health – Page 2 – Topical Fruit

Afraid of the Dark? Study Finds Nightlights Can Be Deadly

If you’re someone who can’t sleep without a nightlight, the TV glowing in the background, or your bathroom light peeking under the door, you might want to sit down. Preferably in total darkness.

A new study out of the U.K. just dropped a shocking bedtime bombshell: sleeping with even a little light on might seriously mess with your heart. Like, heart attack level mess.

Researchers strapped wrist sensors to 90,000 adults and tracked how much light was in their bedrooms at night. The average age of the participants? 62. So, no need to yank the nightlight out of your kid’s wall socket just yet – this study focused on the 40+ crowd.

Bright bedrooms increase your heart attack risk by 47%

People who slept in total darkness were the least likely to have heart issues. But folks with bright bedrooms (we’re talking overhead lights, TVs blasting, glowing electronics) had a 47% higher risk of heart attacks.

Yes, even nightlights had a deadly effect

Even those in “moderately lit” rooms – like with a nightlight or that TV you “accidentally” fall asleep to – had a 20% higher risk. So yeah, turns out your cozy little bedtime setup might be sabotaging your arteries.

What counts as “moderate light”? Think soft nightlights, your phone screen lighting up every time someone likes your cat photo, or the bluish glow of a paused Netflix screen. Apparently, your body isn’t chill about any of it.

Why is light at night so bad for you?

Previous studies have found that light messes with your circadian rhythm, reduces melatonin, and keeps your nervous system a little too alert for comfort. Your heart’s like, “Can I please get some peace and quiet in here?”

So if your bedroom looks like a low-budget spaceship at night, it might be time for a glow-down. Maybe consider some blackout curtains, cover your electronics, or at least set that sleep timer on your TV.

Whatever you do, don’t worry so much about that monster under the bed. Your nightlight might be the true villain. Sweet dreams!

A Woman Yawned So Hard, It Almost Killed Her

If you needed something new to worry about this week… yawning just made the list. Hayley Black, a 36-year-old mom in the UK, recently shared the terrifying story of how a simple morning yawn nearly ended her life. The incident happened back in 2016.

How a big yawn could paralyze, or even kill you

It all started around 5 a.m., when Hayley woke up to feed her newborn daughter, Amelia. After watching her baby yawn, Hayley instinctively did the same, tossing in a casual stretch for good measure. Then everything went sideways.

“I felt this immediate electric shock sensation go through half my body,” she said. Her arm locked midair, and she started experiencing what she described as seizure-like sensations. She knew right away something was seriously wrong.

Even her husband didn’t believe it

Her husband Ian initially brushed it off, but quickly changed course and called an ambulance. At the hospital, despite Hayley’s obvious pain, scans initially showed nothing. Medical staff assumed she was fine. But the pain kept intensifying, and she became paralyzed on her right side.

How did it paralyze her?

A more in-depth evaluation eventually revealed the horrifying truth: the force of her yawn had caused her C6 and C7 vertebrae to shoot forward into her spinal cord. She was given a 50/50 chance of walking again, or even surviving.

Rushed into surgery

Thankfully, emergency surgery was successful, but recovery was long and brutal. Hayley had to re-learn how to walk and was in a wheelchair for months. She now lives with permanent nerve damage, takes daily medication, and has developed fibromyalgia.

Paranoid it could happen again

Even today, she says any attempt to yawn triggers a wave of fear. “I can’t yawn without panic,” she said. “Every time I take a step [without medication], I get electrical shocks all up my spine and into my head.”

So the next time you feel a yawn coming on, maybe just… sip some water instead.

Kristen Bell’s Pasta Hack: How She Keeps Carbs From Crushing Her

If you’re a pasta lover who’s ever wished you could twirl your fork into a big bowl of spaghetti without feeling like you just signed up for a post-dinner nap, Kristen Bell has a trick for you.

According to her “Nobody Wants This” co-star Justine Lupe, Bell swears by a simple hack that helps stabilize blood sugar, keeps you fuller longer, and may even prevent weight gain.

