What is ‘freeze branding’? Doctors warn about trendy tattoo alternative: ‘Puts you at risk’

What is ‘freeze branding’? Doctors warn about trendy tattoo alternative: ‘Puts you at risk’

Sure, it’s a cool craze, but experts are giving it the cold shoulder.  Reveling in wildly dangerous, stupid stunts is, frighteningly, on brand for daredevil youngsters.  However, healthcare professionals are now warning gutsy Gen Zs that the “freeze branding” trend, tattooing human skin with icy-cold liquid nitrogen, “can land you in a lot of trouble.” Suarez, known to her … Read more

Sharpie lip-liner trend goes viral on TikTok — and doctors warn of potential dangers

Sharpie lip-liner trend goes viral on TikTok — and doctors warn of potential dangers

Some influencers on social media are participating in the viral “Sharpie lip liner” trend — which is exactly what it sounds like. Users apply a standard Sharpie (typically in shades of red and coral) to the edges of their mouths before going over it again with lip gloss or lipstick, according to numerous videos. On these … Read more

This creepy cause of dry eye is often overlooked and totally ‘distressing’ — how to fix it

This creepy cause of dry eye is often overlooked and totally ‘distressing’ — how to fix it

How tear-ible! Over 20 million Americans have dry eye disease, which means that their eyes don’t produce enough tears or their tears evaporate too quickly. Dry air, wind, certain autoimmune diseases, medications like antihistamines and decongestants, too much screen time, vitamin A deficiency and contact lenses are often to blame. Dr. Ashley Brissette, a board-certified … Read more

These ‘modest’ changes are to blame for erectile dysfunction as you age, say doctors — it’s not testosterone

These ‘modest’ changes are to blame for erectile dysfunction as you age, say doctors — it’s not testosterone

It’s not just your mind going soft. Drops in testosterone have long been blamed for age-related declining erectile performance. But a new study suggests something else may be at play. A new study suggests a metabolic marker is the culprit behind declining sexual health in men. Antonioguillem – stock.adobe.com “Although age and testosterone levels have … Read more

Medical experts weigh in on ‘hydration boosters’ vs water for beating summer heat

Medical experts weigh in on ‘hydration boosters’ vs water for beating summer heat

Surviving the summer heat is all about hydration, hydration, hydration. Water will usually do the trick – but some “hydration multipliers,” or electrolyte supplements, are gaining in popularity for boosting hydration in just one drink. These drink mixes offer a blend of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium to enhance water absorption. But are these boosters … Read more

I’m a neurologist — 3 foods I won’t eat because they could give you neurotoxins or brain parasites

I’m a neurologist — 3 foods I won’t eat because they could give you neurotoxins or brain parasites

Talk about a no-brainer. There are several foods you can eat for better brain health, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, berries, tomatoes and coffee. These nutrient powerhouses provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats crucial for optimal brain function and cognitive health. In a viral TikTok, neurologist Baibing Chen reveals three foods that … Read more

The No. 1 water bottle to minimize exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals: doctor

The No. 1 water bottle to minimize exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals: doctor

It could be time to pull the plug on your beloved jug. Everyone knows that it’s important to hydrate — water delivers nutrients to cells, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints and helps remove waste. You can’t live without it. Carrying a reusable water bottle ensures consistent hydration throughout the day. The problem is, concerns have … Read more

8-year-old wheelchair user can walk again — thanks to an experimental drug made just for him

8-year-old wheelchair user can walk again — thanks to an experimental drug made just for him

An eight-year-old boy has regained his ability to walk with the aid of a compound found in a common over-the-counter supplement. The boy’s case was detailed in the journal Nature. The unnamed child was an active athlete until the summer of 2023, when he began to struggle with mobility. Within months, his symptoms progressed to the … Read more

Bizarre viral migraine hack can really work, says neurologist — here’s how

Bizarre viral migraine hack can really work, says neurologist — here’s how

Heads up, bottles up. Worldwide, more than 1 billion people suffer from migraines — and because the cause isn’t fully understood, treating them can be tricky, with suffers often curling up in a dark, quiet room, waiting for the pain to pass. But one young woman has revealed the bizarre, unlikely hack that works for … Read more

