It’s not uncommon to have a late-night dinner (or snack) right before hitting the hay. But according to a new study conducted by Northwestern University, cutting yourself off approximately three hours before bed can actually improve your cardiovascular health over time. “Among middle-aged and older adults who are at higher risk for cardiometabolic disease, extending the participants’ overnight fast by about two hours, dimming the lights, and not eating for three hours prior t

When was the last time you tried something new? The idea might sound scary, but novel experiences can do wonders for your personal growth. It can also challenge you—in a good way!—and help you learn about your thoughts, strengths, habits, and emotions. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with familiar experiences, like regularly visiting a coffee shop or cooking certain meals. Such habits can establish routines and make us feel safe. But there’s also value in switching

Why It Happens It’s normal to have some gas. Each day, most people make 1 to 3 pints of it as we digest our food. It escapes 14 to 23 times a day, one way or the other. But if the gas can’t easily get out, you may feel uncomfortable and bloated. Two Sources The gas inside you builds up two ways. Some of it starts as air that you swallow along with your food. Most of that goes away when you burp, but a little flows on into you. Your large intestine makes the rest of the gas as

If you have symptoms such as severe increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, and tingling in your hands or feet, your doctor may run a test for diabetes. According to the CDC, some 38 million children and adults in the U.S., or over 11% of the population, have diabetes today. Yet, millions of Americans are unaware that they have diabetes because they may not have symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will or

As we grow older, fighting off belly fat can feel like an impossible mission. In the years following menopause, fat tends to migrate from the thighs to the belly. In both sexes, more fat accumulates around our middles with each passing decade, according to a study of more than 10,000 people. That accumulation can eventually put you at higher risk for serious health problems. As more fat surrounds internal organs like the liver and heart, the likelihood of developing chronic h

Swelling occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. It’s typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Swelling can occur internally, or it can affect your outer skin and muscles. A range of conditions can cause swelling. Insect bites, illnesses, and injuries often result in external swelling. Internal swelling is often a side effect of a medication or the result of organ dysfunction or serious injury. You should seek immediate medica

When it comes to controversial foods, dairy is often near the top of the list, especially with the specific recommendation of whole milk and other full-fat dairy products in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans . Full-fat dairy is a source of saturated fat, a nutrient known to have adverse effects on heart health when consumed in excess, so many people are confused by the new recommendations to prioritize it. 1. Your Blood Fats May Rise Research shows that foods hig

Lower back pain affects millions of people each year, but some treatment options, like working with personal trainers or using specialized equipment for exercise, are not always accessible or affordable. A recent study in Australia found that walking, a free and accessible exercise, can help reduce lower back pain recurrence. “The nice thing about walking is that everybody knows how to do it. People can do it in any location or any place. It’s not difficult to teach anybody

Eating a satisfying and nourishing meal in the morning sets you up for a healthy day. And many of us prefer to spoon into a bowl of cereal for breakfast because it’s a quick, filling and delicious choice. So much so, that nearly 300 million Americans eat cereal each day. A healthy box of cereal can help older adults meet their overall nutritional needs. Unfortunately, many of the eye-catching packages in the cereal aisle are low in nutrition and big on sugar and additives — m

Glyphosate is an ingredient found in several herbicide products, including those from a major brand that has been in the news for settling a lawsuit around glyphosate’s potential link to cancer. Recent research links glyphosate to Hodgkin’s lymphoma and raises questions about the ingredient’s carcinogenic properties, however, more research is still needed. What is glyphosate? Glyphosate is an herbicide that’s widespread in the environment. “It was initially registered as an

The fact that we now have medications to treat everything from everyday infections to cardiovascular conditions is nothing short of miraculous. At the same time, ongoing research has revealed that some of these drugs may have unexpected effects on the body. So what is the number-one medication that impacts your gut microbiome? When we asked gastroenterologists which medication impacts the gut the most, they had the same answer: Antibiotics , which are used to treat bacterial

We get it: Absolutely no one wants cancer or even wants to think about getting cancer. The good news is that we’ve come a long way in treatment and prognoses for many types of cancer, especially when doctors catch them early , thanks to research and modern medicine. Yet, despite all we’ve learned about the disease, there are still a bunch of things we don’t know. “We are still trying to figure out risk factors for many types of cancer,” states Dr. David Yashar, MD , a hemato

