Older adults diagnosed with autism face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease-related movement disorders compared to the general population, according to a large new study published in the journal Autism.

Researchers analyzed Medicare and Medicaid claims data covering nearly 57 million Americans aged 45 and older between 2017 and 2019.

Individuals on the spectrum, as well as those with intellectual disabilities, were diagnosed with parkinsonism at much higher rates than those without autism.

HOW EATING HABITS COULD INFLUENCE PARKINSON’S DISEASE RISK, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Parkinsonism refers to a range of neurological conditions characterized by certain movement symptoms, including tremors, muscle rigidity, balance difficulties and slowed voluntary movement, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

While earlier research suggested an overlap between autism and motor decline later in life, it was unclear whether those problems stemmed from the condition or from antipsychotic medications, which are widely known to trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms as a secondary side effect.

To determine whether medications explained the link, researchers excluded people who took antipsychotics from the analysis. They still found higher rates of Parkinson’s-related diagnoses in neurodivergent populations.

In the general population control group, the prevalence of parkinsonism was roughly 1.57%. The prevalence rose to 3.83% among adults with autism alone, 4.32% for those with an intellectual disability alone, and 4.86% among individuals diagnosed with both autism and an intellectual disability.

PARKINSON’S PATIENT’S YEARS-LONG TREMOR VANISHES WITHIN MINUTES OF NEW ULTRASOUND TREATMENT

"A critically important new contribution of this study is increased incidence rates of parkinsonism for autistic people in middle and older adulthood, which suggests that these cases aren’t simply a byproduct of lifelong motor challenges," Greg Wallace, lead author and a professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., said in a press release.

The study represents the first time scientists have tracked the incidence rate, or the risk of newly emerging cases over time, among older autistic individuals.

"It is therefore important for clinicians to establish clear baselines of motor skills and challenges during adulthood that can be tracked over time," Wallace added.

Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist based in Jackson, Tennessee, said this study clarifies previous research that suggested patients with autism are at a higher risk of having Parkinson's.

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"This study takes into account the use of antipsychotic medications that can cause a Parkinson's look (resting tremor, stiffness, shuffled gait, stooped posture, softened voice), which is a different pathology than stereotypical or idiopathic Parkinson's disease," Murray, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"This study showed patients with autism that was associated with intellectual disability seem to have the greatest association with concomitant Parkinson's."

The neurologist cautioned that autism encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity, so the findings don't mean that people with milder cases face a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.

"It certainly is an interesting correlation, although it does not imply that someone with autism is certain to develop Parkinson's," Murray added.

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"From a clinical perspective, it's helpful to review medications with the autistic patient's physicians and, if possible, try to avoid medications that may cause a Parkinson's appearance."

Despite the scope of the data, the authors noted several key limitations of using insurance records.

The investigation relied on billing and diagnostic codes submitted through Medicare and Medicaid, which can contain errors or reflect differences in how clinics and medical providers diagnose conditions.

The reliance on claims data also means researchers could not assess the severity of individual motor symptoms or examine the role of lifestyle factors, genetics and family history, they noted.

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Additionally, the data only captured adults who were enrolled in public insurance programs, potentially leaving out older individuals who rely strictly on private health insurance.

Because people on the autism spectrum may already struggle with coordination, repetitive behaviors or executive functioning challenges, experts say early indicators of Parkinson’s disease can be missed or mistaken, potentially delaying essential care.

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"Patients with autism can have atypical movements that can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's if the examiner is not accustomed to diagnosing it," Murray confirmed.

The researchers emphasized the need for physicians, long-term care facilities and family caregivers to closely monitor older autistic patients for motor decline so interventions can begin as early as possible.

Cavities aren't the only Halloween candy hazard — many sweets can cause a fright to teeth and dental work even in adults, a dentist warns.

Hard sweets can crack a tooth, while sticky treats can pull out dental work, potentially turning a trick-or-treat haul into an expensive dental visit, according to Dr. Marc Lazare, a New York City dentist who has practiced for nearly 30 years and focuses on biomimetic dentistry.

But Lazare isn't trying to spook people. 

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"I'm never going to be the dentist who says, 'Don't enjoy Halloween. Don't have candy,'" he told Fox News Digital. "I love Halloween."

It's all about moderation, he said.

