This exercise habit may slash dementia risk and help you live longer, study finds

People who incorporate strength training into their weekly routines may be more likely to live longer, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data from 147,374 adults and found that people who engaged in moderate amounts of resistance training had a lower risk of dying from several major causes, including heart disease and neurological disease.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

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People who performed between 90 and 119 minutes of resistance training per week had a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did no strength training.

The same group also experienced a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological diseases, most of which were related to dementia.

Researchers found that the greatest benefit occurred when resistance training was combined with aerobic exercise.

Adults who regularly participated in both forms of exercise had up to a 45% lower risk of death than those who did little aerobic activity and no resistance training.

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However, more exercise was not necessarily better.

The study found no additional reduction in mortality risk beyond about 120 minutes of resistance training per week.

The research followed participants for up to 30 years and repeatedly tracked their exercise habits over time, giving researchers a more complete picture of long-term behavior.

Josephine Hunt, an educational leader, former group fitness instructor and founder of The Resilience Revolution based in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, said the findings support a growing body of research linking strength training to healthy aging.

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"The conversation about longevity often focuses on living longer, but I believe the more important goal is maintaining the strength, mobility, independence, and vitality to fully participate in life as we age," Hunt told Fox News Digital.

Hunt said resistance training helps preserve muscle mass and bone density, improves balance and supports overall physical function as people get older.

For women, she noted, strength training becomes especially important after menopause, when muscle mass and bone density can decline more rapidly.

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"Resistance training is not about bodybuilding, appearance, or achieving a certain physique," Hunt said.

"It is about preserving the ability to live life on your own terms."

She added that strength training can help people remain independent, recover from illness or injury, travel more easily and stay active later in life.

Researchers noted that the study has limitations.

While the findings suggest a connection between strength training and a lower risk of death, the study cannot prove that lifting weights was the reason participants lived longer.

The study also relied on self-reported exercise habits and primarily included white, middle-aged and older health professionals, which may limit how broadly the findings apply to the general population.

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Scientists reveal surprising brain benefit of laughter: 'It's a mental workout'

The old saying that laughter is the best medicine may be true, according to new research that suggests it is also a vital catalyst for children's development.

Laughter and play are fundamental to healthy brain growth, emotional well-being and social bonding, according to Jacqueline Harding, Ph.D., an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London.

In her book, "The Brain That Loves to Laugh," Harding argues that joy is a complex biological phenomenon that helps children navigate stress and build more resilient, receptive minds, news agency SWNS reported.

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"When we see children laugh, we witness the brilliance of the brain in action: learning, connecting and growing," Harding told SWNS.

"Hope and humor, it seems, are not just the seasoning of life, but foundational to a recipe for healthy development."

Laughter activates broad brain networks, including motor regions and the prefrontal cortex, long before children learn to speak. By helping the brain resolve conflicting ideas, it boosts creativity and engages working memory, acting as a "mental workout," experts say.

At a molecular level, laughter alters the internal chemistry by decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. It also increases "happiness chemicals" like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

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Additionally, laughter is known to boost oxytocin, which deepens emotional bonds between parents and children.

Prolonged stress does the exact opposite: It impairs learning, suppresses immune function and alters the developing limbic system, which governs emotion and long-term memory, according to SWNS.

"Stated simply, the emotional state of young children directly influences how they navigate their way through the world," Harding said.

Parents can foster these benefits through moments of spontaneous play and joyful connection, the expert advised.

These interactions do more than spark laughter — they help children develop emotional regulation, strengthen feelings of safety and connection, and support social and cognitive development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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"Spontaneous, joyful play is an antidote to stress, as it increases levels of endorphins released by the brain," Harding said. "Creative, happy play does its most brilliant work at a molecular level, especially at a time when the human brain is at its most receptive."

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This shared joy also establishes "co-regulation," where a child learns to manage their own stress by drawing on a biological store of positive early experiences.

Harding advocates for integrating humor directly into classrooms to reduce cognitive load and improve how children retain key concepts. 

By uplifting the nervous system, joy creates an optimal environment for information absorption, as the SWNS piece noted.

