Health Beyond Years

Microplastics are everywhere—lurking in the air, water, and everyday products like tea bags and fresh produce. Now, a groundbreaking study has revealed a surprising new source: chewing gum. This research, presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) spring meeting in 2025, highlights the hidden microplastics in chewing gum, raising concerns about potential health risks. Whether you prefer synthetic or natural gum, the findings suggest that both types release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into your saliva with every chew. Here’s what you need to know about microplastics in chewing gum, their health impacts, and how to reduce your exposure. Microplastics in Chewing Gum: What the Study Found The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and not yet peer-reviewed, aimed to identify new sources of microplastic exposure in consumer products. Led by PhD student Lisa Lowe and principal investigator Sanjay Mohanty, PhD, the team...

  Del Monte Foods, Inc., based in Walnut Creek, CA, has issued a significant recall of 8,242 cases—equating to 197,808 cans—of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object. This Target green beans recall, announced on February 12, 2025, and still ongoing, has raised concerns among consumers across 21 states. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the risks involved, and what steps to take if you’ve purchased the affected product. Details of the Target Green Beans Recall: What Happened? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated after Del Monte Foods identified a potential contamination risk in their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans product. The FDA classifies this as a Class II recall, which indicates a low probability of serious health consequences but a possibility of temporary or reversible effects. The recall notice, published on the FDA’s website, highlights that the contamination inv...

  Celiac disease, a complex digestive and autoimmune disorder, hinders the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, sparking widespread interest in gluten-related health topics. "Our understanding of celiac disease has significantly advanced over recent decades, yet many elements remain elusive," explains Dr. Ciaran Kelly, Medical Director at the Celiac Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a Harvard Medical School professor. Despite growing awareness, misconceptions about celiac disease abound, affecting public perception and diagnosis. A common fallacy is that celiac disease invariably causes abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. Surprisingly, many adults newly diagnosed with this genetic gluten intolerance exhibit none of these digestive symptoms. Moreover, gluten—the adhesive protein in wheat, barley, and rye—may provoke gastrointestinal issues and other symptoms even in those without celiac disease. Explore below as we dispel four prevalent myths with fac...

  A new study suggests that eating too much processed red meat may significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers have uncovered a compelling link between high consumption of processed meats—like bacon, sausages, and deli meats—and cognitive decline, raising concerns about long-term brain health. Processed Red Meat and Dementia: What the Research Says Published in a leading medical journal, this dementia research analyzed dietary habits and their impact on memory loss and cognitive function. The findings indicate that individuals who frequently consume processed red meat face a higher dementia risk compared to those who limit their intake. Packed with preservatives, sodium, and unhealthy fats, these meats could harm brain health over time. The study tracked thousands of participants over several years, monitoring their diets and cognitive performance. Results showed that excessive processed meat consumption was associated with a noticeable decline in memory,...

                                                Prostatitis, a common condition characterized by prostate inflammation , affects millions of men annually, driving approximately two million doctor visits each year. This condition brings a range of distressing prostatitis symptoms , including burning or painful urination, frequent urges to urinate (especially at night), painful ejaculation, and discomfort in the lower back or perineum—the area between the scrotum and anus. Prostatitis Overview: The Four Main Types Prostatitis isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. It falls into four distinct categories, each with unique causes and symptoms: Acute Bacterial Prostatitis This type strikes suddenly, often due to infections from bacteria like  Escherichia coli , commonly found in the colon. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, blood in urine or semen, ...

Small animals such as turtles, iguanas, and frogs are popular picks for children’s first pets due to their ease of interaction and low-maintenance care—perfect for busy families. While these critters can bring joy, there’s a hidden risk that might make you reconsider bringing them home. Why? “Reptiles and amphibians can carry harmful germs, including the notorious Salmonella bacteria,” warns Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, an infectious disease specialist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. “These pets thrive in warm, damp conditions—prime breeding grounds for Salmonella.” Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Small Pets Across the U.S. Reptiles and amphibians often harbor Salmonella in their digestive systems without showing symptoms. Tiny pet turtles with shells under four inches have sparked numerous multistate Salmonella outbreaks, particularly affecting young kids. Despite a federal ban on selling these small turtles, illegal sales persist—along with related illnesses. The Ce...