As a dentist, he said he evaluates candy by how it could damage teeth: "Can it harm the enamel? Can it contribute to decay and cavities? Can it pull out a filling or a crown? Can it crack a tooth?" 

People with fillings, posts, crowns, existing cracks or teeth weakened by grinding are particularly vulnerable, he noted.

Hard sweets can force people to crunch down, which may crack or split a tooth, especially one that has already been restored, Lazare said.

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"Anything where you have to force a crunch is not good," he said.

Super-sticky candies and caramels can cling to teeth and pull out fillings or crowns. Chewy sweets can get stuck between teeth, prolonging sugar exposure and what Lazare called an "acid attack."

Sour candy can also expose enamel to acid, he warned. He recommended avoiding snacking throughout the day to help limit acid exposure.

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Candy isn't the only Halloween treat that can haunt your teeth, Lazare noted. While raisins are often seen as a healthier alternative for trick-or-treaters, they can stick to teeth and also contribute to prolonged acid exposure. 

"Raisins are probably one of the worst things you can have for your teeth," he said.

Lazare said his treat recommendation would be chocolate, which melts and dissolves quickly. Dark chocolate is best, he said, because it tends to be lower in sugar than other candy, but beware of fillings like raisins and toffee in that chocolate.

If you do indulge in some Halloween candy, Lazare said, some easy tips can help mitigate the damage.

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Rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing because acid can temporarily soften tooth enamel and brushing immediately may increase wear. Then maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine. 

Sugar-free gum can also help clear food from teeth and get saliva flowing, Lazare said.

If a crown or other restoration comes out, "don't panic," he said. "Stop chewing on that side, save any crown or restoration that comes off, and contact your dentist promptly. Never try to reattach it with household glue."

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Anyone experiencing severe pain, swelling or significant bleeding should "seek urgent dental care," he said.

Some restorations may be reusable, depending on their condition.

The main goal, Lazare said, is prevention, a central tenet of his biomimetic approach, which focuses on preserving natural tooth structure for the long term. 

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"We want to prevent damage rather than have to repair it," he said.

Turning the clocks back at the end of daylight saving time has been linked to trouble falling and staying asleep, while ongoing sleep loss can take a toll on health.

While some research has suggested that the fall time change could have some cardiovascular benefits, the abrupt loss of evening sunlight can suppress serotonin and melatonin production, which can lead to a depressed mood, according to Dr. John La Puma, a California physician and expert in nature-based medicine.

The body’s internal clock does not automatically follow the clock on the wall, La Puma noted.

THE DAYTIME HABIT THAT COULD TRANSFORM YOUR SLEEP, ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY

"When the clocks change, your body clock is still on the old time," he told Fox News Digital, pointing out some common effects people may notice.

"So, for about a week, you wake up an hour early. You get hungry early. You feel sleepy early. It gets dark by five. Afternoon light goes away. You get months of short days. … You need coffee just to feel human. It's not great."

Making small adjustments to your routine after the time change could help ease the transition, the doctor said.

No. 1: Make small schedule shifts

With clocks turning back overnight Saturday, people can begin moving bedtime, meals and wake-up time later in small increments on Friday, according to La Puma.

"So, you move your day later in small steps," he advised. "You move your bedtime and meals the same 15 minutes each time."

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For someone who normally goes to bed at 10 p.m., that could mean 10:15 p.m. Friday and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, before the clocks change. Wake-up times and meals can shift by the same increments as schedules allow.

No. 2: Don't spend the ‘extra hour’ on a late night

Since the time change falls on Halloween, Dr. Saema Tahir, a sleep medicine doctor in New York City, cautioned against staying up late and drinking, operating under the assumption that the extra hour covers it.

"Keep alcohol moderate, finish drinking a few hours before bed and avoid caffeine after early afternoon," she advised.

"Alcohol makes you drowsy at first but breaks up sleep in the second half of the night. Caffeine stays in your system for hours. Together, they can leave you more tired on Sunday than you would be with no time change at all."

No. 3: Get outside at the right time

La Puma also emphasized the importance of being intentional about outdoor exposure.

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"You want to get outside at the right minutes, at the time of day and in the right place if you can," he advised, specifically recommending getting outside each afternoon later in the day.