For the last century, heart disease has sat atop the list as the most common cause of death among U.S. adults. And symptoms often start with something other than the severe or sudden chest pain that signals a heart attack . “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, yet many people either don’t recognize early warning signs or misinterpret them as something minor,” says Dr. Tina Shah, MD , a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. “The sooner symptoms are ident

The Department of Health and Human Services announced new resources to make drug abuse treatment more affordable and accessible for families at risk of entering the foster care system. HHS’ Administration for Children and Families will announce that three Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for Opioid Use Disorder meet eligibility criteria for Title IV-E, a federal funding program supporting families involved with the child welfare system. The agency says expand

Republicans can “win big” in midterm elections if they “unwrap the gift of MAHA” that President Donald Trump has handed them, according to a new memo from Tony Lyons, president of MAHA Action. Four to six percent of former non-Trump voters cited the “Make America Healthy Again,” or MAHA, movement in explaining their decision to switch their support to him and the Republican Party in 2024, according to Trump’s go-to pollster, Tony Fabrizio. But the Republican Party is just “re

You’re coughing, you’ve got a fever, and your chest feels clogged with mucus. Do you have bronchitis or pneumonia? Both are lung infections with similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell the difference. The big difference between these two conditions — and you might not be able to feel it — is which part of the respiratory system is affected. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs. Pneumonia affects the air sacs, called alveoli, where oxygen

After a trip, a long day with family or the occasional late night, it’s common to feel tired or a bit sluggish. But fatigue — constant exhaustion, tiredness, and a lack of physical and mental energy — often needs more than just a good night’s sleep to resolve. Often, fatigue is seen as an inevitable part of aging — but this shouldn’t be the case, according to Chris Aakre, M.D., a fatigue specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Fatigue at any age is not normal. The

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term, chronic medical condition. It develops mostly in adults but is becoming more common in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several factors contribute to type 2 diabetes, including overweight and obesity. Type 2 diabetes can lead to life threatening complications, but with treatment, you can manage the condition or cause it to go into remission. Read on for more information about managing diabetes for b

Parmesan Lactose intolerant? Give parmesan a try. In just 1 (grated) ounce, this low-lactose choice delivers 8 grams of protein, 119 calories, and only 3 carbs, without causing tummy trouble. Plus, it’s high in calcium and phosphorus, nutrients that help build bone. Goat Cheese It’s often easier to digest than cheese made from cow’s milk because it has different proteins that don’t irritate your digestive system. It also has a higher percentage of medium-chain fatty acids, wh

1. Your Genes Metabolism is how your body changes food into energy. If your body is slow at burning calories while you rest or sleep, you probably got that from your parents, through your genes. What you can do: Since you can’t change your genes, focus on your habits. One of the best ways to pep up your metabolism is to get more exercise. Look for ways to sneak more activity into your day. 2. Hormones Hormones impact appetite, metabolism, and even where your body stores fat.

Financial stress may damage your heart as much as well-known risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking, according to a recent study. People who face chronic financial strain often experience anxiety, loneliness, or depression, and this type of stress can accelerate cardiac aging and put their heart health at risk. How Financial Stress Affects Heart Health The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings , analyzed data from 280,323 adults. Researchers found that many s

Eye puffiness, medically termed periorbital edema, may result from harmless factors like sleep deprivation or too much sodium intake, but can also indicate health issues such as diabetes or thyroid problems. Don't ignore it if it persists—consult a specialist to ensure your vision and health aren’t at risk. Symptoms of Swollen Eyes Periorbital edema refers to the temporary swelling of tissues around the eyes ("peri" meaning around and " orbital" referring to the eyeball) due

Eat less, move more, don’t smoke. You know these heart-smart rules, well, by heart. Even so, cardiovascular disease remains America’s biggest killer, and the risk increases as you get older. But whatever your age, it’s never too late to protect your ticker. “80% of heart disease is actually preventable,” says Martha Gulati, M.D., former president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. The key? Taking action now. These simple tips will help you get started. Heart t

Weighted vests add resistance to everyday movement, helping turn activities like walking or bodyweight exercises into a more challenging workout. But like any fitness tool, they’re not for everyone, and they should be used carefully. Let’s break down what weighted vests are, their potential benefits, and what to consider before trying one. What is a weighted vest? A weighted vest is exactly what it sounds like: a vest worn over your clothing that contains evenly distributed w

You don’t have to cut the morning caffeine drip to protect your brain against dementia in the future. New research shows that daily coffee or tea –– and yes, the caffeinated kind –– is associated with better cognitive health in the long term. Those who enjoyed two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea a day saw the biggest impact, according to the study published Monday in JAMA. Coffee drinkers in midlife had about an 18% lower chance of developing dementia later

