SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — A large rubber duck sits on the diving end of the pool. Opposite him, on the other end of the pool, a golden retriever sociably patrols the deck, looking for people to greet and even coax some attention from. The duo was tasked with an important job inside the Williamson Sports Center on the Skidmore College campus. They were watching over members of the Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs girls swimming and diving teams set to compete in this weekend’s New York State Championship at Webster Aquatic Center. In the past two weeks, three times, nine [...]

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. 1. A set of cami bras for those days when you're lounging around the house but still want to keep the girls supported. Promising review: "Loved the five colors, very VERY comfortable and worth the price. The material is very soft, feels like you have nothing on. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product." — Amazon Customer Price: $25.99+ for a set of four (available in sizes S–3XL and in six color sets) If you like these, check out our picks for the best tank tops with built-in bras ! 2. A Maidenform convertible push-up bra that goes from strapless to secured in seconds. You'll get a lil' extra boost thanks to the push-up design and the monochrome colors make it the perfect pick under any outfit. Promising review: "Bought this to wear as a strapless to a wedding. I didn’t have to constantly pull it up, which has always been why I stay away from strapless. It was tight, and I did receive a size bigger than I ordered, so keep that in mind. Glad it was tight though!" — Kara Price: $17.76+ (available in sizes 34C–40DD and in two designs) 3. A seamless medium-low support workout bra so you can stay supported while still looking super cute. I honestly wouldn't blame you if you wore this cutie sans anything over the top of it (aka, as a shirt). Promising review: "I'm a 32DDD and it's so hard finding good sports bras. The cups add nice shape so I don't get an underboob look and it's so cute from the back!" — H Price: $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 14 colors and designs) You can also find this bra at #1 in our list of chic sports bras ! 4. A wire-free and bulge-free bra because bra bulge is the one thing that no one needs in their lives. Yes, it's a relief when you take off your bra at the end of the day, but what makes it even better is not having any indents on your skin. Promising review: "The product is exactly what was needed. It is soft and supportive. It doesn’t hide your shape and is not too tight. Soft material and Excellent fit." – Anna Price: $16.94 (available in sizes S–XXL and in four colors) 5. A padded push-up bra to add an entire cup size in an instant. Seem too good to be true? Just take a look at the almost 10,000 5-star ratings. Promising review: "For all my natural big-breasted sisters...get this bra!! This is by far one of the best bras I have ever owned. This bra is super comfortable and attractive. I totally recommend. Can't beat it for the price." — Amazon Customer Price: $29.99+ (available in sizes 32A–40DDD and in 16 colors) 6. A Hanes ComfortFlex foam bra so light and comfortable that you'll probably think, "did I remember to put a bra on today?" Promising review: "I hate bras. I find almost all of them TOTALLY uncomfortable no matter what...UNTIL NOW!!!!!!! THIS BRA IS THE BEST!!!! It's so comfy and I never have to adjust it because it's bothering me. Just enough padding that you don't see nipple bumps in a T-shirt. Sometimes I even continue to wear it after I get home from work, unlike others I would NEED to take off immediately the second I could. I will forget I'm wearing this!!! Highly recommend!!!" — Brandy Lunn Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 7. A lace halter bralette , because nothing is fancier than a lacy bralette. This bb will look amazing with your shirt draped off your shoulder — why wouldn't you want to show it off? Promising review: "There’s a reason why this bra is is popular: it’s really cute and super comfortable. It doesn’t have any padding or much support but still held me well. " — Candy Price: $12.59+ (available in sizes S–XL and in eight colors) 8. A half-cup mesh bra to make you feel *so* good. This is the ideal bra to wear under your fancier clothes, but it's also comfy enough for every day. Promising review: "I am picky with bras and this really surprised me. It fits so well and makes the girls look amazing. I bought it in more colors. It runs true to size." — Kindle Customer Price: $25.99+ (available in sizes 32A–38DD and in 12 colors) 9. A padded bra top so you can wear your underwear as outerwear. Reviewers love this 2-in-1 so much, many say they often sleep in it. Promising review: "This got delivered less than 10 minutes ago and I’ve already purchased two more colors. This sports bra is so comfy and the perfect crop length for biker shorts or leggings. The material is high quality and super soft. I am a 34D wearing a medium and it’s the perfect amount of support for training. Might want something tighter or go down a size if you're a runner and don’t want anything to move. You need this in your closet!!" — Alyssa