In the world’s "blue zones" — regions such as Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan, known for unusually high concentrations of long-lived residents — researchers have studied dietary and lifestyle habits for clues to healthy aging and longevity.

In a recent video post, longevity researcher Dan Buettner highlighted three beverages commonly consumed in blue zones — and studies offer some clues about how each may affect health and longevity.

Buettner ranked water first among his three longevity drinks.

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"The indisputable, best thing you can drink to live to 100 [is] water," he stated. "People in blue zones are drinking six to seven glasses of water. You want to make sure it is purified water. Water helps lower your blood pressure, helps keep your blood thin and keeps you hydrated."

Research from the National Institutes of Health has linked better hydration with healthier aging, including lower risks of chronic disease and premature death, although researchers noted that the findings do not prove cause and effect.

Other health experts note that adequate water intake supports kidney function, helps regulate blood pressure and keeps blood circulating effectively.

Coffee consumption is another daily habit highlighted by Buettner, who said it is associated with lower rates of diabetes and Parkinson's.

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"Drink it black, one to two cups a day, quit by noon, it'll help you live longer," he added.

Coffee contains antioxidants and polyphenols, plant compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. Routine coffee consumption has also been associated with lower risks of type 2 diabetes and neurological conditions.

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Limiting added sugars and heavy creams can help avoid extra calories, while consuming caffeine earlier in the day may reduce its impact on sleep.

Residents in blue zone areas, like Sardinia, often consume small amounts of red wine during meals.

Buettner acknowledged that red wine's place in a longevity-focused diet is "controversial."

"I'm very well aware of all the negative press wine is getting lately, but it's consumed in the blue zones and it seems to add years to life."

Red wine contains plant compounds such as resveratrol and flavonoids, which have been studied for their potential cardiovascular effects. However, experts have increasingly questioned whether any benefits attributed to red wine outweigh the known risks of alcohol.

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Alcohol consumption has been linked to numerous health risks, including an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

People with underlying health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

Alan Alda is sharing his surprising method of coping with Parkinson’s.

The actor, 90, best known for portraying Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the CBS wartime sitcom "M*A*S*H," was diagnosed with the degenerative motor disease in 2015 and publicly shared the news in 2018. 

The diagnosis came after the actor learned that his own behavior of acting out dreams could be an early Parkinson's symptom.

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"I had a symptom, which at the time was not that well-known: Acting out your dreams," he said in an Oct. 4 interview with CBS News. "I had a dream that somebody was attacking me. And I picked up a sack of potatoes and threw it at 'em. What I was really doing was throwing a pillow at Arlene, my wife."

Alda identified humor as his way of coping with the frustrations and limitations of the disease.

While he acknowledged the frustrations of the physical effects and limitations of Parkinson’s, he said "the best way to deal with anything that's a little bit of a problem is to find out what's funny about it and laugh at it."

In one example, he shared that when he has trouble controlling the computer mouse while composing an email, he personifies his condition as "Dr. Parkinson," moving his hand all over the screen and deleting things.

"I don't let Parkinson's define me," Alda said, joking that he sees the disease as "just a hobby."

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Rather than wishing he didn’t have the condition, the actor said he aims to accept his current reality.

"I really think reality is my friend," he said. "I don't want to wish it away. I can't wish it away. I can't hope for a better future. I gotta accept what is."

Although Alda acknowledged that everyday tasks, such as buttoning his shirt, have become difficult, he said he treats each one like a "puzzle" to solve.

"I do hate it, but the only thing that's helpful is: What haven't I tried? And pretty soon, you get the feeling, 'If I keep looking for new ways to try this, I'll get a solution.' It's a puzzle. Will I be able eventually to put my socks on? The last time I put my socks on was a tremendous moment to celebrate!"

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Dr. Chadrick Lane, a neuropsychiatrist and director of the geriatric and neuropsychiatry clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, agreed that humor can be a helpful wellness tool for those navigating the Parkinson's journey.

"Humor involves cognitive reframing, this idea of looking at a circumstance through different angles — not necessarily changing the reality that one is in, but shifting the meaning and the emotional weight of the situation," Lane, who has not treated Alda, told Fox News Digital.

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When something feels frightening or distressing, such as a medical diagnosis, creating some "psychological distance" can make a "big, big change" in perspective, he added.

Connection is another important component of humor, Lane noted.

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"Humor is often shared. It brings us together," he said. "We are meant to share our lives with others. The importance of having a sense of belonging and humor can be a glue in that way, bringing us closer with others so that one does not go on the journey alone."

Lane shared that he has witnessed the power of humor and connection in his own practice as he cares for people living with Parkinson's disease.

"One of the wonderful things that I've seen in those settings is that, just like Mr. Alda, people crack a joke, [it] brings them a smile."

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The neuropsychiatrist also noted that Alda’s acceptance of his condition is "enormously empowering."

"It's the idea of saying to oneself, what are the choices that I can make in the moment?" Lane told Fox News Digital. "Rarely do we ever have control over our entire day and certainly not our entire life, but we often do have control over what we choose in the moment."

"Our sense of agency is an important part of our emotional well-being."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency on Monday over a measles outbreak spreading from Pennsylvania.

It is the first time an emergency declaration has been issued since measles began surging in the U.S. in 2025.

Pennsylvania has reported 977 measles cases and five deaths as of Oct. 2, with most cases centered in rural communities. Meanwhile, New York has reported 108 cases.

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"No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease," Hochul said in a statement.

The U.S. is having its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Hochul also issued an executive order expanding the number of health professionals who are approved to administer measles vaccines.

The order allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles and pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as 2. It also requires all MMR vaccinations to be reported to state or New York City immunization registries within 72 hours, while waiving adults’ consent for such reporting.

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The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, as well as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, reported last month that they are "working closely to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product to prevent or lessen severe disease and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles" amid the outbreak.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson wrote that measles exposures are "a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations."

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The health department advised that anyone who has been exposed who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact their doctor.

"Some people may still be eligible for treatment after exposure that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness," the department wrote. "Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible measles exposure."

MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, data shows.

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The virus can cause long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling.

Nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles are hospitalized.

Reuters contributed reporting.

