Healthy Living, Simplified

Hot Summer Night? Try Frozen Socks for Better Sleep

You Should Know: Extremely hot days are not only uncomfortable, but they can also be potentially dangerous. Plus, trying to sleep in a too-hot bedroom is nearly impossible. Socks might be the last thing you want to wear to bed on sweltering nights, but sticking them in the fridge or freezer to chill out first can bring you fast relief so you can sleep. Going Deeper: Hands and feet both radiate heat when it’s hot and insulate heat when it’s cold. Their ability to thermoregulate is due to the wide, flat surface area, lack of fat, and amount of blood vessels in the palms and soles. When the blood in our hands or feet cool down, the rest of the body follows suit. Takeaway: Your body’s core temperature needs to drop to induce sleep, and cooling your feet in hot weather helps to do this. Short of wrapping your feet in ice packs, wearing cold socks is the best way to keep feet cool for long enough for that temp drop to happen. Bottom Line: Cooling socks in the fridge or freezer before bed (or any time you’re super-hot) is an easy, cost-effective method that’s even recommended by the Red […]

How Exercise Keeps Your Cancer Defenses Up

Pumped Up: Your muscles do a lot more than help you lift things or power through a workout. New research published in Nature Communications found that healthy skeletal muscle releases tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that carry signals capable of suppressing tumor growth. So as our muscles weaken with age, the body produces fewer of these protective particles and the signals they carry become less potent. The Study: Researchers focused on sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. Using animal models, they found that sarcopenic muscle secretes fewer extracellular vesicles, and those vesicles contain lower levels of a microRNA called miR-7a-5p, which helps restrain tumor growth. Exercise appears to reactivate the biological pathway responsible for vesicle release. The Takeaway: Staying active as you age may help maintain a biological defense system your body already has, one that goes well beyond what happens at the gym. Keep in Mind: The research was conducted in animal models. Scientists plan to validate these findings in human samples before drawing clinical conclusions.

Two people using natural mood boosters like exercise and time in nature to improve mental well-being.

Natural Mood Boosters: 8 Simple Ways to Feel Better

Cognitive Health

a woman smiles because she's getting happier overall as she ages

Do People Actually Get Happier With Age?

We tend to assume happiness peaks in youth and fades with age, but the data tells a more hopeful story. Research found over half of adults 62 and older feel fulfilled. Here's what drives happiness later in life, and how to start building it now.

a woman ponders what the healthier fast food options available to her are

The Healthiest Fast Food Options at 12 Popular Chains, According to Dietitians

The drive-thru is part of life, and the healthiest fast food order is usually sitting right there on the menu, if you know what to look for. Two registered dietitians break down the smartest pick at 12 popular chains, from Chick-fil-A to Taco Bell, plus the one thing to watch on every order.

Fitness

Nutrition

Sleep

How To Improve Your Agility

Power Up: Cardio keeps your heart healthy. Strength training builds muscle. But there’s another piece of the fitness puzzle that often gets passed over: agility, or your ability to move quickly, react fast, and stay balanced. How to Do It: Experts recommend adding one explosive power workout each week, focusing on moving with speed. Beginners can try fast sit-to-stands from a chair or elevated plyo push-ups, standing up or pushing away as quickly as possible before lowering slowly. If you already strength train regularly, add exercises like squat jumps, jumping jacks, kettlebell swings, or medicine ball slams. To improve your coordination, you can’t go wrong with ladder and cone drills. And if you really want to have some fun while improving your agility, join a local beer league! Soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee, and kickball will challenge your skills — and you might make a new friend. The Benefits: Power-based exercises engage fast-twitch muscle fibers, which naturally decline with age. Training them can improve balance, increase speed, help prevent falls, boost sports performance, and make everyday movements — from catching yourself after a stumble to playing with your kids in the yard — feel easier.