Price: $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 27 colors and styles) 10. A secure Glamorise front-closure bra , because who has time to contort themselves for 20 minutes each morning until they *finally* hook the back clasp? This game-changing bra also has an underwire that cradles your bust so the wire never touches your body. FYI, it is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Promising review: "I hate ordering bras online because I never know what size to order. I took a risk, thinking that I would just return it if it didn’t work. But this one did!! She holds the (big) girls in so well! There’s also that lift and separate action that I love so much! I highly recommend this very comfortable and beautiful bra!" — BSong Price: $47.20 (available in sizes 34B–50H and in 11 colors) 11. A vintage-inspired balconette underwire bra that'll be perfectly paired with your ever-growing collection of retro dresses (or by itself under a blazer 😉). Promising review: "Size 34FF fits great, although typically I wear a 34DDD in American sizes. I have narrow shoulders and a narrow back. Finally, not a minimizer, but a great-looking bra to make my beauty shine. It has just enough padding to be appropriate to wear with a T-shirt, not over-padded. Absolutely recommend this bra to those of us who are well-endowed!" – Lydia32 Price: $39+ (available in sizes 30D–44GG and in 12 colors) 12. An ultra-light smoothing bra because your bra showing through your top is not always the vibe. (Unless it is, you do you!) For around 20 bucks, you can't go wrong. Promising review: "I'm so glad I purchased this bra. It’s hard finding my size bra (34DD) in stores. It seems as if it’s nonexistent. I don’t feel like paying double the price at VS for my bra size (just to get a DD bra you have to pay $10 more...there isn’t $10 more worth of fabric so I don’t see the justification). The bra is very comfortable, buttery soft, and no boob spillage. Definitely would buy again. Just wish there were more color options." – MillB Price: $22.66+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes B–DD, and 12 colors) 13. A lightly padded satin bra with over 4K 5-star reviews and a comfortable, gorgeous design. FYI, bra is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Price: $53.99+ (available in sizes 34D–44DD and in 14 colors) 14. A darling Natori plunge contour bra that magically molds to your shape to give you the best fit yet. Promising review: "I now own this bra in three colors; it's that amazing. This bra looks and feels incredible; you scarcely feel it at all when it's on. It's invisible under nearly all clothing, as the lace at the top lies flat; to me, this is very important, as I hate seeing the tops of bra cups poking through the fabric of your shirt! Not a problem here. I wear this bra daily with confidence, and I can't recommend it highly enough." — Amanda H. Smith Get it from Amazon for $46.80+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–G, and dozens of colors). 15. An unlined Calvin Klein bra ~sheer~ to be your new favorite. It's super soft, comfortable, and will bring some designer goodness to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. I did not want any thick material, just the shaping from the underwire and a more natural feel and look beyond that. These bras have only sheer mesh material in the cup, and I love it. Super comfortable, make me feel like I look great. I ended up buying four more for this to be my go-to everyday bra. If you don’t want thick layers of fabric this bra is for you. Note on colors: 'nymph's thigh' is really closer to very light pink, and 'nude' is a darker tan. I only wish there was a white option for wearing under white layers. Other than that, this bra is a great, simple (and also sexy) product. If you are looking for thick padding, then this will not be what you want. The fit was perfect to my expectations (based off of my measurements)." — E N Allen Price: $9.45+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–DD, and in seven colors). 16. A Lilyette by Bali minimizer bra for compressing the girls and making them look smaller while still giving you a beautiful silhouette and a ton of support. This bra can reduce your bust projection up to 1.5 inches! Promising review: "Why did no one tell me the wonders of minimizing bras?!? But all is forgiven now that my 38DD otherwise unwieldy breasts are now properly contained! All my life, I've worn 'regular' bras, and all my life, they've wiggled, jiggled, pooched over the cups, and I've hated them. But now, I might be OK with a larger chest! This bra is phenomenal. I'm DD, sometimes DDD, and wearing regular bras correctly sized was horrible. Professional fittings, those $70 bras I'd still look jiggly in, and I'd still end up with boobage up out of the cup. Looked ridiculous. This bra nicely does whatever it does to push your breasts down enough that they don't pop out. But you don't look like you have smashed breasts or a uni-boob! They stay nicely separated; I've worn it several times and not once had spillage over. I'm ordering two more, pleased as punch. FINALLY, after over 25 years of bra wearing, found what I didn't know I was missing! I hope someone else is able to have the joy of nicely contained boobs!" — 3LittleFish Price: $21.99+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes C–DDD, and in eight colors). For more bust-reducing styles, take a look at our picks for the best minimizer bras . 