"Late-day daylight is different than morning daylight. Late-day daylight tells your body the day is running long, and it shifts later," he said.

Once you've adjusted to the time change, Tahir recommends getting outdoor light within an hour of waking every day through the winter.

"Light is the strongest signal the body clock gets," she told Fox News Digital. "Evening light pushes it later, which is the direction you need to go for 'fall back.' Morning light keeps it stable over the darker months and supports mood and daytime alertness."

No. 4: Create a wind-down routine

Choosing a relaxing activity that signals bedtime is approaching can help to promote a consistent sleep schedule.

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La Puma suggests choosing a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as working in a paper workbook, sipping chamomile tea, taking a bath or using aromatherapy, options he outlines in his book, "Indoor Epidemic."

"Very specific things that tell your brain and body, 'I'm winding down so I can go to sleep.'"

No. 5: Avoid caffeine and screens

Other tips include limiting caffeine after noon and stopping screen time at least an hour before bedtime.

La Puma warned that light from the screen can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps signal it is time to sleep. Even using night mode may not fully prevent that effect.

No. 6: Keep a consistent schedule after the change

Once the clocks change, it’s important to maintain a regular wake-up time, including on weekends, La Puma said.

"Pick one wake-up time and keep it every day, weekdays and weekends."

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La Puma cited an eight-year study of about 60,000 people that linked consistent sleep and wake times to a 19% lower risk of death.

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"So, sleep and wake times have important effects on heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular mortality," he said.

Anyone experiencing persistent trouble falling or staying asleep, frequent daytime fatigue or sleep loss that interferes with daily activities should contact a healthcare provider, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Major U.S. and international airline groups are pushing back against a new Ebola-related travel requirement that will affect millions of people flying into the United States.

Beginning Nov. 3, all passengers on international flights to the U.S. will have to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The requirement applies to everyone flying into or connecting through the U.S. — including American citizens, green card holders and airline crew members, the CDC said.

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Travelers will have to complete a paper or digital statement before boarding, even if they have never visited the DRC. 

Airlines must collect the forms and keep them for at least 42 days after the flight arrives in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Airlines for America (A4A), which represents major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest, United and JetBlue, is asking the CDC to reconsider the requirement and give airlines more time to prepare, according to an Oct. 26 letter provided to Fox News Digital.

The group said it supports the CDC's public health goals but argued that the new requirement is too broad and is being introduced too quickly.

A4A asked the government for a "more proportionate and measured U.S. response" focused more closely on affected areas and travelers who have recently been there.

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The group also asked for the Nov. 3 start date to be delayed.

"Changes to check-in systems, digital signatures, station procedures and training cannot readily be completed in the allotted time," A4A wrote.

Dr. Tyler Evans, a California-based infectious disease physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, told Fox News Digital, "This was a step in the right direction, given the fact that we really do have to take this seriously. We have to ensure that this does not cross borders."

He added, "This is the second-largest outbreak of Ebola in history. So this is very serious."

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 370 airlines around the world, has also asked the CDC to reconsider the requirement, Reuters reported.

"It is unreasonable for the U.S. government to require all airlines serving the U.S. market to modify their procedures to accommodate the collection of attestations from each individual (passenger and crew) flying to the United States in less than two weeks," IATA wrote in a letter, according to Reuters.

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A4A is also asking the CDC to exempt airline crew members, arguing that existing aviation documents already contain information about crews and their travel.

The group has requested an exemption for U.S. military passenger charters as well, saying the military already tracks service members' health, safety and whereabouts.

The CDC said the requirement is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel. 

The 21-day period reflects the maximum amount of time it can take for symptoms to appear after exposure.

Anyone who has been in the DRC during that period, including travelers who only passed through an airport there, will not be allowed to board a U.S.-bound flight unless they have a government exemption, the CDC said.

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"Some of the initial symptoms would just be flu-like symptoms. You'll have a high-grade fever, you'll feel sort of fatigued," the doctor said.

"[For] people that ... are asymptomatic, being able to screen is a very effective modality to reduce, to prevent or mitigate further transmission," Evans said.

Evans worked on the Ebola response twice in the past, both in West Africa and in the DRC, the two largest outbreaks in history.

"The reality is Ebola is one of the most infectious and has one of the highest case fatality rates of infectious diseases," Evans said.