Dating Apps Are Getting a Fitness Upgrade

The Trend: Run clubs walked so gym-dating apps could sprint. A new crop of platforms is betting that shared training plans make better icebreakers than “What are you looking for?” SURF, now HYROX’s official North American dating-app partner, lets users filter for fellow racers and trainees. ATEAM is an invite-only wellness dating app for people who prioritize fitness, recovery, and routine. Other newcomers, including Leg Day and Lunge, are built around workout meetups and fitness community events. What People Are Saying: The appeal is obvious: if 7 a.m. runs and alcohol-free weekends are central to your life, it may be nice to skip the compatibility briefing. These apps promise more intentional, real-world connection — and less dead-end swiping. But there’s a catch: “fitness” can become shorthand for a very narrow version of health. Critics point out that screening for wellness may amplify the same appearance-driven biases that already exist in dating culture. What to Know: These apps are a sign that dating is becoming more lifestyle-first: people are looking for partners who fit into the rhythms they already value, from early workouts to race weekends. That may make finding common ground easier, but remember that true chemistry requires more than […]

Early Birds and Night Owls Don’t Build Muscle the Same

Muscle O’Clock: When it comes to building and maintaining muscle, a new review suggests it’s not just what you do that matters — it may also be when you do it. Your circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, influences everything from hormone production to appetite, metabolism, sleep quality, and muscle recovery. And that could give morning larks and night owls different health trajectories over time. The Study: In a review published in Nutrients, researchers analyzed prior studies on circadian rhythms, muscle protein synthesis, exercise timing, sleep, meal timing, and metabolism. They found that people with an evening chronotype (“night owls”) tend to have behaviors linked to poorer muscle health, including irregular sleep schedules, later eating patterns, lower physical activity levels, and worse metabolic markers. These factors may make it harder to preserve muscle mass and strength over time. The Takeaway: The headline here isn’t that night owls are doomed to lose muscle. Rather, the review suggests that consistent routines are an important key to muscle health. Prioritizing adequate protein, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep — and avoiding irregular sleep and eating schedules — may help protect muscle health for evening chronotypes. Keep in Mind: Working with your chronotype, not against […]

The Smart Way to Exercise in Summer Heat

The Heat of Competition: The 2026 World Cup is just heating up — and we mean that literally. Recent headlines have spotlighted the extreme temperatures expected across North America, where the tournament is being hosted in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The heat is so concerning that 60 current and former players signed an open letter urging FIFA to update its heat guidelines. The Danger: The average soccer player runs between 5.2 and 8 miles in a 90-minute match. That level of exertion in high heat can impair performance and increase the risk of dizziness, cramping, dehydration, and, in severe cases, heat stroke. But you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take heat seriously. If heat and humidity are summer staples where you live, outdoor workouts require extra caution. What to Do: Safeguarding yourself isn’t complicated. There are a handful of best practices: Hydrate before and after exercise, wear lightweight clothing, train early or late in the day, take breaks, and scale back your intensity when conditions are brutal. Stay smart, and you can stay active without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.

6 Simple Ways to Make High-Protein Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain that's high in fiber and low in calories, but a plain bowl has just 3 grams of protein, which is why you're hungry again an hour later. These 6 easy toppings, from Parmesan to pumpkin seeds, turn it into high-protein popcorn that actually keeps you full.

What to Eat After Intermittent Fasting

Wondering what to eat after intermittent fasting? Your first meal can help maintain steady energy or leave you feeling sluggish. Learn how to break a fast with balanced, easy-to-digest foods, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

Can Drinking Gelatin Help With Weight Loss?

The Trend: Perhaps you’ve seen the latest weight-loss hack, affectionately called “nature’s Ozempic,” making the rounds on social media. In wellness spaces, people are now sprinkling unflavored gelatin into warm water and drinking it before meals because it supposedly makes you feel fuller faster and eat less. Proponents say it physically expands in your stomach and takes up space, signaling to your brain that you’re already getting full. The pitch is that it works as a cheap, accessible alternative to GLP-1 medications. What People Are Saying: Experts say the Ozempic comparison is pretty misleading. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, and like other proteins, it may slow gastric emptying and temporarily curb hunger. The problem is that gelatin is an incomplete protein missing several essential amino acids, so it won’t keep you as full as a balanced meal would. There’s also very limited evidence that it produces any sustained weight loss on its own. What To Know: Moderate gelatin consumption is safe for the most part, but some people may experience bloating or digestive discomfort. Using it as a meal replacement can also crowd out the nutrients your body actually needs.