As scientists increasingly investigate how everyday habits may influence health and aging, one longevity doctor says the keys to a longer, healthier life don't require expensive supplements, elaborate biohacks or cutting-edge treatments.

Dr. Michael Hall, a Miami Beach longevity physician and author of the new book, "Infinite Youth," has identified what he calls the "10 commandments of longevity," which he believes can help people extend their healthiest years.

Hall said the principles were shaped by nearly two decades in longevity medicine and by observing health and aging across cultures around the world.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

"These are core elements that are not peptides, they're not NAD," Hall told Fox News Digital. "It's not that you've got to buy a fancy thing on Amazon." Instead, he said, "you start out with the basics and you maintain them consistently."

"If you’re embracing some of these things, you are doing exactly what you need to do — and these don’t cost anything."

The content that people repeatedly consume — particularly when it’s fear-based or negative — can shape their behavior, according to Hall. He sees protecting attention as part of protecting health, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about what people consume mentally.

"What you put in your mind, you need to be very careful about," he said. "What you think, you become."

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A recent study identified a "sweet spot" of about six to eight hours of sleep per day, which researchers linked to healthier aging and lower risks of premature death and disease.

Sleep is when the body recovers and the brain "resets," yet technology and poor sleep habits increasingly interfere with that process, according to Hall.

"Sleep is probably one of the most important things that we just don’t talk about enough," he said.

The expert pointed out that the body’s circadian rhythm responds naturally to light and darkness, while screens, artificial light and late bedtimes can disrupt that cycle.

"The bed is really for sleep and sex," Hall added.

A September 2026 study found that highly active older adults maintained high levels of aerobic fitness into their 60s, 70s and 80s, despite some normal age-related decline.

"Movement is life," Hall agreed. He recalled seeing older adults remain highly active during his time working in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including women in their 90s who were still mobile and fit.

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Hall’s own routine includes walking, swimming, cycling and resistance work.

For everyday movement, he particularly recommends walking and squatting, which engage large muscle groups and help maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle strength helps support bones, posture and mobility, and may help reduce frailty and fall risk later in life, according to the longevity expert.

"You need to maintain that good, healthy posture and strength throughout your life," Hall said.

He connected loss of movement and strength with weakening muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, potentially increasing fall risk as people age.

"If you’re moving, you’re preserving strength, you’re maintaining your bones, because they go together," Hall said.

For optimal longevity nutrition, Hall recommends choosing minimally processed foods, with a focus on simple preparation, portion control and awareness of what goes into meals.

"Food is medicine, food is fuel, food is life," Hall said.

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While Hall said he cooks his own meals, primarily chooses fresh foods and largely avoids foods that come "out of a bag or a box," he emphasizes portion control rather than complete deprivation.

"I don’t care what it is you love, you can have a bite," he said.

Having a mission gives people something beyond themselves to invest in, contributing to emotional well-being and a meaningful life, according to Hall.

"It’s the most important part of being human," he said. "Our mission … is our purpose."

That purpose does not have to come from an extraordinary calling, Hall suggested. Whether someone is a physician, firefighter, baker or coffee shop owner, serving others can provide a sense of meaning.

"If you’re just serving yourself, you aren’t going to be a happy person," he added.

"No one ages well alone," Hall said. "You cannot live alone. You’re not designed to be atomized living in a box alone."

Research published in October 2026 in PLOS One found that loneliness was associated with a higher risk of death at one, three and five years.

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Hall also pointed to companionship, family and meaningful relationships as important parts of his own life.

"Having people around you who appreciate you, who you can relate to, who can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, it’s so important," he said.

A 2025 study of more than 10,000 older adults with cognitive impairment found that greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with a lower risk of death over time.

"We’re needing to be challenged … as an individual and as a community and as society," Hall said.

Continuing to learn, explore and seek out new experiences could play a role in healthy aging, research has found.

Hall similarly believes curiosity helps people remain engaged with the world as they get older.

"Curiosity allows us to explore and to always be aware there’s something more," he told Fox News Digital. "You’re never going to know everything. So you’re always on the quest."

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Curiosity has driven much of Hall’s travel and work around the world, he said, noting that getting older shouldn't mean stopping the pursuit of new experiences.

"We were children, and we never really grew up, by the way — we just get older in our bodies."

In his book, Hall describes healthy aging as keeping the body's metaphorical "funnel" as wide as possible for as long as possible.

He sees aging as a gradual narrowing of that funnel, with increasing physiological stress as the body loses some of its ability to maintain optimal function.

Keeping the funnel wide, he said, means supporting overall health and resilience through the fundamental habits outlined in his other commandments.

Ultimately, Hall said his goal is not simply to help people accumulate more birthdays, but to make those additional years healthier and more meaningful.

"I’m selling healthspan as much as I possibly can," he said. "Your best years of your life, the best living you can possibly have, sharing with others and making society better."

Many older adults turn to glucosamine to manage aging joints, but for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, the supplement could be linked to faster progression to Alzheimer’s disease.

To investigate how glucosamine affects dementia risk and mortality, University of Florida researchers analyzed medical records of patients with mild cognitive impairment, tracked laboratory mouse models and examined healthy versus Alzheimer’s-affected human brains.

The study, which was published in Nature Metabolism, focused on glycosylation, a natural process where brain cells attach small chains of sugar to proteins.

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"You can think of these sugar chains as the labels and fittings on a machine part — they help a protein fold correctly, get shipped to the right place in the cell and connect with its partners," senior author Ramon Sun, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Medicine at University of Florida, told Fox News Digital. "The right amount is essential."

"Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound of sugar and an amino acid group that is a fundamental structural building block in the body," Neil Levin, senior nutrition education manager of Now, a manufacturer of glucosamine supplements in Illinois, told Fox News Digital.

Glucosamine is concentrated in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints, and is a component of larger molecules that help give cartilage its strength, elasticity and ability to retain water, he added.

"Support for aging joints is the primary reason people take glucosamine as a dietary supplement," Levin said.

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The body uses an internal "checkpoint" that naturally regulates how many of these sugar chains it produces, according to Sun.