"Safe relationships and non-stressful play environments promote learning," she added. 

"The curriculum must never be prioritized over those two fundamental factors."

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Flying with cannabis? TSA's new guidance comes with a major health warning

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently updated its medical marijuana guidelines, adding specific instructions to its "What Can I Bring?" directory for both carry-on and checked bags.

Patients who use cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, nausea or other qualifying conditions may travel with their medication for use at their destination.

When taking medical marijuana on a flight, experts suggest separating the travel process from the treatment and waiting until arriving at the destination before using the substance.

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"For most patients, the goal isn't to use cannabis on the plane. It's making sure they have access to their medicine when they arrive," Professor Rob Mejia of the Stockton University Cannabis Studies Department, who is also author of "The Essential Cannabis Book," told Fox News Digital.

Using cannabis on aircraft is generally not recommended. Airlines strictly prohibit smoking and vaping, and even edible products can behave unpredictably.

While some experienced consumers may use a low-dose edible before a flight to manage flight anxiety or promote sleep, Mejia said the key factor is familiarity.

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"An airport or airplane is not the place to test a new product or take a dose you are not accustomed to," he advised. "What feels relaxing to an experienced consumer can easily feel overwhelming to someone with less experience."

According to clinical data published by the American College of Cardiology, cannabis use significantly alters heart rhythm regulation and heightens the heart muscle's overall oxygen demand.

When this elevated cardiac strain combines with the nervous system's natural response to altitude — which, according to University of Florida research, already forces the heart to beat faster to distribute lower levels of oxygen — it can trigger acute cardiovascular distress.

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Rather than relieving travel anxiety, using unpredictable or high-potency doses at high altitudes can worsen symptoms like severe nausea, dizziness and hyperventilation, research shows.

"The overall goal should be continuity of care during travel, not medicating at 35,000 feet," Mejia said.

For a growing number of patients, cannabis is no longer just an alternative therapy, but functions as a primary form of medicine. In these cases, before traveling with the substance, preparation is everything, experts say.

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"The safest cannabis travel plan is understanding the laws before you pack," Mejia advised, warning travelers not to misinterpret the updated language.

"A TSA checkpoint is not a legal shield from state or local enforcement," the expert noted. "The TSA checks for security threats, not cannabis. That doesn't mean cannabis can't become your problem."

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"If your cannabis looks legitimate, labeled and professionally packaged, you're less likely to raise questions."

"If your cannabis looks legitimate, labeled and professionally packaged, you're less likely to raise questions than if you're carrying a bag of mystery gummies and a handful of loose flower," Mejia added.

If an item raises eyebrows, the agent has the authority to refer the matter to law enforcement.

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While domestic travel has entered a gray area, international travel remains a different set of rules altogether. Crossing international borders with cannabis carries severe risks, regardless of the laws of the country you are visiting, experts say.

"If you're traveling internationally, leave your cannabis at home," Mejia advised. "Even in countries that have legalized cannabis, the rules for visitors can be very different from the rules for residents."

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Drinking alcohol may influence cravings for certain foods in a surprising way, study suggests

If you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips after a few drinks, hormones may be partly to blame. Researchers suggest they can influence food cravings and may contribute to significant overeating.

Studies examining how alcohol affects people’s eating habits have produced inconsistent results, University of Sydney researchers reported in Obesity Reviews.

Alcohol on its own always adds calories, but how much it contributes to people’s total caloric intake depends on their dietary habits, the scientists observed.

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Previous research suggests alcohol consumption may increase levels of FGF21, "a hormone that increases savory (umami) preference and reduces sweet preference," the researchers wrote. In "minimally processed food environments," people seek foods that are both satiating and high in protein, and they limit the number of calories they eat.

On diets rich in ultra-processed savory foods and/or high-fat unprocessed meats, however, consumers eat foods that taste like the minimally processed foods, but that fail to deliver protein. The researchers refer to these foods as "protein decoys." People who indulge in ultra-processed foods tend to eat many more calories, because they’re not satisfied without protein.

