Nearly 2 million preterm births in a single year tied to one toxin: study

Nearly 2 million preterm births in a single year tied to one toxin: study

As we age, plastic pollution contributes to cancers, heart diseases, infertility and cognitive decline — and now it’s thwarting our chances at being healthy before our lives even begin. A new study from NYU Langone Health partially attributed close to 2 million preterm births in 2018 — about 8% of the world’s total that year — … Read more

Exclusive | Never send this ‘toxic’ emoji to a date — plus other expert texting etiquette tips to avoid getting ghosted

Exclusive | Never send this ‘toxic’ emoji to a date — plus other expert texting etiquette tips to avoid getting ghosted

In modern dating, some unspoken rules can contribute to the success — or premature demise — of an early-days courtship. Most of us know the classics — don’t bring up exes in conversation too early, be available (but not too available) when making plans, and when it’s time to pay on the first date, at … Read more

Unsafe levels of lead found in fast fashion children’s clothes — and the habit that puts your kid at risk

Unsafe levels of lead found in fast fashion children’s clothes — and the habit that puts your kid at risk

Fast fashion may be affordable, but it can come with hidden health risks for kids. A go-to option for dressing rapidly growing kids at a low cost, fast-fashion lines have been known to fill up landfills with non-biodegradable fabrics containing toxic chemicals. Preliminary research being presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society reported … Read more

Scientists discover food that can help you poop out microplastics

Scientists discover food that can help you poop out microplastics

There’s been much debate about whether we actually ingest a credit card’s worth of plastic per week. These new findings won’t help you poop money, but they do suggest certain foods might rid your body of a portion of that plastic. Probiotic foods — those teeming with beneficial lactic acid bacteria — have been used for … Read more

FDA issues urgent warning about weight loss supplements that contain a potentially deadly toxin

FDA issues urgent warning about weight loss supplements that contain a potentially deadly toxin

The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning about weight loss supplements that contain a toxin that can trigger neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems and even death. The agency determined that an additional product labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed has yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) instead of the ingredients on its … Read more

Dear Abby: My son won’t talk to me ever since I offered his mother-in-law food

Dear Abby: My son won’t talk to me ever since I offered his mother-in-law food

DEAR ABBY: Eighteen months ago, I was staying with my son and his family when they had a get-together with his wife, “Corrine’s,” father. His wife, Corrine’s stepmother, had just finished chemo for several different types of cancer. When Corrine’s dad went to leave, I offered to put together a small plate for his wife, … Read more

Overlooked peptide may be more harmful than we thought — and could ‘turn Alzheimer’s research on its head’

Overlooked peptide may be more harmful than we thought — and could ‘turn Alzheimer’s research on its head’

Scientists have long searched for ways to treat Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Chief among these strategies has been targeting amyloid beta, a toxic protein that forms plaque-like deposits when it accumulates abnormally in the brain. This accumulation is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Now, scientists say a smaller peptide, a “cousin” of amyloid beta, … Read more

Where you get your drinking water from can raise your risk of Parkinson’s by up to 62%

Where you get your drinking water from can raise your risk of Parkinson’s by up to 62%

Sip at your own risk. A new study suggests that where you get your drinking water could increase your odds of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a devastating movement disorder with no cure. Even more concerning, the source linked to the highest risk is used widely across the country, especially in the southeastern and central … Read more

Popular beauty accessory found to have dozens of toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone issues

Popular beauty accessory found to have dozens of toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone issues

Some problems won’t wash right outta your hair. New analysis from leading breast cancer researchers reveals just how toxic certain popular haircare products can be — testing positive for dozens of hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals.  Published in the American Chemical Society journal “Environment and Health,” the study says the items fall under a “largely unregulated category of … Read more

Exclusive | I eat up to 100 live bugs a day — I love being the ‘master of their destiny’ and how they ‘massage’ my tongue

Exclusive | I eat up to 100 live bugs a day — I love being the ‘master of their destiny’ and how they ‘massage’ my tongue

Imagine a low-calorie, protein-packed noodle that evokes the butteriness of French cheeses. The good news is that you don’t need to book a table at a buzzy new bistro to try it. This earthy delicacy is served in a brown paper bag — and it doesn’t really put up a fight. “Mealworms [are] a contender … Read more

Exclusive | Romance novelist who went viral for dedicating book to her ‘toxic ex’ reveals the heartbreak behind it

Exclusive | Romance novelist who went viral for dedicating book to her ‘toxic ex’ reveals the heartbreak behind it

