Last Updated on May 18, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection. However, shingles is largely preventable with vaccination.

The world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer.

After a shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of heart attack and stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time.

“Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s also associated with a higher chance of heart and stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.”

Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles.

The risk of serious complications from shingles increases:

• As you get older
• If you take drugs that keep your immune system from working properly, like steroids and drugs given after an organ transplant
• If you have medical conditions that keep your immune system from working properly such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or HIV infection

Heart Health Made Simpler

In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause.

Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing heart disease and stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.

How to Get the Shingles Vaccine

• Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.
• Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office.
• Book it: Make an appointment online or by phone. Same‑day or walk‑in options may be available at pharmacies.
• Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short‑sleeve shirt, if you can.
• Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave.
• Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover shingles vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage.
• After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms.
• If you’ve had shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about timing.

Learn more at heart.org/shingles.

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Symptoms to watch for: tingling, itching or burning on one side of the body or face; a stripe‑like rash that turns into fluid‑filled blisters; headache; fever; or chills.


Act fast: If you think you have shingles, contact your health care professional right away. Treatment works best within 72 hours of the rash appearing. If the rash is near your eye or you have eye pain or changes in vision, seek urgent care.

Lasting impact: The rash typically scabs over and clears within 2-4 weeks, but the pain in the rash area can last about a month. The duration of pain seems to increase with age.

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Protect Yourself (and Others) from Shingles

If you have shingles, you can stop the spread by covering the rash and avoiding touching or scratching it. You should also wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, and avoid contact with people who may be at heightened risk until your rash scabs over, including:

• Pregnant women who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
• Premature or low-birthweight infants
• People with weakened immune systems

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

American Heart Association 

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

(Feature Impact) Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your natural teeth. They’re designed to last a lifetime and, when properly cared for, they often do. Even in the event of an infection or disease that requires additional care, most Americans agree their natural teeth are worth protecting.

In fact, a survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists found 61% of Americans would prefer a treatment that saves their natural tooth and about 78% would do almost anything to avoid losing one.

Despite this strong preference, many people delay or avoid dental care altogether. Financial concerns frequently disrupt dental care, with 60% of survey respondents admitting they’ve put off going to the dentist even when they suspected something was wrong. However, postponing care can turn a manageable problem into a more serious one.

When facing dental problems, like severe tooth pain or infection, some may consider removing the tooth as a quick fix. Extraction isn’t always the best solution, though, and can have lasting consequences on both oral health and confidence.

“When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth,” said Dr. Craig Noblett, president, American Association of Endodontists. “You may think, ‘why not have a tooth pulled, especially if no one can see it,’ but you will know your tooth is missing and it will negatively impact your quality of life. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to properly chew and ruin your smile.”

Another option exists: root canal treatment. While survey data reveals 39% of people are equally concerned about the procedure and losing a natural tooth, 33% worry more about the procedure itself. However, advancements in technology and anesthesia have made root canals – dental procedures to remove inflamed or infected pulp inside the tooth then clean, fill and seal it – are more comfortable than their reputation suggests, similar to getting a routine filling.

To help maintain your smile for the long-term, consider these tips from Noblett to protect your natural teeth and avoid unnecessary tooth loss:

1. Act immediately when you experience symptoms of swelling or pain. Pain, swelling or sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored. Acting fast is especially critical in urgent situations. For example, fewer than half of Americans (46%) are aware that a knocked-out tooth can often be saved if treated quickly by a dental specialist. Most endodontists can accommodate emergency cases, even on weekends, ensuring you’ll be seen quickly.
2. Choose root canal treatment instead of extraction when possible. No denture, bridge or implant will look, feel and function as well as a natural tooth. In many cases, extraction is more painful than the infection itself and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one requires additional dental visits that can quickly add up. On the other hand, a root canal completed by an endodontist is virtually painless and typically requires less follow up. In fact, patients who experience root canals are six times more likely to describe it as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted.
3. Ask questions about your treatment options. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether a root canal is an alternative. A study published in the “Journal of Translational Medicine” suggests that successfully treating tooth infection and inflammation through root canal therapy may support broader health benefits, including improvements in markers related to blood sugar and cholesterol, reducing both the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
4. Look for a specialist if needed. If you’re told root canal is not an option, ask why and request a second opinion. Since endodontists can offer solutions dentists cannot, asking for a referral to a local specialist may allow for more advanced care. You can also use the American Association of Endodontists’ Find an Endodontist search tool to find a practice near you.

Learn more about how endodontists can help protect your natural teeth for a lifetime by visiting aae.org/patients.

SOURCE:

American Association of Endodontists

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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(Feature Impact) Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with the family or savoring those last few moments before rushing out the door, a filling, healthy breakfast is a perfect way to begin the day. Easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes (and can even be prepared the night before) make busy mornings a breeze.

Sheet Pan Pancakes are simple to whip up any day of the week – no flipping required – while Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins let you put protein on the menu in a kid-friendly package. When shopping for these delicious breakfasts, look for the Healthy Family Project and Produce for Kids logos to choose healthier foods and make a difference locally.

“Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful – a quick, balanced meal can help kids stay full, focused and energized for the day ahead,” said Tony Castillo, contributing registered dietitian at Healthy Family Project. “For growing kids, a protein-rich breakfast can help support energy, satiety and the building blocks they need as they develop. The best breakfast is one that’s simple, satisfying and realistic for busy mornings because consistency matters more than perfection.”

The versatility of these pancakes allows for endless customization and experimentation with different toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to savory options like cheese and spinach, making them an ideal fit for the whole family. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the toaster to have breakfast ready in a flash when hectic schedules interfere with your morning routine.

For another on-the-go solution, these breakfast muffins are made with just five ingredients, including protein pancake mix to help fuel the day. The savory combination of turkey sausage and cheddar cheese is complemented by the sweetness of onion, giving them the flavor your family desires.

To find more ways to put a nutritious breakfast on the family table, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 6

•             Nonstick cooking spray
  
• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
  
• 3 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1 1/4    cups milk
  
• 1          large egg
  
• 2          tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  
• 1/2       cup sliced strawberries
  
• 1/4       cup blueberries
  
• 1/4       cup mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth into even layer that covers pan. Top with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
4. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until cooked and golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.

Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 23 minutes

Servings: 12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
  
• 1          onion, diced
  
• 1          pound turkey sausage
  
• 4          eggs
  
• 1/2       cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1          cup protein pancake mix

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
3. Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
4. In prepared skillet over medium heat, cook onion until translucent. Add turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
5. In large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add shredded cheese, pancake mix and sausage and onion mixture; mix well.
6. Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with mixture.
7. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

SOURCE:

Healthy Family Project

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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