  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ranks as the most prevalent neurobehavioral disorder among children. Impacting roughly 7% to 8% of U.S. youth, ADHD overwhelms the mental health system, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This reality pushes pediatricians to play a vital role in diagnosis and management. If your child, aged 4 or older, shows signs like difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a mix of these, your first move should be scheduling a visit with their primary care doctor. How Pediatricians Diagnose ADHD: A Step-by-Step Guide Wondering what happens at the doctor’s office? The AAP outlines clear steps pediatricians follow to assess ADHD effectively: Detailed History Collection Expect your doctor to ask in-depth questions about your child’s behavior. Be prepared with specific examples to paint a clear picture. ADHD Questionnaires You’ll likely complete a symptom checklist, and your child’s teacher or counselor may get o...

As time passes, you might notice it’s getting tougher to stay focused. Completing everyday tasks like paying bills or tackling household chores can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re forgetting details from a recent chat or struggling to remember a page you just read. These lapses in focus aren’t just frustrating they can be risky, potentially leading to errors like car accidents or medication mix-ups. If you’re wondering why staying focused is so hard, here’s what could be behind it and how to sharpen your concentration with proven strategies. Why Concentration Declines: The Science Behind It Difficulty focusing often creeps in as a natural part of aging. Over time, the brain’s efficiency takes a hit, especially in the prefrontal cortex—the area behind your forehead that powers executive function. “Executive function is key for planning, decision-making, and, most critically, maintaining attention,” explains Lydia Cho, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist at Harvard-affiliated...

Inflammation often gets a bad rap—and for good reason. Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and dementia. If you skimmed health headlines, you might believe wiping out inflammation could prevent these diseases and even slow aging. But the truth is more complex. Recent advances have deepened our understanding of how chronic inflammation harms health, sparking common questions: Can I have inflammation without symptoms? How do I know if it’s there? Are there tests to detect it? The answer to the last question is yes—here’s what you should know. Common Tests for Inflammation Several established tests help detect inflammation in medical settings. However, these tests don’t differentiate between short-term (acute) inflammation—say, from a cold or injury—and chronic inflammation tied to conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Knowing the distinction matters. Here are four widely used inflammation tests: Erythrocyte Sedime...

Nantucket, a stunning 14-mile-long island off Massachusetts' coast, has implemented a 40-point resiliency plan to combat the challenges posed by climate change and rising seas. Similarly, developing an individual resilience plan can help us weather life's storms, both big and small, that threaten our well-being. But what exactly is resilience, and how can we nurture it? Defining Resilience Resilience is a psychological tool that enables you to adapt to life's challenges and find a way forward through adversity. "It's a dynamic mindset that allows you to adjust, think critically, and remain anchored to your core values and priorities," explains Luana Marques, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. While everyone possesses the potential for resilience, chronic stress—stemming from financial struggles or an unfulfilling job—can erode this capacity over time. The longer you remain in such circumstances, the tougher it becomes to cope. ...

  As you grow older, you may notice that maintaining focus and retaining information becomes more challenging. This is not just your imagination—research confirms that memory decline can begin as early as age 45 due to normal aging. The gradual slowdown in cognitive processing creates an information bottleneck, hindering the transfer of data from short-term to long-term memory. How to Enhance Focus and Attention Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to sharpen your concentration and improve memory retention. Incorporate these four proven strategies into your daily routine to minimize distractions and enhance your ability to focus: Active Listening : When engaging in a conversation, give the speaker your full attention by looking at them and listening intently. If you miss a detail, politely ask them to repeat it or slow down. This helps ensure you catch every word and stay engaged. Paraphrasing for Clarity : Reinforce your understanding by restating what was said...