Here’s the move: before digging into a carb-heavy meal like pasta, she eats a serving of leafy greens—think spinach, kale, or anything fibrous enough to make your mom proud. If a salad isn’t an option, she’ll reach for a glass of Metamucil or even a quick shot of apple cider vinegar (and yes, the liquid, not those trendy gummies).

Lupe shared the method during an interview and gave credit where credit’s due, saying, “It supposedly stabilizes your glucose. You can thank Kristen Bell for that, everyone.”

And it’s not just Hollywood pseudoscience. A registered dietician backed up Bell’s approach, noting that stable blood sugar does more than just help with cravings. Over time, it can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, insulin resistance, and obesity. In other words, Kristen’s little pre-dinner routine isn’t just a celebrity quirk—it’s a legit bio-hack with real health benefits.

The logic behind it is pretty straightforward.

When you eat greens or fiber before carbs, your body slows down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. That means fewer spikes and crashes, more steady energy, and less chance you’ll raid the pantry for cookies an hour later. Think of it as giving your metabolism a little pep talk before the main event.

Of course, no single hack is a magic bullet. Bell’s trick works best as part of a balanced lifestyle, not as a green light to live exclusively on fettuccine Alfredo. Still, for anyone who’s tried every diet trend only to wind up back at square one, this one feels refreshingly doable. You don’t have to give up pasta—you just have to start with some spinach first.

So, the next time you’re eyeing a plate of linguine, remember Kristen Bell’s advice: a handful of greens now, a steadier you later. Your blood sugar (and maybe your waistband) will thank you.

This Morning Routine Can Help You Live to 100

If your morning routine is like mine, it starts and ends with a cup of coffee – and hey, if we’re (seriously) lucky, it might get us to 99! But if you want to make it to the century mark and beyond, here’s the formula.

Us roll-out-of-bed-and-crack-the-laptop types may need to set our alarm a little earlier to fit all this in. But according to the experts, it’s worth it. Doing everything on this list can add years to your life if you do them regularly.

A writer for “Real Simple“ talked to some real smart folks – experts in aging and longevity – and compiled a list of of seven morning habits that can help you live to 100. So if you’re gunning for that 100th birthday, here’s the science-backed formula to kick off your mornings – coffee included, just not as the opening act.

1. Hydrate Immediately

First things first, pour yourself a glass of water… or go outside and sip from the hose if you want, we won’t judge. Just get some agua in your body one way or another. Experts say drinking a glass of water right after you wake up helps flush out toxins, kick-start your metabolism, and support digestion. Coffee can wait. Water is the opening act.

2. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Hint: Not Frosted Flakes. Get in the habit of eating healthy in the A.M. Think fiber, produce, and protein – just not the kind you get from bacon. Loading up on nutrients in the morning sets the tone for the day and leaves you feeling energized. Good choices include oatmeal with berries, Greek yogurt with nuts, and avocado on whole-grain toast. But keeping meat to a minimum, especially the processed stuff.

3. Get Moving (Even Just a Little)

You don’t need to go full “Rocky IV” with it. Just a few minutes of stretching or a brisk walk is enough to boost circulation, improve flexibility, and gently wake up your body. Consistency beats intensity here.

4. Tap Into Your Nervous System, Literally

It might sound woo-woo, but “vagal tapping” (aka, somatic body tapping) is having a moment. It involves rhythmically tapping parts of your body with your fingers to stimulate your nervous system and help you feel alert and grounded. Look it up. You’ll either feel silly or swear by it forever. Maybe both.

5. Practice Mindfulness

A few minutes of deep breathing, meditation, journaling, prayer, or even just sitting in silence can lower your stress levels. It’s like giving your brain a warm-up lap before the chaos of the day. (Notice this is Step #5. If you try the sitting-in-silence one while still in bed, you might just fall back asleep.)