One Simple Food Swap Could Improve Your Health

Smart Swaps: You’ve heard about “good fats” and “bad fats.” New research helps explain those monikers by looking at what these fats actually do inside our cells — and the difference may be especially important for people concerned about type 2 diabetes. The Study: In a new review published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers examined how two common dietary fats affect the body: palmitic acid (a saturated fat found in foods like butter, red meat, palm oil, and many ultra-processed foods) and oleic acid (the heart-healthy fat abundant in olive oil and avocados). They found that palmitic acid may contribute to insulin resistance by promoting inflammation, disrupting normal cell function, and increasing the buildup of harmful fat molecules. Oleic acid appears to do the opposite, supporting healthy insulin signaling and potentially offsetting some of palmitic acid’s harmful effects. Takeaway: The study reinforces the message that swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats, like using olive oil instead of butter or choosing nuts over processed snacks, supports long-term metabolic health. Keep in Mind: This doesn’t mean saturated fat must be eliminated (the verdict is still out on how harmful, or not, saturated fats are) but it does add to the […]

Counting Sheep? A Weighted Blanket Might Help

You Should Know: Weighted blankets sure are cozy, and they provide benefits beyond just snuggling up: they may help you settle down for sleep. The gentle pressure is thought to mimic the calming sensation of a hug, activating the body’s “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) response. Research suggests they can be especially helpful for people with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, or insomnia, though anyone who finds the pressure soothing may benefit. Going Deeper: The evidence is promising, but not conclusive. A trial of 120 adults with insomnia and psychiatric diagnoses, including generalized anxiety disorder and ADHD, found that weighted blankets produced meaningful improvements in insomnia severity compared with a lighter control blanket. A 2024 review of studies found a small but positive effect on anxiety and possible benefits for insomnia among people with mental disorders, while emphasizing that the evidence base remains small and heterogeneous. Takeaway: Weighted blankets probably won’t cure insomnia, but their deep-pressure comfort may make it easier to relax — and that can be a first step toward better sleep. Bottom Line: Even though clinical evidence is limited, using a weighted blanket is a “won’t hurt, might help” situation. If you’re struggling to sleep, give it a go. […]

Sleep Loss Shows Up Somewhere Surprising

Spit Take: Red, bleary eyes and dark undereye circles are telltale signs we’re not getting enough sleep. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now found a way to measure fatigue in our mouth — more specifically, in our saliva. The Study: The research team gathered 20 healthy young males (ages 20 to 33) who regularly get seven to nine hours of sleep. They created three interventions, each separated by one week: one night of total sleep deprivation, four consecutive nights of sleep restricted to six hours, and control sleep of eight hours. Multiple saliva specimens were taken before and after each intervention for each participant and then analyzed using liquid chromatography. Researchers identified 10 molecular differences in saliva between sleep-deprived and well–rested participants. The Takeaway: Researchers say these 10 differences create a “sleepiness fingerprint” that could be used to develop a rapid saliva test to gauge sleepiness before driving or operating machinery — like a version of alcohol breath tests. Drowsy driving kills more than 6,000 people each year in the U.S. Keep in Mind: This was a small preliminary study that included only young men, but the next research phase will include a broader population.

