Fox & Friends host Janice Dean taking break from network as she battles some health issues

Janice Dean, a Fox News senior meteorologist and host of “Fox & Friends,” announced Wednesday that she’s going to “take a break” from the network as she deals with health issues that require “rest and time to heal.”The longtime weather anchor, 55, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, said she’ll also be taking a break from social media.“I wanted to let you all know that I’m taking a break from work (and social media) for a bit,” she wrote on Facebook.“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,” she continued.“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.

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 did not disclose how long she’ll be away from Fox News or what specific health issues she is currently facing.She thanked her fans for their “incredible kindness and support” in a follow-up comment on her post.“You guys made me cry! (A good cry!)” she wrote.“I promise to get lots of rest and take good care of myself.I appreciate all these beautiful words.”Dean joined Fox News in 2004, the year before she was diagnosed with MS.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.Symptoms vary from person to person but may include loss of balance, muscle spasms, and tingling in the arms and legs, among others.While there is no cure for MS, medications and therapy can help manage s...