Want to age better? Researchers say 4-minute routine may help prevent dangerous falls

Just four minutes of daily strength exercises can dramatically improve mobility, balance and leg strength in older adults, per new research from the Penn State College of Medicine.

Standard public health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. However, the study suggests that fewer than one in five older adults meet the recommended muscle-strengthening guidelines.

The research team designed a home-based program called Functional Activity Strength Training, or FAST-2. They evaluated 97 sedentary participants 65 and older, with an average age of 74.

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Before entering the study, these individuals were averaging just 18 minutes of total physical activity each week.

The older adults were randomly split into two groups, with one group performing the daily exercise routine and the other serving as a control group that received no intervention, according to the study's press release.

Participants performed four basic movements for 30 seconds each, separated by 30-second rest intervals. The entire routine lasted exactly four minutes. The circuit consisted of push-ups, chair stands, two-arm resistance-band rows and stair stepping.

To keep the routine accessible, researchers provided written explanations and simple modifications. For example, participants could perform push-ups against a kitchen counter or wall, or use their hands on their knees for support during chair stands.

Participants were also given four elastic resistance bands and an adjustable step platform.

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"Exercise is actually really complicated, because you have to decide how many repetitions, how far, how many sets, how much rest and how many times per week," co-author Smita Dandekar, associate professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, said in the press release.

"It's hard work ... so if we can make it short, we’re part [of the] way there."

As the participants grew stronger, they were encouraged to progress to higher levels of difficulty, such as transitioning away from modifications or increasing the height of the stepper.

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After 12 weeks, the results suggested that a tiny dose of regular exercise could yield noticeable physical benefits. In a 30-second chair-stand test, the exercise group performed an average of 4.2 more repetitions than the control group.

The adults doing the exercises also shaved 2.3 seconds off their time during a test measuring how they could stand up and sit down five times consecutively. Furthermore, they extended their one-legged balance time by an average of 3.6 seconds.

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The researchers emphasized that these specific measurements are critical medical indicators of an older adult's future health.

"These indicators predict your future ability to go into a nursing home, your future likelihood of falling and of developing difficulty walking," noted lead author Christopher Sciamanna, professor of medicine and of public health at Penn State College of Medicine, in the press release.

"They give you a sense of whether or not you're going to be able to be active in the future."

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While traditional home exercise programs generally see low engagement, the participants in this study successfully completed their workouts on 81% of the tracked days, according to the researchers.

The study had several noted limitations. As it tracked a relatively small sample size of fewer than 100 individuals over a brief 12-week time frame, it is unknown whether these mobility gains can be sustained long-term.

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Additionally, the researchers did not specify the exact dropout rates or detail how the routine might affect seniors who already relied on assistive devices like walkers or canes.

Because the final trial results reflected a specific group of participants who met the entry criteria, further investigation is required to determine whether the short routine can safely benefit older adults facing more severe physical limitations or cognitive decline.

The study was published in the journal PLOS One.

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Popular mommy blogger dies at 48 two years after devastating cancer diagnosis

Jill Smokler, founder of Scary Mommy, has died at age 48 after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The popular "mommy blogger" had been fighting the disease for the past two years, according to an announcement posted on ScaryMommy.com on Monday.

The stay-at-home mother of three launched the blog in 2008 as a place to share the "joys and pitfalls" of parenting, according to the article.

As Scary Mommy expanded from a personal blog into a major parenting brand, Smokler built a following with her honest, often self-deprecating take on motherhood. She went on to speak at blogging conferences, author bestselling books, appear on national television programs and earn three Webby Awards, her biography states.

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"Jill spent her life telling the truth about motherhood — that it could be wonderful and impossible in the very same breath — and in doing so, she gave millions of women permission to stop pretending and feel a little less alone," her family shared in a statement following her passing.

"She was funny, fearless, generous and entirely herself. More than anything she built, Jill was proudest of her three children, Lily, Ben and Evan. We are heartbroken to lose her, and endlessly proud of the mark she left on the world."

