Quick pre-workout tweak could improve your endurance by 20%, study finds

Listening to your favorite music during a workout could help you exercise longer without feeling more exhausted, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland found that people who selected their own music were able to extend their endurance by nearly 20% during high-intensity exercise.

The findings were published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

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The study included 29 recreationally active adults who completed two identical cycling sessions at about 80% of their peak effort.

One session was done in silence, while the other allowed participants to listen to music they chose themselves.

Those listening to music lasted nearly six minutes longer on average, exercising for about 36 minutes compared to roughly 30 minutes without it.

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Despite the longer sessions, heart rate and other physical markers remained similar, indicating that the body was working just as hard in both conditions.

Researchers said the difference appears to come from how people perceive effort rather than any change in physical ability.

"Self-selected music doesn’t change your fitness level … it simply helps you tolerate sustained effort for longer," lead researcher Andrew Danso said.

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Familiar songs may help distract from discomfort and make sustained effort feel more manageable, the study noted.

"Our research shows that letting people choose their own motivating music may help them accumulate more quality training time, which could translate to better fitness gains, improved adherence to exercise [programs], and possibly more people staying active," Danso added.

Outside experts agreed that the benefit likely comes from a shift in mindset.

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"People who exercise with music they enjoy are able to exercise longer because it changes their mindset," Carole Lieberman, a Beverly Hills psychiatrist, told Fox News Digital.

"Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, it feels like something they are choosing to do and becomes fun," she added.

However, the study does have some limitations. Researchers noted the relatively small sample size of 29 participants and the fact that all were physically active adults, which may limit how broadly the findings apply to other groups.

The exercise sessions also focused on a specific type of high-intensity cycling, so results may vary with different workouts.

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Longevity experts reveal ‘flicker method’ that could help you feel years younger

The idea that aging is a steady, predictable process is being challenged by a new book, which describes a so-called "flicker stage" where some aspects of aging may briefly reverse.

Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley, authors of the book "Your Aging Advantage," say aging may be more fluid than chronological age alone would suggest. They call this phenomenon the "flicker stage," just one of seven stages of aging.

The "flicker stage" suggests functional age isn’t fixed, with people shifting between levels of youth and vitality based on lifestyle and mindset, the authors state.

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Periods of feeling significantly younger, followed by times of feeling one’s age, may reflect what the authors describe as the "flicker stage."

Riley said healthier aging involves "flickering back" to a younger state, noting that while stress or setbacks can make people feel older, those shifts aren’t permanent.

"Through positive interventions, we have the ability to flicker back to the stage of age we want to be in ... these setbacks or unforeseen circumstances might propel us to a different stage of aging, but we have this ability to flip it back through positive intervention."

Riley said this requires identifying personal "flicker triggers" — physical, psychological, social or environmental shifts that help reset one’s pace, such as exercise or renewed social connection.

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Most people already live with a "feels-like" age that doesn't match their chronological age, said Kaplan, comparing it to a weather report.

"In the summertime, the weatherperson might say it's 85 degrees outside, but with the humidity, it feels like 95 … The feels-like age is the lived age, as compared to the chronological age or the age on your birth certificate."

Focusing on the "lived age" may allow people to intentionally shift into a younger stage, according to the authors.

Instead of "aging in place," which focuses on where one lives, they suggest focusing on "aging on pace."

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"It’s more about what's important to us on a personal level ... do we want to stay in employment and work for as long as we can? Do we want to be shifting gears ... and pursuing other interests and pastimes that are important to us?" Riley asked.

Kaplan said the common focus on age 65 as a point of decline reflects a socially imposed retirement benchmark, not a biological marker.

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"It comes from the Social Security Act that was created in 1935 in the United States. And here we are 90 years later, and we're still thinking that 65 is an important age. ... We didn't use the word retirement back then. I mean, have you ever seen a farmer back in the 1800s ... that says, 'Oh, we're going to retire because Grandpa is now going to be 62 or 65 years old?'"

The flicker effect works best when you stop viewing aging as a "downhill" perspective, Riley and Kaplan said.

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Even after a health setback shifts someone into a later stage, maintaining a positive and active approach may help move them back toward an earlier stage of aging, according to the authors.

Ultimately, the goal is to stop seeing the passage of time as a problem to be solved, Riley said.

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"Aging or growing older is [not] a problem to fix. … We want the mindset [that] it's an opportunity to be seized."

