While COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency, experts recommend following some health protocols—like testing—in an effort to keep everyone healthy and safe. There are a variety of COVID testing options available, though PCR tests remain the gold standard. Experts recommend people take a COVID-19 test if they have …
Read More »'Ozempic Butt' and 'Ozempic Face': How Weight Loss Drugs May Affect Your Skin
Drugs that can cause weight loss, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have become increasingly popular in the past year. There are growing concerns over "Ozempic butt" and "Ozempic face"—a potential side effect of the weight loss medications. However, any type of quick and/or significant weight loss—through medication or otherwise—can lead to …
Read More »Sad Girl Playlists Aren’t Just Trendy—Study Finds Sad Music Can Boost Your Mental Health
New research suggests that listening to sad music can positively impact a person’s mood based on the sense of connectedness it provides. Experts cite three responses to sad music: grief, melancholia, and sweet sorrow. Experts agree that music of all kinds can play a role in people’s mental health and …
Read More »What Is Human Metapneumovirus? CDC Reports Unusual Spike of Respiratory Virus
A recent CDC report warns of a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The virus is often mild, with cold-like symptoms, but it could lead to a more serious condition in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Experts recommend people take preventative measures for HMPV just as they would for other …
Read More »Volume Eating for Weight Loss—Dietitians Discuss Pros and Cons
Volume eating is a popular weight loss strategy that has seen a resurgence in recent months thanks to the online wellness space. The method behind volume eating is simple: eating a larger amount of food that is naturally lower in calories can help you feel fuller while maintaining a calorie …
Read More »Can Putting Iodine on Pimples Really Help Clear Them Up? Dermatologists Weigh In
A new skincare hack has popped up on TikTok—using iodine to prevent and treat acne breakouts. While experts agree that more research is needed, there is little evidence that the method would be harmful to the user if executed properly. Dermatologists still prefer patients to use more tried and true …
Read More »Berberine Dubbed 'Nature's Ozempic' on Social Media—But Is the Supplement Safe?
A supplement called berberine has been dubbed "nature's Ozempic" on social media. Users on TikTok and other social media platforms claim that berberine can help people improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose, and lose weight. Experts warn that berberine is not a one-to-one replacement for Ozempic or other semaglutide drugs, …
Read More »Do You Need a 'Dopamine Detox'?
Creators online say that taking a days or weeks-long “dopamine detox” from TV and social media can lessen social media dependency and improve wellbeing. Researchers don’t yet know if a social media break can truly reset a person’s dopamine levels, but social media breaks in general can have a number …
Read More »People With Asthma May Have a Higher Risk of Cancer—And Not Just Lung Cancer
A new study found that people with asthma may be 36% more likely to develop cancer than people without asthma. While a correlation is possible, both the research team and outside experts agree that more research is needed to make a conclusive decision. Experts advise asthmatic patients to quit smoking …
Read More »Study Shows Plant-Based Diets Are Good for Heart Health—Do You Need to Go Entirely Vegan?
New research found that plant-based diets can boost cardiovascular health. This is due to lower cholesterol levels that are often associated with vegetarian or vegan eating habits. Experts note that you don’t need to cut out animal products entirely to reap the heart-healthy benefits—instead, try making small changes toward plant-forward …
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