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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A former Ohio doctor who was fired before being found not guilty on murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against his former employers on Monday, after a judge stepped in for a jury on grounds the evidence presented by the defendants was incontrovertible.

Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh issued his directed verdict against former doctor William Husel, whose attorneys accused Michigan-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus of orchestrating a campaign to destroy his reputation.

Husel was seeking more than $18 million from the health care companies.

His attorney, David Vermillion, said in a statement that Husel’s legal team was disappointed that McIntosh would prevent the jury from making a decision in the case after weeks of evidence and testimony had been presented. He said issuing the directed verdict, a procedural move requested by the hospital, “effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.”

“This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented,” he said. “We are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations.”

Mount Carmel issued a statement that said simply, “We are pleased with the judge’s decision.”

Mount Carmel Health System fired the doctor in 2018 after it concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years.

He initially was charged with murder in 25 deaths in one of the biggest cases of its kind ever brought against a U.S. health care professional. Eleven counts were dismissed before trial.

Husel, now 49, maintained he was trying to help patients deal with their pain, sometimes in the last moments of their life, not speed up their deaths. Despite being found not guilty by a jury on murder charges in 2022, he permanently surrendered his medical license.

He filed multiple lawsuits against his former employer, accusing Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of defamation and malicious prosecution.

As part of the defamation lawsuit filed in 2019, Husel’s attorneys said Trinity Health repeatedly spread lies and false information to convince the public and law enforcement that Husel was a killer, even though health system officials knew that was not true.

“Obviously, these false allegations destroyed Dr. Husel’s life,” the lawsuit said. Husel gave up his medical license because his lawyers said that he knew the damage to his reputation would prevent him from working as a doctor.

In court documents filed two years ago, Husel said he had been unable to find work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Trinity Health had asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, but a Franklin County judge ruled there was enough reason to move forward.

Husel, who worked in the intensive care unit, was charged in cases that involved the use of at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for nonsurgical situations indicated an intent to end lives.

His colleagues who administered the medications at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus weren’t criminally charged, but the hospital said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for disciplinary action.

The hospital reached settlements in multiple cases involving relatives of the patients who died.

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Seewer reported from Toledo.

CNN
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Human-caused climate change has already made heat waves around the world more frequent and intense.

Scientists who study the role of global warming on weather say that every heat wave today bears the fingerprints of the climate crisis.

Climate change, driven primarily by humans burning fossil fuels, is worsening global extreme weather in general, but much of that change is related to heat.

In the US, heat kills more Americans than any other weather-related disaster, and it will only continue to worsen as the world heats up from burning fossil fuels.

Here’s what happens to your body in extreme heat, what you need to watch out for and how to stay safe.

What happens to your body

Normally, your body is used to a certain range of temperatures, usually between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. When your brain senses a change – either lower or higher than that – it attempts to help your body cool down or heat up, according to Dr. Judith Linden, executive vice chair of the department of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center and a professor in the emergency medicine department at Boston University’s school of medicine.

“There are a number of different ways in which (the brain) attempts to cool the body down. One way, the most common way we think of, is that you sweat,” Linden said. “The pores open, the body sweats and the sweat evaporates, that cools the body.”

The second way your body cools itself down is by dilating vessels and upping your heart rate, which helps bring heat and blood to the surface of your body and helps releases that excess heat.

When you’re exposed to high temperatures, it becomes harder for your body to try and keep up with cooling itself down. And if your environment is hot and humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily – which pushes your body’s temperature even higher, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“The higher the humidity, the lower temperatures you need for extreme heat,” Linden said.

High body temperatures can lead to damage to the brain and other vital organs, the CDC says. They can also lead to several heat-related illnesses.

Mild-heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, are most common, Linden said. Heat cramps can develop in people who sweat a lot, including during exercising. The excessive sweating uses up all of the body’s salt and moisture and can lead to muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs, according to the CDC.

A heat rash can also develop. That’s a skin irritation caused by too much sweating in hot and humid weather, and is most common in young children, the CDC says. It is usually a red cluster of pimples or blisters, and tends to be in places including the neck, upper chest or in elbow creases.

When your body’s beginning to exceed its ability to cool itself down, you can develop what’s known as heat exhaustion.

“In this case you’re going to see excessive sweating because your body is really going to try and keep up with that extra heat. You’re going to feel light-headed, you may feel dizzy, often people present with nausea, headaches and their skin often looks pale and clammy and their pulse is often fast,” Linden said.

“This is the body’s last attempt to cool itself before it really goes into a point of no return.”

A heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, and, if left untreated, can lead to death.

“That’s where your body’s temperature goes above 104 to 105 degrees or so, and this is where your mechanisms are starting to fail,” Linden said.

Warning signs may include extremely high body temperatures, red and dry skin, a rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness, according to the CDC.

