It gives new meaning to the phrase “sweet cheeks.” It’s certainly no fun to have hemorrhoids, swollen veins that grow in or around the anus and cause pain, itching and bleeding — so it’s not terribly surprising that people might be desperate to find a quick way to banish the uncomfortable bulge. But is a … Read more
Just think, we may have never gotten the “Oh, oh, oh, Ozempic!” jingle stuck in our heads if it wasn’t for a creepy, bottom-dwelling fish. Dr. Joel Habener of Massachusetts General Hospital unexpectedly discovered GLP-1 in the 1980s while analyzing the pancreatic genes in anglerfish. Habener’s team identified the precursor to GLP-1, a hormone that regulates … Read more
A little green might not be a cure for the blues. New research suggests medical marijuana isn’t the mental health miracle many hope for, finding little evidence that it can effectively treat conditions like anxiety, depression or PTSD. “In the absence of robust medical or counselling support, the use of medicinal cannabis in these cases … Read more
Modern science is just catching up to what folk and traditional healers have known since Homeric times. While lab-developed pharmaceuticals can help manage anxiety, you might also want to check your local botanical garden. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, valerian root has a long-established history as a sedative, with records of its use … Read more
Feeling 40 at 80, your body still bouncy, your risk of disease no higher, and your zest for life intact… the longevity dream has its appeal. But for some of those spending the most on it, it’s become a nightmare. Achieving the impossible has turned to an obsession — and in some cases, an illness, … Read more
It’s a growing problem in relationships. About 1 in 10 couples struggles to get pregnant within a year, which is the clinical definition of infertility. The issue is becoming more common due to delayed parenthood, increased obesity, environmental toxin exposure and underlying health conditions like endometriosis and sexually transmitted infections. Infertility is divided roughly into … Read more
This year’s influenza virus has been dubbed the “super flu” for how quickly it’s spreading — and how hard it’s hitting. In fact, infections have broken records in New York, with 71,123 positive flu cases documented the week ending on Dec. 20 — the highest single-week total since tracking began in 2004. The CDC reports 4.6 million … 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
If you’re not careful, combating dry winter air could put a whole new problem on your plate this winter. When temperatures drop and cold and flu season kicks in, many turn to humidifiers to soothe symptoms like sore throats, chapped lips and sinus dryness. Humidifiers also offer relief to those suffering from chronic conditions like … Read more
The Dubai Chocolate trend is coming for Starbucks — and baristas are bracing themselves for the mass appeal the new drink is bound to have. The coffee giant’s winter menu, which debuts January 6, will feature some fan-favorite drinks like the Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. Joining that lineup are newcomers, Caramel Protein … Read more
The last time Daniel Dana had to travel from New York to Miami, he opted to skip the usual time-sucking stress of the major airports and Uber-ed over to Teterboro instead — ambling into a dedicated terminal very shortly before his flight was scheduled to depart. Dana, 25, isn’t some newly-minted mogul — the young content creator … Read more
Christmas has come early this year at Trader Joe’s, with the grocery chain re-launching fan favorite holiday dessert chocolate mascarpone — now available on the shelf-to-stomach pipeline from now until the end of the year. Longtime fans of the creamy, dense spread (which technically resides in the cheese category) have taken to Reddit to express … Read more
For some chronic cannabis users, a case of the munchies is the least of their problems. Over the past decade, ERs have seen a surge in regular tokers showing up with sudden, stomach-churning attacks that leave them doubled over in pain. The worst part? Many sufferers experience these episodes three or four times a year, … Read more
Researchers monitoring the brain activity of a patient with a severe binge-eating problem reported that Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 weight-loss drug appeared to temporarily suppress food-craving signals in the “reward center” of the brain. These are the first direct measurements of brain activity in a person receiving tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for … Read more
There’s a new way to treat alcoholism — and it’s as easy as popping a candy. Clutch, from Oar Health, is said to be the first mint designed to reduce alcohol cravings and curb heavy drinking. Nearly 28 million Americans 12 and older struggle with alcohol use disorder. Adults can take a Clutch once a … Read more
A favorite Costco bakery item has made a triumphant return after years of on-and-off appearances, and fans are once again rushing to grab it before it disappears. The Kirkland Signature Butter Cinnamon Sugar Loaf, first spotted as early as 2017, has developed a reputation for vanishing from shelves for long stretches, leaving customers to wonder if it … Read more
There’s something fishy going on — and finally, a way to reel in one of the leading culprits. A female-founded health startup just unveiled a game-changing treatment for the most common vaginal issue women face during their reproductive years. But here’s the twist: it targets their male partners. “With this launch, we are empowering couples … Read more
Is Botox a backdoor cure? Devotees of this treatment say the anal jab is the hole-y grail for constipation and sexual satisfaction. “Holetox is a procedure where Botox or any other brand is injected into the internal anal sphincter,” explained anesthesiologist and founder of Natural Aesthetics Center in California, Dr. Bita Ferrell. She described holetox … Read more
Think twice before sharing lunch with your dog or cat. Cats and dogs metabolize nutrients differently than we do, so you could be feeding your furry friend something that could potentially sicken or even kill them. While dogs tend to appreciate a human treat, human food should make up only 10% of their intake. Cat … Read more
Asthma sufferers, get pumped! Managing asthma often requires a two-pronged approach — long-term medicines to prevent attacks and rescue strategies to stop attacks when they happen. It’s important to avoid triggers and monitor breathing. New research out of the UK suggests that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Victoza may provide long-term asthma relief — in … Read more