In the vast and ever-expanding world of the internet, it doesn’t take long to stumble upon content that surprises, fascinates, or even repels. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever to share images and videos globally, leading to viral trends that capture our curiosity—often centered around the human body and its peculiarities.
From pimple extractions to cyst drainages and earwax removals, videos showcasing these processes have carved out a niche online. But have you ever encountered the topic of tonsil stones? If not, you’re not alone. I, too, was unaware of them until I came across a video that both fascinated and slightly horrified me.
For those unfamiliar, let’s start with the basics: What are tonsil stones?
According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsil stones are hard, white or yellowish formations that develop on the tonsils. While they are generally harmless and not painful, they can be unpleasant and are often treatable at home.
Tonsil stones form when debris—including food particles, dead cells, and bacteria—gets trapped in the small crevices (or crypts) of the tonsils. Over time, this material can calcify, resulting in the formation of these solid masses. The presence of bacteria and fungi in this buildup can also contribute to bad breath, one of the most common symptoms associated with tonsil stones.
Though many people may have tonsil stones without even realizing it, others may experience symptoms such as persistent bad breath, throat irritation, coughing, ear discomfort, or a feeling of something stuck in the throat.
It’s estimated that around 3 million Americans deal with tonsil stones every year. Fortunately, their removal is usually straightforward. Simple home remedies, such as gargling with salt water or using a cotton swab to gently dislodge the stones, are often effective. In some cases, even a strong cough can loosen and expel them naturally.
If you’re curious to see what tonsil stone removal looks like, be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. Viral videos showcasing this process have gained millions of views, satisfying the curiosity of viewers worldwide.
While the visuals might be a bit graphic, understanding tonsil stones and how to manage them can be both informative and oddly captivating. Whether you’re just learning about them or you’re already familiar, one thing is certain—the human body never ceases to amaze.
Jimmy Carter has become the first U.S. president to turn 100 years old.
Former President Carter and wife Rosalynn are shown on a walk in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. (Matt McClain/Washington Post via Getty Images/File)
Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter turned 100 years old on Tuesday, making him the first U.S. president to live for an entire century.
Carter, the 39th president, has been known for several “firsts.” He was the first U.S. president born in a hospital, the first Naval Academy graduate to become president, and the first president to visit Sub-Saharan Africa officially. Now, he holds the record as the first U.S. president to reach 100.
Carter is currently receiving home hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he has lived since his presidency ended in 1981. He has been in hospice care for nearly two years. Sadly, his wife, Rosalynn, passed away last year at the age of 96.
Jill Stuckey, a family friend of the Carters for over 30 years and the superintendent of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, said, “It’s funny, President Carter has done so much and usually succeeds at everything. But the one thing he hasn’t been great at is hospice.” She added, “He just keeps living, and we’re so happy about that. So if he’s not good at something, we’re glad it’s hospice.”
When asked what makes Carter different from other presidents who lived to an old age, Stuckey said it was his “tenacity” — his determination and will to keep going.
Jill Stuckey told Fox News Digital that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter always wanted to live as long as possible and stay healthy so they could help as many people as they could. She said they ate healthy meals, exercised every day, and worked hard to take care of themselves so they could keep helping others. “That’s what President Carter is showing today — that all those efforts really make a difference.”
The White House also put up a birthday message for Carter on the North Lawn to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Jill Stuckey said that celebrations for Carter’s 100th birthday started on Saturday in Plains, when the town held its annual peanut festival. “We celebrate peanut harvest season here in Plains, and it happens around the same time as President Carter’s birthday every year, so we usually celebrate them together,” she said.
Jill Stuckey also mentioned that on Tuesday, for Carter’s birthday, there will be more events in Plains, including a ceremony at Plains High School where 100 new citizens will take the oath. This is special because both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter went to that school.
After the ceremony, there will be a flyover to honor former President Carter, organized with help from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. Later in the afternoon, Plains will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new statues dedicated to the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
In celebration of Carter’s birthday, volunteers in St. Paul, Minnesota, came together to build 30 new homes over five days. Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were among the participants.
“You’re one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” President Biden said in a video released ahead of Carter’s birthday on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, Grand Ole Opry member and country music legend Charlie McCoy played a special rendition of “Georgia On My Mind” to honor the former president.
Cathie Skoog, a former member of the White House Communications Agency, said, “I remember the first time I saw him, and I was in awe. That feeling has always stayed with me. You can meet presidents all the time, but the first time is always the most special.” She added, “He didn’t care what people thought. He just did what he believed was right for the country.”
During his time as president, Carter focused on protecting the environment, improving human rights, and making the American education system better. He made big changes, like updating the civil service system, opening up the airline industry to more competition, and creating the Energy and Education departments. He also helped make cars safer by requiring both seat belts and airbags.
Carter’s time as president also had its challenges. There was high inflation, an energy crisis, and failed efforts to free American hostages who were held in Iran. His Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance, eventually resigned because he disagreed with how the administration handled the hostage situation.
During the Iranian Revolution, oil prices in the U.S. went up sharply. In July 1979, President Carter gave a speech where he said Americans were losing confidence in the country because of rising inflation and the energy crisis.
He said, “The signs of this crisis of spirit are everywhere. For the first time, most Americans think the next five years will be worse than the last. Two-thirds of people don’t even vote. Workers are less productive, and Americans are saving less than people in other Western countries.”
Carter added, “We need to face the truth, and then we can change direction. We must believe in each other, believe we can govern ourselves, and have faith in the future. Restoring that faith is our most important job now.”
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