Health and Fitness

21 Gifts That Promote Health and Wellness

Many of CR's top-rated products are great choices for anyone trying to be healthier. Plus, some favorites from our health and food editors.By Catherine RobertsIt’s a season of gift-giving—and res...

How To Handle a Medical Issue Overseas

Advanced breast cancer patients living longer thanks to improvements in treatment and care

People diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2025 can expect to live for an extra six or seven months, compared to the average survival time for patients diagnosed in 2011, according to a major study of patient data in the US presented at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8).

Melatonin Vs. Magnesium: A Doctor Reveals Which Works Best for Sleep

Plus, which one offers more general health benefits.

America's Health Crisis Deepens As 194 Million Adults Now Live With Chronic Diseases

Your odds of having a chronic health condition are overwhelming if you're an American adult. New research shows 76% of the adult population deals with long-term health issues, but early intervention can improve outcomes.

'Health is the face of climate change': how can cities mitigate the impact of global warming

A Lancet report released last week found that since the 1990s, heat-related deaths have increased 23% to 546,000 annually as global temperatures rise. We speak with Emilia Carrera, Director of the Health Initiative at the Rockefeller Foundation, about how urban areas can mitigate the impact of global warming in cities and protect residents in urban areas.

6 Foods That Help Prevent Alzheimer's

Although no single food will immediately prevent Alzheimer's, some foods, when consumed over time, can slow and maybe even prevent brain disorders. It's never too late to start adding these brain-healthy foods to your diet.

Unlocking Your Health Blueprint: How Your Blood Type Can Influence Disease Risks and Wellness Strategies

Unlocking Your Health Blueprint: How Your Blood Type Can Influence Disease Risks and Wellness Strategies

Dentists reveal the worst foods for gum inflammation - and how to future-proof your smile

Food for healthy gums: A dentist reveals the foods that are best and worst for your oral health, including foods that can cause gum inflammation

Experts issue warning on major disease-carrying threat: 'Many were not aware'

Many are unprepared to mitigate the dangers. Experts issue warning on major disease-carrying threat: 'Many were not aware' first appeared on The Cool Down.

You’ve Been Eating Bananas Wrong Your Whole Life — Here’s The Ripeness Level That Actually Matches Your Health Goals

The nutritional content in a banana changes as it ripens. What ripeness level is best for you? View Entire Post ›

Childhood obesity reaching ‘alarmingly high’ levels in Europe, WHO report warns

Child obesity rates have stabilised in some countries in recent years – but global health officials said they were still too high. View on euronews

Does Drinking This Sort Of Tea Really Help With Gut Health?

Some teas are said to have multiple benefits for your health, including your gut. But does this particular tea variety really assist you there?