You can judge her ex by this cover. A romance novelist who dedicated her new book to her toxic ex and went viral on Instagram — with women calling her their “hero” and congratulating her for the “savage move” — revealed the heartbreaking story behind her breakup. “You are the most disappointing man and biggest … Read more

The worst wellness cleanses and fasts throughout history— one required a parasite to hatch in the intestines

The worst wellness cleanses and fasts throughout history— one required a parasite to hatch in the intestines

New year, same old liver? After all those holiday indulgences, many people feel the need to hit the “reset” button with a detox or cleanse for a fresh-start fix. These practices date back thousands of years — think Cleopatra’s sour donkey milk baths to preserve beauty and youthfulness, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s yogurt enemas to … Read more

Exclusive | A new type of influencer is stealing the spotlight from toxic diet culture — and could be the 2026 antidote to body image woes

Exclusive | A new type of influencer is stealing the spotlight from toxic diet culture — and could be the 2026 antidote to body image woes

In the current climate of celebs shrinking down and GLP-1 usage becoming mainstream, a refreshingly natural, new type of influencer is burning up social media this New Year’s resolution season. “Midsize” content creators are casting shade on toxic diet culture and shining a light on healthy body image. Amid a sharp rise in dangerously thin young … Read more

Dear Abby: I’m a teacher, and I hate it when parents ask me to write farewell notes to students

Dear Abby: I’m a teacher, and I hate it when parents ask me to write farewell notes to students

DEAR ABBY: I am a teacher. I love my job, and I love my students. However, as I near the end of my 26th year of teaching, there’s something I need to get off my chest. At the end of every school year, many parents ask me to write a personal note to their student … Read more

‘Miracle’ alternative medicine cure for cancer, autism is useless — until it’s toxic

‘Miracle’ alternative medicine cure for cancer, autism is useless — until it’s toxic

Snake oil with a dangerous bite? Miracle Mineral Solution, also known as MMS, is a chemical mixture touted as a cure-all for everything from cancer and autism to COVID-19. The “miracle” is delivered in two small bottles: one contains a 28% sodium chlorite solution, the other an “activator” of vinegar, citric acid or hydrochloric acid. … Read more

New study exposes truth about fluoride exposure and kids’ test scores

New study exposes truth about fluoride exposure and kids’ test scores

Drink this in. New research challenges recent claims about the risks of fluoride in drinking water, reporting that in addition to preventing cavities, the additive may actually improve test scores. A 2024 report from the federal National Toxicology Program determined with “moderate confidence” that higher levels of fluoride are associated with lower IQ scores. Those findings … Read more

Exclusive | Rich longevity seekers are spending thousands on ‘blood cleansing’ to remove ‘toxins’ from their bodies

Exclusive | Rich longevity seekers are spending thousands on ‘blood cleansing’ to remove ‘toxins’ from their bodies

After his father died of a massive heart attack at the age of 66, Johnjay Van Es started doing literally everything he could to keep his ticker tickin’. The congenial Phoenix radio host shed about 160 pounds, transforming himself from morbidly obese to impressively sleek, with just 12% body fat. He also embarked on an … Read more

This yummy spice can boost brain health and fight yeast infections — but beware, too much is toxic

This yummy spice can boost brain health and fight yeast infections — but beware, too much is toxic

Fall fanatics go nuts for it! There’s one beloved pantry staple that embodies the essence of autumn, stirring up memories of baking, cozy drinks and holiday preparations. The swirl of warmth and sweetness also possesses bacteria-fighting powers and may improve learning and memory — but too much could be toxic. This popular spice has been … Read more

Ex-Miss USA Noelia Voight, who gave up her crown over ‘toxic atmosphere,’ slams executive for ‘disrespectful’ remark to Miss Mexico

Ex-Miss USA Noelia Voight, who gave up her crown over ‘toxic atmosphere,’ slams executive for ‘disrespectful’ remark to Miss Mexico

Former Miss USA Noelia Voight reprimanded the Miss Universe Organization executive who called one beauty queen a “dummy” during a fiery exchange, forcing several contestants to walk out of the event. “I stand in full solidarity with Fátima Bosch, Viktoria Kjær Theilvig, and all of the incredible women who walked out yesterday in protest of … Read more

Dear Abby: Why is my elderly neighbor so angry over a late $40 loan?

Dear Abby: Why is my elderly neighbor so angry over a late  loan?

DEAR ABBY: My neighbor is 80. She’s my political opposite. She’s known me since I was 13. Her husband died 10 or so years ago. All she does all day is stay inside her house (even when it’s sunny) and watch TV news. I try to be nice to her because she’s alone and probably … Read more