That Bites

What's behind a growing red meat allergy. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 31, 2023 Good morning! The Mega Millions jackpot is over a billion dollars, and we’ve got the scoop on how those payouts work — and [why you don't want a big windfall](. Over in health, a groundbreaking study revealed [a way to reduce dementia risk]( while improving your hearing, and we're sharing the latest. We also reveal [the common habit that can lead to health issues]( (you might be doing it right now). But first, we’ve got the details on [the unexpected cause of a rise in red meat allergies](. Let's begin.   In the News [an illustration of a steak]( Getty Images That Bites The CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands of Americans may have a little-known condition that makes them allergic to red meat — but they haven’t been diagnosed. Here’s [what to know about alpha-gal syndrome](: What is it? Alpha-gal is a sugar that’s found in beef, pork, venison — and tick spit. It’s not usually a problem for us when we devour a burger, but if you’re bitten by a lone star tick, it can inject alpha-gal through the skin. The body then identifies it as a threat and puts the immune system on high alert, so the next time you dig into a rib-eye, you could experience hives, vomiting, or other unpleasant symptoms. How many people have alpha-gal? More than 100,000 Americans have developed the condition since 2010. But it’s thought that as many as 450,000 could be living with it, according to a new study from the CDC. In a survey of 1,500 physicians, half had never heard of the allergy and only 5% said they could confidently diagnose it. Here’s more on the syndrome, [why it’s so hard for doctors to identify]( and why experts think climate change is helping it spread. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Flone-star-tick-meat-allergy-alpha-gal%2F   More Stories [Donald Trump clapping in front of a crowd of supporters]( Getty Images At what cost: Donald Trump leads his closest 2024 Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 54% to 17% among likely GOP voters, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll. This comes as the Washington Post reports that Trump's leadership PAC spent $40 million on legal fees for him and his allies in the first six months of this year. As the Post notes, the PAC's fundraising, much of which has been carried out alongside false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, is under investigation. Preliminary injunction: A federal judge has temporarily blocked Arkansas from enforcing a law that would allow criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors. The measure, which was due to take effect on August 1, would also have created a process by which books could be challenged and moved to areas inaccessible to kids. Free at last: A tiny roundworm has been revived after spending an unbelievable 46,000 years in the Siberian permafrost. The worm, which went into the ice while Neanderthals and saber-toothed tigers still roamed the Earth, had entered a state called cryptobiosis, during which it had no metabolism, and didn't need to eat. It remained "between life and death," Professor Teymuras Kurzchalia, who was involved in the research, said per CNN. Incredible escape: An eight-year-old boy survived an "extraordinarily rare" cougar attack in Washington’s Olympic National Park on Saturday evening. The child, who hasn't been named, was camping with his mother at Lake Angeles. The predator “casually abandoned its attack after being yelled and screamed at by the child’s mother,” the park service said.   Must-Reads [Kim Kardashian, hourglass, and measuring tape]( Hard to Stomach We’ve all done it: sucked in our stomachs for a photo or a day at the beach. But holding it in for prolonged periods can be dangerous. [Read More »]( [Magnifying glass focusing on ''Mega Millions'' on an internet browser]( The Big Bucks The Mega Millions jackpot has officially crossed the billion-dollar threshold. We break down what you need to know about the payout. [Read More »]( [Photos of Jennifer Aniston on red background]( For the Record Jennifer Aniston is a common source of speculation, and even outright falsehoods, which we're clearing up right here. [Read More »](   On the Brain [Model of an ear with a hearing aid put in]( Getty Images Can cognitive decline be slowed, or even stopped? Research is shedding light on interventions that can make a difference. Here’s what you need to know: Listen up: A study published in Lancet this month found that hearing aids helped reduce cognitive decline in older adults by as much as 48%. We've got more on [why it's so important to get your hearing checked](, and how it can help with short-term memory. Fresh air: Getting outside regularly is good for your mental and physical health, and it's been linked to lower rates of dementia. Here's [how much time in nature you need]( to see the benefits. Eat smart: We know foods with omega-3s can be good for the brain, and on the reverse side, ultraprocessed foods have been linked to cognitive decline. But before you throw out all your frozen dinners, [there is a catch](.   Meal Prep Monday [Joanna gaines in front of peanut butter balls]( Getty Images / KCM In this heat, we’re all for delicious recipes that don’t require turning on your oven — and that doesn’t mean we’re only eating salads until things cool down. We found [this decadent dessert recipe from Joanna Gaines]( that calls for just six ingredients and only takes about half an hour to whip up. It’ll be a hit at your next party (or whenever you have a craving for something sweet)! [READ MORE](   Curated by You [ Revitalash kit, Knickey triangle bra, Cozy Earth sheets] KCM It’s that time again! We’re taking a peek inside your shopping carts to see what your fellow Wake-Up Call readers have been checking out this past month. Here are your faves: - Many of us have been feeling the heat and stocking up on [these cooling bamboo sheets]( for a restful night’s sleep. - ‘Tis not the season for restrictive underwire, which might explain why [this lightweight bralette]( has been a fan favorite this month. - We’re loving this [super-flattering one-piece swimsuit]( that comes in a bunch of eye-popping colors and prints, but we’re partial to the Baywatch vibes of the bright red hue. - I’m a huge fan of Walker and Wade’s easy, breezy dresses — and not just because my friend Laurie founded the brand. You can find me wearing lots of different styles, including [the flowy Ibiza dress](. - Time for a beauty brush-up? This [lash and brow conditioning set]( can help you get the bespoke brows of your dreams, right from home.   One More Thing The holidays will be here before you know it, so we're planning way in advance. We want to know how you prep for the season of gifting. Where do you love to shop? What's the best gift you ever gave or received? We'll be compiling your wisdom, and answering your questions, right here in future editions of Wake-Up Call. Share your insights with us at ask@katiecouric.com.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.