6. Set Your Intentions

What do you hope to accomplish today? Taking 60 seconds to lay out your goals can improve your focus, productivity, and mood – and leave you less stressed in the long run. It doesn’t need to be profound. Even something as simple as “I’m going to answer all my emails without rage-crying” counts. You can lay out your goals mentally. Or even better, write them down so they’ll really sink in.

7. Drink That Cup of Coffee

Your beloved cup of joe isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged. Studies have shown coffee (even decaf) can help support gut health and may reduce your risk for several chronic diseases. So yes, that morning cup still has a place – but now it’s the cherry on top, not the whole routine.

Of course, you can’t expect to live to 100 if you do all this stuff then follow it up with a Triple Baconator and two packs of Camels for lunch.

But if you can make all seven things a habit (or even three or four), chances are your new healthy attitude will spill over into your afternoons and evenings as well. So down the line, you may be eyeing triple digits.

“Siri, set a reminder to set an intention to not order a Baconator today.”

The Latest Fitness Trend: Running Around on All Fours

Apparently, treadmills and dumbbells are out, and the hot new fitness craze is… pretending you’re a golden retriever.

The New York Post says people are now working out by “running and jumping on all fours like animals.” It’s called quadrobics, which sounds less like exercise and more like something your toddler invented in the backyard.

Clips are blowing up on social media, with people doing bear crawls and cat leaps… and yes, sometimes while wearing masks and tails. (The Post swears this has “nothing to do with furries.” Which, let’s be honest, is exactly the kind of disclaimer you give when it has everything to do with furries.)

One quadrobics fan says, “It’s definitely a full-body workout. I’ve lost a lot of weight and even got a six-pack.”

She’s been at it for a year and admits she’s still “not very good,” which makes sense because there’s no elegant way to gallop across a field on all fours unless you were literally born a horse.

A trainer explains that quadrobics overlaps with “primal movement,” and that people are craving “functional, holistic, playful ways to move.” Translation: jogging is boring, so let’s get on the ground and look like a family of raccoons fighting over a trash can.

If you’re tempted to try it, experts suggest starting small with bear crawls, leopard crawls, or crab reaches. Don’t just leap straight into cat jumps unless you’re excited about explaining to an ER nurse that you dislocated your shoulder while “panthering.”

So, if you see someone in the park galloping across the grass on all fours this fall, don’t panic… it’s not a feral human. It’s just fitness. And probably also content for TikTok.

@wild.soleil
I just want to share the beauty of the world with you :3🌿 #therian #therianlife #therianthropy #theriantiktok #theriantok #theriancommunity #quadrobics #cougartherian #otherkin #alterhuman
♬ original sound – 🍌

“Ozempic Face” Is Sending More and More People to Plastic Surgeons

Losing weight quickly might be great for your waistline, but it’s not always great for your face lines.

Thanks to the rise of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, there’s now a new wrinkle in the weight-loss conversation—literally. It’s called “Ozempic face,” and according to some doctors, it’s driving a fresh wave of plastic surgery procedures.

While it might sound like a joke, the trend is all too real. The gist? People are dropping pounds fast on these GLP-1 medications, but their skin isn’t keeping up. The result is sagging, wrinkles, and an overall “sunken” or “aged” look that has some users sprinting from the pharmacy to the med spa.

Who coined the term “Ozempic face”?

New York-based dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank claims credit for coming up with it. (Yeah, Paul?? We want receipts!!) But whether he actually coined the term or not, he’s definitely an expert on this stuff.

According to Dr. Frank, rapid weight loss can make facial fat disappear before the skin has time to bounce back. It’s especially true for people over 40. By the time you hit your fourth decade, your skin has lost some of its elasticity… or potentially gone full catcher’s mitt.

In other words, your body gets smaller, but your face suddenly starts doing a spot-on impression of a prune. And the solution for more and more Ozempic patients seems to be a follow-up appointment with a plastic surgeon.

Not everyone needs the scalpel.

Fillers can help restore some volume, and they’re often the first option newly skinny folks opt for. But Dr. Frank says more patients are now opting for full-on facelifts or skin-tightening procedures.