Supplemental glucosamine bypasses that "front gate" entirely — like a delivery truck pulling straight up to the loading dock, instantly boosting the supply of raw material used to make the sugar chains, the expert added.

In the study, researchers analyzed thousands of patients with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment, and then narrowed the group to those who were taking glucosamine.

For those with mild cognitive impairment, taking the supplement didn't change their risk of death, but it did make them 25% more likely to progress to dementia. However, among individuals who already had dementia, glucosamine users had a higher mortality compared to similar non-users.

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The researchers also examined brain tissue to understand what might be driving the association. "We found an excess of sugar chains on proteins in the Alzheimer’s brain," Sun said.

Many of those proteins help nerve cells communicate, but the excess sugar chains may interfere with how they function, Sun said. He compared the effect to coating a key in too much wax — it is still the same key, but no longer fits the lock properly.

Glucosamine is one of the materials cells use to make these sugar chains, according to Sun.

Researchers also tracked how glucosamine was processed in mice, comparing its effects on healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer’s-like disease.

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"In our experiments, normal mice given glucosamine showed no increase in these sugar chains and no change in a memory test," Sun said.

"But in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease, where the production line was already running too hot, glucosamine increased the sugar chains further and worsened performance on a memory test."

The researchers relied on medical records, which may not capture every supplement a patient was taking.

"Health records tell us what was documented, not everything a person took," Sun said. "Over-the-counter supplements are not always recorded, and records don't reliably capture dose, brand or how consistently someone took it."

An observational study looking at past records can find a signal, but can't prove one.

Glucosamine users may also differ in factors such as arthritis, pain, mobility, frailty and medication use, Levin noted. The records also did not establish the exact supplement, dose, duration or consistency of use.

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"The finding should therefore be treated as a safety signal that warrants controlled human research, but it did not — could not — reach a conclusion that glucosamine causes Alzheimer’s disease," Levin said.

The next step is a well-designed, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the impact of glucosamine on cognitive decline in patients with dementia.

"For now, the evidence isn't strong enough to recommend any supplement for slowing [Alzheimer’s] disease, which is why doing this research properly, including the clinical trial we've called for, matters," Sun said.

The study did not examine cognitively healthy people and does not suggest that glucosamine poses a risk to those who take it for joint health.

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"A brain affected by dementia and a healthy brain are different biological environments, and we shouldn't assume a supplement behaves the same way in both," Sun said.

He emphasized the importance of consulting with a doctor before starting or stopping a supplement.

"If you or a family member has a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia and takes glucosamine, it's reasonable to bring it up at the next visit, as part of an ordinary conversation about what's in the medicine cabinet," the doctor advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to multiple glucosamine manufacturers requesting comment.

As Americans live longer, experts say everyday habits may be taking a toll on eye health earlier than expected.

Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, warned that several everyday habits may be silently affecting eye health.

Age-related eye conditions include glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can block light and blur vision.

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While genetics and aging remain major drivers of many eye diseases, avoiding the following common mistakes may help slow their progression and protect vision, Lazzaro told Fox News Digital.

While exposure to sunlight is beneficial for overall metabolic health and longevity, failing to protect the eyes from the sun may lead to accelerated damage.

Lazzaro pointed to research suggesting that long-term ultraviolet exposure may contribute to macular degeneration and the progression of cataracts.

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In the doctor's own practice, cataracts are appearing five to 10 years earlier than they did three decades ago, which he believes may be linked to ultraviolet light exposure.

He recommends wearing sunglasses in bright, sunny conditions to help protect the eyes, including the lens and retina.

Reading in poor lighting can increase eye strain and make it harder to focus, particularly with age, according to Lazzaro.

"As we get older, our eyes have more difficulty seeing under certain lighting conditions," he told Fox News Digital, noting that older adults may have more difficulty adjusting to darker environments.

"If you're going be reading, and it's not a bright, sunny day outside, or you're not inside with bright lights, you should increase the lighting," he recommended.

Research suggests that a nutritious diet may protect eye health by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can affect vision.

"Diet is important," Lazzaro said. "There's certainly a lot of known data about poor diets [contributing] to poor cardiovascular health, and that same thing can apply with the eye."

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High cholesterol and high blood pressure can worsen diabetic eye disease, even when patients may not realize those conditions are affecting their vision, according to the doctor.

Researchers are also exploring whether gut health may influence retinal health, although that connection is still emerging.

Another condition that becomes increasingly common with age is dry eye, in which a lack of tear production and oil secretion causes red, itchy, irritated eyes.

This condition can be exacerbated by lifestyle factors like dehydration, Lazzaro noted.

Staying hydrated helps keep the cornea properly moisturized, he said. "We always tell our patients, particularly in the summer, if they're going out on a hot day … make sure to hydrate, because not only will it dry out the body … but it can dry out your corneas."

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Getting adequate sleep helps support overall health, and there’s "good evidence" that patients who don’t sleep well, particularly those with sleep apnea, may experience increased eye pressure, according to Lazzaro.

People with sleep apnea also appear to face higher rates of glaucoma and certain vascular eye conditions, similar to their increased cardiovascular risk, the doctor said. "They also have an increased incidence of vascular phenomena in the eye … People who don't sleep well have fluctuations in their circulation at night."

Eye rubbing is considered a risk factor for keratoconus, a progressive eye disease where the cornea begins to dome and bulge out in a cone shape, although experts' opinions differ on whether it can directly cause the disease, according to Lazzaro.

Patients with keratoconus often rub their eyes frequently, he noted, and repeated rubbing can potentially change the shape of the cornea — one reason he "strongly" advises against the habit.

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Because glaucoma often develops without symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is frequently the only way to detect it early, Lazzaro said.

Glaucoma is known as a "silent disease" that can lead to blindness, the doctor noted.

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"Its nickname is 'the silent thief of sight,'" he said. "Sometimes the only way you know you have glaucoma is by going to the ophthalmologist. It’s a disease that we see with increasing frequency as we get older."

Lazzaro recommends that adults get annual eye exams, rather than waiting until age-related vision changes begin. Presbyopia — the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects — commonly develops in middle age and often leads to the need for reading glasses.

"Patients will come in at some point, usually between 40 and 50, and say they can't see up-close anymore; it happened overnight," he said.