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Faith drives man to help another through mental health crisis in dramatic life-or-death scene

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The arc of a man’s life changed dramatically after a Jacksonville police officer, along with a team of other officers, stepped in to help an individual in crisis on the Dames Point Bridge in Florida in April. 

Faith had everything to do with it. 

Body camera footage taken on April 12 shows Officer Antonio Richardson speaking with a man who was standing on the edge of the bridge — getting ready to jump. Richardson, along with six other patrol officers, responded to the emergency.

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"Whatever you're going through, man, you can get through it," Richardson can be heard saying to the man during the drama. 

"Now listen, man. Listen. Listen. You can get through this," he told the individual as police lights flashed behind them.

"Let's talk about it for a minute. … You believe in prayer, I know that. … Just touch my hand. Just touch my hand, man, I'm praying with you," said Richardson to the man. 

The officer, for about 40 minutes, kept up a steady stream of conversation and outreach to the man, who was teetering on the edge of the bridge, looking at the water below him. 

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Richardson told the man, as he kept his arm outstretched, "If you jump, you're going to hurt other people. And they're going to be hurting just like you're hurting now. … The cycle's gotta stop." 

Finally, after many moments, the man stepped away from the bridge and walked toward the officer — and they hugged. Other officers then stepped in as well. 

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Appearing on "Fox & Friends" to discuss the incident this week, Richardson said, "When I got the call … I was just there to stop the traffic. And then a couple of other officers who knew my position as a pastor asked me to come over and talk with the guy. … Nothing was scripted. … I did not want to see him jump," he added.

"I just felt within myself that God was going to spare his life — and he did." 

He also said, "I was praying. And God spared his life. And we connected. And as a result of that connection, he didn't jump."

Officer Richardson has more than 30 years of ministry experience, according to reports. He said that after the man was safe and the immediate drama had passed, the officer called his wife, sat in his patrol car — "and wept like a baby."

Pastor Jesse Bradley of the Seattle area, who runs Grace Community Church, watched the video of the dramatic incident. 

He told Fox News Digital, "This powerful story reminds us that we can all love our neighbors and be part of the solution in our nation. Every person is made in God's image, loved by Jesus — and life is a gift." 

He added, "We are made to receive and give hope daily, where we live, work, learn and play."

Bradley also said that people should "be intentional about pursuing others who are in need. Take relationship risks. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, there were two religious people who played it safe and remained in their comfort zone. We have a greater calling," he said. 

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"Only the Samaritan was willing to go to the man in pain and bring restoration. Let's be people who cross the road to provide. Let's be faithful to God. Love is intentional, takes action — and makes sacrifices. Let's love and live like Jesus."

Bradley observed that the inspiring story in Florida "points us to the greatest rescue story of all. Jesus left heaven to pursue us."

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He said, "We have all sinned against God and need a Savior. Jesus died on the cross, offering forgiveness, and rose from the grave to give us eternal life."

"Instead of being separated from God, we can have peace with God and a full pardon through Jesus. This is grace, an undeserved gift. We will be with Jesus forever — an everlasting rescue."

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How eating habits could influence Parkinson’s disease risk, according to experts

Growing observational research suggests that long-term dietary patterns may influence Parkinson’s risk, age at onset and possibly severity of symptoms.

Mediterranean-style eating, in particular, has been associated with lower risk and possibly milder disease.

That said, there isn’t a single food that causes or prevents disease, according to Dr. Michael S. Valdez, a California-based physician with advanced training in neurology.

"When we talk about Parkinson’s and similar conditions, it helps to zoom out," he told Fox News Digital. "In many cases, it’s the overall pattern over years that matters."

The brain is especially sensitive to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular health, which is how well blood flows to brain tissue, according to the doctor.

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"Another key point is that neurodegenerative diseases develop slowly," Valdez pointed out. "Changes in movement or cognition often appear years after underlying changes in the brain have already started."

"That means lifestyle factors, including diet, are part of a much larger timeline that also includes genetics, environmental exposures, sleep and physical activity."

Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, a seasoned neurologist and the chief mission officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association in New York, confirmed that the best foods for brain health are those that make up the MIND or Mediterranean diets. 

"These diets emphasize whole grains, vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables), nuts, legumes and berries," Gilbert told Fox News Digital. "Fish is the preferred animal protein, and olive oil is the preferred fat."

Studies have suggested that among those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, adherence to the MIND or Mediterranean diets prior to diagnosis was associated with later onset of the disease, according to the doctor. 