How To Manage Jet Lag

On The Road Again: The FIFA World Cup has teams and fans traveling thousands of miles to and around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Something fans and players alike are at risk for: jet lag and travel fatigue. While there isn’t a hack that can sidestep the downsides of traveling across timezones, there are a few simple tweaks ahead of travel that will help you seamlessly sync with your destination’s clock. World Cup teams traveling across as many as four time zones during the tournament: take notice. How to Do it: Slowly adjust your sleep-wake schedule in 30-minute increments over four or five days. And, go outside without sunglasses: research shows bright light exposure can help shift your body’s circadian rhythm. Apps designed to help you beat jet lag (we like Timeshifter) can create routines personalized to your trip. The Benefits: While jet lag has no quick fix, research shows switching up your sleep schedule and the timing of light exposure before travel will help minimize fatigue. These small changes will help your body to adapt more easily when you land, ready for vacation.

Bad Dental Health in Childhood Linked to Heart Disease

Brush Up: The body is interconnected in funny ways. A stressful week in the office can lead to gut issues. A slight pronation in your foot can lead to back trouble. And, according to new research, poor dental health in childhood correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The Study: Researchers examined data collected and tracked for up to 23 years from a cohort of nearly 569,000 Danish people born between 1963 and 1972. They found that the more severe their childhood cavities and gingivitis, the higher their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Female participants with severe cavities as kids had a 45% higher incidence of ASCVD, and males had a 32% higher incidence. The Takeaway: It’s well established that regular brushing and flossing are good for the heart, as they can prevent infection. Poor dental hygiene is also associated with high blood pressure, thickening of artery walls, and systemic inflammation, likely due to the body’s inflammatory immune response to dental infections. Keep in Mind: The findings weren’t causal, and the data didn’t account for other factors, such as adult dental hygiene, smoking, and obesity, which are linked to poor oral and heart health outcomes.

Mindfulness

Beauty

Personal Growth

Stressed? The Internet Says Stick Out Your Tongue

The Trend: On today’s news in “delightfully weird internet trends,” sticking out your tongue is the new kingpin of stress relief. Across Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, people are saying: Stick out your tongue for 40 seconds, and, poof, your stress supposedly melts away. As for how it works, the claim making the rounds is that the move releases tension in the jaw, throat, and neck, reduces cortisol, and stimulates the vagus nerve. What People Are Saying: Many have been quick to point out that the trend is often attributed to an unnamed neurologist (a sign of questionable health information), and doctors point out that there’s no real scientific evidence to support the trend. Thousands of people online, meanwhile, swear that it works. What to Know: The lack of clinical evidence doesn’t mean the relief is imagined. Any unusual physical action can interrupt a runaway thought loop and pull attention into the body — a grounding technique that may briefly ease the fight-or-flight response. If you want a similarly quick reset with stronger evidence, try diaphragmatic breathing or do the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, naming what you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste.

Mindfulness

“Solo-Maxxing”: Why Gen Z Is Embracing Being Single

The Trend: Fiber, sleep, Italian nonnas … young people continue to max out on the “maxxing” trend. The latest is solo-maxxing, a very Gen Z term for embracing being single instead of actively looking for a partner. Day-in-the-life content by “loneliness influencers” have also grown in popularity. Made by creators self-described as single, living alone, with no kids or friends, these videos depict them embracing a solitary, quiet life dining out alone or staying in on Friday nights. So, why is Gen Z going solo? What People Are Saying: Some say Gen Zers are turning away from dating in an effort to be more frugal. Romance can come with a hefty price tag (an average of $189 per date in the U.S.) once you tally meals, drinks, tickets, and transportation. But solo-maxxing also prioritizes independence and self-reliance. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but Gen Z experiences higher rates of loneliness than other generations, forged by years of isolation from COVID, virtual learning, and social media. What to Know: Whether it’s self-imposed or unintentional, loneliness is a health hazard. Research shows connection with others is a longevity cornerstone and one of the keys to a longer, happier life.

Mindfulness

The Controversial Science of Repressed Memories

Mindfulness

Do Beards Really Harbor More Germs Than Bare Skin?