17. A buttery soft wireless comfort bra that will become your new everyday go-to. Bras that feel like you're not wearing one? Sign me up. Promising review: "Absolutely love this bra! It's incredibly comfortable and offers great support without feeling restrictive. The fabric is soft and breathable, making it perfect for all-day wear. It fits true to size and provides a flattering shape. I’m so happy I found this, it’s now my go-to! Highly recommend!! Truly sooo Comfortable." — Gisele Marson Price: $16.99+ (available in band sizes 32–40, cup sizes A–D, and in 21 colors) 18. A floral lace bralette for a classically chic look that will enhance any outfit thanks to its incredible support and darling design. Promising review: "Love this bra! Sexy and comfortable. I ordered it in black but ordering other colors. My boyfriend loves this on me." — Rocio Andrade Price: $28.99+ (available in band sizes 32–44, cup sizes B–G, and in five colors) 19. An unlined lace bra that will keep everything right where you want it to be, but with ~elegance.~ Promising review: "To preface this, I NEVER go out of my way to leave reviews for things, but have to say this is one of the best bras I’ve ever put on my body! Being plus size, I’ve found that it’s always been hard to find something comfortable and cute for my size and I felt so much relief after putting this on. Finally a bra that lifts and supports the way it should and makes me feel confident. I’ll definitely be ordering more!! Not to mention it has a super thick strap and connector on the back that leaves that whole area looking seamless. No back fat spilling over whatsoever. 1000/10 recommend." — jessica Price: $24.99+ (available in band sizes 34–46, cup sizes C–I and in 14 colors) 20. A crisscross sports bra for jogging, dancing, boxing, or in the words of Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect , horizontal running (aka laying on your couch and binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession). Promising review: "I own a hundred sports bras and this one’s my favorite. Firstly, it is very easy to put on and remove and it looks really nice when paired with a pair of black leggings. They come padded, and I found them to provide good support during high-intensity exercises as well. The blue shade also looks very elegant. Overall great product." — AA Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 21. A high-impact sports bra designed with strenuous activity in mind. It's made from a comfy four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric so you can stay supported and dry no matter what you're doing. Promising review: "Oh my, where to start!? It is very well made and comfortable to wear! I love that the padding is sewn in place, so you don’t have to worry about removing them or worse trying to get them back in place! It offers great support for running, but is cool and comfortable enough to just wear when you don’t feel like wearing a regular bra. This bra stays in place and holds *everything* in place as you run, exercise etc. and all at a great price. I highly recommend trying this sports bra!" — Tamara Price: $22.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 38 colors) 22. A full coverage bra that will give the twins the *ultimate lift* without an underwire. Promising review: " I have been buying this same style of bra since the 1990s and have never found a rival for attractiveness, coverage, comfort, and good fit. These bras also last for years and years when laundered in a bag on gentle cycle and hung dry. I added this bra to have another color in my collection and anticipate many years of good fit. Playtex 18 Hour bras are genuinely so comfortable you can wear them all day and night, if need be." — Susan L. Price: $12.99+ (available in band sizes 34–54, cup sizes B–G, 19 colors, and various sets of two) 23. A super sexy sheer bra for feeling like your best self. Best worn while listening to Taylor Swift's Vigilante Sh*t . Promising review: "Great quality. See-through material makes it very sexy. Comfortable." — Robin C Meade Price: $19.99+ (available in band sizes 34–44, cup sizes B–F, and in seven colors) 24. A Bali Breathe T-Shirt bra that holds the girls in place well enough for everyday wear but adds a sultry edge with a lace finish. I own a couple of these bras, and when I tell you they are my favorite bras EVER! I'm a DD cup, and they are so incredibly comfortable and supportive. Thanks to the lacey material, they also make me feel so good. Plus, they're WIRELESS!!! Promising review: "This bra has a beautiful style, a great fit with a very accurate sizing chart, and is very comfortable. I am buying another in a different color." — fbk Price: $25.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 25. A wire-free and seamless scallop-detail bra to add a fun and playful pop to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "As a petite woman with a larger bust, well-fitted and comfortable bras are hard to come by. This one is so comfortable and cute and I really like the way the clasps are sort of magnetic. It makes it easier to find the right hook while uncomfortably reaching your arms completely behind your back, lol." — Amber Way Price: $26.