9 Hidden Apple Watch Health Features Revealed by Apple Doctor

"Your wrist might be smarter than your doctor's clipboard." That's the bold reality facing Apple Watch owners who haven't tapped into its full health potential. Beyond step counts and workout rings, Apple's wearable hides a suite of advanced health tools that might just help detect early signs of illness, track long-term wellness trends, and even inform mental health check-ins. These features are more than marketing fluff they're actually backed by clinicians on staff at Apple and, in many cases, cleared by regulators. Everything from subtle temperature fluctuations overnight to breathing irregularities during sleep can be surfaced on the watch - provided you know where to look. As Dr Lauren Cheung, a clinician at Apple says "These devices provide tools for people to be educated and empowered about their health". Here are nine of the most overlooked - and impactful - health features hiding in plain sight on the Apple Watch. 1. Vitals App: Your Overnight Health Dashboard Launched in 2024, the Vitals app compiles heart rate, wrist temperature, respiratory rate, blood oxygen (on eligible models), and sleep duration into a single view. Wear the watch snugly for at least seven nights to establish your baseline. The app then flags when two or more metrics drift outside normal ranges a subtle warning that could precede illness. Dr. Cheung notes that elevated heart rate and temperature together might indicate infection or even the effects of alcohol. This proactive alerting helps users decide whether to rest, seek medical advice, or adjust daily activity. 2. Noise monitoring and hearing health The Noise app measures environmental sound levels and provides warnings for when exposure risks long-term hearing damage. With the AirPods Pro 2 or 3, Apple pairs it with a five-minute test that gives a baseline result without having to go to a clinic. As Crystal Rolfe of the RNID puts it: "Now you've got something right in your pocket, I can't see why you wouldn't do it once a year." The watch is also a mild hearing aid, boosting conversations and automatically adapting audio to suit your hearing profile. 3. Temperature Tracking for Ovulation Estimates In the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra, two sensors measure temperature changes as low as 0.1 degree Celsius. This feature allows Cycle Tracking to retrospectively estimate ovulation so that period predictions can be improved. Experts like Kate White caution against using it as birth control, citing complexities in fertility and misinformation risks. For those using two-factor authentication, the cycle data is encrypted end-to-end in case anyone should be worried about privacy post–Roe v. Wade. 4. Fall Detection with Emergency SOS Available on Series 4 and later, Fall Detection differentiates between workout-related impacts and actual accidents. If you haven't moved for about a minute after a hard fall, the watch calls emergency services and alerts your emergency contacts-including via satellite in areas without cell coverage. Cheung says it's particularly useful for cyclists and highly active people, although there is some risk of false positives when doing high-impact sports. Users can limit the feature to workouts only, or keep it on at all times. 5. Heart Health Notifications & AFib Monitoring The Apple Watch can detect unusually high or low heart rates and rhythms that could signal atrial fibrillation. Its AFib detection has been approved by the FDA, using photoplethysmography to monitor intervals between heartbeats. Although not diagnostic, it elicits timely consultation with a doctor. For those patients, AFib history offers an estimate of the percentage of time in arrhythmia, providing the outputs in PDF format for clinicians. According to Dr. Cheung, AFib is the most common cause of stroke, often with no symptomatology at all. 6. Time in Daylight Tracking The watch estimates the daily exposure to natural light using its ambient light sensor. Cheung refers to various studies that suggest 20 minutes of outdoor time can improve mood and vitamin D among adults, and 80–120 minutes for children to prevent myopia. With Family Sharing, guardians can track how much daylight time a child is getting, potentially influencing habits that can impact eye health and mental well-being. 7. Mood Charting With State of Mind integrated into the Mindfulness app, users can record emotions both in real time or retrospectively, tagging feelings and life areas. Over time, Apple Health correlates mood trends with sleep, exercise, and daylight exposure. Dr. Cheung says it's all about emotional regulation and building resilience. Early adopters describe using it to identify burnout triggers and manage conditions like ADHD it's a very rare mental health tool to be built into mainstream wearables. 8. Sleep Apnea Notifications On Series 9 and Ultra 2, Apple's algorithm analyzes breathing disturbances during sleep, flagging it for users after 30 days of elevated patterns. Dr. Matt Bianchi from the Health Technologies team at Apple says that accelerometry and respiratory data underpin this screening, which is not a diagnosis but rather a prompt for medical evaluation. More than a billion people in the world have untreated sleep apnea and are at increased risk for hypertension and heart disease. 9. Handwashing Timer The Handwashing Timer-which uses motion detection and audio cues, most notably the squelching sound of soap-to achieve 20-second washes-was introduced in 2020. Detection is inconsistent for some users-the false triggers while washing dishes, for one-and the technique can be improved by emphasizing the sounds of the soap, turning a pandemic-era feature into a functional hygiene habit. The hidden health features of the Apple Watch go far beyond casual fitness tracking toward early warnings, behavioral insights, and even environmental monitoring. Some of these tools require careful interpretation and follow-up with healthcare professionals, including those for estimating ovulation or alerting for sleep apnea. Their presence on a consumer device, however, implies a movement toward accessible, continuous health awareness. Unlocking these capabilities for tech-savvy, health-conscious users might mean earlier risk detection, smarter lifestyle choices, and data-driven conversations with doctors.

Is Herbal Tea Safe During Pregnancy? What to Know Before You Sip

"Help me, Heidi! What herbal teas, if any, are safe during pregnancy?"

FDA health warning as restriction placed on kids’ fluoride supplements

FDA health warning as restriction placed on kids’ fluoride supplements - The agency sent a form letter to dentists and other health providers warning about the risks of the products

How climate change is affecting our health, and what can be done about it

Ahead of COP30, beginning November 6 in Belém, Brazil, experts say we are seeing unprecedented impacts of climate change on people's health. In light of this, some - including billionaire Bill Gates - are calling on world leaders to focus the climate talks on improving wellbeing. Gabrielle Nadler spoke to an expert to understand how the two are related, and what can be done to mitigate the impact.