The hallmark of a heat stroke is confusion and agitation, Linden said.

“So when somebody’s in the heat and they become confused and agitated, that’s heat stroke until proven otherwise and you need to call 911 for that or get help immediately and get the person out of the heat.”

Elderly, people with chronic medical conditions as well as children are at higher risk for severe heat-related illnesses.

The elderly and people with chronic medical conditions may be less likely to sense and respond to temperature changes and may be taking medication that make the heat effects worse, the CDC said.

“Very young (people) as well, because they’re less likely to recognize heat-related illness and they’re less likely to get out of the heat if they’re starting to feel overheated,” Linden said.

Student-athletes and pets are also at higher risk, she added.

“In this weather, you must never, ever, ever leave a child or a pet in the car for even a minute,” Linden added.

When your community is facing extreme heat, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

First, keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion or other illnesses. “If somebody starts feeling light-headed, dizzy, nausea or headache, that is the time to act immediately,” Linden said. “That means getting them out of the heat and into a cool environment.”

Putting water on someone who may be experiencing symptoms and giving them fluids can help cool them down. If someone is starting to lose consciousness or has nausea or vomiting, call 911.

“If you see anybody with any type of confusion, that’s an immediate red flag,” Linden added.

When it’s hot outside, try to avoid outdoor activities – especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to Linden. If you have to go outside, wear light-colored clothing, cover your head and drink plenty of fluids.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water – as that can be a sign of dehydration. Linden recommends drinking at least one glass of water – or more – an hour.

“If you do start to feel light-headed, dizzy, sweating, fast pulse, get out of the heat immediately,” Linden said.

Try to find air conditioning, or places in your area where you can go to stay cool, according to Ready.gov. Even spending a few hours in a shopping mall or public library can help.

When you’re home, fans can help, but don’t rely on them as your only way of cooling down – while it may feel more comfortable, they won’t help prevent heat-related illness.

“If you’re in a super hot room, if you’ve got a fan, is it helpful? No. I think, if you’ve got a fan, and you’re able to mist yourself … then fans can be helpful,” Linden said. “Fans are not foolproof.”

Finally, make sure you’re checking on your neighbors, parents and friends – especially older individuals who may be living alone or are isolated, Linden said.

Fitness experts say people should be able to hold a plank for anywhere from 20 seconds up to two minutes, depending on their age.

An 80-year-old Florida man has blown that goal out of the water, recently holding a plank for a whopping 50 minutes — 100 times longer than the average recommendation for his age.

Bob Schwartz held the plank — which is believed to be a record for his age — at the Ocean Reef Fitness Club in Key Largo.

CAN YOU HOLD A PLANK LONGER THAN OTHERS YOUR AGE? FOX HOSTS TEST THEIR CORE STRENGTH

Luis Bracamonte, director of fitness and wellness at the club, said he witnessed Schwartz’s feat, which earned him the nickname of “The Plankster.”

“To our knowledge, after extensive searching, it is the longest plank ever held by an 80-year-old,” Bracamonte told Fox News Digital. “Mr. Schwartz is an extraordinary individual and a perfect example of a ‘super-ager.’“

A plank is an isometric move where the person holds a push-up position for a set period of time. It is often touted as an abdominal exercise, serving as an alternative to traditional sit-ups and crunches.

In addition to strengthening stomach muscles, planks also work the arms, legs, chest and back, according to experts.

CRUNCHES BY AGE: HERE’S HOW MANY YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO

Schwartz’s planking journey began when Bracamonte set up a contest in 2016, where any member who could do a four-minute plank would get a free smoothie. Schwartz not only got his smoothie, but he won the contest, planking for just over 10 minutes. 

“Prior to that, one minute was probably my max, although by this time, my core was in pretty decent shape,” he told Fox News Digital.

As Schwartz continued to extend his planking times, he started researching online and discovered that his times were already longer than the records for his age bracket. 

“The over-80 record has been 15:03 since 2019, and the over-70 record was 38 minutes,” he said. 

PUSH-UPS BY AGE: HERE’S HOW MANY YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO

Schwartz applied to Guinness World Records, but was told that they don’t recognize records by age group. 

“So in this internet age, you just post a video of your accomplishment and claim the title until somebody beats you,” he said. “So during this year’s fitness challenge, we decided to video my plank and post it.”

“The hardest part is just making the commitment to exercise, and staying with it long enough for it to become a habit.”

The passion for planking has become a family affair, as Schwartz’s youngest grandson, who is 7 years old, has started joining him in plank challenges.

Schwartz embraces planking as a convenient way to work virtually every major muscle in the body. “A plank can be done at home, without equipment, and in a short period of time,” he noted. 

Sticking with it

Schwartz has not been a lifelong fitness enthusiast — he didn’t set foot in a gym until 2006, when he was 62 years old. 

After years of suffering from chronic back pain, he finally discovered the therapeutic effects of exercise.