Colorectal cancer screening without poop? How to select the best test for your health, lifestyle

Colorectal cancer screening without poop? How to select the best test for your health, lifestyle

Time for a rear-ality check. Colorectal cancer rates have been rising among adults younger than 50 since the 1990s, a troubling trend that has perplexed scientists. Because of the increase in cases, an independent panel of medical experts known as the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended age to start screening for … Read more

Teen receives devastating medical diagnoses after doctors dismiss symptoms as ‘anxiety’

Teen receives devastating medical diagnoses after doctors dismiss symptoms as ‘anxiety’

At just 19 years old, Sydney’s teen Marissa De Santis spends most of her days in and out of the hospital, fainting up to five times a day, frequently seizing and battling chronic pain so intense it’s left her bedridden for weeks. But despite her debilitating symptoms, doctors still dismiss her, telling her she “looks … Read more

Doctors have figured out a way to use herpes to fight untreatable advanced cancer

Doctors have figured out a way to use herpes to fight untreatable advanced cancer

Herpes has been called “the gift that keeps on giving” — finally, its presence has come in handy. Roughly two-thirds of the global population has been infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes painful and unsightly blisters around the mouth. University of Southern California researchers have found a way to rebrand … Read more

Even if you’ve never smoked, you could still be at risk of lung cancer, doctors warn

Even if you’ve never smoked, you could still be at risk of lung cancer, doctors warn

Lung cancer, the second-most common cancer in the U.S., is often associated with smoking — but even those who have never had a cigarette could be at risk of the deadly disease. While it’s true that those who smoke face a much higher risk, up to 20% of lung cancers affect people who have never smoked or … Read more

6 surprising things that are hurting your back — they may seem minor but can cause irreversible damage

6 surprising things that are hurting your back — they may seem minor but can cause irreversible damage

It’s quite disc-ouraging, really. Most Americans will experience back pain at some point — and many times it’s not a result of injury or illness. Seemingly simple, everyday tasks can cause or exacerbate back pain by placing undue stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. “We are seeing many patients present with pain after/during activities … Read more

I’m a pediatric doctor — the risky mistake I’d never let my own kids make and 5 other summer warnings

I’m a pediatric doctor — the risky mistake I’d never let my own kids make and 5 other summer warnings

Soak up the fun! There are many ways kids can have a blast this summer — swimming, playing in the park, fishing and going to the beach are just a few. Unfortunately, summer is also prime time for child injuries and illnesses. Here are six important precautions for keeping kids safe, including one thing I … Read more

Doctors warn of ‘dangerous’ social media trend harming the health of kids as young as 12

Doctors warn of ‘dangerous’ social media trend harming the health of kids as young as 12

The kids are not all right. While many things have changed over this years, one constant that has remained is parents needing to keep an eye on the friendship group of their impressionable teens. Of course, doing so is arguably more difficult than ever thanks to the rise of social media. New research out of … Read more

Doctors weigh in on whether or not bubbly drinks can relieve migraines

Doctors weigh in on whether or not bubbly drinks can relieve migraines

For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives’ tales. Some claim that applying potato slices to the forehead helps kill the complex headaches, while others submerge their feet in hot water in a desperate search for relief. Another remedy? Sipping … Read more

I’m an ER doctor — these are the injuries I see most on 4th of July

I’m an ER doctor — these are the injuries I see most on 4th of July

For most Americans, the 4th of July is marked by patriotic celebrations with family and friends — but for some, the festive holiday can end with an unplanned trip to the emergency room. More than 45,000 people visit the ER on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the Pew Research Center — which means Independence … Read more

5 foods that can help you poop, according to a gastroenterologist — one ‘jump-starts the gut’ and can work in minutes

5 foods that can help you poop, according to a gastroenterologist — one ‘jump-starts the gut’ and can work in minutes

Stuck in pur-gut-ory? You’re not alone. While chronic stomach issues are worth getting checked out, a bit of bathroom bottleneck from time to time is normal — if not wildly unpleasant. The good news is that experiencing the anti-runs doesn’t require a pharmacy run, as several foods can help clear your colon’s traffic jam. While … Read more