But Americans often don't view Ebola as being relevant to them, he said. "When it comes to infectious diseases ... microbes don't sort of respect boundaries."

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Travelers who knowingly provide false information could face prosecution and fines, according to the CDC.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC and IATA for further information and comment.

There may be a promising new treatment on the horizon for advanced breast cancer patients, according to developing research.

Researchers are studying the cancer-killing drug trastuzumab rezetecan for those with ERBB2-low metastatic breast cancer, whose tumors have low levels of HER2, a protein that can help cancer cells grow.

A phase 3 clinical trial called HORIZON-Breast06 sought to determine whether the drug works better than standard chemotherapy for patients with this cancer type.

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The researchers analyzed 551 female patients across 73 hospitals in China who were randomly assigned to receive either the drug intravenously every three weeks, or the physician’s choice of chemotherapy. The study period lasted from June 2023 to August 2025.

The drug significantly delayed cancer progression compared with chemotherapy, giving patients more than a year before their cancer began growing again.

The median time without tumor growth was 16.4 months compared to 6.8 months with chemo.

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Patients who received trastuzumab rezetecan were 73% less likely to have their cancer worsen or die during the study than patients who received chemotherapy.

The drug appeared to delay cancer progression in patients with both hormone receptor-positive and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.

The results were published in JAMA.

Tumors shrank in 75.5% of patients who received the drug, compared with 41.2% of those who received chemotherapy.

At the 12-month mark, 90.6% of trastuzumab rezetecan patients were alive, compared to 81.4% of chemo patients.

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The authors concluded that trastuzumab rezetecan provided "significant progression-free survival benefit over physician’s choice of chemotherapy in patients with ERBB2-low advanced breast cancer."

Loren Rourke, a Texas-based breast surgical oncologist and author in Texas, called the results "incredibly encouraging."

"When you're talking about women living with advanced breast cancer, those months matter," Rourke, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "They represent more time when the cancer is being held in check and potentially more opportunities to enjoy life without the disease getting worse."

What makes these findings especially exciting, according to the oncologist, is that the treatment showed benefits across different types of breast cancer.

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"It's another important step forward, and it gives us genuine reason to be hopeful," she said. "A treatment that can keep cancer from progressing for a longer period has the potential to make an enormous difference in a patient's life."

While the drug may cause fewer serious lung problems than similar treatments, it was linked to other side effects, including anemia and other blood-related problems.

Serious side effects occurred in more than 84% of patients who received the new drug, compared with nearly 68% of those who received chemotherapy.

Rourke emphasized the importance of considering the side effects, "because more time without cancer progression doesn't automatically mean better quality of life."

"We need to better understand the side effects, particularly the significant decreases in blood counts that can lead to fatigue, anemia and increased risk of infection," she said.

The researchers acknowledged that toxicity occurred more frequently and often required dose modification, although they said these effects were "generally manageable."

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The experts agreed that more research is needed.

"As exciting as these findings are, there are still important questions we need to answer," Rourke told Fox News Digital. "We know this treatment delayed cancer progression, but we don't yet know whether it will help patients live longer. That's an important distinction."

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"It's important to celebrate meaningful progress while making sure we're asking the right questions about what comes next."

What's a spending habit rich people have that is totally worth it?

As the loyal readers know, I am a big fan of Reddit. When it comes to places on the internet where you can find yourself going down deep rabbit holes, there's probably no place that beats Reddit.

You simply never know what you're going to find. There are plenty of crazy stories, history lessons and really cool military content on Reddit.

REDDIT THREAD ON LIFE CHEAT CODES GOES VIRAL WITH ADVICE ON FITNESS, SLEEP AND COMPOUND INTEREST

There's also plenty of debates and discussions, and that's what leads us here today.

Convenience habits of rich people go viral on Reddit

I was scrolling the r/askreddit subreddit early Thursday morning when I stumbled across and interesting thread title that caught my attention:

AMERICANS SAY THEY'RE BROKE. SO WHY CAN'T THEY STOP SPENDING SO MUCH?

What's a 'rich people' thing you tried once and immediately understood why they do it?

As someone interested in money (aren't we all, after all?), it was an instant click from me. The results didn't disappoint at all.

