Simple nightly habit linked to healthier blood pressure, study suggests

A consistent bedtime may play a meaningful role in lowering blood pressure, according to new research examining how sleep timing affects cardiovascular health.

While most people think primarily about getting enough hours of sleep, experts say when you sleep also has an important effect on heart health.

Dr. William Lu, medical director at Dreem Health in San Francisco, told Fox News Digital that sleep duration and sleep timing work together, and that consistency is a key part of supporting cardiovascular wellness.

EXPERTS REVEAL EXACT BEDTIME THAT COULD PREVENT LATE-NIGHT ‘SECOND WIND’ INSOMNIA

"Both matter, but growing evidence shows regularity — going to sleep and waking at roughly the same times night-to-night — is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk even after accounting for total sleep time," Lu said.

Recent findings have supported that connection. In a study published in the journal Sleep Advances, adults with high blood pressure who kept a consistent bedtime for two weeks saw modest but meaningful improvements in their readings, even though they did not sleep longer hours.

Participants reduced their night-to-night bedtime variability from about 30 minutes to only a few minutes, and researchers said that simple change helped restore healthier blood pressure overnight.

Even a modest nighttime drop in systolic pressure can lower cardiovascular risk, experts say.

The concept is supported by research into circadian rhythms and the body’s natural blood-pressure patterns.

"Consistent bed and wake times keep your internal circadian clock synchronized to Earth’s day-night cycle," Lu said.

A steady sleep schedule helps the body release important hormones, like melatonin and cortisol, at the right times, which supports the natural rise and fall of blood pressure throughout the day and night, according to the doctor.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Disruptions in sleep timing can affect blood pressure more quickly than many people realize, Lu warned. While some people assume that shifting their bedtime on weekends or staying up late occasionally has little impact, the expert said the body responds almost immediately.

For people trying to build a more consistent sleep routine, Lu recommends starting with the morning wake-up time.

"Start with a fixed wake time every day, including weekends, and anchor the schedule with morning light exposure — then set a consistent bedtime that gives you enough sleep before that wake time," he advised. "Pick a wake time you can sustain and get 30 minutes of morning light after waking up."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

He also recommends adding a brief wind-down routine before bed and cutting back on stimulants and screen use in the evening.

Improving sleep timing is a low-risk change that may help lower blood pressure, Lu said, adding that consistent bedtimes should be used in addition to anti-hypertensive medications, not as a substitute.

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

The sample size was relatively small, consisting of 11 middle-aged adults with obesity and hypertension. It was also a two-week period, which means researchers could measure only short-term changes.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The study also lacked a control group or randomization, so it couldn't prove that the blood-pressure improvements were caused by more consistent bedtimes or by other lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress or medication changes. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Anyone considering changes to their sleep schedule for blood-pressure benefits should first speak with a doctor.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/ZyFAVks

Read More

Viral 'all-white' wellness push could boost mental health — here are 4 essentials to consider

"Wellness" isn’t just a checklist of healthy habits — it’s a balance of nourishing body and mind, involving fitness, self-care and nutritious eating, as experts repeatedly note.

The just-announced 2026 Color of the Year from Pantone — a shade of white called Cloud Dancer — is an attempt to capture the importance of well-being, signifying a fresh start, a quiet mind, relaxation and room to breathe.

"Choosing rest and consciously stepping away from relentless demands and turning inward recognizes that true strength lies not just in doing, but also in being," the company noted in a press release about the choice.

BACKYARD BIRDING IS BOOMING — HERE ARE MUST-HAVE GIFTS TOPPING WISH LISTS THIS SEASON

"It’s meant to represent a peeling away of old habits and outdated thinking, creating space for clarity, focus and renewed imagination," Parade noted about the choice. 

As the year winds down and a new one lies just ahead, four wellness products capturing these qualities stand out from the rest — offering an opportunity to give others the gift of calm.

Here are four holiday gift guide items to consider for loved ones this year. 

Read on for details. 

The Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic robe is cloud-soft and perfect for kicking back at home for some much-needed "me time," whether it’s meditating, reading or journaling.

The white and cushy fabric has a "luxurious feel and long-lasting comfort," according to its description, making it a strong gift to consider for a loved one.