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 11 colors) 26. A longline bralette for those who are partial to a sexy lace number but don't want to compromise on comfort. Reviewers with *bustier* chests are fans, so know you don't have to settle for something drab just because you're a D+. Promising review: "The fit and support of this bralette for larger busts is so good! Fits true to size per the size chart and has great coverage. Will be getting other colors!" — Nat Price: $10.48+ (available in sizes S–XXL, 11 colors, and in two-packs and three-packs) Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.INDIANAPOLIS – It’s been four weeks since Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced the postseason was the franchise’s top priority and veteran Joe Flacco would take over as the starting quarterback. The Colts (5-7) have won just a single game since, and 22-year-old Anthony Richardson has been reinstated as the starter. Indianapolis has lost plenty of ground in the playoff chase over the last month, but it’s still got a chance to make a run. The Colts enter the week in ninth place in the AFC, two games behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) for the seventh and final postseason berth. That’s not great math for Indianapolis, and there is little to no margin for error, but with the teeth of the schedule in the rearview mirror, there is hope. The Colts play just one team with a winning record over their final five games. That’s a Dec. 15 date against the Broncos that could ultimately seal the team’s playoff fate. The stretch run begins Sunday on the road against the New England Patriots (3-9) with the bye week to follow. The final three games are at home against the Tennessee Titans (3-8), at the New York Giants (2-9) and at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). “I think, right now, where we’re at in the season, with everything set ahead of us, still being in that picture, one game on the road against New England going into the bye, we’ve got a chance to catch our breath and regroup for the last, final run,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “I think we’re in a special, unique position to where – why not go on a run? Why not us? I’ve done it before. “To be honest with you, I hate that I’m always in this position, but I’ve been there before, and I think the reality of the situation is that it just takes one. It just takes one play. It just takes one game. It just takes one to get the ball rolling, to get this momentum shifted, to get that energy back and get it rolling and get into the dance. Because I think, at the end of the day, as long as you get into the dance, that’s all that matters.” Franklin was a rookie in 2018 when Indianapolis went 10-1 down the stretch to overcome a 1-5 start and sneak into the postseason with the final berth. The 2021 Colts went 6-1 in November and December to get to 9-6 and position themselves for a playoff spot before losing their final two games in January. And Indianapolis won four straight to end November and begin December last year, enabling itself to force a winner-takes-all battle against the Houston Texans in the regular-season finale. The Colts went 1-3 in November this year, but they have a chance to turn things around in the final full month of the regular season. “Obviously, these last five games will be big,” Steichen said. “Right now we’ve got to take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time to get to where we want to be at the end of the year. But we know this is a huge week for us coming up before the bye. So the fundamentals, the details, the attention to details, are going to be huge going into this week and then coming back after the bye. Get some guys back hopefully, be ready to roll for that four-game stretch.” If Indianapolis’ fortunes are to turn around again, it will need to begin with the offense. The Colts rank 21st in the 32-team NFL with an average of 20.2 points per game and are 17th in rushing offense and 24th in the passing game. Center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) are among the players in danger of missing the trip to New England, increasing the degree of difficulty for a struggling unit. But improvement in situational details could go a long way toward fixing what fails the offense. Indianapolis ranks 23rd with a 36% conversion rate on third down, and it’s 24th with a 52.8% touchdown rate in the red zone. Those numbers are the keys to finishing drives and putting more points on the scoreboard. “We just need to take advantage of our scoring opportunities, and we need to come away with seven (points) instead of three because we got down there – we just couldn’t finish,” wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said, referring specifically to last week’s 24-6 loss against the Detroit Lions in which the Colts twice failed to reach the end zone from inside the visitors’ 20-yard line. “If we start putting up sevens instead of threes, then you don’t know what happens, right? The score is a lot closer and football is football and momentum is king, and who knows?”