Smokler's first sign of the disease was in April 2024, when she experienced a sudden seizure. She then underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor, after which she didn't recognize her own children, she previously shared with Today.

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"I am definitely grateful that I don’t remember the looks on their faces when I didn’t recognize them," she said. "That must have been gutting."

Smokler was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. There is currently no cure.

Following surgery, the blogger underwent radiation and chemotherapy, during which she was open about her treatment side effects, including fatigue and hair loss. Additional surgeries and clinical trials followed, according to previous interviews.

"Thank you, Jill, for everything. May you rest in peace," the Scary Mommy post concluded.

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About 13.9% of all brain tumors are glioblastomas, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. More than 12,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

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Median survival is approximately 12 to 18 months after diagnosis, even with treatment. Only about 5% to 7% of patients survive five years after diagnosis, data shows.

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8 common food preservatives linked to higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

Common food preservatives may contribute to higher risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to a large French study.

Researchers analyzed data from 112,395 adults averaging 42 years of age, assessing their detailed dietary intake with an average follow-up of nearly eight years.

Among the participants, 5,544 developed hypertension during the follow-up period, and 2,450 experienced cardiovascular disease events.

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Higher consumption of total non-antioxidant preservatives was associated with a 29% greater risk of hypertension and a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Higher consumption of total antioxidant preservatives was linked to a 22% spike in hypertension risk.

Out of the 17 preservative additives consumed by at least 10% of participants, eight in particular were associated with higher rates of hypertension, including the following.

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Only one of the preservatives – ascorbic acid, which is the food additive form of vitamin C – was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk.

The finding does not mean that dietary vitamin C itself causes cardiovascular disease, the researchers noted. The study examined ascorbic acid in the form used as a food additive in processed foods, not vitamin C from fruits, vegetables or supplements.

The findings were published in the European Heart Journal.

"This is a very important study that puts together what we already know – that preservatives of all kinds raise blood pressure and contribute directly to heart disease and stroke over eight years," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

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"Whereas potassium itself can lower blood pressure, the additive potassium sorbate has previously been found to be associated with hypertension in a large study in the European Heart Journal," the doctor, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Potassium metabisulphite was also found to raise pressure in the same study."

The same was found for sodium nitrite in the new study, Siegel noted, with 73% of participants consuming it regularly – "mostly in processed foods like hot dogs, ham, bacon and deli meats."

"This has been found in previous research for many years," he added.

Siegel also discussed the 22% increased risk linked to ascorbic acid. "I am dubious about this association, as it has not generally been found before, but perhaps the risk is when it is used as a chemical preservative."

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"For all the sodium additives, this is expected, but surprising with extracts of rosemary and citric acid – the key to both of these ingredients is when they are used as preservatives (chemicals)," he added.

As this was an observational study, it could not prove that the additives caused the health conditions.

Also, the participants who volunteered for the study were generally healthier, more educated and more often female than the general French population, the researchers noted.

There was also the chance that hypertension was underdiagnosed in some participants.

While the researchers estimated people's dietary intake as accurately as possible, there was a chance that some consumption was inaccurately reported.

The authors emphasized that these findings need to be confirmed in further research of other populations.

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If the results are replicated in future research, some food preservatives may face additional safety reviews focused on their effects on the cardiovascular system, the researchers suggested.

"The take-home is to use natural ingredients as much as possible, and especially beware of sodium chemical preservatives when it comes to risk of heart disease and stroke from associated hypertension," Siegel concluded.

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This one question may reveal whether your body is getting the rest it needs, study finds

Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you're not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.

A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.

The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: "How old do you feel?"

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Researchers then compared participants' answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.

People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.

Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.

Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.

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"I've worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They're exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best," Alpert said. "Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture."

Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.

Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging.

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"Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they're chronically sleep-deprived," Alpert said.

For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.

For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.

While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.

The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.

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Dad jokes may be good for your brain in one surprising way, experts say

"My neighbor tiled my roof for free. He said it was on the house."

While that dad joke might elicit a heavy sigh from family members, experts say a silly pun can alter internal body chemistry and lower stress, potentially providing real health benefits.

