Experts reveal why 'nonnamaxxing' trend may improve mental, physical health

The key to feeling better in a fast, overstimulated world might be surprisingly simple: Live a little more like your grandparents.

A growing social media trend, dubbed "nonnamaxxing," draws inspiration from the slower, more intentional rhythms associated with an Italian grandmother.

The lifestyle is often linked to activities like preparing home-cooked meals, spending time outdoors and making meaningful connections.

MARTHA STEWART SHARES 7 TIPS FOR AGING WELL: 'LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, BE GOOD'

"Nonnamaxxing is a 2026 trend that embraces the slower, more intentional lifestyle of an Italian grandmother (a Nonna). Think cooking from scratch, long family meals, daily walks, gardening and less screen time," Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, told Fox News Digital.

Stepping away from screens and toward real-world interaction can have measurable benefits, according to California-based psychotherapist Laurie Singer.

"We know that interacting with others in person, rather than spending time on screens, significantly improves mental health," she told Fox News Digital, adding that social media often fuels comparison and lowers self-esteem.

LONELINESS MAY BE SILENTLY ERODING YOUR MEMORY, NEW RESEARCH REVEALS

Living more like previous generations isn’t purely driven by nostalgia. Cooking meals from scratch, for example, has been linked to better nutrition and more mindful eating patterns.

Adopting traditional mealtime habits can improve diet quality and support both physical and mental health, especially when meals are shared regularly with others, Palinski-Wade noted.

There’s also a psychological benefit to slowing down and focusing on one task at a time. Anxiety often stems from unfinished or avoided tasks, Singer noted, and engaging in hands-on activities can counteract that.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Nonnamaxxing encourages us to be present around a task, like gardening, baking or knitting, or just taking a mindful walk, that delivers something 'real,'" she said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Palinski-Wade cautions against turning the trend into another source of pressure, noting that a traditional "nonna" lifestyle often assumes a different pace of life.

The key, she said, is adapting the mindset, not replicating it perfectly.

The goal is to reintroduce small, intentional moments that make you feel better.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

That might mean prioritizing a few shared meals each week, taking a walk without your phone or setting aside time for a simple hobby, the expert recommended.

Singer added, "Having a positive place to escape to, through whatever activities speak to us and make us happy, isn’t generational – it’s human."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/On2ci7Z

Read More

Woman’s cancer battle takes unbelievable turn when her dog gets same diagnosis

A woman who got a dog to support her through a breast cancer diagnosis was later shocked when the pet was diagnosed with the same disease years later.

Vickie Doogan, 52, from England, said her dog Dolly, a poochon, became her constant companion during recovery from her second cancer diagnosis, news agency SWNS reported.

Doogan was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 after noticing a dull pain and a lump under her arm, which doctors later confirmed was invasive breast cancer that had spread.

COMMON FRUIT FOUND IN AMERICAN KITCHENS MAY SLOW DEADLY FORM OF BREAST CANCER, STUDY SAYS

She underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation and was eventually declared cancer-free following an intensive course of treatment.

At 44, she was diagnosed again and underwent another round of treatment before opting for a double mastectomy after learning she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast cancer.

She got Dolly in 2018 while recovering at home, saying the dog provided comfort and companionship during a difficult period in her life.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"She’s like my shadow," Doogan said. "She’s the most perfect little dog."

In February 2026, Doogan took Dolly to the vet for what she believed was an upset stomach, where a lump was unexpectedly discovered under one of the dog’s nipples.

"The vet said she needed to have a mastectomy. I was so shocked," Doogan said. "I didn’t even know dogs could have mastectomies."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Dolly underwent surgery to remove the cancer, which was determined to be low-grade and did not require additional treatment, allowing her to recover relatively quickly.

"She bounced back just as well as I did," Doogan said. "People said it’s like she’s mirroring how I dealt with it."

Both Doogan and her dog are now cancer-free and focusing on moving forward after their shared experiences with the disease, SWNS noted.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Doogan said she hopes their story offers encouragement to others facing a diagnosis and shows that recovery is possible.

