Key TakeawaysAspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke, sugar-free gum, and many other products.The World Health Organization has classified aspartame as a “possible carcinogen” based on limited evidence.More research is needed to prove a strong link between aspartame and cancer risk in humans. Key Takeaways Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke, sugar-free gum, and many other products.The World Health Organization has classified aspartame as a “possible carcinogen” based on limited evidence....

Key TakeawaysA new study looked at the connection between asthma and sleep.Some people with a genetic predisposition to asthma might be more likely to get the condition if they have poor sleep habits.For people who have asthma, getting enough sleep might help them manage the condition more effectively.New research shows if you have a biological family member withasthma, you may want to pay extra attention to your sleep habits.The results of the study, published in March inBMJ Open Respiratory Research, showed that people with a high genetic asthma risk who also had poor sleep quality were more than twice as likely to develop asthma than people with better sleep patterns and a low genetic risk....

Key TakeawaysNearly half of adults in the United States delayed dental care at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.Safety measures like pre-screening surveys, masking, and capacity limits are being used to control the spread of infection and protect staff and patients. Key Takeaways Nearly half of adults in the United States delayed dental care at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.Safety measures like pre-screening surveys, masking, and capacity limits are being used to control the spread of infection and protect staff and patients....

Key TakeawaysResearch is increasingly associating clinical depression with a set of specific genes.A new meta-analysis now shows that people who have a higher genetic risk of depression are also more likely to have physical symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue.Further studying these findings could be helpful to create better diagnoses and treatments for people with depression. Key Takeaways Research is increasingly associating clinical depression with a set of specific genes.A new meta-analysis now shows that people who have a higher genetic risk of depression are also more likely to have physical symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue....

Key TakeawaysThe COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for individuals living with migraine disease—especially women.While telehealth has played a prominent role in migraine care during the pandemic, experts say that it cannot replace in-person healthcare that helps people manage migraine disease effectively.Advocates want to improve public awareness, policies, and access to treatments that could improve the daily lives of people living with migraine disease. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for individuals living with migraine disease—especially women....

Key TakeawaysExperts say walking is enough physical activity to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.Walking can help prevent chronic illness as well as improve depression, anxiety, and stress. Key Takeaways Experts say walking is enough physical activity to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.Walking can help prevent chronic illness as well as improve depression, anxiety, and stress. Working from home means Americans are more sedentary than ever. All that time spent sitting down can have repercussions, from heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity....

Key TakeawaysWorking out on the weekend might be just as good as working out more regularly throughout the week, according to a new study.Research found that both “weekend warriors” and regular exercisers had lower abdominal fat and whole-body mass fat compared to inactive people.Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that getting the HHS-recommended total amount of physical activity could be done during one or two days instead of spread throughout the week....

Key TakeawaysMales are more likely to have severe outcomes from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.A new study looking at pregnant people with COVID-19 found that proteins and genes associated with immune responses were higher in male fetuses than female fetuses.The researchers also discovered that maternal antibody transfer was lower when pregnant people were carrying male fetuses compared to female fetuses. Key Takeaways Males are more likely to have severe outcomes from a SARS-CoV-2 infection....

Key TakeawaysNew research shows you can get health benefits from regular exercise whether you count your steps or plan to exercise for a specific amount of time.The HHS recommends adults log 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.There’s still no official recommendation for steps, but researchers say roughly 7,000 per day is a good benchmark. Key Takeaways New research shows you can get health benefits from regular exercise whether you count your steps or plan to exercise for a specific amount of time....

Key TakeawaysAlcohol use increased during the pandemic—especially among women.Experts say the dangers of regular and binge drinking can have a negative impact on overall health, a trend that was exacerbated during COVID.While drinking became more common, others used the pandemic to reevaluate their relationship with drinking, prompting some to cut back or stop altogether. Key Takeaways Alcohol use increased during the pandemic—especially among women.Experts say the dangers of regular and binge drinking can have a negative impact on overall health, a trend that was exacerbated during COVID....

Key TakeawaysMany people who experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) get another infection in less than a year.New research associated an imbalanced gut microbiome with these recurrent UTIs.Taking probiotics and eating a high-fiber diet may help lower risk, but more research is needed.An imbalanced gut microbiome may lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a common infection in the urinary system that causes frequent and painful urination.A new study on women with a history of UTIs found that more than 70% of the participants had intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance of the gut microbiome, which was associated with recurrent UTIs....

Hardcore training is out. Easy workout is in. Zone 2 training offers an accessible and effective way to burn fat without the exhaustion often associated with intense workouts. While it’s often overlooked in favor of more strenuous workouts like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Zone 2 training has been a trusted method among athletes for over four decades. “You feel like you’re not working out,”Eliza Pierko, MD, an expert in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at Loyola Medicine, told Verywell....

Key TakeawaysSkin reactions can appear days after getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.While unsightly and uncomfortable, the reactions usually resolve within a few days and do not pose any long-term health risks.If you develop a reaction, the researchers recommend treatment with basic over-the-counter anti-allergy medications. They also stress that concerns about a skin reaction should not keep people from getting vaccinated. Key Takeaways Skin reactions can appear days after getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine....