Say goodbye to hidden hazards in the checkout aisle. In a groundbreaking development, researchers have invented a safer alternative to the special paper used to print receipts that is completely free of so-called “forever chemicals.” These man-made substances have been linked to a wide range of health problems, including certain cancers, hormone disruption, reproductive issues, … Read more
The diabetes playbook just got a major update. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) officially recognized a fifth form of the disease this year, a landmark step that comes more than 70 years after it was first identified. The move aims to shine a light on a long-overlooked condition that affects millions worldwide — but the … Read more
Even though half the population goes through it, the symptoms of menopause are still not fully clear. Hot flashes, night sweats and fatigue often get the spotlight, but there can be several other surprising signs of menopause — including your voice changing. And while nearly half of US women feel completely uninformed about the condition, this … Read more
It might just be the saddest day of the year. The wrapping paper is in the trash, the leftovers are packed away, and the last houseguest has hit the road. Christmas — and all the joyful chaos that comes with it — has officially come to an end. And if you’re feeling a bit blue … Read more
Some medications can cause surprising side effects. One man learned this firsthand when, after taking a medication for heart failure, he developed a new physical feature — enlarged breasts. The condition, known as gynecomastia, occurs when there’s a hormonal imbalance due to certain medications or puberty. A 76-year-old man unexpectedly grew breasts after taking a … Read more
Without testosterone, Shannon Gonzalez insists she’d probably be divorced. In 2021, her hair was falling out — and her libido was “in the toilet.” She had recently entered medically induced menopause, which unleashed a torrent of symptoms that rocked her career, strained her marriage and shook her sense of self. “Who is this person? I … Read more
New research indicates that a long-maligned menopausal treatment is safer than previously thought, showing that it doesn’t increase breast cancer risk in women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is considered a first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. However, many … Read more
This is T-rrific news for some men. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been historically difficult to get because it requires proof of consistently low testosterone levels along with symptoms like fatigue, low libido or erectile dysfunction that’s not just from aging. Now, a US Food and Drug Administration panel is recommending loosening testosterone restrictions by declassifying these … Read more
For nearly three decades, Viagra has helped men rise to the occasion. The little blue pill increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and keep erections. But women have been left out in the cold, with no real pharmaceutical fix for low libido — until now. In a sultry twist, Viagra’s … Read more
Elizabeth Fleurisma tears up as she runs her fingers over the scars that map her scalp. The Long Island mom was stunned to discover at the age of 30 that she had a brain tumor the size of a lime. She survived a 16-hour surgery and weeks of radiation — yet a piece of the tumor … Read more
So much for love handles! The “happy weight” phenomenon suggests that content couples tend to soften up because they’re Netflix and chillin’ with ice cream instead of sweatin’ it out at the gym. But new UCLA research reports that high-quality marriages may actually protect against obesity, meaning that a strong emotional bond may be just … Read more
Brian Lewis Gonzalez spent most of his life trying not to be seen. Growing up in Brooklyn, he kept to himself, slouching and layering to disguise the excess breast tissue that made him the target of schoolyard taunts. “There were summers that I would wear two shirts just to feel comfortable enough to go outside, … Read more
Blockbuster weight-loss shots are undergoing a major makeover. Drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy have already taken the US by storm — with the number of Americans using them to slim down more than doubling over the past 18 months. And Big Pharma’s not done cashing in on the weight-loss boom. Drugmakers are readying a new … Read more
Move Over, Tylenol. New research suggests that a common — but often overlooked — pregnancy complication may increase your chances of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The good news? If you treat it, the risk doesn’t seem to rise. Researchers are exploring how various prenatal conditions might affect the risk of autism. … Read more
“Nature’s Ozempic” may sound too good to be true. But a recent scientific review of research found that certain plant sources can replicate the effects of GLP-1, the naturally occurring gut hormone that Ozempic and sister drugs mimic. “GLP-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels,” researchers at Heliopolis University in Egypt … Read more
Shiver me thinner! Forget frostbite, high energy bills and frozen pipes — there’s at least one upside to colder weather. When temperatures drop, we burn more calories to maintain our internal temperature, a process known as thermogenesis. Winter weather provides an unlikely opportunity — the ability to burn calories through shivering. luismolinero – stock.adobe.com Our … Read more
Stephanie Pastor and her family were trudging up a hill at Rockefeller State Park last fall when her young son let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m having a hot flash,” PJ, then six, announced, sending his parents into a fit of laughter. But as their amusement faded, Pastor, now 48, was struck with a realization: … Read more
Take a chill pill, momma. Stress can affect pregnant women in several ways, from high blood pressure to heart disease and even premature birth before 37 weeks, a leading cause of newborn death and disability. And new research indicates that stressed-out soon-to-be moms may be aging their babies faster in one unexpected way. Stress can … Read more
What the pluck? As if your 40s weren’t maddening enough, your hair starts having its own midlife crisis — graying, thinning and popping up in the oddest places. Hair today — and still there tomorrow. Unwanted strands can crop up in unexpected places during menopause due to hormonal changes. Vitalina – stock.adobe.com “It is completely … Read more
Shilpa Gajarawala struggled with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems and brain fog. But given her history of breast cancer, treating these menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy wasn’t an option. “For two years, I tried to kind of power through,” said the 58-year-old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida. But doctors say women like Gajarawala don’t need to suffer. Here … Read more