Let's check out some of the replies before breaking it down:

• I drive a Lexus. Oh, wait, it's 20 years old. Regardless I feel like a princess behind the wheel.
• Ordering groceries that arrive pre chopped, pre washed, and neatly portioned. I laughed at the price tag once, tried it during a burnout week, and instantly understood. It’s not buying food it’s buying back two hours of your Sunday so you don't spend it crying over a cutting board.
• Don't ever fly business class on a long haul flight unless you can afford to do it regularly. Once you know... economy sucks so much harder.
• Custom made clothes. Had a dress made for a special event. Fit me like a glove, looked perfect on me, and I felt like a queen. Would get my whole wardrobe custom made if I had them money.
• Flew private. Our organization has a small place and the pilots have to have a certain number of flight hours per month so we asked to fly to a regional meeting. I parked, walked in, waited for the plane to land, got a short safety briefing, then walked 30 feet to the plane and boarded. No one even checked my ID. I 100% understand why people do this. It was so so nice not to have to deal with airport parking, TSA, or loading a commercial plane (where I always fly cheap af).
• Hiring movers. Not sure if this counts, but I hired a moving company to move my stuff for the first time. Was like half a garage and a rooms worth of stuff. $500 later and it’s just where you need it to be. Parents divorced when I was young. They seemed to lease a new house every year, so lots of moving. Finally realized it doesn’t have to be a terrible process and I can just have someone else do it all and it’s so worth it.
• Flying first class. Apparently the difference between hating air travel and enjoying it is about six inches of legroom and a glass of champagne.
• What I'm getting from this thread is that flying is miserable if you're not rich
• I bought a bespoke suit. Made me look like James Bond. And ruined off the rack suits for me. You essentially don't want to wear anything else.
• Anything above economy for long haul flights. I just did premium economy and the difference was enough to nearly spoil me. I can't imagine how it feels in business and first.
• I bought vip packages to a music festival. Was like $10 a person extra with access to private lounge and things. I only did it for the great access bathrooms. That alone was easily worth it to me.
• Cleaning lady. Never did it myself, but I dated a woman with a cleaning lady. Picked her up at a messy home, had a nice time out, came back to a spotless home. Unbelievable experience. If I ever have money, cleaning lady.
• Went to the warmer states during the winter months.
• Taking a $40 uber right to my destination instead of having to take a bus to a train to a bus and walking several blocks.
• Eating at a really nice restaurant. I am talking about a Michelin star restaurant. I went to one on a work trip once.
• Hiring a moving company
• Having someone clean your house for you. I finally understand why rich people pay for convenience.

Now, as the readers also know, I'm a working class guy from rural Wisconsin. You grow up fast when you grow up in those harsh winters. Life doesn't have many luxuries and you learn to get by with what you have.

Having said that, I have tasted the high-life once or twice, and without question flying first class is the obvious answer to this viral Reddit question.

Are there much more expensive things rich people have access to? Sure, but flying first class is attainable for most people if they want it to be, and it makes the flying experience significantly better.

Not a little bit better.

Much better.

Taking a seat on a first class flight – I've always found Delta to be the best – and being immediately greeted with a snack and drink instantly makes the hellish airport experience better.

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It's almost impossible to go back once you've been in first class.

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What's your splurge item that wealthy people enjoy? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Amid a growing trend of parent-child estrangement, experts say recognizing the early warning signs may help families address problems before they escalate into a no-contact situation.

Nearly four in 10 Americans are currently estranged from at least one close family member, according to a 2025 YouGov poll of 4,395 U.S. adults. That includes 24% who reported estrangement from a sibling, 16% from a parent and 10% from a child.

While estrangement can sometimes seem sudden, experts say subtle changes may signal that a family relationship is beginning to unravel.

CUT OFF BY YOUR ADULT CHILD? PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCHER REVEALS WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO NEXT

The quiet signs

Mary McLaughlin, a licensed couples and family therapist in Vienna, Virginia, said early signs may include an adult child becoming less willing to share details of their life directly with a parent.

"You might find out about the trip, the new relationship or a promotion at work at the same time everyone else does," she told Fox News Digital.

The parent may still be in contact with the adult child, McLaughlin said, but the child no longer chooses to share parts of their life directly.