  Caring for someone with prostate cancer can be an overwhelming experience. As a caregiver, typically a partner, family member, or close friend, you play a vital role in supporting your loved one's physical and emotional well-being. However, knowing how to provide the best care and support can be challenging. Understanding the Diagnosis and Treatment Options "Patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer are confronting their own mortality," explains Dr. Marc Garnick, Gorman Brothers Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and editor in chief of the Harvard Medical School Guide to Prostate Diseases. "Each individual processes this reality differently." Dr. Garnick stresses the importance of providing patients and their families with accurate, up-to-date information about the diagnosis, symptoms, and available treatment options. He notes that some patients experience remarkable responses to treatment, even in ...

Did you know that achieving a radiant complexion starts from within? The secret to healthy skin lies in nourishing your body with the right vitamins and minerals. These essential nutrients work from the inside out to support skin health, unlike topical beauty products that only address the surface. As we age, skin naturally becomes thinner and more fragile, and the body slows down in replacing old cells. This can lead to a dull, dry complexion. While aging is inevitable, incorporating the right nutrients into your diet can help maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. Here are four key vitamins and minerals for healthy skin that can make a difference. Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) for Skin Renewal Skin Benefits: Vitamin A, often found as beta-carotene in foods, is a powerhouse for skin health. This essential vitamin supports cell growth and division, helping your body replace old, damaged skin cells with fresh, healthy ones. Its antioxidant properties also combat free radicals, which c...

  Vitamins and supplements have surged in popularity in recent years as people nationwide turn to them to address common health concerns like low energy, digestive problems, and more. If you’re curious about how to maintain healthy hormone levels naturally, this guide will dive into the role of hormones and highlight the best vitamins and minerals to support hormonal balance. What Are Hormones, and Why Do They Matter? Hormones are powerful chemical messengers in your body that communicate with your organs, skin, and muscles. They regulate critical functions like metabolism, growth, mood, sexual health, and sleep cycles. With around 50 different hormones circulating in your system, they work together as part of the endocrine system—the network of glands and tissues that produce and manage these vital chemicals. Can Vitamins and Minerals Promote Hormonal Health? While vitamins and minerals alone can’t diagnose or fix hormonal imbalances (always consult a healthcare provider or en...

Intermittent fasting has taken the health world by storm, with alternate-day fasting (ADF) emerging as one of the most talked-about methods. But does it really work for weight loss? Is it safe long-term? And are there better, more sustainable approaches?   What Is Alternate-Day Fasting? Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is an intermittent fasting method where you switch between:   Fasting days (consuming little to no calories)   Feasting days (eating normally)   Types of Alternate-Day Fasting   1. True ADF – No calories consumed on fasting days (only water, black coffee, or tea).   2. Modified ADF – Allows 500–600 calories on fasting days, making it more manageable.   3. Alternate-Day Fasting 5:2 – A less extreme version where you fast for two non-consecutive days per week and eat normally the other five.   Alternate-Day Fasting Benefits: What Does Science Say?  Research suggests ADF may offer several health ...

Chronic health conditions are a growing epidemic in the United States. According to the 2018 National Health Interview Survey, more than 50% of U.S. adults suffer from at least one major chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer while 27% have multiple conditions. While diet plays a key role in disease prevention, research reveals that vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to many of these chronic diseases.   10 Serious Diseases Linked to Low Vitamin D Levels Although the exact relationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and chronic illness is still being studied, numerous studies confirm a strong connection between low vitamin D and major health conditions, including:   ✅Breast cancer ✅ Colorectal & prostate cancer  ✅ Cardiovascular disease ✅ Diabetes ✅ Osteoporosis ✅ Alzheimer’s & dementia   ✅ Depression  ✅ Schizophrenia   These aren’t minor correlations vitamin D deficiency is alarmingly common in patien...

                                Attention Chomps beef stick fans: it’s time to check your snack stash! A recall has been issued for nearly 30,000 pounds of Chomps ready-to-eat beef sticks after consumers reported finding metal pieces in the product. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chomps recall, including affected products, what to do if you have them, and how to stay safe. Idaho Smokehouse Partners, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), initiated the recall of approximately 29,541 pounds of “Chomps Original Beef Stick Mild” following two consumer complaints about metal contamination. The affected beef sticks were produced between January 13 and January 15, 2025, and distributed to retailers in California and Illinois. While no injuries have been reported, the FSIS warns that some of these recalled items may still be ...