"When I was first diagnosed, I was absolutely floored," she said. "Chemo was brutal, but thankfully I responded well."

"Now I’m living my best life again," she added. "I want people to know that although breast cancer is scary, you can still live a really full life."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/ZMx26Rl

Read More

Trump-backed plan could fast-track psychedelic therapies — here’s what to know

As President Donald Trump backs efforts to advance psychedelic drugs, doctors are speaking out about how the move could impact mental health treatments.

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the research, funding and potential FDA approval of psychedelics like ibogaine, psilocybin, LCD and MDMA, primarily to treat PTSD, depression and addiction.

Psychedelics, psychoactive compounds that act largely through serotonin pathways, are being studied in controlled clinical settings for mental health treatment, experts say.

SINGLE DOSE OF POWERFUL PSYCHEDELIC CUTS DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL STUDY

Trump’s move is drawing mixed reactions, with supporters praising its potential to transform mental health treatment, particularly for veterans, while critics warn about limited evidence on safety and effectiveness.

"The president’s action today opens a pathway to research that will further open doors to expedited approval of this life-saving medicine as a treatment for our veterans — and society — who have suffered for decades from treatment-resistant PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury) and depression," Jay Kopelman, former Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and CEO of Mission to Live Foundation in San Diego, told Fox News Digital.

"This act will require the VA Health System to begin psychedelics research and clinical trials, making psychedelics available to veterans for whom the traditional modalities of care (SSRIs and talk therapy) haven’t worked."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, agreed that psychedelics hold "big potential" for severe depression and PTSD, and said he supports Trump’s commitment to funding more research. 

PSYCHEDELIC DRUG POPULAR IN 1960S COULD EASE ANXIETY AS DOCTORS SHARE WARNINGS

"It changes brain chemistry in a way that can provide more modulation of dopamine, serotonin and other neurochemicals, making a patient less fearful," he told Fox News Digital. 

"At the same time, the psychiatric impact of psychedelics can be useful to change perception in a positive way."

Siegel emphasized, however, that these therapies need to be further researched, and that doses and exact indications must be carefully determined.

Juliana Mercer, a 16-year Marine Corps veteran and the executive director of Healing Breakthrough, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD, applauded the president’s move as a "meaningful step."

"The people who need this most are those who have already tried everything and found no real relief," she told Fox News Digital.

"I think about veterans I served with, people who have done years of therapy, cycled through medications, and are still carrying the weight of their service. Too many are still losing that fight at home."

Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions in Washington, D.C., expressed concerns about the executive order.

"While we support rigorous research for treatment discovery, President Trump’s executive order on ibogaine puts politics and hype ahead of science by suggesting that a dangerous, unapproved hallucinogen can somehow be a medical treatment," he shared with Fox News Digital. 

FOX NATION: WATCH ‘IBOGAINE: THE FIGHT OF A LIFETIME’

"Ibogaine remains a Schedule I substance with serious safety concerns, including documented cardiotoxicity and deaths. [The government] should not normalize unproven and risky drugs under the guise of helping those who have served our country."

Siegel also cautioned about the risk of improper prescribing of psychedelics by unqualified practitioners. "Unfettered recreational use and microdosing can increase the risk of psychosis and other anxiety disorders," he added.

Kopelman noted that the primary risk of ibogaine is its "cardiotoxicity properties."

"It can prolong the QT interval in the heartbeat, which can lead to arrhythmia or even heart attack," he told Fox News Digital, noting that this risk is mitigated by "rigorous medical examinations" and monitoring during treatment.

Mercer agreed that these treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone.

"They can have significant psychological effects and, in some cases, physiological risks, which is why they should only be administered in controlled clinical settings by trained providers," she told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Continued research is essential to better understand who these therapies are right for, and who they’re not, before broader implementation."