President-elect Donald Trump picked Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council, a role that puts him at the center of the administration's policy-making discussions from trade to taxes and deregulation. Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are The move brings Trump closer to rounding out his economic team, with U.S. trade representative being the last of the key positions left. Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social. Trump also tapped attorney Jamieson Greer on Tuesday to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative. During Trump's first administration, Hassett served as the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers for two years, supporting the Republican's corporate tax cuts and defending Trump's punitive tariffs. The 62-year-old Hassett also worked with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on immigration and backed a move to end waivers of sanctions for countries that buy Iranian oil. The appointment came as Trump renewed his vow to raise tariffs by an additional 10% on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S. and impose tariffs of 25% on all products from Mexico and Canada. Such a move would end a regional free trade agreement . Trump is set to be inaugurated as the next U.S. president on Jan. 20. He cited illegal immigration and illicit drug trade as reasons for the tariffs. Hassett previously served as a scholar of fiscal policy at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank before Trump nominated him to the White House role in 2017. Late last week, Trump signaled his intention to nominate Scott Bessent , founder of hedge fund Key Square Group and a seasoned market pro, as his Treasury secretary.

Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingOne day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. People are also reading... "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, President Dwight Eisenhower helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend Susan Lucci , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality Star Jones continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A literature review published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A study published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!Article content In a games industry grappling with bloated budgets and obsessed with mimicking film, “Astro Bot” winning game of the year at Thursday’s Game Awards might help studios reprioritize. Recommended Videos The video games industry saw tens of thousands of layoffs in the past two years. PlayStation’s “Concord” was in development for at least six years, reportedly cost at least $200 million if not more, and became the laughingstock of the industry by shutting down less than two weeks after its release due to lack of interest. A few weeks later, a small team of 60-some members in Japan called Team Asobi released “Astro Bot” on PlayStation 5, winning critical acclaim from everyone including myself. It helped PlayStation recapture goodwill lost from the “Concord” disaster. The smaller game’s win could not be more symbolic, and its importance was unambiguous. Here was a video game that focused on creating feelings of joy and curiosity in its audience. It wasn’t looking to expand an “IP universe” or convince us of its importance through overwrought narratives. Here are four other observations from what I thought was the best show put on by the Game Awards so far this decade. 1. One refreshing change for guest appearances Game Awards creator and host Geoff Keighley has received much criticism for focusing too much on celebrities with wire-thin connections to the medium. True enough, Harrison Ford took the stage and the 82-year-old actor seemed confused at the proceedings, not unlike Al Pacino’s random performance from 2022. But Keighley made a good call in creating a “game changer” award to honour Amir Satvat, a relatively unknown Connecticut man (and employee of Tencent Games) who said he’s helped almost 3,000 laid off workers find work through an online community he created to provide support. More of that, please. 2. The real reveals were more surprising than the rumours Rumours about the game reveals went a bit out of control (“Half-Life 3” being the most ridiculous), but the actual reveals were even more surprising. Legendary game creator Fumito Ueda’s reemergence into game development should be celebrated across the industry, and it’s shocking to see Devil May Cry creator Hideki Kamiya return to his former employer for a sequel to “Okami.” 3. Asia dominated Asia really dominated the categories and wins this year, and will continue to dominate. A third of this year’s layoffs reportedly happened in California (according to journalist Stephen Totilo). The U.S. side of the games industry needs to reconfigure, relocate and reprioritize as projects take too long and demand too much work from too many people. Another message to the games industry: “Balatro” was made by a single man and took home three trophies. It was the only game of the year nominee not developed in Asia. 4. The awards still need some definition I’m still begging for the categories to be diversified and better curated. Best performance awards favour facial and motion-capture talents while overlooking compelling voice performances. A collection of fighting games from the last century should not have been nominated as best fighting game. The games industry is choking with new games every month, and it deserves a nomination field that honours the unique ways in which this art form manifests itself, through acting, music or game design.

NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Yazmeen Ryan has been traded to Houston Dash in exchange for a record fee, per multiple reports. Ryan was sent to Houston for a reported transfer fee of $400,000, per The Equalizer's . The transfer fee is reportedly thought to be the largest cash intra-league transfer fee in NWSL history. Ryan will reportedly sign a new contract with the Dash, as her current deal with Gotham expires in 2026. The 25-year-old midfielder has had another breakout season on a talent Gotham roster, finishing the season with five goals and five assists. She caught the eye of USWNT coach Emma Hayes, ; since then, she has made four appearances with the USWNT. The NWSL has never been transparent about things like transfer fees, making it difficult to confirm how the amount stacks up against previous fees. But $400,000 is certainly an eye-catching number, and it proves how much Ryan's stock has gone up in the past few years: The Thorns sent the midfielder to Gotham in a three-team trade in 2023, and received $200,000 in allocation money from Angel City during the exchange. The only potentially higher transaction came last season, when Houston sent forward María Sánchez to the San Diego Wave, and received a $500,000 in allocation money in return. (Sánchez had after signing the then-biggest contract in NWSL history.) Ryan started her NWSL career with the Portland Thorns, earning a Supporters' Shield and an NWSL Championship in her first two years in the league. She was a key part of Gotham FC's championship-winning season in 2023. With the trade, the midfielder will be returning to Texas, where she played for TCU for four seasons. Per Kassouf, the trade took place before the transaction moratorium on Friday, Dec. 20. NWSL teams are not allowed to trade and sign players between Dec. 20 and Dec. 26 as part of a league-wide shutdown. The moratorium will lift on Friday, Dec. 27 to allow teams to start signing players again. The move for Ryan is big for the Dash, who finished the season dead last in the league with only five wins. Houston has shied away from big signings over the past few years, with their biggest player — Sánchez — leaving at the start of the season. Now, Houston is finally making some moves. Earlier this month, the Dash Ryan's Gotham teammate, free agent midfielder Delanie Sheehan. The two will be a good pair to shore up the Dash's midfield. As for Gotham, Ryan's departure marks a trend. This past season, Gotham's success has come from its big-name signings. The team signed four USWNT stars last January, in one go, while also bringing in international stars like Spanish forward Esther González, defender Jess Carter, German keeper Ann-Katrin Berger and many more. But the team has also relied on a deep bench, with lesser-known players like Ryan and Sheehan holding down the fort. However, part of having a deep bench is that those strong players sitting on the bench might get a little restless. The team only had one draft pick in the 2024 draft, defender Maycee Bell, and her to the North Carolina Courage halfway through the season because they frankly didn't need her. And now that the season is over, Gotham's players are starting to scatter. Besides Ryan and Sheehan heading to Houston, forward Lynn Williams . Players like defender Sam Hiatt and midfielder Maitane López with the team after getting less playing time. It's possible that Gotham has an overabundance of talent last year, and the players who didn't see as much time on the field want to go somewhere where they're more valued. Gotham, meanwhile, has continued looking towards outside talent. With the midfield a little sparser without Ryan and Sheehan, the team 19-year-old Ghananian midfielder Stella Nyamekye to a three-year contract.Israeli announces new strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital and ports DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Houthi rebels in Yemen say Israeli airstrikes have targeted the rebel-held capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida. The strikes on Thursday follow several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said that it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Iran-backed Houthis’ media outlet reported the strikes in a Telegram post but gave no immediate details. Gaza's Health Ministry says an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital overnight. The Israeli military said all five were militants posing as reporters. Israel's plan to double the number of settlers in the Golan Heights is met with conflicting emotions EIN ZIVAN, Golan Heights (AP) — Earlier this month, Syrian leader Bashar Assad was ousted after nearly 25 years in power. Within hours, Israeli tanks rolled into the Golan Heights' demilitarized buffer zone in Syria created as part of a 1974 ceasefire between the countries. Days later, the Israeli government approved a plan to double the population of settlers in the Golan Heights. Israel seized the mountainous region from Syria in 1967, and most of the world considers it occupied Syrian territory. In the towns and kibbutzim of Israeli-controlled Golan, the news has been met with a mixture of skepticism, excitement and shock. Previous attempts to encourage more settlement in the Golan have received a lukewarm response. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Azerbaijan observes day of mourning for air crash victims as speculation mounts about its cause Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the air crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the crash that remained unknown. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane went down about 3 kilometers or 2 miles from Aktau after crossing the Caspian Sea. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday. AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others. Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities. Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. Flooding took away the love of his life after 35 years without a day spent apart ERWIN, Tenn. (AP) — Jerry and Sibrina Barnett never spent a single day apart in 35 years together. They both worked long hours and never went on vacations. They spent their free time relaxing at home with their son. They never thought a hurricane could affect their mountainous East Tennessee community of Johnson City. But on Sept. 27, Sibrina was one of 11 people swept into raging floodwaters when Hurricane Helene cut off the Impact Plastics factory. Only five were rescued. Sibrina's clothes still lie on her side of the bed where she left them that morning. Jerry knows he will have to move them, but not yet. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options.