“You can only refill a deflated balloon so much.“

Yeah, Dr. Frank doesn’t mince words. Though he does admit sometimes fillers can be enough.

“You can only refill a deflated balloon so much, and often surgical intervention is necessary. [But sometimes], just upping the dosage of their volume replacement is more than enough. Someone who may have used one syringe of filler in the past is now using two or three.”

“Ozempic face” is just a trendy term.

To be clear, this isn’t just an Ozempic issue. Any rapid weight loss can do this, whether it’s from dieting, surgery, or a different medication.

But with drugs like Ozempic exploding in popularity, doctors say they’re seeing a noticeable uptick in patients seeking cosmetic fixes to go along with their slimmer bodies.

The Ozempic / facelift link is just a theory… for now.

There’s no conclusive data yet tying the rise in plastic surgery procedures directly to these weight-loss drugs, but anecdotally, experts say it tracks.

For now, it’s another example of how the path to looking better sometimes comes with unexpected detours—and in this case, sometimes a knife.

“Everyone Has Hemorrhoids Now”: Why Your Butt Might Be in Trouble

If you’ve been feeling a little… inflamed lately, you’re not alone. According to a cheeky but surprisingly informative feature by The Cut titled “Everyone Has Hemorrhoids Now”. . . the unglamorous condition is having a major moment. And no, it’s not just your grandpa who’s struggling—young people are increasingly dealing with it too.

Hemorrhoids, for the uninitiated, are swollen veins in your lower rectum or anus. They’re super common, often uncomfortable, and in severe cases, can require surgery. So, why the sudden hemorrhoid boom? Doctors told The Cut it’s a mix of modern habits and lifestyle choices, many of which are… avoidable.

Here are some of the biggest culprits:

1. We sit too much.
Whether you’re binging shows, working from home, or deep into a TikTok spiral, sitting for hours puts pressure on your nether regions. It restricts blood flow and can cause—you guessed it—hemorrhoids. Bonus fun: lack of movement also makes constipation more likely, which doesn’t help the situation back there.

2. We bring our phones into the bathroom.
Yep, your daily scroll on the toilet may be hurting more than your productivity. A 2021 survey found that nearly three-quarters of people admit to phone use while pooping, with under-30s leading the pack at 93%. Longer bathroom sessions = more strain. Doctors recommend keeping it under two minutes. (So maybe leave the doomscrolling for the couch?)

3. We’re fiber-deficient.
A low-fiber diet makes bowel movements harder (literally). More strain means more irritation. It also leads to more wiping, which can worsen inflammation. The fix? Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Your gut—and your butt—will thank you.

4. We’re dehydrated.
Not drinking enough water slows digestion and ups your chances of constipation. Again: more straining = bad news for your backside.

It’s not just these four things, but they’re some of the most common causes doctors are seeing. And while hemorrhoids are treatable, ignoring them can make things worse. Many people put off seeing a doctor out of embarrassment, only to end up needing a very un-fun surgery.

So, moral of the story? Stand up, drink water, eat your greens, and leave your phone out of the bathroom. Your future self—especially the part that makes contact with chairs—will be grateful.

Ryan Seacrest’s New Photos Spark Concern: Is He Too Thin, or Just Fit?

Ryan Seacrest has found himself the subject of online health speculation after sharing a few casual photos on Monday. While most of the pictures show him mid-workout and looking active, one in particular—snapped outside on a deck with his hands in his pockets—has fans raising eyebrows. The Internet’s verdict? Seacrest looks “too thin.”

The post has triggered a wave of concern and commentary, with people tossing around words like “frail,” “gaunt,” and even wondering aloud if he might be taking a weight loss drug.

The gossip mill kicked into full gear with some calling his appearance “alarming,” despite the fact that he looks strong and energetic in other pictures from the same batch.