Annual visits should also include a scan for skin cancer and eyelid tumors, which occur more frequently with age, the doctor advised.

Sun exposure may contribute not only to cataracts and macular degeneration, but also to cancers of the eyelid, Lazzaro said. "Most of them can be removed locally without a big problem if diagnosed early," he added.

New research suggests that voice disorders, including shifts in vocal pitch, volume or clarity, could indicate a higher probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment in the future.

A study involving 833,417 participants aged 50 and older examined the connection between a voice disorder, hearing loss, or both with the chance of developing cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, beginning a year after the voice disorder and hearing loss diagnoses.

The findings from the study, conducted by a team at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, were published in the Journal of Voice.

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Results showed that participants with a voice disorder but no hearing loss had a 58% increased likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive issues in the future — whereas participants with a voice disorder and hearing loss had a 104% chance.

For all participants with voice disorders, with or without hearing loss, there was a 29% increased probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment, whereas those with only hearing loss had a 27% greater risk.

"We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss," said Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Science Alert reported.

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"Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only," he added.

Examples of voice disorders include laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions and spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), among others, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Regardless of the possible correlation between vocal issues and dementia, researchers noted that seeking treatment for a voice disorder could also benefit a patient’s brain.

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Hearing loss and trouble speaking could discourage individuals from socializing with others, and studies have shown that social engagement can stimulate the brain and play a role in warding off dementia.

Sataloff said that it’s "only natural" for voice disorders and hearing loss to be connected to cognitive impairment.

Those who experience pain or discomfort when talking or singing might "participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities," he noted.

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Despite the study's findings, having a voice disorder doesn’t necessarily mean that future cognitive impairment is absolutely certain.

Additionally, it’s not guaranteed that vocal issues indicate the beginning of a decline in brain function or the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Adults over 40 may not need to spend hours in the gym to maintain muscle, preserve mobility and stay strong.

According to Los Angeles fitness entrepreneur Carl Daikeler, just 10 minutes of targeted resistance exercise each day can help preserve muscle, mobility and long-term function.

Daikeler, 63, who has spent 28 years leading BODi, the fitness brand formerly known as Beachbody, says his approach to exercise stems from a practical desire to stay healthy without having to be a dedicated fitness enthusiast.

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"I don't like to eat healthy, I don't like to work out," Daikeler told Fox News Digital at the Strong New York conference in September. "I'm just constantly trying to figure out how I can hack my way without having to overturn my life to become one of these diehard health and fitness people, because I'm never going to become that."

For adults looking to stay healthy in midlife, Daikeler recommends what he considers a "minimum effective dose" — short, targeted resistance workouts at home instead of lengthy gym sessions.

"Ten minutes a day, and you can establish and build and maintain muscle," he said.

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Federal physical activity guidelines say that adults should perform muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups at least two days per week, in addition to regular aerobic activity.

Rather than doing a full-body workout every day, Daikeler recommends rotating muscle groups — focusing on the chest one day, upper body the next, then legs and glutes — to build consistency without requiring lengthy gym sessions.

"Do that consistently, and you're going to find your strength return, your muscles return, your joints will start to respond appropriately," he said.

The 10-minute approach can be especially valuable for people taking GLP-1 medications, who may be trying to preserve muscle mass and bone density while losing weight but may feel intimidated by traditional gyms, Daikeler said.

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For individuals seeking more significant weight loss, he recommends extending daily activity to 20 or 30 minutes, incorporating a balance of strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Daikeler cautioned against focusing exclusively on either cardio or resistance training, noting that different exercise types serve distinct functions in the body.

"Your body's like a furnace," Daikeler said. "The coal in that furnace is muscle. So you want to build muscle. But then you want to stoke that coal, and that's cardio. So, you need a balance of both things."

While resistance training builds muscle and strengthens bones and connective tissue, cardiovascular exercise challenges the heart and lungs, helping to maintain overall fitness, he said.

As adults age, Daikeler says the primary motivation for maintaining physical activity should shift away from aesthetic goals and toward functional mobility and independence.

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Reflecting on his personal experience visiting his father in an assisted living facility, Daikeler observed how residents struggled with basic movement and balance.

Many residents relied on walkers and canes, and often stopped walking before talking to one another because they feared tripping over cracks in the pavement, he recalled.

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"This is no longer about my abs," Daikeler added. "I need to work out in order to be able to walk and talk at the same time into my 90s ... It's no longer about aesthetics and vanity. It's really about mobility."

Maintaining healthy physical habits means accepting daily short-term discomfort to protect long-term independence, Daikeler noted.

"If I do 20 minutes of discomfort, the rest of the day is awesome," he said, adding that the goal is to consistently incorporate resistance training, cardio and flexibility work into a daily routine.

A buildup of artery-clogging plaque may begin much earlier than many people realize, new research has found.

About one in 13 adults ages 18 to 29 already had silent atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries from plaque, despite having no known cardiovascular disease, while more than half of all healthy adults in the study showed signs of plaque somewhere in their arteries, according to a major new international study.

Researchers from Denmark and Spain used advanced imaging to examine more than 16,800 adults ages 18 to 70 with no known cardiovascular disease. 

They found plaque in 57.1% of participants, with prevalence increasing steadily with age, from about one in 13 adults under 30 to roughly nine in 10 adults ages 60 to 70, according to the research published in The New England Journal of Medicine in August.

EVERYDAY HABIT LINKED TO DRAMATICALLY LOWER RISK OF DYING FROM HEART DISEASE

Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances build up inside arteries, according to experts. The process often develops silently over many years before causing a heart attack or stroke.

"For decades, we have estimated cardiovascular risk using factors such as age, blood pressure and cholesterol," Dr. Borja Ibáñez, a cardiologist and scientific director of Spain's National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), said in a statement. 

"This study shows that we can now go one step further and detect the disease directly before it causes a heart attack or stroke."

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The new findings come from the first phase of the ongoing international REACT study, which is mapping how common silent artery plaque is across adulthood. In the next phase, researchers will test whether earlier detection can improve heart disease prevention.