Re-usable bottles provide a convenient, eco-friendly way to boost daily water intake.

Keeping hydrated is known to promote better skin, boost energy, lower inflammation and improve organ function, and can even help to lower stress and reduce anxiety and headaches, according to experts.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The white, stainless-steel bottle is compact enough to take on the go as a new hydration companion.

A good night’s sleep is imperative to overall wellness and functional health.

Using a sunrise alarm clock can help regulate circadian rhythm by slowly introducing light that mimics the morning sun.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

This product also doubles as a sound machine, and can play white noise to drown out distracting sounds at bedtime and help lull anyone into a more restful sleep.

A candle's ambiance and aromatherapy have been shown to calm the nervous system.

This candle — scented with peppermint, cedar, clove and eucalyptus oils — is poured in the USA and made with non-toxic ingredients and a soy wax blend.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The wick is 100% cotton and free of lead and zinc, allowing recipients to breathe more easily. 

For more Holiday Gift Guide ideas and stories, check out this link. 

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/N26cTdg

Read More

Scientists reveal the one practice that could prevent dementia as you age

A lack of socializing may be a major risk factor for neurological disorders in older adults.

New research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, has considered how "social frailty" can be a predictor of dementia.

The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, looked at data from 851 people over the age of 70 in Sydney’s suburbs who did not have dementia at the time.

ALZHEIMER'S RISK DECLINES SHARPLY WITH ONE DAILY LIFESTYLE CHANGE, RESEARCHERS SAY

The researchers evaluated social frailty using measures of social support, frequency of social interactions, sense of purpose, engagement in community or volunteer activities, and the individual's perceived social roles and connectedness, according to a press release.

Based on this analysis, participants were classified as socially frail, pre-frail or non-frail.

The participants were followed for over 12 years, undergoing neuropsychological tests every two years to diagnose any new dementia cases. The researchers adjusted for other factors like physical frailty, psychological frailty and health history.

The study concluded that social frailty was associated with a higher risk of dementia, with socially frail individuals facing about a 47% increased risk compared to those in the non-frail group.

SCIENTISTS UNCOVER HOW SOME 80-YEAR-OLDS HAVE THE MEMORY OF 50-YEAR-OLDS

In most socially frail people, the factors that were most strongly associated with this risk included low financial and family satisfaction, infrequent social contact and limited participation in social activity.

Study co-author and clinical psychologist Dr. Suraj Samtani, UNSW Sydney postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, emphasized the consequences of aging people lacking in social connections.

"In midlife, risk factors like hearing loss and metabolic syndromes like hypertension and diabetes are very important to prevent and manage," he said in the press release. "But in late life, social isolation is the biggest risk factor for dementia."

WHY MOST PEOPLE FALL OFF A ‘HEALTH CLIFF’ AT 75 — AND 5 WAYS TO AVOID THE DROP

In an interview with Fox News Digital, co-author and postdoctoral research fellow Dr. Annabel Matison noted that the study population was "generally healthy, well-educated and Caucasian."

While the researchers would like to confirm these findings among a broader group, Matison commented that the strength of the association between socialization and cognitive decline is "noteworthy."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"We hope these findings raise awareness that poor social connections, resources and support are risk factors for dementia," she said. "We encourage older adults to stay socially active with family, friends and neighbors, and to consider volunteering."

Another recent study by researchers at Cornell University found that social relationships can actually slow cellular aging.

Lead study author Anthony Ong, psychology professor and director of the Human Health Labs in the College of Human Ecology in New York, shared with Fox News Digital how the "depth and consistency" of social connection across a lifetime "matters profoundly."

"Strong social ties appear to work in the background over many years, building a more resilient body by reducing the chronic, low-grade inflammation that is a key driver of accelerated aging," he said.

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, longevity experts David Cravit and Larry Wolf, the Canada-based authors of "The SuperAging Workbook," shared several aspects of "super-aging," including attachments to others.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"I'm lucky enough to have been married to the same wonderful lady for almost 60 years," Wolf said. "Cultivating contact with people you love, with people you like, and expanding your social network, are all very critical."

The experts noted that mental and physical exercise are also crucial for keeping the brain young and sharp.