Seacrest, who’ll be 51 in December, reportedly hasn’t made any dramatic lifestyle changes outside of a new fitness routine. A source close to him told media outlets that he’s perfectly healthy, but that his updated workouts have had a “visible change” on his body. That might explain the sudden shift fans are noticing—though it doesn’t seem to have calmed the noise online.

Of course, this isn’t the first time the public has overanalyzed a celebrity’s body, and it certainly won’t be the last.

But in this case, it seems the reaction may be a bit overblown. Seacrest has long been known for his tireless work ethic, packed schedule, and overall commitment to wellness. If he’s just leveling up his fitness game, maybe the Internet should take a deep breath and chill.

Normal Amount of Clumsy? Average Adult Racks Up 35 Injuries a Year

Think you’re more accident-prone than your friends? You might be totally average.

A new poll commissioned by bandage brand Curad has revealed that the typical adult suffers 35 minor injuries – like cuts, bruises, and scrapes – every year.

That’s almost three a month. So, if you haven’t stubbed a toe or cut yourself slicing into an avocado lately, you’re overdue.

Lifetime total: 4,000

Curad’s study also took a look at the lifetime total. Over the course of your life, the average person will tally up about 4,000 little injuries. So yes, it’s entirely normal to have a few mystery bruises at any given time.

4,000 would be 50 a year if you make it to 80 years old, much higher than the average of 35 for adults. But remember, not all age groups have the same injury risks. Anyone who’s raised a five-year-old knows they average way more than three boo-boos a month.

Think back to when you were a kid and all those times you bumped your head, got stung by bees, twisted an ankle, or skinned a knee. Those cuts and scrapes from your prepubescent years really add up.

The most common causes?

Unsurprisingly, the top culprits for adults are distraction, clumsiness, and kitchen mishaps – a trio responsible for most of our everyday injuries. Yeah, we’re basically walking slapstick routines.

And speaking of distraction, technology is making it even worse. A whopping 80% of people say they’ve had a near-miss accident while using their phone. One in three admit to close calls while walking and texting, and nearly one in five have gotten into trouble just from scrolling social media.

So if you’ve ever walked into a pole while checking Instagram, you’re not alone.

We’re oddly proud of our injuries.

There’s also a surprising amount of social pressure tied to injuries. One in four people say they feel judged when they wear a band-aid, and are worried others will think they’re weak. But not everyone feels that way.

A solid number of Americans are into the attention and can’t wait to brag about it. One in eight people want you to ask what happened, because every injury has a story.

The TL;DR? It’s a dangerous world out there. Life’s hard, and no one gets through it unscathed. (Especially if you’re walking around staring at your phone.)

Too Many Nightmares Can Literally Scare You to Death

Having nightmares once in a while is normal, especially nightmares where you’re being chased down a beach by a sentient flock of angry toupees. (No? Just me?)

A study presented at the annual European Academy of Neurology conference in Finland found that having bad dreams regularly could cause more than just a poor night’s sleep. People who frequently suffer from nightmares are significantly more likely to die young.

Yes, too many nightmares could be deadly.

Researchers tracked participants for nearly 20 years and found a disturbing link. Those who reported having nightmares at least once a week were three times more likely to die before the age of 70.

They think it’s tied to how our bodies respond to stress. Just like in real life, your system goes into panic mode during nightmares, pumping out cortisol – a stress hormone strongly linked to faster cellular aging.

“Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality. That’s why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake.”

Okay, maybe you’ll live. But bad dreams make you age faster too.

The study found people with frequent nightmares tend to age faster as well. So, nightmares that your hair turned gray could actually make your hair turn gray! They say the sped-up cellular aging is 40% of the reason you’re more likely to die young.

Sleep well… your life might depend on it.

The results of the study point to a close connection between disturbed sleep, chronic stress, and long-term health. So if you’re waking up in a cold sweat more nights than not, it might be time to take your sleep hygiene (and stress levels) seriously.

If you’ve been brushing off your bad dreams as no big deal, you might want to rethink that decision.

Maybe sleep on it. Sweet dreams!