"Until now, preventive decisions have been based on an estimate of risk, but we did not know whether the disease was already present," Henning Bundgaard, professor of cardiology at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, said. 

"REACT shows that atherosclerosis can be detected decades before clinical manifestations appear and provides the most comprehensive atlas of the evolution of the disease across adult life."

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The study also revealed that men tended to develop plaque five to 10 years earlier than women, while women experienced their steepest increase between ages 40 and 60.

Researchers also found that commonly used cardiovascular risk scores only identified a small proportion of people who already had silent atherosclerosis, suggesting some cases may go undetected using traditional risk assessments alone.

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While the researchers believe portable ultrasound could eventually help identify hidden plaque earlier, they said further clinical trials are needed.

The findings should encourage people to take heart health seriously but not to panic, experts note.

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"Finding plaque doesn't mean someone is about to have a heart attack, but finding it gives us an opportunity to address a patient's risk factors," Dr. Sirisha Vadali, a cardiologist at HonorHealth Women’s Heart Health in Arizona who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. 

"We shouldn't wait for symptoms to start paying attention to heart health. Feeling healthy doesn't necessarily mean your arteries are free of plaque."

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She cautioned that the study alone does not establish that screening everyone will directly prevent heart attacks or strokes.

Vadali stressed that the findings do not mean everyone under 30 should undergo artery screening, saying decisions about additional testing should be based on a person's individual risk factors. 

She recommended avoiding tobacco, staying physically active and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and fish while limiting saturated fat and excess sodium to help protect heart health.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the researchers for comment.

Married couples who regularly attend church report having more frequent sex and greater sexual satisfaction than those who attend less often or not at all, according to a new report from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Researchers analyzed findings from multiple datasets, including the 2026 IFS Religion and Family Survey of 3,125 married adults ages 18–54, the long-running nationally representative General Social Survey and a separate survey of 1,219 alumni of FOCUS, a Catholic campus ministry.

Regular churchgoers reported having more frequent sex than less religious or non-religious married adults, with regularly attending Catholics reporting some of the highest levels of sexual frequency. The association remained even after accounting for demographic differences.

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Among married adults ages 20 to 54, 62% of regular churchgoers reported having sex at least once a week, compared with 48% of nonreligious spouses, according to the report.

In addition to frequency, sexual satisfaction was also higher among church attendants. Catholics and Protestants who regularly attended religious services were more likely to rate their sex lives positively than those who attended less often or had no religious affiliation.

Daily prayer was linked to greater sexual satisfaction among married Catholics and Protestants, though it was not associated with more frequent sex.

Among churchgoers, 55% of Catholics and 45% of Protestants rated their sex lives as "excellent" or "very good," compared with 45% of nominal Catholics, 35% of nominal Protestants and 40% of religiously unaffiliated respondents.

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Those who viewed marriage as a permanent commitment were more likely to report both frequent and satisfying sex. That belief, along with shared values, was also strongly associated with overall marital quality.

Because the analysis was observational, it cannot determine whether religious practice directly causes better marital or sexual outcomes, the authors acknowledged.

Additionally, the marital outcomes were self-reported, and other unmeasured differences between religious and non-religious respondents could have influenced the results.

Differences in factors such as age and length of marriage could also make it challenging to strike comparisons with the broader population.

The study was funded by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

Jessica Steinman, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex addiction therapist in Los Angeles, spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential relationship between religious activity and the quality of a couple’s sex life.

"When we think of people who are really involved in religion … we might think they're not having a lot of sex or that they're having very constricted views on their sex lives," she said. "And this article and research show that's changing."

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People who actively participate in a shared spiritual or religious life may also feel more connected to one another as partners, according to Steinman, who is also the chief clinical officer for No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin.

"If they're showing up and looking at things outside themselves — things that are spiritual, things that are religious, things that are having them look inward, things that are having them look into larger morals and values within their marriages and partnerships — I think they're going to possibly have happier marriages and partnerships," the therapist said.

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They may also be more vulnerable and open with one another, which could contribute to a more active sex life, she added.

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The rituals and shared practices associated with religious life likely play a role in strengthening that connection, the expert suggested.

"Certain religious settings are really focused on rituals and traditions," Steinman said. "And if you're looking at partnership and marriage … engaging in sexual connection and sexual intimacy can really become a ritual itself."

The research highlighted what has been described as an ongoing "sex recession" during which people are not engaging in sexual intimacy as much as they once did.

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Regardless of religious affiliation, Steinman encourages people to find ways to connect with their partners.

"Get off the phones, get off of the internet, turn the TV off and start really connecting with your partner," she advised.

Steinman suggested that partners engage with one another and build connections that go deeper than simply asking, "How was your day?"

That can include building emotional openness and discussing how partners want to connect sexually, she said.

Daily creatine supplementation could help middle-aged and older adults preserve lean muscle mass, gain strength and support cognitive function, whether it's paired with exercise or not, according to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

The 12-week study, conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University’s Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab, evaluated 64 men and women ages 45 to 65.

Participants were divided into non-exercise and exercise-plus-diet groups, then randomly assigned to take either 10 grams of creatine monohydrate per day — administered in two 5-gram doses — or a placebo.

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Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps cells regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular activity in both muscle and brain tissue, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that helps muscles produce quick energy during activities like strength training.

Adults naturally lose muscle mass and strength as they age, a condition known as sarcopenia. While dieting can accelerate that muscle loss, the new study found that creatine monohydrate helped counter the effect.

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Adding creatine to an exercise and diet intervention resulted in greater reductions in body fat percentage, better preservation of lean body mass, and marked improvements in upper- and lower-body strength compared to a placebo.

Even among participants who did not engage in exercise or dietary changes, daily creatine supplementation increased lean tissue mass and improved muscular strength and endurance, according to the study.

"The fact that you can increase lean muscle mass even without exercise is remarkable, especially as we age," New York-based fitness coach Jacob Zemer told Fox News Digital. "Between the physical and mental benefits, most people should be considering creatine supplementation."

The expert, who was not involved in the study, noted that even participants who did not exercise saw an increase in their bench press and leg press.

Zemer said the findings suggest creatine may help build actual muscle tissue that generates strength, rather than simply increasing the amount of water stored in muscle cells.