ADULT CHILDREN CUTTING OFF PARENTS AS SOME BLAME THERAPY FOR FAMILY ESTRANGEMENTS

Other potential warning signs may include skipping family holidays, birthdays or weddings; leaving texts and calls unanswered; and reducing communication to brief or sporadic exchanges, according to the expert.

The distance may become so noticeable that siblings, grandparents or other relatives comment that they have not seen or heard from the adult child in a long time.

A child who once readily joined family photos but begins stepping out of them may also be signaling that they are starting to see themselves as separate from the family, McLaughlin said.

Blythe Landry, a Pennsylvania-based therapist and founder of Blythe Landry Coaching, said other early signs may include a child becoming involved with a new social group that encourages estrangement over difficult conversations, or "beginning to rewrite history in a way that seems more damaging than what might have happened."

The adult child may also become less willing to let a parent spend time with their grandchildren.

‘QUIET QUITTING’ IN MARRIAGE: THE SUBTLE SIGNS A SPOUSE HAS EMOTIONALLY CHECKED OUT

The most telling sign may be a noticeable shift in the tone of the relationship, Landry said.

"You know your child, and you know when the energy has shifted in a direction that seems dramatically harsher than in previous interactions."

The shift to independence

Laura Wellington, a Connecticut mother who has been estranged from her adult daughter since 2024, said it can be challenging to distinguish early signs of estrangement from typical moves toward independence.

"It’s confusing to the parent because, a lot of times, they look like the general signs of a teenager moving into the young-adult zone — just pulling away and going off and establishing their lives," she told Fox News Digital.

"That’s what I think confuses many parents, because they want to give them the space to start pulling away and showing signs of their own individuality and carving their path."

"They don’t want to fight every battle, because if they fight every battle, then communication breaks down. So they try to pick and choose."

Loss of respect

One warning sign, according to Wellington, is if the child has an "I know everything, you know nothing" mindset.

"What's happening in our society today is … a lot of ‘I know everything, you know nothing’ toward the parent," she said. "There's no respect for what the parents experience. There's no tolerance for them speaking up and saying, ‘No, this is not what you should be doing.’"

In some cases, the child may begin treating the parent as a subordinate, according to Wellington.

Some parents begin to notice a shift when their adult children start treating them with disrespect, pushing back on their opinions and positioning themselves as the authority in the relationship, she said.

"They become the authority; they flip it. Anytime you say something, you’ll see them bark at the parent and push back on the parent. They really have no respect for the parent."

Different worldviews

Wellington also pointed to major differences in political, religious or lifestyle beliefs as a possible source of growing distance between parents and adult children.

She suggested that some young people who become estranged are "more liberal in thinking," while acknowledging that the dynamic can also work in the opposite direction when a parent holds especially strong ideological views.

"There is extremism sometimes where the parent is extremely something, and then the child … goes the other way," she said.

Richard Blake, Ph.D., a Texas-based psychology researcher who focuses on anxiety and family estrangement, said an adult child’s unwillingness to consider differing views may signal trouble.

He suggested that personality may play a role, with more argumentative adult children who are less willing to consider differing views potentially more prone to family estrangement.

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Repeated cutoffs

Another possible warning sign, according to Blake, is if the adult child has begun cutting off other people. He said parents should take note if an adult child has repeatedly stopped speaking to relatives or openly boasts about ending relationships.

"Chances are, they're going to cut off someone else, and it may be the parent," he said. "If you haven’t been cut off yet, you may be in the firing line there."

Communication breakdown

Ongoing communication problems may be an early warning sign, Blake said, particularly when an adult child feels that a parent refuses to listen or acknowledge the child’s point of view.

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"They may say, 'My parents just don’t listen. I cannot get through to them. It’s like talking to a brick wall.'"

Parents who consistently dismiss their children’s concerns should not be surprised when conflict develops, he said.

"If you don’t listen to your child, then don’t be surprised if you have conflict with them."

Blake recommends listening actively, avoiding interruptions, repeating back what the other person has said and asking a simple follow-up question: "First, you say, 'Is there more?'"

No clear warning

While there may be some early signs, Blake emphasized that estrangement can sometimes appear suddenly, with no warning.

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"A lot of parents will say, ‘My child never told me the issue. We were best friends. And then I got a letter saying, never contact me ever again.’"

"That is a big problem. It's like people don't even know why they get cut off."