The researchers analyzed previous experimental work that involved interviews with more than 9,000 Australians. The survey found that people who reported drinking alcohol also reported eating a lot more savory foods and fewer sweet foods than the non-drinkers. People’s savory food intake increased on days they reported drinking.

People who reported drinking and consuming a savory diet with the low-protein, high-fat characteristics of an ultra-processed diet took in 40% more calories than the daily recommendation — before factoring in the alcohol.

"Results suggest that alcohol may have contributed to the obesity epidemic," because it increases people’s appetites, and people consuming highly processed foods eat more of the unsatiating food, the researchers hypothesized.

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The researchers wrote that their observations could explain why studies on alcohol’s effect on caloric intake have been so varied, because it likely depends on the types of foods you’re eating while drinking.

They also noted that their studies did not directly measure FGF21 levels, but that they applied previous information gathered through scientific studies to make their observations. They wrote that they could not provide direct evidence of FGF21’s role in food intake.

The researchers also acknowledged the limitations of their research, since it was largely based on secondary evidence from a population survey.

"Advice to limit highly processed foods, including savory snack foods, may be even more critical than previously thought for reducing the risk of weight gain among adults who drink regularly," they concluded.

Registered dietitian Morgan Beemiller, RD, LDN, based in Ohio, said she was not surprised by this study’s findings.

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"Alcohol is known to affect several biological and behavioral systems that influence food cravings," she told Fox News Digital.

According to Beemiller, alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain’s reward circuits. It also changes taste perception, she said.

To avoid the ultra-processed overeating pitfall, Beemiller recommended people eat a substantial meal prior to drinking.

"Include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats," she advised. "This combination helps slow alcohol absorption and reduces urges for convenience foods later."

Chicken, rice and salad or salmon, potatoes and broccoli are sensible pre-drink meals, Beemiller said.

"Decide on your late-night food before you start drinking," she said. "If healthy food is already available, you are less likely to order or make convenience foods later in the evening."

People should keep minimally processed snacks such as nuts, cheese, fruit, hummus and vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, readily available, Beemiller said. It’s also important to stay hydrated, she noted. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water can reduce total alcohol consumption, improve hydration and reduce hangover symptoms.

While Beemiller said evidence suggests less alcohol is generally better for health, she added there are a few ways to reduce the negative impact if someone chooses to drink.

Keep your intake to a moderate level. Health risks rise the more people drink. Choose low-sugar options such as dry wines, light beers and cocktails that use fresh juices rather than syrups. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as margaritas, daiquiris, sweet dessert wines and hard lemonades. Also beware of high-calorie mixers. Opt for sparkling water instead.

"Choose alcohol for enjoyment, not stress management," Beemiller said.

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Can alkaline water actually improve your health? Experts separate fact from fiction

Alkaline water has entered the conversation as an arguable alternative to regular drinking water.

Numerous celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, have touted alkaline water in brand campaigns — but is there a real benefit? Experts report that the science is uncertain.

Bottled water that’s sold as alkaline water may have added minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help the water reach an alkaline pH, according to Mayo Clinic. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a level greater than 7 is alkaline and less than 7 is acidic.

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Plain tap water has a lower pH than alkaline water, which has led some to claim that drinking alkaline water can neutralize acidity in the body.

There have also been claims that alkaline water can help prevent certain health conditions, like cancer and stroke, Mayo Clinic mentioned. Some studies have also shown that alkaline water may help slow bone loss, perhaps due to the added calcium.

Other research suggests that alkaline water combined with a plant-based Mediterranean diet may help relieve acid reflux. Several studies have suggested that alkaline water alone could improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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Mayo Clinic stressed that more research is necessary to support these claims and to confirm whether these benefits continue over time.

In a Harvard Medical School publication, Howard E. LeWine, MD, chief medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing, confirmed that benefits potentially exist, but only temporarily.

"Because the fluid in the stomach is so acidic, once regular or alkaline water gets down to your stomach, there will be little difference in the resulting stomach fluid pH," he wrote.