Your kidneys do more work to keep you healthy than you can imagine. These bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, are crucial in maintaining your overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the importance of kidney health until problems occur. According to recent statistics from the CDC, over 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, many without knowing it. Millions more are at risk due to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. In this article

Celebrity trainer and best-selling author Jorge Cruise isn’t shy when it comes to talking belly fat — and how he, 40 pounds overweight years ago, carried a lot of it. “Belly fat robs us of confidence at any age,” says Cruise, who is now 54. “But more than that, our waistline is our lifeline, particularly as we get older. You can have hip fat, butt fat and arm fat, and still be relatively healthy. But if you have belly fat, it will crush your health.” What is belly fat? B

Thought much about B vitamins lately? If not, maybe you should. There are eight varieties of B vitamins. And between them, they support  brain health , heart health, DNA development and energy regulation. Plus, they’ve been found to  prevent migraines , ward off recurrence of some skin cancers, and even possibly slow the progression of a devastating neurodegenerative disease. Some people believe “the B stands for ‘boring,’ ” says Mark Moyad, M.D., director of preventive and a

Following last week’s launch of TrumpRx, a federal government-based prescription drug platform, doctors are speaking about its potential benefits for consumers — and also its limitations. The platform, which can be accessed at TrumpRx.gov, allows patients to access "large discounts on many of the most popular and highest-priced medicines in the country," according to the statement on The White House website. The goal is for consumers to get the lowest available pricing among

After years of backing the legalization of marijuana in the U.S., The New York Times changed course in an editorial published Tuesday. In the piece, entitled "It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem," the editorial board stated that the U.S. "has recently gone too far in accepting and even promoting its use." This is a stark departure from the publication’s longtime support of making marijuana mainstream. In a 2014 editorial, the Times argued the federa

A person’s genes play a far greater role in likely lifespan than previously thought, according to a major new study published Thursday in the journal Science . Using data from human twin studies, an international team of researchers arrived at the conclusion that the genetic contribution to how long we’re likely to live is as high as 55%. This new finding is strikingly higher than previous estimates, which have calculated the role of genetics in lifespan could range from 6% t

There are more than 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States, and cancer is the country’s second leading cause of death. Most cancers are caused by factors outside your control, but at least 42% of new cases are potentially avoidable. Strategies that can lower your risk often improve your overall health. ‘I’ve Been Intentional About Having Fresher Foods’ Research has repeatedly linked ultra-processed foods—generally those with a long shelf life that

There’s good news for the 86 million Americans with high cholesterol. A new study from researchers at the University of Oxford found that statins, a group of cholesterol-lowering medications, do not cause the majority of side effects listed on their packaging, such as weight gain, nausea, and fatigue. “This finding has huge public health implications,” said Michael D. Shapiro, DO, MCR, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who was not

This could be  grate  news for cheese lovers: A recent study found potential links between cheese and positive health outcomes, particularly when it comes to sleep. The results of the study, published in the December edition of the Sleep Medicine journal, found that eating more cheese may be linked to a reduced likelihood of developing sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition that can cause you to stop breathing while you sleep. The study’s researchers pointed out

It’s likely that you might have taken your health for granted in early adulthood. Maybe you could run a quick mile or stand on your feet all day long at a theme park. However, as you age, you may notice that your body doesn’t usually work as well as it used to. For example, after the age of 50, bone breakdown happens quicker than formation, which results in bone loss. That said, there are daily habits and practices that older adults can engage in to help ease some of the ache

Most people can meet their daily vitamin C needs—75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men—through their diet and don't need a supplement. Eating foods high in vitamin C provides additional benefits from nutrients such as fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. 1. Acerola Cherry Serving: 1/2 cup Vitamin C: 825 milligrams (mg) Daily value: 1,100% for women, 917% for men Acerola is a small red cherry species that's grown in certain tropical regions. Acerola cherri

While many factors may contribute to feeling tired all the time, certain nutrient deficiencies may also play a role. Vitamins and minerals support a variety of body functions, and having too little of some of them can impact your energy levels, making it harder to get through your day. 1. Magnesium Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in many chemical reactions throughout the body, including those that create energy. Magnesium also helps regulate your nervous system, k

Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. Even if you didn’t fall in love with reading as a kid, it’s never too late to start. Reading can even be a form of therapy for improving well-being. Bibliotherapy is a complementary therapeutic tool for emotional release and reduced stress and anxiety. Here’s how reading books can change your brain — and your body — for the better. Strengthens the brain Reading involves activi