Beyond physical performance, the researchers found that the 10-gram daily dose of creatine supported improvements in select tests of memory and cognitive processing.

"My main takeaway from the study is that the benefits of creatine extend far beyond just athletes and bodybuilders," Zemer said. "Creatine continues to be the most scientifically studied and validated supplement on the market."

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However, the trainer emphasized that supplementation should not replace regular physical activity.

"Just because you can increase lean muscle mass by taking creatine without exercise does not mean that it is optimal or a replacement for exercise," Zemer cautioned.

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"The benefits of exercise will always supersede those of creatine alone, and when the two are combined, they are both enhanced."

The study authors noted several limitations to their findings.

Participants chose whether to join the exercise or non-exercise groups before being randomly assigned to receive either creatine or a placebo, which could have introduced lifestyle differences between the groups.

Additionally, because the study lasted just 12 weeks and included only healthy adults, researchers don't yet know whether the benefits would be long-term or whether they would apply to people with serious metabolic or neurological conditions.

For those considering taking creatine, Zemer advised consulting a healthcare professional to determine whether it's right for them, then choosing a reputable brand, staying hydrated and taking it consistently.

"Recommended minimum dosages for creatine are typically 3 grams for women and 5 grams for men," he said. "This study used higher dosages. Creatine is about consistency rather than when you take it, so find a time you can consistently take it daily."

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According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, creatine is generally considered safe for healthy adults, although some people may experience bloating, stomach discomfort or water retention.

Experts recommend talking with a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, particularly for those with kidney disease or other chronic health conditions.

Days after Sylvester Stallone revealed his own history with bulimia, experts are highlighting a growing but often overlooked rise in eating disorders among men.

The Academy Award-nominated actor, 80, revealed during an interview with The New York Times that he developed an "obsession" with eating habits while prepping for his role in the 1982 movie "Rambo."

Stallone said he took pains to appear more "animalistic," drawing inspiration from jaguars and cats. "It became an obsession. Really bad. It got to the point where I became bulimic," he said during the interview.

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Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by episodes of binge-eating — consuming a large amount of food while feeling a loss of control — followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Brian Pollack, a licensed clinical social worker and certified eating disorders specialist at Hilltop Behavioral Health in Summit, New Jersey, specializes in treating males who struggle with eating disorders, which he said is "highly underreported."

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), about 30 million Americans experience an eating disorder during their lifetime, and roughly one-third are male.

"Guys with eating disorders just present differently — for some men, it's about musculature … they continue to build muscle because they are afraid that they are weak, they want their muscles to align," Pollack told Fox News Digital. "We also see people who want to be so lean and pencil-thin that they don't eat whatsoever."

The expert, who has not treated Stallone, compared today's body-image pressures on boys and men with the beauty ideals many girls and women faced during earlier decades.

MEN FACE NEW PRESSURE TO STAY ‘HOT’ AS THEY AGE — AND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT LIVING LONGER

"We’re seeing this extreme need for perfection and musculature — and that is leading to bulimia right now," he told Fox News Digital. "It’s particularly in our adolescent boys, who are consuming a lot of information about the ideal of masculinity in the eyes of society at large."

Societal expectations of masculinity can make it harder for men to identify and express feelings of vulnerability or distress, according to Pollack.

"Bulimia, especially, is about control," he said. "And what is it that men want? They want to be in control on a superficial level."

With binging, there is a loss of control over food — and purging is a way to get back in control, Pollack noted.

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The increase in bulimia and other eating disorders among men may also be driven by a desire to emulate celebrities.

"There's a big trend right now called ‘looksmaxxing,' where boys are harming themselves in pursuit of an ideal appearance, including undergoing cosmetic procedures to alter their jawlines," Pollack said. "It’s getting very scary out there, actually."

For many men, it may not be easy for others to recognize that they are struggling with bulimia or other eating disorders, as the binging and purging behaviors are usually done in secret, Pollack said.

"They're hidden," he said. "People are ashamed of them at times."

One red flag, he said, is if a loved one begins purchasing increasing amounts of supplements, such as creatine, or performance-enhancing substances such as human growth hormone.

People with eating disorders may exhibit compulsive behaviors around both exercise and eating, including working out for multiple hours every day and carefully calculating every aspect of their diet.

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Some men become fixated on restrictive eating patterns, Pollack said, including following strict ketogenic diets, consuming excessive amounts of protein or eating only foods they consider "clean," such as organic, whole-food or non-GMO products.

In some cases, the obsession becomes so extreme that men may avoid eating foods prepared elsewhere or outside their strict standards.

Pollack said some people may have "cheat days" where they visit fast-food restaurants and eat as much as they can, in an attempt to satisfy an "intense urge" stoked by restriction. "They binge, and we often see people hiding in the bathroom within 45 minutes after meals."

Another warning sign is escalating use of laxatives or diuretics, with some people taking increasingly large amounts because smaller doses no longer produce the desired effect of feeling "emptied" or "in control."

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Pollack emphasized that bulimia and other disorders are experienced among men at all ages, from middle school and high school through college and adulthood.

"This is real, and men are afraid to talk about it," he said. "There's a real issue."

The expert said men often don't have the vocabulary to talk about emotional distress, making eating disorders harder to identify.

Instead, Pollack recommended asking questions about body goals — such as whether someone is trying to "sculpt your body" or "make sure that you have a six-pack" — and whether those pursuits are helping them avoid confronting difficult emotions.

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Bulimia is known to have life-threatening health impacts. "Just on a baseline level, with someone who purges, we see electrolyte imbalances, along with kidney and liver damage," Pollack said.

The expert shared that he has seen people go into cardiac arrest because prolonged malnutrition and repeated purging had severely damaged their hearts.

Bulimia patients may face expensive dental work, he added, due to severe erosion of their tooth enamel.

Esophagus issues, such as acid reflux and GERD, may also develop due to purging.

Long-term medical issues can range from treating heartburn with over-the-counter medication to facing life-threatening issues, Pollack said.

"It's a very serious scenario."

Amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths of two Ole Miss students, representatives of the kratom industry are speaking out about how the product may have been mischaracterized.