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"These diets are good for the brain because they are rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients that keep neurons healthy," she said. "The diets also support clean blood vessels to the brain, which provide adequate blood flow containing the nutrients and oxygen that neurons need."

"Blueberries, strawberries, apples, tea and red wine in moderation have been associated with lower PD risk in large cohorts," Amanda Hare, an expert nurse practitioner in the field of neurology and movement disorders, who is also a medical liaison at Rune Labs, told Fox News Digital. 

The South Carolina-based expert cited a Harvard study that found men with the highest flavonoid intake had about 40% lower disease risk.

"Anthocyanins — the pigments in red/purple berries — are the subclass with the most consistent signal," she said. "These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may cross the blood-brain barrier."

Large studies have shown that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower Parkinson’s risk, according to Hare, although a direct cause can’t be proven.

Caffeine has been found to protect brain cells in animal studies by blocking a specific brain receptor called the adenosine A2A receptor, she said.

"The effect is stronger in men; hormone therapy appears to modify it in women," Hare added.

"Evidence is more suggestive than definitive, but diets higher in omega-3s – salmon, sardines, mackerel, walnuts and flaxseed – correlate with lower risk and may support general neuronal health," Hare said.

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In some cases, Parkinson’s pathology may begin in the gut, and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation, can precede diagnosis, experts agree.

Scientists have found early signs of the disease — clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein — in the nerves of the digestive system.

"Constipation is one of the strongest prodromal symptoms, often predating diagnosis by a decade or more," Hare told Fox News Digital. 

"Diets supporting a diverse gut microbiome – high fiber, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi – are an active research area, though we don't yet have randomized trial evidence that changing your microbiome changes Parkinson’s risk."

"This is a consistent but still-debated finding," Hare said. "Multiple large cohorts have found that higher milk consumption is associated with modestly elevated PD risk, particularly in men."

The signal is specific to milk, she noted, as cheese and yogurt don't show the same consistent association.

Recent research, including the Nurses' Health Study in 2025, has linked high ultraprocessed food intake to higher odds of early Parkinson’s symptoms. This supports broader evidence of processed foods' association with systemic inflammation, Hare noted.

Exposure to paraquat and rotenone, which are toxic chemicals often used as pesticides, are among the strongest environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s, according to Hare.

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"Eating organic produce when possible … is a reasonable precaution, though the bulk of pesticide risk in the Parkinson’s literature relates to occupational exposure, not dietary," she noted.

"Associations exist, but are less robust than the dairy or ultraprocessed findings," Hare said.

There are some limitations and caveats for all of these dietary risk associations, she noted.

"Epidemiology does not equal causation," she emphasized. "Nearly all of the above comes from observational studies."

Lifestyle behaviors can also come into play – people who eat Mediterranean diets, for example, also exercise more, smoke less and have more resources.

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"Diet is one lever among several," Hare noted. "Exercise has stronger evidence than any food for both preventing Parkinson’s and slowing progression. Sleep quality, cognitive engagement and avoidance of head injury also matter."

"A responsible expert would place a diet in that broader context rather than overselling any single food."

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'Ozempic breath' sparks questions as users report strange side effect

Those taking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications for diabetes and weight loss often experience gastrointestinal symptoms – but some lesser-known side effects have also been reported.

One of those, described as "Ozempic breath," refers to "a fishy smell in burps or bad breath," Neha Lalani, MD, an endocrinologist based in Lakeway, Texas, told Healthline.

Bad breath (clinically known as halitosis) is not included in the listed side effects for popular semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Monjouro, Zepbound) medications.

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This potential side effect appears to be shaping consumers’ spending habits. The Hershey CEO recently shared during an earnings call that the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has led to people purchasing gum and mint products to freshen their breath, per reports.

There is currently no peer-reviewed research confirming that these medications cause bad breath or explaining a clear mechanism behind it.

Even so, numerous users have shared their experience with "Ozempic breath" on social media.

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"This is mortifying lol. I even brushed my teeth and gargled with mouthwash and I'm [still] smelling it. It literally smells like a dirty drain or sewage," one user shared.

"I feel like I need to brush my teeth all the time. The sulfur burps were temporary but DISGUSTING," another person wrote.

Dr. Sue Decotiis, a New York City-based physician specializing in medical weight loss and hormone optimization, confirmed that bad breath can result from dehydration, gastric reflux, medication side effects and unhealthy gut flora.