Belly Fat: More Than Skin Deep One fact about stomach fat you should know is this: It's not just that squishy layer right under your skin -- the kind you grab to see if you can "pinch an inch." Visceral fat is the name for the kind that lies deep in your torso. It packs around your intestines, liver, and stomach. It can also line your arteries. And it can be risky for your health. But you don't need special diets or exercises to lose it -- just healthy habits. What Are the He

A new report predicts that close to half of U.S. adults will be diagnosed with obesity a decade from now. The analysis, published as an original investigation in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)Trusted Source, projects that 126 million U.S. adults will be living with obesity by 2035. That would be almost 47% of the population. That compares with the 107 million U.S. adults currently estimated to have obesity. They comprise about 42% of the population. Th

Heart Attack Arm or shoulder pain can be a sign, especially if you also have pain or pressure in the center of your chest and shortness of breath. A heart attack can be sudden, but sometimes it’s gradual. The feeling might last a few minutes, or stop and return. Your stomach, jaw, back, or neck also might hurt. You could also get sick to your stomach, lightheaded, and clammy with sweat. Call 911 if you notice these symptoms. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Nine tendons and a nerve (ca

Can you help your brain stay healthy as you age by doing things that challenge your mind? Could that also help you avoid memory loss, or even prevent or delay dementia such as Alzheimer's? Scientists need to do more research to find out for sure. But a number of studies show there are benefits to staying mentally active. Here’s what we know about the impact of exercising your brain. Can brain exercises help delay memory loss or dementia? When people keep their minds active, t

Some things in life feel unavoidable: death, taxes and … brushing your teeth. Yet for all the “practice” you get caring for your pearly whites — ideally, you’re brushing twice a day and flossing daily, year in and year out — you’d think you’d be a pro at it by now. But the health data tell a different story. Tooth decay, which includes cavities or caries, is the most common noncommunicable disease around the globe, a statistic that holds true even in the United States. That,

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is taking his Make America Healthy Again agenda to Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday to rally support from voters for the Trump administration’s health policies. Tennessee marks Kennedy’s second stop on his "Take Back Your Health" tour this year in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, and he is likely to address various health policy goals from President Donald Trump. Healthcare will likely be a major motivator for vote

On New Year’s Eve, Lee Zeldin did something out of character for an Environmental Protection Agency leader who has been hacking away at regulations intended to protect Americans’ air and water. He announced new restrictions on five chemicals commonly used in building materials, plastic products and adhesives, and he cheered it as a “MAHA win.” It was one of many signs of a fragile collaboration that has been building between a Republican administration traditionally supportiv

Fruits are naturally high in fiber, a nutrient that comes with a host of benefits for gut health, heart health, digestion and weight loss. The plant-based carbohydrate can’t be digested, which is exactly what gives it superpowers as it moves through the body. You may think of fiber as one single substance, but there are actually two types: Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both help you feel full, but each has special benefits, says Lisa Young, Ph.D., a registered dietitian

Exercise is famously good for the heart. But there’s another habit that has a similar effect and can complement your workouts. It’s fun and more active than meditation or relaxation exercises, but you can still do it while sitting in place. Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiologist at Penn Medicine and professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, actually prescribes this activity for his patients. Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Get Belly Laughs to Boost Heart Health He

Staying hydrated is critical for feeling good and operating at your best. Given that the body is made up of an average of 60 percent water (though this amount varies from person to person), it requires H20 to function on numerous levels. You need more than two hands to count the number of awesome things water does within your body, but some of its main jobs include removing waste and toxins, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and improving cellular, tissue, and

Step into any suburban garage and you’ll see the relics of January resolutions that have fallen by the wayside. Whether it’s a piece of cardio equipment, a label maker, or a spiderweb-covered juicer, these items often stick around far longer than our motivation. Each New Year can feel like the perfect time for dramatic and sweeping changes, but those big shifts don’t always stick, especially when we attempt several at once. In fact, research shows that small goals are far eas

Full-fat dairy is having its day in the sun. After years of promoting low- or no-fat options, new dietary guidelines now recommend choosing full-fat dairy, although still advising people to keep saturated fat under 10% of their daily calories. Amid the push for full-fat dairy, a recent study in the journal Neurology linked eating high-fat cheese and cream to a lower risk of dementia. The findings have drawn media attention, in part because health experts rarely highlight the