You Should Know: Depending on your preference, beards fall into either a “love them” or “leave them” category. Either way, there’s a common perception that beards are less hygienic than a clean-shaven face. But is that really true? Going Deeper: Beards can create a particularly hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive, as moisture, oils, and food particles tend to linger longer in beards than on bare skin. Hair also holds in warmth, which helps bacteria grow. Some studies have found more bacteria in beards than on toilet seats and in dog fur. Other research has refuted this, finding no more bacteria in beards than elsewhere. While beards may carry certain infections, including impetigo, other research found masked surgeons with beards were no more likely to transmit infections than non-bearded ones. Takeaway: Everything has bacteria in or on it, including our skin and hair — some naturally present and some introduced when we eat, drink, and touch our face or hair with our fingers. Experts say as long as beards are kept clean, there’s no real danger. Bottom Line: Beards aren’t inherently unhygienic — they just need regular care. Washing your beard and the skin underneath helps remove buildup, while trimming […]

Beauty

How To Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Fight The Bite: DEET has been the standard mosquito repellant for decades. But many consumers don’t want to slather DEET on their or their kids’ skin and want a chemical-free alternative. Plus, one study found DEET could actually attract mosquitos. So, what “all-natural” repellents actually work? How to Do It: Strong smells can repel bugs and block the scent of humans. Patchouli, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, citronella, lavender, thyme, tea tree, and geranium essential oils may work. Choose products that contain them, or dilute them in a carrier oil (like almond or jojoba) or lotion before applying to the skin. Some aren’t safe for use on babies or toddlers. If you’ve got a campfire going, toss bunches of strong herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the flames. Another alternative? Using fans outdoors, as mosquitoes are weak fliers. Experts say those kid-friendly repellant stickers, patches, or bracelets may work briefly but won’t offer substantial protection. The Benefits: DEET is considered safe, but it smells bad and can break down synthetic fibers when sprayed on clothing. DEET poisoning is rare, though possible. In parts of the world with lots of mosquito-borne illnesses, though, it’s best to stick to DEET for the best […]

Beauty

Can Watermelon Juice Protect You From the Sun?

Beauty

How “Body Doubling” Can Boost Focus and Productivity

You Should Know: Lots of us studied with friends or study groups during college, but we may have gotten away from working that way after graduation. Working with others actually has a name — “body doubling” — and it could help people with ADHD or who have trouble staying on task find more focus and get more done. Going Deeper: ADHD directly affects the part of the brain in charge of executive functioning, which regulates planning, attention, and inhibitory control. People with ADHD often struggle with the motivation to get started on a project and to keep focused on the task once they do. Having a person working alongside you serves as a form of “external executive function.” If our work buddy is being productive, we may naturally model their behavior or ease into concentration simply by being in a focused environment. Takeaway: Body doubling took off during COVID as people yearned to connect with others when working from home. By anchoring you to a task and to someone else, body doubling can spur motivation, provide accountability, and encourage productivity. Bottom Line: Your double doesn’t have to be literally sitting right next to you. They can be in the […]

New Yale Study Takes a Stab at Ageism

Age Is a Mindset: Ageism is a fact of life, whether you notice it or not. Older adults are often seen as less capable, less sharp, and less useful than younger people. A new study out of Yale University challenges society’s diminishment of our elders, showing that by many measures, folks actually improve with age. The Study: Researchers followed adults over age 65 for up to 12 years, tracking both physical function and cognitive health. They collected data on more than 11,000 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, a federally funded, long-term study on older Americans. Nearly half of participants showed meaningful improvements in either their physical abilities, mental sharpness, or both. One of the strongest predictors of improvement was mindset — specifically, positive or negative views about aging. Participants who held more positive beliefs about aging were significantly more likely to experience gains in health and function over time. Takeaway: Seeing aging as a period of continued growth, rather than a downward slide, may encourage behaviors like staying physically active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated, all of which can support healthy aging. Keep in Mind: Aging does increase the risk of health challenges, but decline isn’t inevitable.

Do People Actually Get Happier With Age?