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Smart Stretches: Pre- and Post-Exercise Routines for Better Performance
3 days ago•Source: Cedars-Sinai
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Accutane Isn’t a Nose Job, It Just Clears Acne and Can Make the Nose Look Sleeker
The Cut investigates the idea of an “Accutane nose job,” explaining that isotretinoin (Accutane) does not alter bone or cartilage like rhinoplasty. Instead, it treats acne by shrinking oil glands and reducing inflammation, which can make the nose appear sleeker when blemishes clear. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner have claimed effects, and some doctors even use isotretinoin after nose surgery to curb swelling, but the drug carries many side effects and is typically a last-resort acne treatment.
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Estranged and at peace: a mom prioritizes health this Mother's Day
USA Today•19 days ago
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Protein blind spots: four subtle signs you may be under-eating
The Washington Post•23 days ago
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Rotavirus surge prompts travel caution for families with infants
Rotavirus is rising nationwide, heightening hospitalization fears for babies as the CDC’s shift to shared clinical decision-making on vaccination creates mixed messages. Illinois sticks with the AAP schedule, but experts warn declining uptake could worsen outcomes, even as Comer Children’s Hospital notes more gastroenteritis cases. Some families are delaying summer travel to protect vulnerable infants.
Small daily habits that help protect your brain as you age
Experts say brain health in aging hinges on daily habits that build cognitive reserve: stay mentally active and keep learning, exercise regularly (about 30–35 minutes of aerobic activity 4 times per week plus strength and flexibility twice weekly), wear helmets and seat belts to prevent head injuries, quit smoking, control blood pressure and diabetes, eat a healthy, less-processed diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get seven hours or more of sleep. These actions, highlighted by the Alzheimer's Association, can delay cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk.
Move to Lower LDL: How Exercise Shapes Your Cholesterol
Regular aerobic exercise, at least 120 minutes per week (about 20 minutes daily), can modestly lower LDL by 3–6 mg/dL and improve triglycerides and HDL; a combination of cardio and strength training yields the strongest cholesterol-related benefits and broader heart-health gains.
Mandarins vs. Oranges: Key Differences in Taste, Size and Nutrition
Mandarins and oranges are both citrus fruits but belong to different groups: mandarins are smaller with loose, easy-to-peel skins and a sweeter, milder flavor, while oranges are larger with thicker peels and a more balanced sweet-tart taste. Nutritionally, mandarins pack more vitamin A and carotenoids, whereas oranges have more vitamin C and slightly higher fiber; both supply vitamin C, potassium and fiber, plus flavonoids that support health. Be mindful of added sugars in some prepackaged mandarins, and note that citrus can trigger reflux or interact with certain medications, so a varied, moderate intake is best.
Feed Your Gut: 11 Foods That Nourish the Microbiome
Experts single out 11 gut-friendly foods—fiber-rich plants, fermented options, and polyphenol-rich items—while explaining prebiotics vs probiotics, advising gradual increases for IBS or sensitivities, and stressing variety, aiming for about 30 different plant foods weekly to diversify the gut microbiome.
Glp-1 drugs and 'Ozempic personality': when weight loss comes with emotional blur
The Washington Post report highlights reports of emotional flattening and reduced motivation—often called 'Ozempic personality'—among some GLP-1 drug users (e.g., Ozempic/Wegovy). While many patients see weight loss and mood benefits, clinicians have documented anecdotes of dulled joy and motivation that sometimes improve when doses are lowered. The exact cause is unclear, with hypotheses ranging from pharmacological effects on dopamine-related reward pathways to psychological and lifestyle factors. Large studies show associations with mental-health changes and potential overall benefits in some cases, but causation isn’t established. Safety and personalized care remain the priority as researchers gather more data.
12 Everyday Foods Aren’t Health Villains, Dietitian Says
Nutrition expert Jane Leverich debunks the idea that 12 common foods are inherently unhealthy, emphasizing that moderation, preparation, and context matter more than blanket labels—from seed oils and white rice to eggs, butter, potatoes, granola bars, chips, salt, ice cream, dried fruit, diet soda, and red meat.
Creatine Unpacked: Benefits, Safety, and Practical Guidance
Creatine is a well-supported supplement that can boost muscle strength, support heart and brain health, and may help certain neuromuscular conditions, with vegetarians/vegans potentially benefiting more due to dietary sources. It's generally safe at small-to-moderate daily doses, but high doses can stress kidneys in people with kidney disease and may cause weight gain, GI symptoms, and, with long-term high use, may reduce the body's own creatine production. Typical safe dosing is about 2-3 grams per day (creatine monohydrate), with some evidence that 5-10 grams daily long-term is also safe; always consult a healthcare provider before starting. Topical creatine creams exist but lack robust evidence and can cause skin reactions. Some populations (pregnant/breastfeeding, diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s, bipolar disorder) lack enough safety data; use caution.
Playtime Pays Off: Kids Who Game Often Shine Academically
A Columbia University study of 3,195 children aged 6–11 found that those who played video games more than five hours per week had higher odds of strong intellectual functioning (1.75x) and greater overall school competence (1.88x) after adjusting for demographics. They were also more socially integrated with peers and had fewer relationship problems, with no significant increase in mental health issues. Experts caution against overinterpreting the findings and emphasize moderating screen time, but the study suggests gaming may confer cognitive and social benefits that merit further investigation.
Grief on the Main Stage: How My Dad's Death Led Me to SXSW's Wellness Conversation
A reporter shares how the deaths of loved ones—especially his father from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease—propelled him into writing about loss, then moderating a SXSW panel on grief as a ‘new wellness frontier,’ learning that grief is non-linear and that open dialogue with experts and peers can illuminate the path forward.