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Landry noted that recognizing possible warning signs should prompt honest self-reflection, not just concern about the other person’s behavior.

"If there is an imminent estrangement, dig deep," she advised. "Do you have a part? If so, is there a chance of rectifying it before it occurs?"

A customer is raising questions about tipping practices at Applebee's after noticing that the suggested gratuity on his bill was higher than he expected.

The customer, who shared his experience in a TikTok video, questioned why the restaurant's payment kiosk suggested an $11.30 tip on a $49.49 bill.

A 20% tip on $49.49 would amount to $9.90 — about $1.40 less than the suggested amount.

SHAKE SHACK CUSTOMER HITS 'NO TIP' AT KIOSK, THEN WATCHES PRICES JUMP IN VIRAL VIDEO

The apparent explanation was that the kiosk calculated the suggested gratuity on the after-tax total of $56.50, rather than the $49.49 subtotal.

The payment screen indicated that tips were calculated after tax and before discounts, according to the video.

Fox News Digital reached out to Applebee's and the customer for comment.

Robert Mahon, managing partner of New York City-based Mahon Hospitality Group, told Fox News Digital that restaurants generally have some control over how their payment systems calculate suggested gratuities.

AUTOMATIC TIP OR SERVICE CHARGE? NEW STATE LAW REQUIRES RESTAURANTS TO TELL DINERS BEFORE THEY ORDER

"It varies from restaurant to restaurant," he said. "The systems come with default settings, but the restaurant can usually change them. We use Toast, which defaults to calculating tips before tax, and there's a setting in the back office to switch it."

Mahon said he believes gratuities should be based on the pre-tax amount.

"You're tipping for the food, drinks and service — adding tax into that calculation doesn't really make sense to me," he said. "Guests can always leave more if they want."

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He also stressed the importance of transparency when customers are presented with suggested tipping percentages.

"The main thing is being clear. If someone hits 20%, they should know what they're leaving 20% on," he said.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on a similar incident at Dave & Buster's, where customers questioned suggested gratuities that appeared to be calculated on after-tax totals.

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While the Applebee's kiosk appeared to disclose how its suggested tips were calculated, the incident highlights the importance of checking the amount on which a suggested gratuity is based before paying.

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"I'd want to see the full receipt before putting it all down to tax," Mahon said.

A hidden problem is surfacing regarding certain pilots' behavior.

More than three in four pilots reported having at least one "microsleep" while operating an aircraft in recent weeks, according to a report by aviation consultancy Baines Simmons based on responses from 7,200 pilots across 32 European countries.

The findings were published by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), which represents over 44,000 pilots across Europe, according to a press release.

HOW MUCH REST SHOULD FLIGHT ATTENDANTS GET? NEW PROPOSAL IGNITES FIGHT IN THE SKIES

The concerns extend beyond brief episodes of sleep in the cockpit. Nearly 39% of pilots said they usually or always did not get enough rest to keep fatigue from building up, according to the report.

The findings also raised questions about whether pilots feel comfortable reporting when they are too tired to fly.

Only 37.2% said they typically report when they are too fatigued to fly, while 24.2% said they do not report it and fly anyway, according to the findings. 

"When pilots fear career consequences, fatigue goes unreported, and the risk returns to the cockpit," Capt. Coen George, an ECA board director, said in the press release.

He warned that the reluctance to speak up could leave airlines unaware of how widespread fatigue is among their crews.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented stricter pilot rest and duty requirements in 2012 to address fatigue and improve safety, the agency said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Under the rules, pilots must receive at least 10 consecutive hours of rest before a flight duty period, including an opportunity for eight uninterrupted hours of sleep. Pilots who feel fatigued or unfit to fly must report it and be removed from duty by the airline, according to the FAA.

Pilot fatigue can be particularly challenging when crews work overnight or travel across multiple time zones.

Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilot who later flew for American Airlines and FedEx, previously told Fox News Digital that having scheduled time off does not necessarily mean a pilot gets enough sleep.

"It's just unnatural to sleep during off-hours," Buckley said.

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Pilots may arrive at a hotel early in the morning and then have to sleep during the day, while long-haul flights can further disrupt normal sleep patterns, Buckley said.

"Where it really takes a toll on the body for pilots is east-west," he said. "When you're crossing multiple time zones, [that's] when your body can really get messed up."