While Trump’s order is a step toward FDA approval for psychedelics, the substances still need to go through clinical trials and the standard regulatory pathway, including rescheduling, Mercer noted.

"Veterans and others will still be waiting unless we also build the systems to provide this safely at scale, trained providers, reimbursement pathways and clinical care models," she said. "This is the gap we’ve been highlighting for years, and it still needs to be closed."

Kopelman agreed that while the legislation paves a path for expedited study of these medications, it’s important to "do it the right way," warning that "one misstep could overturn and sink this entire effort."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Most important is the post-medicine integration work that requires multiple therapy sessions overseen by a trauma-informed psychedelic therapist," he told Fox News Digital. "It’s not like prescribing someone a Tylenol and sending them home — these medicines require medical oversight."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Psychedelics are not a panacea," Kopelman added. "They are a gateway to healing — but the real work begins after treatment."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/1Arvtkw

Read More

Loneliness may be silently eroding your memory, new research reveals

Feeling lonely may take a toll on older adults' memory — but it may not speed up cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Researchers from Colombia, Spain and Sweden analyzed data from more than 10,000 adults ages 65 to 94 across 12 European countries and found those who reported higher levels of loneliness did worse on memory tests at the start of the study, according to research published this month in the journal Aging & Mental Health.

Over a seven-year period, however, memory decline occurred at a similar rate regardless of how lonely participants felt.

GRANDPARENTS WHO BABYSIT THEIR GRANDCHILDREN STAY MENTALLY SHARPER, NEW STUDY REVEALS

"The finding that loneliness significantly impacted memory, but not the speed of decline in memory over time was a surprising outcome," lead author Dr. Luis Carlos Venegas-Sanabria of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universidad del Rosario said in a statement.

"It suggests that loneliness may play a more prominent role in the initial state of memory than in its progressive decline," Venegas-Sanabria said, adding that the findings highlight the importance of addressing loneliness as a factor in cognitive performance.

The findings add to debate about whether loneliness contributes to dementia risk. While loneliness and social isolation are often considered risk factors for cognitive decline, research results have been mixed.

EXPERTS REVEAL HIDDEN LINK BETWEEN POOR SLEEP AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RISK

The study looked at data from the long-running Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which tracked 10,217 older adults between 2012 and 2019. Participants were asked to recall words immediately and after a delay to measure memory performance.

Loneliness was assessed using three questions about how often participants felt isolated, left out or lacking companionship.

About 8% of participants reported high levels of loneliness at the outset. That group tended to be older, more likely to be female and more likely to have conditions such as depression.

DEMENTIA RISK SIGNALS COULD LIE IN SIMPLE BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS, SAY RESEARCHERS

Researchers found that those with higher loneliness had lower scores on both immediate and delayed memory tests at baseline. Still, all groups — regardless of loneliness level — experienced similar declines in memory over time.

The results suggest loneliness may not directly accelerate the progression of memory loss, though it remains linked to poorer cognitive performance overall.

Experts warn, however, that the findings should not be interpreted to mean loneliness is harmless.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"The finding that lonely older adults start with worse memory but don't decline faster is actually the most interesting part of the paper, and I think it's easy to misread," said Jordan Weiss, PhD, a scientific advisor and aging expert at Assisted Living Magazine and a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

"It likely means loneliness does its damage earlier in life, well before people show up in a study like this at 65-plus," Weiss told Fox News Digital.

He suggested that by older age, long-term social patterns may already be established, making it harder to detect when the effects of loneliness first took hold.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"By the time you're measuring someone in their late 60s, decades of social connection patterns are already baked in," he said.

Weiss, who was not involved in the research, added that loneliness may coincide with other health conditions, and noted that participants who felt more isolated also had higher rates of depression, high blood pressure and diabetes. The link, he said, may reflect a cluster of health risks rather than a direct cause.

Amy Morin, a Florida-based psychotherapist and author, said the findings reflect a broader pattern in research on loneliness and brain health, and that the relationship may be more complex than it appears.