Multiple studies have shown that loneliness can be hazardous to humans' health. In fact, a previous Harvard study found that being lonely is as detrimental as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an updated notice on the loneliness epidemic in September, reporting a growing decrease in social connection, especially among young people.

Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, also commented on the grave impact that loneliness may have on human health.

"The number of friends people have has dropped 40% since 1990," he said in a previous interview with Fox News Digital. "Why? We're more connected online, but we're more disconnected in person."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Loneliness increases stress hormones, making you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, and it's just bad for you," he went on. 

"When you're face-to-face with actual people, your brain has to work so much harder, which ultimately is working out your brain."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Lbog7Xj

Read More

Lower dementia risk linked to routine vaccination in major new analysis

The shingles vaccine could slow the progress of dementia, according to a new study from Stanford.

These findings follow previous research that found older adults who received the vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years compared to those who didn't get the shot.

"For the first time, we now have evidence that likely shows a cause-and-effect relationship between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention and treatment," Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, assistant professor of medicine and senior author of the new study, told Fox News Digital.

LISTENING TO MUSIC AFTER 70 MAY CUT DEMENTIA RISK BY NEARLY 40%, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

A team of scientists used public health data in Wales, where, for several years, eligibility for the shingles vaccine (Zostavax) was based strictly on birth date. 

People born just before the cutoff automatically qualified, while people born just after did not.

This created two large groups of older adults who were nearly identical in age, health profile and background, only differing by who received the vaccine. This allowed researchers to compare dementia rates in a way that avoided some of the biases seen in observational studies.

SHINGLES VACCINE CONNECTED TO ‘EXCITING’ HEALTH BENEFITS IN LARGE STUDY

After the initial analysis from April, researchers dug deeper into the records and found that the vaccine’s benefits extended from the earliest signs of cognitive decline all the way to the last stages of dementia.

Over the course of nine years, people who received the vaccine were less likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.

Additionally, those who received the vaccine after a dementia diagnosis were significantly less likely to die from dementia in the next nine years, suggesting that the vaccine could slow the progress of the disease.

Nearly half of the Welsh seniors who had dementia at the start of the vaccination program ended up dying from dementia in the follow-up, compared to only 30% of those who received the vaccine.

"There is a growing body of research showing that viruses that preferentially target your nervous system and hibernate in your nervous system for much of your life may be implicated in the development of dementia," said Geldsetzer.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

That includes the chickenpox virus, which stays in the body for life. In older age, it can reactivate and cause shingles, and sometimes it can trigger inflammation in or around the brain, according to Mayo Clinic.

Preventing viral flare-ups could also reduce inflammation, which has been linked to dementia risk, experts say.

The critical limitation of this research, according to the team, is that the health behaviors of those who get vaccinated are different than those who do not.

"We have very little, if any, information on these behaviors in electronic health records or medical claims data," Geldsetzer noted.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

For instance, the researchers don’t know about the patients' dietary behaviors or physical activity levels.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"If the shingles vaccine really prevents or delays dementia — and, with this new study, also appears to have benefits for those who already have dementia — then this would be a hugely important finding for clinical medicine, population health and research into the causes of dementia," Geldsetzer emphasized.

Fox News Digital reached out to shingles vaccine manufacturers for comment.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/6Dbt9Od

Read More

Weight-loss drugs could become unavailable for millions in coming years

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced its official guidance on the use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity.

GLP-1 drugs are medications that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are most commonly used for type 2 diabetes and medical weight loss.

The first guideline, released on Dec. 1, aims to address the "growing global health challenge of obesity," WHO wrote in a press release.

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS COULD ADD YEARS TO AMERICANS' LIVES, RESEARCHERS PROJECT

Obesity affects more than one billion people globally and was associated with 3.7 million deaths. The number of people with obesity is expected to double by 2030.

While GLP-1 medications were added to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups in September 2025, the new guideline adds two key "conditional recommendations" for people with obesity.

"GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity," the first condition states.

"While the efficacy of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes was evident, the recommendation is conditional due to limited data on their long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation, their current costs, inadequate health-system preparedness and potential equity implications."

The second condition allows "intensive behavioral interventions," including healthy diets, regular physical activity and support from health professionals, to be offered to adults with obesity who are prescribed a GLP-1, as part of a "comprehensive approach."

