a photo of herself with a black eye -- worked at the heart of the White House throughout the first year of Trump`s administration, despite being denied a full security clearance.

He only stepped down from his post Wednesday after the accusations became public.


Trump, who has himself been accused of sexual harassment or assault by two dozen women, fueled the scandal by praising Porter and suggesting he had a bright future.

He made no mention of the ex-wives or the alleged domestic abuse.

"We certainly wish him well, and it`s a tough time for him," Trump said in the Oval Office.

"He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career and he will have a great career ahead of him."

"As you probably know, he says he`s innocent, and I think you have to remember that."

That prompted a sharp rebuke from Democrats like Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, who slammed the White House`s "culture of misogyny."

Chief of Staff John Kelly was aware of the allegations and also praised Porter`s conduct in the White House, maintaining that "every individual deserves the right to defend their reputation."

Hicks, perhaps Trump`s most trusted aide, had helped craft the response to the scandal as White House communications director, despite being romantically involved with Porter.

Deputy White House spokesman Raj Shah said the White House only learned late Thursday about allegations against Sorensen, the speechwriter.

"We immediately confronted the staffer, he denied the allegations and he resigned today," Shah said.

Sorensen`s ex-wife Jessica Corbett told The Washington Post that while they were married, he ran a car over her foot, extinguished a cigarette on her hand, threw her into a wall and grabbed her by her hair, but that she did not report the incidents due to her then-husband`s connections to law enforcement.

While Sorensen`s post as a Council on Environmental Quality speechwriter did not require a security clearance, Corbett said she had described his behavior to the FBI as it conducted an ongoing background check of Sorensen in the fall.

"It`s alarming Rob Porter remained in an influential role," said Democratic Representative Ann McLane Kuster, "even as revelations about his domestic abuse were apparently known among senior Trump staffers."

Trump confidant and former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski -- who was formerly romantically involved with Hicks -- pointed a finger of blame at former Marine corps general Kelly.

"The general is there to put in policies and processes and procedures. And in this case, those didn`t work and we need to find out why," he told Fox News.

The White House was forced to quell rumors that Kelly was ready to resign.

Trump and "many" White House staffers are irritated at Kelly`s support for Porter`s character and for falsely insisting he that he aggressively sought to have him fired once the abuse allegations surfaced, according to The New York Times.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is attending the Olympics in South Korea, tried to distance himself from the issue, but also stressed in an NBC interview that "there is no tolerance in this White House, no place in America for domestic abuse.

"Trump was elected promising to bring "the best people" with him to "drain the swamp" in Washington.

In reality, he has struggled to hire high-caliber staff, with many experienced Washington operatives keeping their distance.

"A lot of us could have done better," Shah told reporters in a rare show of contrition from the Trump White House.

Shah refused to confirm in detail when and how Kelly in particular became aware of the claims, or Hicks`s role in shaping the White House response.

Until hours before the Harvard graduate left his post, the White House was praising him as an upstanding and integral member of staff.

"Rob Porter has been effective in his role as staff secretary.

The president and chief of staff have full confidence in his abilities and his performance," said spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

In an interview with CNN, Porter`s ex-wife Jennifer Willoughby detailed allegations of abuse, saying that during her marriage she lived under a "low-grade constant terror of not knowing what I might do to set something off."

Trump`s administration has been beset by scandal and staff departures.


Porter had been a rare staffer inside the White House who knew Washington, was widely respected and was seen as good at his job.

World Epilepsy Day: All you need to know about the disease

Epilepsy, a chronic non-communicable condition, is a brain disorder that can affect a person of any age.  

 Approximately 50 million people currently live with epilepsy worldwide. According to the WHO, epilepsy accounts for about 0.5% of the global burden of disease. Even though it is one of the world’s oldest recognized conditions, fear and misunderstanding have created a social stigma around it that continues to be manifested as discrimination against people with the disorder.

This chronic non-communicable condition is a brain disorder that can affect a person of any age. Like anyone else, most people who suffer from epilepsy are otherwise normal. Epilepsy can be divided into the following two kinds: focal (or partial) epilepsy and generalized epilepsy. In the former condition, epileptic seizures start from a specific part of the brain and tend to spread across the entire brain, while on the other hand, in case of generalized epilepsy, there are no apparent single foci of the origin of seizures. The diagnosis can be done through High-quality MRI and video EEG.

There are several factors that trigger seizures, including lack of sleep, chronic illness, severe psychological stress, heavy use of alcohol, use of recreational drugs (cocaine, ecstasy), nutritional deficiencies, and in some cases, even menstrual cycle. Missed medication, prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements may also trigger epileptic seizures. Usually, a seizure does not last for more than 1 or 2 minutes. Although an episode tends to end spontaneously, it is not a voluntary action, i.e. a person cannot control the seizure. Contrary to what some believe, a seizure is not dangerous and people who suffer from epilepsy are not harmful to others around them. Additionally, only epileptic drugs can make a seizure stop.

The duration of the treatment of epilepsy is between 3 to 5 years in most patients. In some cases, patients may only require treatment up to one year (neuro-cysticercosis), while on the other hand, some patients may need to continue treatment for many years (even lifelong) like in the case of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. For the successful treatment of epilepsy, the most important precaution is to take medication on time. This is because suddenly stopping intake of epileptic medication can result in seizure relapse.


Points to keep in mind when someone is having a seizure:

Remove or move objects out of the way so the person won’t get injured

Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck

Reposition or place a pillow under their head

Lay the patient on one side once seizure is over

Time the seizure duration

Reassure the patient and stay with them until recovery

No one should hold the person down during the seizure

In case the person turns blue or stops breathing, try to position their head in such a way that they can breathe

CPR or mouth-to-mouth breathing is rarely even needed after seizures and should especially not be performed during the seizure

In case, the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or gets injured during the episode, or is unconscious, it is advisable to call an ambulance

Epilepsy is treatable in a majority of the cases. Significant improvement can be seen in people on a single drug (though some may require the addition of another drug). In extreme cases, where seizures are non-responsive to medication, surgery is an option. In fact, if seizures are identified to be starting from a single point of the brain, then it can possibly be treated by removing that part of the brain. In the recent years, there are several new and effective antiepileptic drugs available which have lesser side effects.


(This article has been curated and written by Dr. Atmaram Bansal, Senior Consultant, Neurosciences, Medanta - The Medicity)