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Fans Worried After Tom Hanks’ TV Appearance

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Award-winning actor Tom Hanks raised health concerns after demonstrating a visible tremor during a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” on December 21.

The 68-year-old actor joined a lineup of other five-time hosts including Scarlett Johansson, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, Emma Stone, and 17-time host Alec Baldwin to honor Martin Short’s induction into their elite group.

During the show’s cold open, Hanks’ hand tremors were evident as he served drinks, leading to widespread speculation about his health on social media. One viewer noted the actor’s hands shaking unusually during the sketch.

The incident drew parallels to former President Bill Clinton, 78, who previously attributed his hand tremors to the natural aging process rather than a health condition.

Hanks, known for his role in “Forrest Gump,” made a humorous reference to his previous health struggles by stating he had “never had Covid,” a direct contradiction to his well-documented struggle with the virus in Australia during the filming of “Elvis” in 2020.

Hanks spoke openly about his battle with COVID-19 on “The National Defense Radio Show” in 2020, describing his inability to complete basic stretches and exercises. He quoted a medical professional’s blunt response to his symptoms, saying: “And she looked at me through her glasses like she was talking to the dumbest human being. And she said, ‘You have Covid-19.'”

Discussion of Hanks’ tremors spread across social media, with users voicing their observations and concerns. While some expressed worry, others defended the actor by attributing the tremors to his age, with one fan noting: “Considering he’s almost 70! Yeah, older people’s hands tend to shake a little.”

A similar occurrence transpired at the Australian premiere of “Elvis” in June 2022, where Hanks struggled to hold his microphone steady while addressing the audience. The actor, who revealed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013, alternated the microphone between hands before ultimately using both to steady it.

Fans quickly defended Hanks, suggesting his medical condition as a possible cause. One fan echoed the sentiments of many, referencing similar symptoms in diabetic family members during periods of low blood sugar.

When Hanks disclosed his diagnosis on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” he shared his doctor’s straightforward analysis of his chronic blood sugar issues. In a candid Radio Times interview, Hanks acknowledged his past dietary choices and labeled himself part of a “lazy American generation” now facing health repercussions.

Throughout his career, Hanks has undergone substantial physical transformations, including gaining 30 pounds for “A League of Their Own” and losing 55 pounds for “Cast Away.” Hanks has suggested these dramatic weight fluctuations may have contributed to his health issues, specifically referencing poor nutrition and lack of exercise during periods of weight gain.

Hanks suffers from Type 2 diabetes, where the body struggles to regulate blood glucose. This disease inhibits the body’s proper use of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. While glucose is a primary energy source derived from food, diabetes impedes its efficient distribution to cells. With proper management, potential health complications can be minimized.

Healthcare professionals indicate that hand tremors can result from a variety of conditions. Mild shaking, or physiologic tremor, can be exacerbated by caffeine, stress, or fatigue, while more pronounced tremors could suggest essential tremor (ET).

ET is a benign neurological disorder affecting approximately six million US residents. It primarily influences hand movements during ordinary tasks and tends to progress over time, becoming more common with age. Nearly 5% of individuals over 65 and 20% of those above 95 are affected by ET.

Hanks revealed that he noticed significant changes in his health at age 35.

As illustrated by Hanks’ experience, health changes can transpire at any age or career stage, underscoring the significance of regular health check-ups and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers about any concerning symptoms.

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