Buckley also emphasized that pilots ultimately have to assess whether they're rested enough to safely operate an aircraft.

"At the end of the day ... you know who determines if a pilot is fit to fly? You," Buckley said.

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Having nearly "77% of respondents [in the new survey] say that they reported micro-sleeping or dozing off while at work is definitely an alarming number, and the industry does need to take note of this," Bobby Laurie, a Pennsylvania-based travel expert and former flight attendant, told Fox News Digital. 

"But it's not necessarily a warning sign that the flight that you've been on had a pilot or both pilots asleep."

He said that while there are things the industry can do to "rectify this problem," travelers, too, should take note of a few things. 

"If you find yourself at the airport, and the departure board is saying you're delayed due to crew rest … you need to realize that the delay is posted for safety reasons. You might not have gotten to your destination in one piece if those crew members did not get the rest they needed," he said. 

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Fox News Digital previously reported that rest requirements for flight attendants have faced scrutiny in the U.S.

The FAA recently proposed a nationwide rule that would prevent state and local governments from setting separate meal and rest-break requirements for flight attendants and pilots.

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Major flight attendant unions opposed the proposal, arguing that some crew members already work for hours without enough opportunities to eat, drink or use the restroom.

Fox News Digital reached out to Baines Simmons and Flight Safety Foundation for comment.

A new whiskey from a family-owned Nevada distillery is bottled at 123.4 proof, a number that might intimidate some whiskey drinkers.

But does a higher proof necessarily mean a better drink?

The answer isn't as simple as the number on the bottle, according to a spirits expert and the distillery's owners.

MAKING WHISKEY AT HOME COULD LAND YOU IN PRISON, BUT SUPREME COURT MAY CHANGE THAT

Aged in oak barrels for five to eight years, the Third Harvest whiskey from Frey Ranch Farmers & Distillers in Fallon, Nevada, is 61.7% alcohol by volume (ABV), the equivalent of 123.4 proof.

Colby and Ashley Frey, co-founders and owners of the distillery, spoke with Fox News Digital about their farming heritage and the new whiskey.

Colby Frey's family began farming in northern Nevada in 1854, and he's kept the legacy alive.

"We've been continually farming in Nevada ever since," he told Fox News Digital.

The Third Harvest whiskey is made from a blend of corn, rye, malted barley, wheat and triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid.

HIGH-ALCOHOL, READY-TO-DRINK COCKTAILS SPARK OVERCONSUMPTION CONCERNS FOR GEN Z DRINKERS

Frey Ranch grows 100% of its grains on-site, and the sole purpose of those grains is to become whiskey.

"It's really rare in the whiskey world to do that," Colby said.

Despite its high proof, the number is not outrageous, Derek Brown of Drink Company, a Washington, D.C.-based hospitality consulting and events company, told Fox News Digital.

"There are many whiskies that are barrel strength, although this one is certainly toward the upper limit," Brown said, adding that some of his favorite bottles are high proof.

Brown noted that, ideally, a high-proof spirit will have more complex flavors from the barrels it's aged in as opposed to an overpowering alcohol flavor.

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"It can definitely produce a burning sensation and be too much if the other flavors, especially those from wood maturation, are not also present," he said.

The Freys acknowledged that this specific bottle has a high proof, but they said the number doesn't tell the whole story.

"We like to pick our whiskey and proof our whiskey based on flavor profiles, not on proof," Ashley Frey said. "So, we'll always taste it at various proofs, and, for us, we want to be able to say we're tasting the best expression of our grain as a whiskey."

This batch, she added, "is going to be for somebody who's really searching and has a refined palate that's able to pull out all these flavor profiles."

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Brown agreed, saying it's "definitely for the initiated."

"However, if you're willing to take a chance, it's entirely reasonable to add water or an ice cube to whiskey if it's too strong for you," he said.

Those who are sensitive to bitter, bold flavors might be better off choosing a different beverage, Brown recommended.

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Only about 700 bottles will be made from this specific batch, priced at $299 each.

"It's really a piece of me and Colby's hard work and heritage and love for the land and agriculture that's expressed through a bottle of whiskey," Ashley Frey said.

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Still, it's important to consume high-proof spirits mindfully, ideally with food, Brown suggested.