Passed over again and again while living, it'll be a bittersweet and long overdue honor if the late Red Sox great Luis Tiant is finally elected to Cooperstown tonight.It’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap?

NVIDIA Co. (NASDAQ:NVDA) Shares Bought by L. Roy Papp & Associates LLP

A nonprofit health clinic in South Jersey has been awarded a $1 million federal grant to provide medical services — including for chronic conditions, mental health, and substance use disorders — to incarcerated people preparing to return home. The funding for CAMcare Health Corporation , which has seven locations throughout Camden and Gloucester counties, was announced Monday by the Health Resources and Services Administration , an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The services will be provided to incarcerated individuals who are scheduled for release within 90 days, according to the announcement. Federal officials said the funding will help health centers implement “innovative approaches to support” for people leaving prison and help address health risks before release. Studies have shown people with a history of incarceration are in worse mental and physical health than the general population. “People reentering the community from incarceration are particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes and mortality,” said Carole Johnson, administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration, in a statement. “We can change that if care and services are more closely connected to the reentry experience, which is why we are working to clarify that Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers can provide pre-release services and why we are investing in health centers engaging with individuals prior to their release to better support their successful and healthy reentry to the community,” Johnson said. CAMcare officials did not respond immediately this week to requests for comment. According to a press release, CAMcare will use its grant award to focus on managing chronic conditions, reducing the risk of drug overdose, addressing mental health and substance use disorder treatment needs, and preventing, screening, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases. Nationally, about 80% of individuals released from prison each year have a chronic medical, substance use, or psychiatric condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people and families dealing with mental illness. People who are incarcerated are also more likely to have high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, arthritis, and infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and HIV, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Given the large number of people who are incarcerated each year, this is not a minority issue. Between 1980 and 2014, the U.S. incarceration rate increased by 220%, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Today, the incarcerated population is 15 times larger than in 1980, with approximately 5 million people behind bars, including individuals in federal and state prisons as well as local jails, according federal data. As of Jan. 1, there were 1,397 people incarcerated in correctional institutions in Camden County, accounting for 11% of total incarcerated persons, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Two counties, Essex and Camden, comprise 26% of total prison commitments in the state. Gloucester County, which has been sharing jail services with Salem for over a decade following the closure of its correctional facility in 2013, reported 299 incarcerated persons. CAMcare must also provide case management services to incarcerated persons and work with community partners to address health-related social needs, such as housing and food insecurity, financial strain, transportation barriers, and intimate partner violence, according to Monday’s announcement. The funding for CAMcare is part of nearly $52 million in total awards for 54 federally-funded health centers nationwide to increase access to high-quality primary care for people soon to be released from incarceration and reentering the community. Stories by Jackie Roman Inside the unexpected anti-abortion battle unfolding in the abortion safe haven of N.J. 9 months after the largest healthcare breach in history, UnitedHealth subsidiary back online Raising a baby is hard. N.J. is giving new parents the postpartum playbook. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com .

Special teams bungles dominate NFL, with Commanders and Cowboys leading the wayTexans vs. Titans Start Em’ Sit Em’ Week 12 DFSAlabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule

HOLIDAY EVENTS Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) Knights of Columbus offers dinner for those in need For the 38th year, the Georgetown Knights of Columbus Council 3067 will offer a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. The group will provide free meals that can be picked up or eaten at St. Mary's Parish Hall at 317 Broad St. in Georgetown. Food will be served from 10 a.m. until noon or the food runs out. For those without transportation, the group will deliver meals within Georgetown's city limits between 10 a.m. and noon. For delivery, call Colin Peterson at 843-344-9771 and provide your address, phone number and the number of meals you would like delivered. Deliveries should be requested by the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 27. The group plans to provide 425 meals this year. Nov. 29 Pawleys Island's annual Lighting of the Park will be at 5 p.m. at Pawleys Island Nature Park, 323 Myrtle Ave. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided as guests watch holiday lights brighten the park. Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights in Murrells Inlet Visitors of Murrells Inlet this holiday season will be in for a special treat as they stroll along the Murrells Inlet waterfront. The MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights walk-through experience runs from Nov. 29 through December. The nightly light show begins at the top of the hour from 5-11 p.m. There will also be a Santa’s Village open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 22. The Wonderland of Lights will feature stunning arches with thousands of lights themed to Christmas songs, an LED-lit Christmas tree at the end of Veteran’s Pier, festive photo opportunities spread throughout the area where visitors can stop and pose along the way. For more information, visit www.marshwalk.com , check them out on social media or call the MarshWalk answering service at 843-497-3450. Nov. 29 to Jan. 5 Treasured Holiday Memories exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens Trains and treasured memories are the theme of this holiday exhibit. Trains by Lionel and American Flyer will weave through landscapes built by Brookgreen staff. This year, a new addition is a vintage American Flyer layout from the early 1960s. “Amusement Park and Pavilion” also returns, bringing back scenes and sounds of the historic Myrtle Beach Pavilion. There's even a train display in front of the pool in the Jewell Plaza. During Nights of a Thousand Candles, the trains will run. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org . Nov. 29 Brookgreen Gardens will hold its annual Nights of a Thousand Candles Preview Benefit from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. The benefit ticket enables Brookgreen to grow its educational initiatives and encourage lifelong learning. There will be a limited number of tickets, costing $150 each. The ticket price includes wine, beer and other beverages, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Ticket sales will close on Nov. 22 and will not be available for purchase after that date. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org . Nov. 30 to Jan. 5 The Nights of a Thousand Candles goes into full swing beginning Saturday, Nov. 30, as Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights. The event runs from 4-9 p.m. on select dates from Nov. 30 to Jan. 5. Walk the garden pathways with a warm cup of cider. Experience the sounds of holiday music and celebrate the season with family and friends! Dates for the event in 2024 are: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 4-8, 11-15, 18-22 and Dec. 31-Jan. 5. Nights of a Thousand Candles has been named "Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina" by Travel+Leisure Magazine and was the winner of the 2018 Charles A. Bundy award for excellence in tourism from South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism. Admission for Nights of a Thousand Candles is $30 for adults and $14 for children (members) and $35 for adults and $17 for children (non-members). For ticket information, visit www.brookgreen.org . Dec. 6 Georgetown will kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting event from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Francis Marion Park, 750 Front St. Mayor Carol Jayroe will be joined by the children and grandchildren of city employees. The official tree lighting is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Dec. 7 Georgetown's annual Christmas parade begins at 11 a.m. on Front Street. Businesses, organizations, sports teams, bands, dance teams and other groups are welcome. The deadline to enter the parade is Dec. 3. Dec. 7 The Murrells Inlet Christmas tree lighting event lasts from 4-6 p.m. at Morse Park Landing, which is next to the Hot Fish Club. Festivities include crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec. 8 Andrews will hold its annual Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m. It begins at 430 E. Main St. The tree lighting is at 7 p.m. at 101 N. Morgan Ave. There will also be a bonfire from 7:45-9 p.m. at the Main Street Gazebo. There will be hot chocolate, s'mores and coffee. Dec. 8 The Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade starts rolling at 3 p.m. The event begins at Wilcox Avenue and travels down U.S. Highway 17 Business, ending at Wachesaw Road. Dec. 14 The Friends of the Georgetown Library will hold their Yuletide Home Tour from 1-5 p.m. The 22nd annual event will feature 11 residences in Georgetown’s historic district, two houses of worship and three museums. The event supports the Georgetown Library. Tickets may be pre-purchased online at the Friends of the Georgetown Library website, www.myfogl.org/our-events , or at any of the Georgetown County library branch. To submit items for the Holiday Events Calendar, email cperry@postandcourier.com .Carlos Santana returns to Cleveland on 1-year deal, first baseman's third stint with Guardians

One day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, President Dwight Eisenhower helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend Susan Lucci , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality Star Jones continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A literature review published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A study published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicle

Is It Healthier to Sleep Naked? We Asked ExpertsDouble-doubles by Sonia Citron and Hannah Hidalgo lead No. 10 Notre Dame to win over Syracuse in ACC opener

West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski alert and conscious after being taken off on a stretcherJERUSALEM — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. People are also reading... Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Bilal Hussein - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt. President-elect Donald Trump vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Uncredited - hogp, ASSOCIATED PRESS Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troopsand U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Leo Correa - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Hassan Ammar, Associated Press Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. The warnings sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. Leo Correa, Associated Press Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few miles from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 20 miles north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. Leo Correa, Associated Press Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!