In addition to the health impacts, the cost of obesity is projected to hit $3 trillion annually by 2030. The WHO’s guideline attempts to reduce "skyrocketing" health costs associated with management of the condition and other complications.

The WHO guideline emphasized the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities," they wrote. "WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability and system readiness to meet global needs."

Despite the "rapid expansion" of GLP-1 production, the health agency revealed that by 2030, these therapies are predicted to reach less than 10% of people who could benefit from them.

"The guideline calls on the global community to consider strategies to expand access, such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing and voluntary licensing among others," WHO stated.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, wrote in a statement addressing the guideline that obesity is a "major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably."

"Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," he said. "While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms."

The agency added that obesity is a "complex, chronic disease" that is a driver of other illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

While GLP-1 therapies alone won’t solve the obesity problem, these therapies represent the "first efficacious treatment option for adults," WHO stated.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The organization stressed that obesity requires creating healthier environments to promote wellness and prevent obesity, protecting high-risk individuals through screening and early interventions and ensuring lifelong access to healthcare.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/fNVF2Ge

Read More

Popular daily snack found to boost brain blood flow in older adults, new study shows

Eating a daily serving of peanuts may help older adults improve blood flow to their brains and boost memory, according to new research.

In a study published in Clinical Nutrition, scientists at the NUTRIM Institute at Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands set out to test whether this simple, inexpensive food could make a measurable difference in people's brains as they age.

The team recruited 31 healthy older adults between the ages of 60 and 75. In one period of the study, participants ate 60 grams of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts every day for 16 weeks. In another stage, they avoided peanuts entirely, according to a press release.

YOUR BRAIN DOESN’T AGE THE WAY YOU THINK — NEUROSCIENTISTS REVEAL 5 STAGES OVER ONE LIFETIME

The order was randomized, and there was an eight-week break in between the two periods so that the effects of the first period wouldn’t carry into the second.

Throughout the study, researchers measured blood flow in the brain using specialized MRI technology and tested memory using a standard set of cognitive measures.

At the end of the peanut consumption period, the results showed that blood flow in the brain increased by 3.6% overall. There were also slightly stronger improvements in gray matter, which is the brain tissue responsible for memory, emotion and decision-making. 

MEN WITH 'BEER BELLIES' MAY FACE SERIOUS HEART DAMAGE REGARDLESS OF WEIGHT

"[Cerebral blood flow] is an important physiological marker, because having a strong flow of blood to the brain contributes to its health," Peter Joris, Ph.D., the study's author and an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences at the Maastricht University Medical Center, said in the press release. 

"We found that longer-term consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts improved global cerebral blood flow, which suggests an overall enhancement in brain vascular function."

BRAIN HEALTH WARNING SIGN COULD BE HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT, SAY RESEARCHERS

These increases were most notable in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas that are important for higher-level thinking and language.

Participants also performed better in verbal memory tests, by approximately 5.8%.

Other areas of thinking, like executive function and reaction speed, did not show meaningful improvement.

The study also reported small decreases in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, suggesting broader benefits to vascular health.

Peanuts contain several nutrients that may support blood vessel function, including unsaturated fats, plant protein, fiber, polyphenol and certain amino acids, the study authors noted.

"Peanuts are especially rich in plant-based protein and contain high concentrations of L-arginine, an amino acid important for vascular health," Joris wrote. "They are also a valuable source of unsaturated fats and polyphenols, both known to support vascular function."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Because the peanuts were roasted with their skins on, participants also consumed additional antioxidants. Together, these components may help explain the improvements seen in blood flow and memory.

The study did have some limitations, including the small sample size and the fact that all participants were healthy older adults. That makes it difficult to determine whether the effect would hold true in larger groups, younger people and those with medical conditions.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The study also tested only unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts at a specific daily amount. Other forms of peanuts or smaller servings may not produce the same results. 

Because participants likely knew whether they were eating peanuts, there is also the possibility of a placebo effect, the researchers noted.

The trial lasted only a few months, so it cannot show whether these benefits last over time or affect long-term dementia risk.

As peanuts are dense in calories, nutritionists generally recommend choosing unsalted, lightly salted, dry-roasted or raw peanuts rather than heavily salted or oil-roasted variants. Moderate servings of peanuts should be balanced with healthy proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The NUTRIM study was supported by funding from The Peanut Institute Foundation, although the foundation did not have a role in the study design, implementation, analysis or interpretation of the data or the writing of the manuscript, the published results noted.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/J5EmWQo

Read More

Tongue cancer warning signs highlighted after 'Full House' star's diagnosis

On the heels of comedian Dave Coulier’s announcement of his tongue cancer diagnosis, experts are sharing what to know about the disease.

Coulier, 66, announced in a Tuesday interview that he has been diagnosed with early-stage P16 carcinoma, or oropharyngeal tongue cancer. 

"Oropharyngeal" refers to cancer that begins at the base of the tongue. The "P16" indicates that it is associated with HPV (human papillomavirus).

JAMES VAN DER BEEK IS IN 'HEALING PHASE' OF CANCER BATTLE

The news comes just months after the "Full House" star announced his battle with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The tongue cancer is "totally unrelated" to that initial cancer, he told "Today" in the interview.

"I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan," Coulier said. "It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue."

The comedian had announced on April 1 that he was cancer-free following the non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis.

"To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of whoah, it's gone, and then to get a test that says, well now you've got another kind of cancer ... it is a shock to the system," he said.

Coulier shared that he will undergo a course of 35 radiation treatments.

Tongue cancer can affect the front of the tongue (oral cavity) or the base/back of the tongue (oropharynx), according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors and prognosis can differ substantially depending on the location of the cancer.

In 2025, it is expected that there will be about 20,040 new cases of tongue cancer and approximately 3,270 deaths, the NCI states. (These numbers only include cancers that begin in the front two-thirds of the tongue.)

COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSES SOAR AMONG YOUNGER ADULTS FOR ONE KEY REASON

When including all oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers — which totals all mouth and throat cancers — the numbers rise to 59,660 new cases and about 12,770 deaths in 2025, per the American Cancer Society.

The overall five-year survival rate for tongue cancer is 71%.

Studies have shown that cases have been on the rise in the U.S. in recent years, affecting almost all age groups and races.

"The rise is linked to the dramatic rise of HPV," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital. "It can metastasize, but the prognosis is 80% to 90% curable if it's HPV-related."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

George Semeniuk, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, California, agreed that tongue cancer is one of the fastest-rising head and neck cancers doctors are seeing.

"Early detection is critical," he told Fox News Digital.

Some of the earliest warning signs of tongue cancer include a persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue, pain when swallowing, a lump or changes in speech, according to Semeniuk.

"Anything that lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a specialist," he advised.

Siegel added, "Look out for a sore that won't heal or difficulty swallowing. Show your doctor, ENT or dentist."

Other common signs include a lump or thickening on the tongue; red or white patches on the tongue or lining of the mouth; persistent tongue, pain in the mouth, jaw or throat; and numbness or burning in the tongue, according to multiple health sources.

Those affected may also notice difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, or unexpected bleeding in the area.

If the cancer has spread, the patient may notice a lump in the neck (from enlarged lymph nodes), ear pain (usually on one side), or stiffness or swelling of the jaw. 

The biggest risk factors for tongue cancer are tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption and HPV, Semeniuk noted.

"We are also seeing increasing cases in younger adults who have never smoked, which underscores the role HPV can play," he said. "People with long-standing mouth irritation, weakened immune systems or poor oral hygiene may also be at higher risk."

The standard treatment for tongue cancer is largely dependent on the stage of the disease and where it is located, according to experts.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor, but often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and, in more advanced cases, chemotherapy or targeted therapies," Semeniuk said.

"At City of Hope, we also use minimally invasive surgical approaches and precision-guided therapies to preserve speech and swallowing whenever possible."

Siegel noted that tongue cancer tumors tend to be more responsive to surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Prognosis is significantly better when tongue cancer is diagnosed early. If detected at an early stage, cure rates can be quite high," Semeniuk told Fox News Digital. 

"That’s why it’s so important for people to pay attention to changes in their mouth and seek care promptly. Regular dental visits and HPV vaccination are also important steps in lowering risk."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/9TaWld0

Read More