Court documents show that Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were discovered dead on Sept. 21 at separate locations.

Initial reports stated that products described as "packaged kratom" or "synthetic kratom" were found near both students. 

In a Sept. 30 statement, however, investigators said only that "packaging associated with kratom-related products" had been recovered at both locations.

WHAT IS KRATOM? RISKS OF POPULAR SUBSTANCE REVEALED AFTER COLLEGE STUDENTS' DEATHS

"During the investigations, packaging associated with kratom-related products was discovered at both locations," Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, a department in the sheriff's office, said in the statement Wednesday.

Toxicology results from the medical examiner are still pending.

Packaging found near both students bears the name Modus, according to court documents. 

The affidavit describes the tablets as Smax Pseudo-DHM, and lists pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM) among the ingredients on the pack found near Hamilton.

Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association in Virginia, spoke with Fox News Digital Thursday about the initial reports of packaged kratom at the two locations where the students were discovered.

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"We were deeply concerned with that characterization because it is highly unlikely, if not statistically improbable, that a natural kratom leaf product would be the cause of two deaths independently, let alone one," he said.

After attempting to contact the Oxford Police Department, Haddow said the association held a news conference in Oxford asking for clarification on why officials would have disclosed a packaged kratom product.

The clarification showed that the products recovered were "chemically manipulated opioids, not kratom," Haddow added.

"We are grateful for the clarification because what they have told us and disclosed is that these, in fact, were highly synthetic and importantly controlled substances under the Federal Controlled Substances Act," he said.

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"Those products never should have been on the market in the first place in those locations."

The Mississippi Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is a state law that regulates the sale of kratom rather than banning it.

The law establishes standards for who may sell kratom, which products are permitted and how they must be labeled, while prohibiting certain adulterated or high-potency products.

"Why were they not enforcing it?" Haddow questioned.

According to Haddow, natural kratom leaves have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. 

He argued there have been no published reports of deaths linked to traditional leaf use in the region, although medical literature does describe some adverse effects associated with long-term use.

Haddow said he believes kratom first spread in the U.S. after the Vietnam War, when returning soldiers and Southeast Asian immigrants brought it back from the region. However, researchers note that this origin story remains unsubstantiated in the published literature.

"And then these amateur chemists got involved and started tinkering with the alkaloids in the natural plant and started to adulterate them, and that appropriately got kratom on the radar of both the DEA and the FDA," he said.

In 2012, the FDA issued an import alert on kratom products, and the DEA sought to temporarily classify kratom's primary alkaloids as Schedule I substances in 2016 before withdrawing the proposal following public comment.

More recently, the agencies have raised concerns about concentrated and chemically modified kratom products, including those containing high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

"What these bad actors have done is completely alter the composition of the natural kratom plant," Haddow said.

"They rearranged the molecules. They've chemically synthesized them with high-concentration chlorine and baking soda and other nefarious production methods so that they deliver what is in fact a signature opioid to consumers in the United States."

The association’s focus now is on banning synthetic products and protecting the natural leaf, Haddow said.

"It is improper for any government agency across the country to be blaming natural leaf kratom for any adverse event that is properly attributable to a synthetic opioid," he added, expressing his viewpoint.

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"If we were to take coffee and extract caffeine from it and then highly concentrate it to a level in which it is fatal and someone ingested it and died, we wouldn't blame coffee. We would blame the bad actor that took and extracted that caffeine, because caffeine is in its natural form and coffee is not dangerous. The same is true for natural kratom."

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Haddow said 7-OH products — including pseudoindoxyl and compounds known as MGM-15 and MGM-16 — should not be considered kratom.

"[They] are synthetic opioids, all of which should be enforced by both the federal and local law enforcement agencies," he said.

"We advocate strongly for proper clarification of these dangerous products as opposed to natural kratom, which is literally helping people with their health and wellness and saving lives."

Haddow cited an NIH-led study that is moving forward to evaluate whether purified mitragynine, the main alkaloid in the kratom plant, could help treat opioid use disorder.

Haddow said the association supports state regulations that require testing, labeling and age restrictions rather than outright bans.

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"Make sure the product formulations are safe, make sure the products are labeled correctly and make sure they're age-restricted," he urged. "Twenty-one and up should be the only people who have access to these products.

"We need to regulate them, and as we represent consumers, we're going to fight for that."

The FDA maintains that kratom has not been approved for any medical use and has warned of some risks, including dependence, contamination and adverse events, while researchers continue to study both the plant and its individual compounds.

A high-profile execution attempt in Nashville ended in chaos and raised urgent medical questions after Tennessee death row inmate Christa Gail Pike survived two separate doses of lethal pentobarbital, the Associated Press reported.

Pentobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate, according to medical authorities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Historically prescribed as a sedative, anti-seizure medication or sleep aid, pentobarbital enhances the activity of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, slowing activity throughout the central nervous system.

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In clinical medicine, pentobarbital has been used for several purposes, including:

Because newer, safer drugs with lower risks of overdose have largely replaced barbiturates in hospital settings, pentobarbital is now rarely used in routine patient care.

However, it remains a primary agent in veterinary euthanasia and lethal injection protocols across several U.S. states, according to the National Library of Medicine, FDA-approved veterinary drug labeling and the Death Penalty Information Center.

In a high-dose lethal injection protocol, pentobarbital is administered intravenously in large, ultra-lethal quantities — typically 2.5 to 5 grams (far exceeding clinical therapeutic doses).

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When injected directly into a vein, the progression follows three stages, according to medical sources.

Pike, 50, who was convicted in the 1995 murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer, was slated to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years.

Media witnesses observed her asking if her arm was supposed to feel that way (burning), breathing raggedly, and audibly snoring behind closed curtains over an hour-long span.

The incident prompted Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to halt all remaining executions in the state pending an independent investigation.

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According to statements from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), officials administered two doses of pentobarbital, in accordance with the state's established single-drug execution protocol.

State officials maintained that they strictly adhered to the protocol and that the chemical supply was verified.

Media witnesses and defense court filings described several problems during the procedure.

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Several possible explanations have been raised in court filings and medical literature, although no cause has been confirmed in Pike’s case.