"The evidence shows there's a link between loneliness and cognitive decline but there's no direct evidence of a cause and effect relationship," she said. "So while they can go hand-in-hand, it's not clear that loneliness contributes to dementia."

Morin added that loneliness, which can fluctuate, may not be the root of the problem, but rather a symptom of other underlying mental or physical health issues.

She said staying socially and mentally engaged is crucial for overall brain health.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"It's important to be proactive about social activities," Morin said. "Joining a book club, having coffee with a friend, or attending faith-based services can be a powerful way to maintain connections in older age."

The researchers also suggested screening for loneliness be incorporated into routine cognitive assessments as one way to support healthy aging.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/FyLjY4I

Read More

Intermittent fasting’s real benefit may come after you start eating again

Research continues to uncover new details on how fasting may help extend life.

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications investigated how intermittent fasting can boost longevity in small worms often used in aging research.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas compared worms that were fed normally to those that underwent a 24-hour fast in early adulthood and were then re-fed for 24 hours, according to a press release.

POPULAR INTERMITTENT FASTING DIETS MAY NOT DELIVER THE HEALTH BENEFITS MANY EXPECT

The scientists measured a variety of factors, including stored fat, gene activity related to fat metabolism, and lifespan.

The results showed that the life-boosting benefit did not depend on the fasting itself, but on the body’s behavior after eating again.

Study lead Peter Douglas, PhD, associate professor of molecular biology and a member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern, suggested that these discoveries "shift the focus toward a neglected side of the metabolic coin – the re-feeding phase."

"Our data suggest that the health-promoting effects of intermittent fasting are not merely a product of the fast itself, but are dependent on how the metabolic machinery recalibrates during the subsequent transition back to a fed state," he said.

PEOPLE LOST WEIGHT WHILE EATING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FOOD — HERE'S THE SECRET

"Our findings bridge a gap between lipid metabolism and aging research," he added. "By targeting aging, the single greatest risk factor for human disease, we move beyond treating isolated conditions toward a preventive model of medicine that enhances quality of life for all individuals."

Lauri Wright, director of nutrition programs at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health, called this a "high-quality" study that adds an "important nuance to how we think about fasting and longevity."

The benefits of the re-feeding phase after fasting were "especially interesting," Wright, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"The researchers showed that longevity was linked to the body’s ability to turn off fat breakdown after fasting, allowing cells to restore energy balance," she reiterated.

"From a scientific standpoint, that’s a meaningful shift, because it suggests fasting is not just about burning fat, but about metabolic flexibility."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Fasting may support longevity through triggering metabolic switching, enhancing cellular repair and stress resistance, and improving markers like insulin sensitivity, research shows.

Although this study provides "important insight" on the power of re-feeding, Wright noted that the findings should be approached with caution, as the study was done in worms and cannot always be translated to humans.

"Additionally, it explains how a process might work in a controlled lab condition rather than real-world eating behaviors," she added as a limitation. "Finally, the study is short-term and doesn't give us the long-term translation on lifespan outcomes."

Wright cautioned that fasting is "not a magic solution for longevity, and how you eat overall matters more than when you eat."

"I advise, first and foremost, to focus on diet quality, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and minimally processed foods," she said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

For those who are considering fasting, it’s better to stick with a moderate plan — like a 12- to 14-hour overnight fast — rather than going to extremes, Wright said. After fasting, she recommends focusing on well-balanced meals.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Several groups of people should be cautioned against fasting, according to Wright, including those with diabetes who are on insulin or hypoglycemic medications, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with a history of eating disorders, and older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Anyone considering intermittent fasting should consult with a doctor before starting.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/LQ3NrgS

Read More

RFK Jr. backs easier peptide access for wellness as doctors raise red flags

→ 'Anti-aging' peptides may soon be easier to get amid RFK Jr.'s push

→ Doctors expose ‘buffalo hump’ as potential sign of hidden health conditions

→ Popular weight-loss medications linked to hidden side effects

→ Dr. Wendy Troxel shares relationship tips for chronic snorers and their tired partners