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“Since I’ve been doing core exercises, I have never had a back issue,” he told Fox News Digital.

Schwartz started with a core and cycle class, eventually adding strength training sessions to his regimen. He also walks three miles each morning.

“When I strength-train, I push myself as hard as I can,” he said. “Many exercise sets end in muscle fail. I’ve been able to improve my stats every year, but it’s getting much harder now.”

Schwartz said he also adheres to a “healthy-ish” diet, aiming for a minimum of one serving of fruit, two servings of vegetables, fish for at least one meal, and usually chicken (or occasionally pork or beef) for dinner. 

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He also tries to minimize sugar and rarely drinks alcohol.

“My blood pressure is the same as it’s always been, and I’m not on any medications,” he said. “I do take several supplements. My weight has not changed more than 10 pounds since I was 18.”

“The hardest part is just making the commitment to exercise, and staying with it long enough for it to become a habit and part of your lifestyle,” he said. 

For those just getting started with planking and fitness in general, Schwartz recommends seeing a trainer to learn the proper form and minimize the chances of injury.

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He also emphasized the importance of maintaining balance, especially in older age.

“Pick up a foot as you stand in a line; move it around as you wait,” he recommended. “A fall and a trip to the hospital at an advanced age can be devastating.”

Looking ahead, Schwartz said he hopes to continue exercising and maintaining his current fitness level.

“I’m going to try and at least maintain it as best as I can until the end,” he said. 

“I enjoy a lot of different activities, but they all require a modicum of strength and agility. So until they come up with that magic exercise pill, I guess I’ll keep going to the gym.”

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official who led the agency’s network to study hospitalization trends from infectious diseases like COVID-19 has resigned in protest following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s orders to change the agency’s vaccine recommendations and the committee that makes them.

Dr. Fiona Havers’ last day at the CDC was Monday, according to an announcement sent by an agency official to her branch within the agency’s Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division. They received the notice shortly after Reuters first reported on the resignation.

“I no longer have confidence that these data will be used objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to make evidence-based vaccine policy decisions,” Havers wrote in an email sent to colleagues before the announcement.

An infectious disease researcher who has worked with Havers, and received her email voicing concerns with how the data would be used, described the resignation as the latest in the “dismantling” of the agency’s expertise.

“It’s a big loss to the CDC,” the researcher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told CBS News.

CBS News sent a request for comment to the CDC about the concerns that Havers expressed, but did not hear back from the agency’s spokesperson. Instead, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services responded.

“Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, HHS is committed to following the gold standard of scientific integrity. Vaccine policy decisions will be based on objective data, transparent analysis, and evidence – not conflicts of interest or industry influence,” Emily Hilliard, the department spokesperson, said in an email.

Havers had led the CDC’s Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network, or RESP-NET, that collects and studies trends in hospitalizations from COVID-19, RSV and influenza. Her presentations of RESP-NET’s findings have figured prominently into past meetings of the agency’s Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices as they weighed updates to the CDC’s vaccine recommendations.

“Of all the work we have accomplished, I am most proud of how COVID-NET and RSV-NET hospitalization data, presented at nearly every public ACIP meeting since 2020, have been critical drivers of COVID-19 and RSV vaccine policy in recent years,” Havers wrote in her email.

The CDC’s vaccine recommendations are closely watched by doctors and health authorities because they are tied to federal policies enabling access to vaccines, including liability protections and requirements for insurance coverage.

Usually, the ACIP deliberates and votes on updated recommendations, which are later adopted by the CDC director. In an unprecedented move this year, Kennedy bypassed the process to order his own changes.

In late May, Kennedy first ordered narrowing the guidance to exclude children and pregnant women without other underlying health conditions, sidestepping an ACIP process that had been already underway to discuss changing the recommendations.

He then fired the current roster of ACIP members in June — in what he described as a “clean sweep” of the panel — as well as removed the agency officials who oversee the panel’s vetting and agenda.

In a viewpoint published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the 17 members of the panel fired by Kennedy denounced the health secretary for “dismantling the process by which vaccines have been recommended.”

“As former ACIP members, we are deeply concerned that these destabilizing decisions, made without clear rationale, may roll back the achievements of US immunization policy, impact people’s access to lifesaving vaccines, and ultimately put US families at risk of dangerous and preventable illnesses,” they wrote.

Kennedy later replaced the panel with a list of picks that included several allies of the health secretary and opponents of recommendations for COVID-19 and some other vaccines.

The committee’s new membership is set to meet next week to vote on updated vaccine recommendations for COVID-19 and RSV, among other diseases. 

Mantis hopes that Moriarty’s post about Graves’ disease will encourage people to take their own symptoms seriously, even if they’re vague, easy to write off as run-of-the-mill stress, or feel too random to be related. “It’s important to listen to your body,” he says. “If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your provider.”