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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Poison centers link growing Benadryl abuse among teens to dangerous social media trends

America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.

A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a "concerning rise" in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.

Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.

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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.

But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.

The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.

According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.

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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.

Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.

To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.

"Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning," the notice suggested. "Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications."

Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the "health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority."

"The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately," a Kenvue spokesperson said. "Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products."

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"We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading," they added. "We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine."

Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report "deeply concerning."

"OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products," she told Fox News Digital. "When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness."

"Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information."

Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.

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"Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions," the spokesperson added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.

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Weight-loss drugs linked to 'Ozempic ears' and other cosmetic complaints, surgeons say

As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs continues to climb, significant weight loss associated with the medications has been linked to a growing list of cosmetic concerns.

Some surgeons report that more patients are seeking treatments for so-called "Ozempic earlobes," which reportedly appear thinner, longer or more sagging after the loss of facial fat.

"The use of semaglutides causes you to lose fat across your body, including the small, fat pads of the earlobes," facial plastic surgeon Sachin S. Parikh, MD, told New Beauty.

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"It’s important to note that semaglutides do not damage ear tissue or affect hearing in any way, so any intervention would be purely cosmetic," added the California-based doctor.

Some of the potential treatments for "Ozempic earlobes" may include dermal filler, fat transfer, laser treatments or surgical earlobe reduction, according to the report.

Dr. Mohammed Asif from Duly Health and Care in Naperville, Illinois, said that while he hasn't personally noticed an uptick in ear surgeries, he has seen a rise in other procedures due to GLP-1-triggered weight loss.

Some of those include panniculectomies (Ozempic skin removal surgery) and abdominoplasties (tummy tucks).

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"There has been a significant increase in body contouring procedures among patients with GLP-1 weight loss," Asif told Fox News Digital. 

"In my practice, I've seen a significant surge in breast lifts, panniculectomies (skin removal surgery), abdominoplasties (tummy tucks), brachioplasties (arm lifts) and thighplasties due to weight loss."

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Healing and recovery is "far greater and less complicated" than with bariatric surgery weight loss, Asif noted.

"This is due to the gradual weight loss achieved over time with GLP-1s."

"Ozempic breast" is another common complaint, according to Dr. Michael Omidi, a double board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills.

"Women in their 30s and 40s would not typically need a breast lift, but when you’re taking drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy that cause rapid weight loss, women can see gravity take its toll on their breasts," he told Fox News Digital. 

"When women, especially younger ones, lose fat too fast, it causes the breasts, which are comprised of fat, glandular tissue and skin, to lose volume," he went on. "The skin and supporting ligaments don't always bouce back at the same rate as the weight loss, resulting in breasts that can appear saggy and deflated."

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Dr. Samuel Golpanian, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, said he has seen "dozens" of patients – men and women alike – seeking treatments for so-called "Ozempic butt" after significant weight loss.

"This is an unintended consequence of taking GLP-1s," he told Fox News Digital.

"Such dramatic weight loss in a short period of time causes the skin not to tighten quickly enough to keep up with the body's changes. Our buttocks have a large amount of fat, so when that volume disappears quickly, you’ll develop a flatter, saggier behind."

Kristy Hamilton, MD, a Houston-based surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), agreed that a growing number of patients are seeking skin-tightening procedures after losing large amounts of weight with GLP-1s.

"We're absolutely seeing more of those patients, and I expect that trend to continue," said Hamilton in an ASPS report.

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"People are losing as much as 100 pounds on this medication – and when you're losing that amount, that's significant. You're certainly going to have excess skin afterward."

The ASPS lists the following body-contouring procedures as the ones most frequently performed after substantial weight loss.

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Experts say adequate protein intake and resistance training can help minimize the loss of lean muscle mass that often accompanies rapid weight loss, which could reduce some of the cosmetic concerns.

Goldpain also emphasized the importance of eating enough protein.

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"It can be harder since your appetite is suppressed, but it’s so important to consume at least 110 grams of protein a day while taking a GLP-1 drug," he advised. 

"Also, I say this to my patients all the time: You have to lift weights to keep your muscles from atrophying. Strength training can help build muscles and preserve your glutes."

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No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team's playoff strategy raises eyebrows

No sex for the win? This was the advice given to this year’s NBA champions.

New York Knicks owner James Dolan addressed the now-champs as they headed into the playoffs in April 2026, acknowledging their high potential to eventually win the championship.

"I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year … It would be life-changing," he said. "It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives."

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As Dolan’s inspirational speech to the team went on, he explained how the next 10 weeks would require each player to make sacrifices – watching their diets, getting proper sleep and perhaps even abstaining from sex.

"You need sacrifice and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you," he said.

"I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks," the owner said. "You don't have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … They denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge."

This received a few snickers from the team, and Dolan responded, "Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too."

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Dr. Anna Elton, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, dating back to the ancients Spartans and early Olympic competitors.

Avoiding sex can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus, according to Elton.

But modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts strength, endurance, reaction time or athletic performance when it occurs at least 10 hours before competition, the doctor countered.

However, "activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures," she added. What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence.

"Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal," she said. "In those cases, the advantage may come more from mindset and focus than from any physical effect."

"Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.'"

This discussion has historically focused on men, which Elton said is often based on "misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion."

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"Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence," she said.

"For women, sexual activity may have additional benefits related to stress reduction, emotional regulation and relationship satisfaction."

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men's health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton's assessment that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer.

This is despite a small amount of evidence that suggests engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose a risk to cardiovascular recovery.

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"Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations," said the Puerto Rico-based expert. "We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty."

Elton said abstinence may still offer psychological benefits for some competitors. "For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence," she told Fox News Digital.

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Some other potential benefits of sexual activity include stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner and relief from performance-related tension.

"Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions," Elton said.

"Ultimately, there is no universal rule," she went on. "What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another."

Elton stressed that sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management and support from loved ones are universal performance boosters.

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"Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships," she cautioned. "A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season."

"If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open."

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