Immigrants with health conditions may be denied visas under new guidelines

People seeking visas to live in the U.S. might be rejected if they have certain medical conditions, including diabetes or obesity, under a new directive from the Trump administration.

Watch this paralyzed dog regain his personality after getting a custom wheelchair!

Tyrion, a dog from Boise, Idaho, who became paralyzed due to a rare autoimmune disease, gets a second chance to run again thanks to a custom wheelchair.

New Data Shows Which U.S. States Make Health Care a Priority

WASHINGTON - Americans spend over $4.5 trillion a year on health care, but not every state takes the same approach to prevention and wellness. From access to doctors and insurance to smoking, diet and daily activity levels, health habits vary dramatically across the country. A new study analyzed nine key factors to determine which states […] The post New Data Shows Which U.S. States Make Health Care a Priority appeared first on The Well News |...

How to keep dementia from robbing your loved ones of their sense of personhood – tips for caregivers

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. There are over 6 million people living with dementia in the U.S. and 57 million globally. These figures will only increase in the coming years, as rates of dementia are predicted to double by 2060. If you don’t know someone affected by dementia, you probably will at some point. Dementia is incredibly difficult both for the person experiencing it and for their loved ones, not only...

9 Proven Ways to Be Healthier Every Day

Getting healthier doesn’t have to mean overhauling your life. In this video, I share nine science-backed health tips that are practical, surprising, and actually effective. These aren’t the usual clichés - just simple changes that can make a noticeable difference in how you feel and function...

Vitamin C Vs. Zinc for Immune System: Doctors Explain Which Is Better

Let’s dive in.

Can’t Sleep? 10 Proven Ways to Fix Your Sleep Naturally

A doctor shares 10 science-backed tips to help you fix your sleep naturally — without medication. Learn how to improve your sleep quality, regulate your body clock, and wake up feeling rested and energized, using methods that are safe, effective, and easy to follow.

Why a lemur’s dental infection became an urgent medical case

A routine examination took a serious turn when veterinarians noticed signs of infection spreading inside a lemur’s mouth. Under the careful supervision of Dr. Chris Brown, the team worked to diagnose and treat the hidden cause behind the swelling and pain. What began as a simple checkup quickly revealed the delicate balance between animal health and early intervention. The case highlights how compassion and quick thinking can make all the difference in saving a life.

Study suggests 3,000 steps a day is enough to boost brain health

Study suggests 3,000 steps a day is enough to boost brain health. Here’s how - Walking can have profound impacts on mood and stress regulation

Achieving Cure in Multiple Myeloma

MRD negativity will remain a prerequisite for cure and remain a hot topic for debate

What Candy Can People With Diabetes Eat, and How Much Is Safe?

It is possible to eat candy when you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn about the best choices for your situation, and how much is safe to eat.

How to protect yourself this flu and cold season

The sound of sneezes, sniffles and coughs is back in the air — and health experts say it's time to protect yourself and others as virus season kicks into gear. State of play: Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor of family and community medicine Mike Ren shares prevention tips: Get vaccinated as the flu, COVID and RSV shots can prevent severe illness. Boost your immunity by taking vitamin C, zinc or B12, and get enough sleep. Stay...

Not just a common cold: Studies show RSV's severity and impact on long-term health

Often confused for a common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can in fact be serious and should be studied more closely. In studies led by Singapore General Hospital (SGH), researchers collaborating under the Program for Research in Epidemic Preparedness And REsponse (PREPARE) found that the illness could be of comparable severity to other more well-known respiratory viral infections (RVIs)—such as influenza and COVID-19.

11 Foods High in Beta Carotene for Eye and Immune System Health

Medically reviewed by Sohaib Imtiaz, MD Beta carotene is the pigment that gives foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach their vibrant color. Your body converts it into vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps support your vision and immune system. 1. Pumpkin Beta carotene: 17,000 micrograms (mcg)Serving size: 1 cup Cooked pumpkin is rich in bet...

10 Superfoods That Naturally Fight Inflammation (and Actually Work)

Chronic inflammation doesn't just cause aches and pains—it's linked to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even premature aging. The good news? You don't need expensive supplements or complicated diets to fight back. Nature has packed certain everyday foods with powerful compounds that can help calm inflammation from the inside out, and they're easier to add to your meals than you might think.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Taking 500 mg of Niacin?

