Health
→ NewsSleep gadgets help manage insomnia and 3 a.m. wake-ups.
The article reports editors tested a range of sleep devices and handpicked favorites they still use, including smart eye masks and sunrise alarm clocks, with options starting at $25.
Former NFL player shares cholesterol test message for men in their 40s
Former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says he got a cholesterol test after his father died suddenly and was surprised to learn his LDL levels were high despite a healthy lifestyle.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day focuses on persistent disparities
Observed since 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights that Black Americans made up about 38% of U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2023 while comprising roughly 14% of the population, and it draws attention to ongoing gaps in testing, treatment linkage, and prevention access.
Chronic back pain may be eased by an existing parathyroid hormone treatment
A new animal study found that parathyroid hormone (PTH) reduced abnormal nerve growth and improved spinal tissue in mice, and researchers say human trials are needed before it can be used for chronic lower back pain.
Researchers say cannabis use may be linked to brain benefits in older adults.
A UK study of 26,362 adults ages 40 to 77 found that cannabis use was generally associated with larger brain volumes in several regions and with somewhat better performance on cognitive tests. The research team says the results are nuanced and that further study is underway.
Measles isn't only a childhood disease; outbreaks can have lingering effects
PAHO issued an epidemiological alert after a sharp rise in measles cases in the Americas, and it will meet in April to decide whether the U.S. should lose its measles elimination status.
Getting a good night's sleep can help prevent long-term health challenges
Experts on Broadcast Retirement Network said consistent sleep schedules, limiting evening screen time, and addressing underlying sleep problems — not just symptoms — support memory, immune function, metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Weekend sleeping in may harm sleep patterns, study and doctor say
A large analysis linked getting at least seven hours of sleep and keeping bedtimes within a one-hour window to a reported increase in life expectancy, and sleep experts in the article say sleeping in on weekends can cause social jet lag and ongoing fatigue.
Medicare payment hike proposal could alter seniors' Medicare Advantage benefits
CMS proposed a 0.09% average increase to Medicare Advantage payments for 2027 and is taking public comments through March 1, with a final rate expected by April 6.
Kratom 7‑OH faces state and federal scrutiny
A Pennsylvania bill would ban 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) products above 2%, while the FDA has recommended scheduling kratom concentrate and federal agents seized 7‑OH products in Missouri last December.
Online cannabis sales surge in Germany as regulators move to respond
Since Germany liberalized cannabis two years ago, telemedicine platforms and online pharmacies have driven rapid growth in legal cannabis imports and sales, and Health Minister Nina Warken has proposed tighter rules requiring in-person prescriptions while the industry pushes back.
South Korea is finally having more babies, but the rise might be temporary
South Korea has reported 17 consecutive months of year-on-year increases in monthly births and its national fertility rate rose from 0.721 in 2023 to 0.748 in 2024. Experts say the increase may reflect short-term factors and that deeper structural issues remain.
TrumpRx reaches mainly weight-loss drugs at launch, experts say
TrumpRx.gov currently lists discounts largely for GLP-1 weight-loss medications and fewer than 45 drugs in total, with most offers coming from a single manufacturer and only five companies listed so far, Reuters reports.
TrumpRx launches as government drugstore offering selective prescription discounts
The White House launched TrumpRx, an online drugstore listing discounts for roughly 40 medications, while officials say many drugmakers signed on and some prices were sharply reduced. Reporting shows that insured Americans and users of other discount services may often find lower prices elsewhere.
Dylan O'Brien says permission helped him play gay role in Twinless
Dylan O'Brien credited writer-director James Sweeney with giving him "permission" to explore the gay twin Rocky in Twinless, and the film is now streaming on Hulu.
RFK Jr.'s claim that a diet could cure mental illness is misleading
The article reports RFK Jr. said a diet could 'cure' mental illness, and experts cited in the piece say diets such as ketogenic or Mediterranean may be helpful but are not standalone treatments and are used alongside evidence-based care.
Measles outbreak in South Carolina risks irreversible brain damage
South Carolina health officials say the measles outbreak can cause irreversible neurological damage; the upstate cluster has 876 confirmed cases and at least 19 hospitalizations. Undetermined at this time.
TrumpRx finally launches with limited prescription drug discounts
President Trump unveiled TrumpRx, a government website listing cash-only discounts on 43 brand-name drugs; discounts apply only to out-of-pocket purchases and cannot be used with insurance.
82-year-old ultramarathoner has fitness levels similar to a 20-year-old.
Researchers tested 82-year-old Juan López García and found his VO2 max rivals that of a healthy man in his 20s; the study reports other measures—high oxygen extraction, fat-burning capacity, and race records—that help explain his endurance.
Improving brain blood flow in Alzheimer's disease is focus of UM study
University of Miami researchers report that pharmacological activation of the Piezo1 channel restored microvascular flow and neurovascular coupling in a mouse model of Alzheimer's, according to a December 2025 paper in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. The team says further investigation is needed to determine whether the approach could apply to humans.
TrumpRx website goes live with links to discounted medicines.
TrumpRx launched as a landing page that links to pharmaceutical companies' direct-purchase platforms and offers coupons, listing negotiated discounts from companies including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
Olympic mothers face limited child care and support at the Games
Many Olympic athletes who are mothers lack standard child-care and family spaces at the Games, and some rely on nonprofit grants or pay out of pocket to cover travel and care costs.
Depression symptoms in midlife may signal higher dementia risk
A long-term British cohort study reported that six specific depressive symptoms reported in midlife were associated with a higher likelihood of dementia over about 25 years; the study is observational and does not prove causation.
Diabetes drug may slow kidney aging in fast-aging fish.
A study in African turquoise killifish reported that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced age-related kidney changes, preserving small blood vessels and lowering inflammation.
HPV vaccine costs fall as countries accelerate efforts to eliminate cervical cancer
Falling vaccine prices and evidence supporting a single-dose HPV schedule have accelerated rollout in many countries, supporting WHO elimination targets while delivery barriers and hesitancy continue to limit coverage.
Long Island culinary community rallies for slain Nassau County officer
Authorities say Officer Patricia Espinosa was killed after a vehicle crash with an alleged intoxicated driver; Long Island restaurateurs organized a widespread "LI Pizza Strong" fundraiser and supporters have raised more than $260,000 to help her family.
Heart Disease Screening: Why checks can begin at any age
The American Heart Association recommends routine heart screenings beginning at age 20, and the article describes common checks (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) plus additional cardiac tests for people at higher risk.
Quitting alcohol changed my Oura Ring 4 metrics in a month
After more than a month without alcohol, the author recorded notable improvements on the Oura Ring 4, including higher stress resilience (rising from “Adequate” to “Exceptional” at times) and a sleep score that reached 93/100.
Trump unveils TrumpRx website offering lower-priced prescription drugs.
President Trump unveiled the TrumpRx website, which lists about 40 prescription drugs with reduced cash prices and provides coupon codes for participating pharmacies; the site notes the discounts apply only to cash-paying patients.
Trump unveils TrumpRx.gov for discounted prescription drug prices
President Trump unveiled TrumpRx.gov, a government-backed website the administration says will display discounted prescription drug prices and generate coupons for participating pharmacies.