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"Even at moderate doses, GLP medications require about a gallon of still water daily to support fat metabolism and maintain proper hydration," she told Fox News Digital. "Very few patients do this or are advised to do so."

"A well-balanced probiotic containing multiple species may be helpful, especially if reflux persists," Decotiis advised. "Additionally, adequate protein and fiber intake support gastrointestinal health and promote a healthy gut microbiome."

Some users did share tips that seemed to help curb the issue.

"My mouth feels, tastes and smells better when I’m constantly drinking water," one person shared on Reddit.

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"Cut out greasy food from your daily diet. Most processed food too, if possible. And it should go away," another user recommended. Others have had some luck with antacids and fiber supplements.

Anyone experiencing persistent bad breath or unusual digestive symptoms while taking a GLP-1 medication should consult a doctor for evaluation and recommended next steps.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk for comment.

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Alarming trend shows spike in lower GI cancer deaths among younger adults

→ Rectal cancer deaths rising up to three times faster in specific age group

→ Your daily coffee habit may be quietly reshaping your gut and mood

→ Dementia risk could rise with common food type millions eat every day

→ New York fitness trainer and gym owner Kenny Santucci discusses concerns about unverified peptide products for muscle building

→ McDonald's executive reveals simple menu hacks to help customers get more protein

→ Simple diet change could relieve painful bathroom symptoms, experts say

→ Nutrition experts rank the 5 healthiest nuts for smart snacking

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→ Thinking about peptides? Doctors reveal key dos and don’ts when taking them

→ Fish oil supplements linked to slower brain repair in some patients

→ Heart attacks and strokes rising with extreme weather events, research suggests

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Copperhead snake bite leaves mayor’s wife in 'excruciating pain,' he reveals

A North Carolina politician is spreading awareness after his wife was bitten by a copperhead snake in a frightening incident this week.

Robert Burns, mayor of Monroe, a suburb southeast of Charlotte, shared the harrowing incident in an X post on April 30.

"So ... word has gotten out that my sweet wife was bitten by a large copperhead last night," he began. "When it happened, we rushed her to the ER."

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The Republican mayor said that, though his wife Lauren's vitals have stabilized, they're "not out of the woods yet."

"She is in a lot of pain, probably more than I’ve ever seen her in," Burns wrote.

"We’re a busy family with a lot going on right now, but we truly cherish your prayers and are grateful for all the support, texts, calls, emails and well wishes," he added.

The copperhead snake is the most common and prevalent venomous snake in the state, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website.

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"In many areas, including most of the larger urban areas of the state, it is the only venomous snake," the site says. "Because they are so widespread and tolerate living near people, copperheads account for probably over 90% of venomous snakebites in North Carolina."

Speaking to Fox News Digital on Friday, the mayor said his wife is currently "resting in bed as best as she can."

"I've not seen her in this consistent amount of pain before," he said. "We've had six children, and I've also seen her with kidney stones. I've seen it all, and she is in excruciating pain right now."

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Burns, who is known as "NC's mayor," said the incident happened while he was outside grilling food as Lauren spoke on the phone with her father.

Lauren was walking near a rope swing in a wooded area on their property when she was suddenly bitten by the reptile.

"All I heard was, 'Babe, it's not good, this is not good,' and I'm like, 'Are you okay?'" he recalled. "She ran around the side of the house, and she's like, 'Babe, I think I got bit by a snake."

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Burns quickly used his cell phone flashlight and found two puncture wounds on her left ankle.

"They were bleeding. They were big enough," he said.

When Burns asked what type of snake it was, his wife said it may have been a copperhead. They went back and found the likely culprit.

"This was about a 4-foot snake," he said. "It was probably about as thick as my wrist to my forearm."

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Burns added, "The second you see a copperhead, you know it's a copperhead, because it's a copper color and it has a pattern on its back, and it was big."

The couple's 14-year-old daughter had just been walking barefoot in the same area moments before the bite, he said. She may have even tripped over the snake without realizing it.

"These are the types of snakes that don't run," Burns said. "They don't flee … they stand their ground."

Doctors monitored Lauren for several hours, tracking her vitals and consulting poison control as swelling spread from her foot up her leg.

While the bite caused significant pain and inflammation, her condition stabilized, and the family ultimately chose not to use anti-venom due to potential risks. Lauren was discharged to recover at home, where they are managing her pain.

Burns encourages people to be cautious.

"Any snake bite, you want to take seriously," he said. "Because you don't really know, especially if you don't get eyes on it."

"I'm very grateful for all the support and help."

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