→ Doctor warns wearable fitness trackers could backfire

→ Where you live could shape your risk of cancer mortality

→ Lead contamination exposed in public parks across major city

→ Dementia risk could be tied to your mindset and outlook on life

→ Americans wait overnight for access to free healthcare as costs soar

→ What is butt microneedling? Behind the 'desperate' procedure Kelly Ripa tried

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/3FVZJPY

Read More

Cheap surgery overseas may come with devastating complications, doctors warn

More than three million people travel to undergo cosmetic surgery each year, statistics show – but the potential savings come at a cost.

Most people opting to pursue this so-called "medical tourism" are chasing budget-friendly price tags. 

International surgeries, such as hair transplants in Turkey, can cost as little as $4,000–$5,000 compared to $20,000–$30,000 in the U.S., but often come with extreme risks, according to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian.

DOCTORS WARN OF ‘LOOKSMAXXING’ DANGERS AFTER INFLUENCER’S LIVESTREAM EMERGENCY

The doctor recently joined Lisa Brady on the "The FOX News Rundown" podcast to discuss the rising trend of medical tourism. One of the biggest risks, she said, is the lack of safety regulations in popular destinations like Mexico and Turkey.

As demand spikes in these medical tourism "mills," there have been reports of non-medically trained staff performing procedures like hair transplants.

"I’ve heard that they [international clinics] are even recruiting people who maybe were taxi drivers and then putting them through their own training program ... to become hair transplant technicians," Nazarian shared. "That’s how high the demand has become."

In the U.S., medical school graduates are granted a "physician and surgeon" license, which means doctors — including pediatricians or OB-GYNs — can legally perform cosmetic surgeries, even if they didn’t receive specialized training for those procedures during residency, Nazarian noted.

WHAT IS BUTT MICRONEEDLING? BEHIND THE 'DESPERATE' PROCEDURE KELLY RIPA TRIED

Instead of pinching pennies, the doctor recommends paying whatever amount is necessary to ensure quality treatment.

"People think of it as, you know, going to the mall ... it’s surgery, and surgery has risks," she said. "You need to be with someone who not only can perform a beautiful surgery, but who can handle possible complications well."

"You need to ask them: ‘What was your residency training in? And if you wanted to, would you be allowed to do this procedure in a hospital?’"

Aftercare is another critical factor in the success and safety of a cosmetic procedure, as the doctor emphasized that 20% of a surgical result depends on post-operative care.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

This can be difficult or even impossible to manage when a doctor is in a different time zone, she cautioned, or if the clinic disappears shortly after the procedure.

Nazarian also discussed the importance of addressing the psychological component of plastic surgery, noting that no procedure will fix underlying unhappiness. The doctor said she uses screening questionnaires to ensure that patients are truly seeking self-improvement rather than a "cure" for deeper issues.

"If you’re not already generally very content with your life, a knife in my hand is not going to bring you there," Nazarian said.

"The analogy I always give is you don't want a paisley couch – you want a neutral couch and you can put paisley pillows on it," she said, noting that a procedure should "make you look normal, God-given, athletic. And then you can change your clothes when the trends come and go."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Dr. Samuel Golpanian, MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, said he has also seen an increasing number of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures abroad, sometimes with "devastating consequences."

"I’ve seen a wide range of complications, including infections, poor wound healing, significant scarring and tissue necrosis (skin death)," he told Fox News Digital. "These complications often lead to prolonged pain, ongoing medical problems, and significant additional costs to repair the damage."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Golpanian said he’s treated patients who received unsafe or non-medical-grade injectable materials, which can lead to serious long-term health issues.

"I’ve also seen damage to underlying structures, asymmetry and results that are extremely difficult — sometimes impossible — to correct."

"That said, I’ve also seen some good outcomes, so it’s not all bad," he noted. "The key is being extremely careful before embarking on this journey."

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

Read More