"You could potentially raise the stomach fluid pH by drinking a lot of alkaline water, but it would only be temporary. Even if you drank enough alkaline water to slightly raise the pH of your blood, your kidneys would quickly go into action to rebalance your blood pH."

As an example, alkaline water may provide heartburn relief from acid reflux, but the effects would not be long-lasting. LeWine considered that there are "much more effective options," such as antacids.

The doctor warned that drinking alkaline water could be dangerous for people who take PPIs, or stomach acid production blockers.

Mayo Clinic added that alkaline water has been linked to safety concerns, especially when the water’s pH is higher than 9.8. This can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia.

LeWine expressed the same concern that alkaline water "might result in an increased blood pH, which can alter the normal blood levels of chemicals like potassium, especially [for people with] kidney disease."

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In an interview with Fox News Digital, certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco confirmed that there is "no strong evidence" that alkaline water provides "meaningful long-term health benefits."

While infusing the water with minerals can be beneficial for reducing acidity in the body, the best way to do so is by following "foundational" dietary habits, according to the expert.

This includes eating meals based in real foods and eliminating excess sugar, caffeine, processed and fried foods, as they can "aggravate acidity in the body," she said.

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"Vegetables, fruit, good fats, like the omega-3 fats, lean protein, fiber — those are the things that really help to keep acid out of the body," DeCicco added.

For those who have acid reflux complications, she recommends seeing a doctor and adopting helpful habits like eating consistently throughout the day, not lying down after eating and avoiding highly acidic foods.

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Scientists unveil 'living bandage' that could dramatically speed wound healing

A new "living bandage" could soon revolutionize how doctors treat serious injuries by accelerating the healing process, according to new research reported by SWNS.

The high-tech patch was developed by researchers at Rice University in Texas. It acts like an around-the-clock mini factory, continuously delivering healing proteins directly to different types of wounds, the same source noted.

Caring for chronic wounds is often a challenge for doctors, as it's difficult to deliver steady, localized signals that tell the body to repair its own tissue, the researchers said. 

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The body naturally relies on small chemical messengers called cytokines to control inflammation and healing. However, traditional treatments like ointments or injections usually fail, as fragile proteins break down too quickly or wash away from the injury site.

To solve the problem, the research team created a cell-based patch that stays on top of the wound. Inside the device, scientists placed engineered cells programmed to manufacture and secrete three specific healing cytokines, known as IL-10, IL-12 and Transforming Growth Factor-beta.

These cells are safely housed inside protective material that acts like a shield — letting vital nutrients and therapeutic proteins pass through to the skin while keeping the body's immune system from attacking the engineered cells inside.

The system also uses a special hydrogel that helps the patch blend naturally with the wound, SWNS reported. It may be updated eventually, the research team indicated, to work alongside electronic components.

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In lab tests on rodents and pigs, the patch successfully accelerated wound healing. By analyzing the genetic material of the cells, the researchers confirmed the treatment successfully activated the processes needed for tissue repair.

Professor Omid Veiseh, faculty director of the Rice Biotech Launch Pad and leader of the laboratory development, said the animal trials showed strong potential for the approach.

"The findings show how continuous, localized cytokine delivery can support key biological pathways involved in tissue repair," Veiseh said, according to SWNS.

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"By maintaining a consistent presence of these signaling molecules at the wound site, we can more effectively engage the body’s natural healing response."

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He said genetic analysis "revealed coordinated upregulation of genes associated with tissue regeneration and immune modulation, providing a mechanistic basis for the functional improvements observed."

The platform is fully customizable, so the engineered cells can easily be adapted to produce different combinations of proteins and growth factors, depending on what each individual patient needs.

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Study co-author Christian Schreib, Ph.D., noted that "the ability to tune both the type and timing of cytokine delivery opens the door to more precise control over the healing process."

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Schreib said that "future work will focus on expanding the flexibility of the platform, including approaches such as optogenetic control" — using light to control cell activity — "to regulate cytokine secretion in real time."

The technology is still in an early stage and has not yet been tested on human patients. 

Further research is needed to understand how the technology will be used on humans.

The study was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.

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