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is essential for converting food to energy, as well as DNA creation and repair. While high doses can lower cholesterol, they pose cardiovascular risks, have side effects, and are no longer generally recommended.

Ashwagandha is trending for men—here’s what I’ve learned as a trainer and nutritionist

Are you looking to add a natural supplement to your routine? Discover five science-backed benefits of ashwagandha. The post Ashwagandha is trending for men—here’s what I’ve learned as a trainer and nutritionist appeared first on The Manual.

Why mpox is persisting around the world

The World Health Organization has announced a new tangle of worrying trends for the viral infection mpox: Cases are on the rise. And a new, faster-spreading strain has been discovered in locations including Malaysia, Namibia, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain - and California.

Medical Experts Warn Against Intermittent Fasting for Older Adults and Diabetics

Medical researchers warn that intermittent fasting may pose risks for diabetics and older adults despite popular claims. Recent studies show the diet's benefits disappear when compared to equivalent calorie restriction methods.

For Your Patients: Understanding Relapse and What It Means for Your Multiple Myeloma

The longer the remission, the better the prognosis

Tired of Hurting? 5 Natural Remedies That Soothe Chronic Pain Fast

There's no one "right" way to treat chronic pain. You deserve to find the best chronic pain relief for you.

Beet Juice vs Pomegranate Juice: Which Is Better for Blood Pressure and Antioxidants?

Medically reviewed by Sohaib Imtiaz, MD Key Takeaways Beet juice contains nitrates and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure quickly and provide a sustained response with daily use.Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols that can gradually reduce blood pressure, though the effect may be limited.The improvements in blood pressure are relatively ...

The CDC reveals the states with the lowest cancer rates in America—and the highest

Stacker used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rank U.S. states and the District of Columbia by their incidence rates of cancer in 2019 (the most recent data available).

Common Supplement Shows Concerning Link to Heart Failure

New research into a popular sleeping aid has some scientists worried about long-term usage. An analysis of adults with insomnia, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, has found that people prescribed melatonin for more than a year are at greater risk of heart issues. Among more than 130,000 adults across multiple countries, those who were prescribed melatonin long-term had an 89 percent higher risk of heart failure over five years, and were twice

What Time of Day Are Cortisol Levels Highest—and Why It Matters for Your Health

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Cortisol is a stress hormone that usually peaks in the morning, in line with the body’s circadian rhythm.This spike is normal and helps you start your day, but cortisol can also rise during periods of stress or illness.If cortisol levels stay abnormally high, that can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that s...

1 in 6 American parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. Here's why — and how vaccine hesitancy can hit your bottom line

Reasons weren’t limited to health risk concerns.

Why Your Family Health History Matters Before Baby Arrives

What aspects of your family medical history should you discuss with your doctor while you're pregnant? Our health history form should help.

Forget collagen — This longevity supplement is taking over in 2025

Brittany Michels, Registered Dietitian with The Vitamin Shoppe, says consumers today are looking for new ways to support energy, recovery, and healthy aging -- and NAD+ could be the answer as a key molecule connected to all three. The post Forget collagen — This longevity supplement is taking over in 2025 appeared first on The Manual.

The smart senior’s guide to better doctor appointments

If you have ever felt like your medical concerns were being ignored or easily dismissed, then you've fallen victim to "medical gaslighting." And you're hardly alone. This practice is particularly pervasive among senior citizens. A nurse or doctor might claim your ailments aren't real, that you're greatly exaggerating them, or that they are a natura...

Are Your Daily Habits Shortening Your Lifespan? 14 Lifestyle Factors That Could Lead to Early Death

Are Your Daily Habits Shortening Your Lifespan? 14 Lifestyle Factors That Could Lead to Early Death

Keep Waking up at 3 Am? Here's Why It's Harder to Sleep Through the Night After 50

To say it happens like clockwork is an understatement-it is clockwork, literally: Every night, or more accurately, early morning, you find yourself wide awake, staring pleadingly at the alarm clock, as if it evolved AI capabilities overnight and can answer your question: "Why do I keep waking up at 3 am?" While your nightstand may […]

Warning issued to people taking a certain painkiller for common leg condition

A warning has been issued to people who take one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers, as it can cause a number of side effects that a doctor should know about as soon as possible.

Is Diabetes Reversible? Doctors Reveal What the Latest Research Says

The answer depends on your diagnosis.