Fox News’s senior meteorologist Janice Dean announced that she is taking a break from the network because of certain health problems. Dean announced on social media this week that she has been taking a break from her work at Fox News and social media because she has “some health issues that need rest and time to heal.” Dean, who is often on Fox & Friends to talk about the weather, said her bosses at the network have been supportive about the issue.
“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit. I’m ok, but I’ve had some health issues that require rest and time to heal. My bosses at Fox have been kind and understanding, and I feel blessed to be able to take a break to be with my family. The trip to Rome with Sean was a good place to start healing spiritually, and now I have to get back to feeling healthy and strong,” Dean wrote.
“I’ve always been up front and honest about my life, and I felt I owed you an explanation of my absence. But, I will be back. Grateful to you all for the kind words,” Dean added.
Dean, who is 55 years old, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005. She told others about it in 2008. Dean’s recent post didn’t specify what problems she’s having or when she’ll be back at Fox.
“I think with every MS sufferer you have that light bulb moment that something’s not right,” Dean told Fox News at the time.
“I remember it was during the 2005 hurricane season because it was such an active year, and I just felt really rundown, which isn’t like me. I’m a workaholic. I’m used to working long hours. And I remember thinking that I needed to make sure I took some time off because I was just so exhausted,” Dean added at the time.
Dean did not disclose how long she’ll be away from Fox News or what specific health issues she is facing.
The neurological disease affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves — all of which make up one’s central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
It damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating around nerve cells, which can slow or even block nerve signals, according to Mount Sinai.
People may have different symptoms, but they can include losing balance, muscle spasms, and tingling in the arms and legs, among other things.
There is no cure for MS, but drugs and therapy can help control symptoms and reduce the disease’s course.
“Almost 20 years ago I was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure,” Dean told The Post back in 2023.
“It also is a disease that affects people differently, and potentially could someday be debilitating. And despite the challenges I’ve faced over the years, having MS has made me stronger in ways I could never imagine. It’s important for me to share my journey so that I can maybe help someone else. That’s always been the goal, and I’ve met some really great fellow MS’ers that despite the odds against them, rise to the challenge and overcome the fear of this strange, scary disease.”
Brain & Life says that she was diagnosed after she had been feeling “overwhelming fatigue, numbness in her thighs, and loss of sensation in the soles of her feet.”
At first, she assumed it was because she was a journalist and had a lot of work to do, but the symptoms didn’t go away, so she went to the doctor, who sent her to a neurologist.
Since she was diagnosed, Dean has been a strong advocate for people with MS. She has connected with other people who have the disease and shared her own story.
