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
This slaps! You’ve tried yoga, meditation and long walks to reduce stress — but have you taken a whack at spanking? “While it may sound counterintuitive, for some people, ‘impact play’ like spanking can actually help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety through pain, or as many players would term it, ‘intense sensation,’ ” Lisa … Read more
Does “nature’s Ozempic” exist? One protein-packed product may be worthy of the title, as research suggests that consuming it before certain meals could mimic the effects of the popular slimming drug. Eating one type of food could result in similar effects as Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Siam – stock.adobe.com While it’s not quite … Read more
The lengthy “black box” warning on menopause treatments is finally undergoing some changes. Research published in 2002 had shown that menopause hormone therapy carried a risk of cancer and other serious conditions — which had naturally scared off many patients from taking it, as well as doctors from even describing it. But new research in … Read more
Is your house a hidden health hazard? A longevity doctor wants you to remove four common items from your home immediately, warning that they could be quietly sabotaging your body from the inside out. “If you care about your hormones, your sleep, your long-term health, these things matter more than you think,” Dr. Shayne Keddy … Read more
Libido at zero? Horniness — or the lack thereof — can be a key indicator of overall well-being. Tennessee Williams wrote that “the opposite of death is desire” — and it would seem that the playwright was onto something, as experts agree that a low sex drive can indicate a slew of concerning health issues. Though … Read more
Dan Greenfield has a lot on his plate. One glance at his calendar and it’s easy to see why. As The Post’s chief of staff, he spends his days racing between meetings, settling office disputes and juggling high-level projects far above my pay grade as a wellness reporter. “I’ve been stressed my entire adult life,” … Read more
Hot flashes bothering you? There’s a new pill for that. Starting as early as next month, there will be another option for the 85% of women dealing with the uncomfortable and unpredictable temperature changes that come with menopause. The first and only treatment was recently approved by the FDA — and it’s hormone-free. A new … Read more
A naturopathic doctor’s video explaining the viral phenomenon of the “second wind” and its effects on sleep hormones has gone viral, resonating with many night owls. In the clip, Dr Kara explains that going to bed between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. disrupts the natural balance of hormones – cortisol and melatonin – leading to … Read more
Aging well never gets old. We used to think of successful aging as simply avoiding disease — that concept has evolved over the years to a broader, more holistic view that includes physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. The problem is that it can be difficult to tell how well you’re aging without wearing a … Read more
Women who use Depo-Provera face a higher risk of developing a slow-growing brain tumor, according to a new study that comes as the contraceptive’s maker, Pfizer, faces hundreds of lawsuits claiming that it was aware of the potential risks. Depo-Provera — the brand name for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) — contains the synthetic progestin hormone, … Read more
Parkinson’s disease — which can cause tremors, slow movement and stiffness — is believed to affect 1 in every 336 Americans. The exact cause of the neurodegenerative disorder is not known, but it is believed to stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Now, three hospitals in Korea are reporting that patients with … Read more
Think twice before trusting everything you see on social media, especially when it comes to so-called health hacks. Dr. Jackie Walters, a seasoned OB/GYN and cast member of Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” is urging people to turn to their doctor — not their feed — for guidance on contraception. “I’m seeing a trend among my … Read more
As coaching psychologist James Davis neared the big 5-0, he found himself burning out faster than candles on a birthday cake. “It was actually my wife, Claire, that noticed I was becoming more withdrawn, that I was struggling more than normal to focus, that I was lacking get-up-and-go,” Davis, who lives in the UK, told … Read more
New research suggests there’s an unholy trinity of ways that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can sabotage men’s health. A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark set out to determine how the processed nature of food affects men, assuming that calories and nutrients are kept consistent. UPFs include packaged goods, drinks, cereals and … Read more
Director Stephen Gyllenhaal may have found his next project — and it’s a topic very close to him. Gyllenhaal — father to Oscar nominees Jake and Maggie and 10-year-old Luke — was with his youngest son at a swimming pool last year when an unusual feeling washed over him. “My arms and legs suddenly felt … Read more
It is not just women who face the harrowing hormonal effects of “the change.” Andropause — commonly called “male menopause” or “manopause” — refers to age-related declines in testosterone levels. And while women are known to have hot flashes, mood swings, dryness and a host of other symptoms during their middle-age transition, men are actually in … Read more