Dad jokes are uniquely distinguished by their structure, content and comedic devices, according to a study published on PsyArXiv, an open-access preprint repository for psychology research.

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In analyzing thousands of examples, psychologists Paul J. Silvia (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) and Meriel I. Burnett (University of Massachusetts Amherst) found that dad humor is firmly rooted in puns and wordplay.

While more advanced comedy requires context, a joke about a neighbor's roof may only require someone to understand the dual meaning of a single phrase.

This predictable structure makes dad jokes broadly accessible, creating opportunities for shared humor across generations, the researchers said.

Laughter alters internal chemistry by decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, while simultaneously increasing happiness chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

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A 2023 review in PLOS One found that a single laughter session could slash cortisol levels by more than 36%. This drop in stress lights up regions like the prefrontal cortex, helping the brain to process complex ideas.

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Studies have linked pun comprehension to verbal ability, creative thinking and the ability to make connections between different meanings.

"When we see children laugh, we witness the brilliance of the brain in action: learning, connecting and growing," Jacqueline Harding, PhD, an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London, told Fox News Digital.

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

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

The physical benefit extends directly to the family unit. Sharing a good laugh can boost oxytocin, a hormone known to deepen emotional bonds between parents and children. It also promotes what psychologists call co-regulation, experts say.

This process allows individuals to manage their own stress by drawing on a shared biological store of positive, safe experiences.

"Spontaneous, joyful play is an antidote to stress, as it increases levels of endorphins released by the brain," Harding said.

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"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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Popular weight-loss drugs linked to unexpected male fertility benefit

Taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss may improve male fertility, according to experts.

Research presented this week at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, explored how obesity is strongly linked to fertility problems in men.

Excess weight can contribute to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormone system that regulates testosterone production — and functional hypogonadism, a condition in which testosterone levels are abnormally low because of disrupted hormone signaling. These changes can also impair semen quality.

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The researchers evaluated how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs impact reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes, analyzing data of men between the ages of 18 and 65 who were taking one of the medications, according to a press release.

The systematic review of five randomized controlled trials focused on measuring testosterone, brain hormones involved in testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight and BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar were also measured.

The results suggested that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic health, especially during weight loss.

In one four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function.

In a separate 16-week trial, liraglutide improved hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, meaning low testosterone was likely related to obesity. The review found that liraglutide was better for health outcomes than hormone replacement therapy.

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Another liraglutide study reported improved sperm concentration and count.

A 24-week trial of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, saw improvement in sperm shape and bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone.

As only five trials were included, the small evidence base suggests more research is necessary to prove further association.

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In an abstract of the research, the authors summed up that GLP-1s "do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss."

"However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for larger RCTs explicitly powered to assess male reproductive outcomes," they wrote.

Dr. Anthony Puopolo, men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels," he said.

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While more research is necessary, Pupolo, who was not involved in the study, shared his optimism about how GLP-1s can play a role in improving male fertility.

"If this finding continues to gain evidence, GLP-1s might be a better option for low T than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in obese men – as GLP-1 medications preserve fertility, whereas TRT tends to be harmful to male reproductive/sperm function," he added.

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Measles-infected traveler may have exposed passengers at LAX and nearby hotel, health officials warn

A traveler infected with measles may have exposed passengers at Los Angeles International Airport and guests at a nearby hotel after arriving in Los Angeles County earlier this month, health officials said Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is investigating a confirmed measles case involving a traveler who arrived aboard Cathay Pacific Flight CX 884 on June 11. The traveler was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County, potentially exposing others at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.

The case marks the sixth measles infection reported in Los Angeles County this year. Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.

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According to health officials, anyone who was at the Tom Bradley International Terminal between 10 a.m. and noon on June 11 may have been exposed. Officials also identified a potential exposure at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, located at 5711 W. Century Blvd., between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. that same day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with local health departments to notify passengers who were seated near the infected traveler on the international flight.

People who were at either location during the listed times could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure, officials said. The last day to monitor for symptoms is July 2.

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"As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. "The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community."

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment but did not receive a response.

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