As state officials investigate the failed execution, Pike remains under medical observation while legal challenges continue over whether Tennessee may legally attempt a second execution, per reports.

About one in eight new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 — 2.3 million cases — have been linked to infections, according to a new analysis from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The researchers identified 12 specific infections that were linked to human cancer cases, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, Schistosoma haematobium, HTLV-1, Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Merkel cell polyomavirus and HIV.

The following five infections contributed to nearly all the global cases.

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"The findings underscore the major role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden," said study co-author Dr. Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, in a press release.

"Despite progress in vaccination and screening, infection-related cancers remain a major global challenge, with the burden falling disproportionately on populations in low- and middle-income countries."

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The researchers say many of these cancers could have been prevented through vaccination, treatment or screenings.

The study, conducted in France, analyzed cancer data from 2024. The findings were published in The Lancet Oncology on Sept. 28.

The study had several limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

Because the study used population-level estimates rather than tracking individual patients over time, the results depended on the quality of available cancer data in each country.

Additionally, it only included infections already proven to cause cancer, so the total impact could be underestimated.

"We know that there are certain infections that we are exposed to over our lifetime that may result in an increased risk of certain cancers," Dr. Joshua Cohen, medical director of the Gynecologic Cancer Program of City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California, told Fox News Digital.

"However, most cancers are not caused by infection."

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HPV is one of the most common drivers of cancers that arise along the rectum, vagina or cervix, as well as the oropharynx (back of the throat), according to Cohen, who was not involved in the study.

"Eighty percent of the population has been exposed to certain types of HPV strains," he said. "About 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with these cancers each year."

For most people who are exposed to HPV, the body will clear the virus on its own, Cohen said.

"We don't know why some patients' immune systems allow them to clear the HPV infection and some don't."

Another very common cancer, although less so in the U.S., is gastric cancer, he noted, which is linked to H. Pylori, an infection in the stomach.

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"We don't screen everybody for H. pylori in the U.S. — it's more common in other parts of the world, like Southeast Asia."

However, those who have peptic ulcer disease or significant epigastric pain should talk with a gastroenterologist about getting screened and treated for H. pylori, the doctor advised.

There are things people can do to reduce the risk of infection-related cancers, according to Cohen.

"As a patient, the most important thing is to think about your health, what you can do to prevent yourself from developing these infections or your family," he said.

"And if you do have one of these infections, what can you do to reduce your risk of developing a subsequent cancer?"

Cohen emphasized that Americans have access to an HPV vaccination that can help prevent many of these infections.

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"If you’re under the age of 45 and you've not had an HPV vaccination, there is various good safety data that you should get vaccinated," he said. "That will cover, at least in the U.S., most risks regarding oropharyngeal cancers, vaginal cancers, cervical cancers, penile cancers and anal cancers."

The doctor reiterated that developing one of the listed infections doesn’t necessarily mean someone will develop cancer.

"The vast majority of patients who have an HPV infection or H. Pylori, or even hepatitis B or C, are not going to develop cancer," he said.

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But because these infections have been associated with certain cancers, it’s important to seek treatment for them.

Symptoms such as epigastric pain (pain or discomfort in the upper middle part of your abdomen), acid reflux, abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain with swallowing could be related to medical conditions that may be associated with certain infections or cancer, the doctor warned.

"There are steps we can take as doctors to keep you safe and hopefully reduce the risk of developing cancer for those that have had an infection," Cohen added.

As GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to surge in popularity, experts warn that rapid weight loss and severe caloric restriction could deprive the brain of vital energy and nutrients.

Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, said the drugs' effects on the brain may depend on whether the body is getting enough energy and nutrients during weight loss.

"The best way to think about this is the spectrum of what we call energy availability," Wood told Fox News Digital at Strong NY, New York City's largest annual fitness and wellness festival. "The brain is your most energy-hungry organ in the body."

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According to Wood, brain reserve — the physical amount and integrity of brain tissue — follows a bell-shaped curve relative to the body's energy availability.

Excess energy caused by obesity, high blood sugar and metabolic disease can lower the brain's resilience by damaging blood vessels and contributing to insulin resistance.

In these cases, GLP-1 medications can provide cognitive benefits by lowering blood pressure and improving blood sugar control.

However, Wood noted that the lower end of the energy spectrum poses its own structural risks to the brain. Because the brain relies heavily on continuous fuel, extreme caloric deficits can force the organ to consume its own tissue.

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"There was a study that looked at the brains of people who ran a marathon ... because the marathon is so energy-intensive, the white matter in the brain actually shrank during a marathon because the brain didn't have enough energy … so it was eating its own white matter," Wood said, noting that the participants' brains recovered after resting and refueling.

"It just shows that the brain is really energy-hungry, and it will decrease its size if it's not getting enough energy."

Concerns about lean muscle loss when taking GLP-1 medications are often nuanced, Wood said. Some of the early "lean mass" that's lost is actually fat that had built up inside the muscles.

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"So technically, your muscles get smaller, but you don't get weaker," he told Fox News Digital. "And the quality and functioning of your muscles actually gets better."

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However, risks arise when individuals taking GLP-1 medications drastically reduce their food intake for extended periods. Chronic under-eating can deprive the central nervous system of essential structural nutrients, Wood warned.

"It is possible that you can end up going too far," he said. "If you're not eating enough, you're not getting the nutrients that are critical for the brain. So you're not getting in enough omega-3 fats, which we know are really important. You're not getting enough iron and protein and all those kinds of things."

To safeguard brain health while losing weight, Wood recommends pairing weight-loss regimens with resistance training twice a week to maintain functional muscle mass and to stimulate brain growth factors.

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Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of core "neuro-nutrients" — including B vitamins (B12, folate, B6), vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids — prevents long-term cognitive impairment, according to Wood.

"For most people, I think it's going to be beneficial to start, but you just need to make sure that you don't push it too far, that you're now getting enough of everything that the brain needs," he advised.

New research shows that U.S. alcohol use has declined for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, but drinking remains above pre-pandemic levels — with one particular group showing a sharp increase in heavy intake.

A study led by the University of Southern California/Keck Medicine found that among adults ages 50 to 64, alcohol use increased by nearly 4% from 2018 to 2024, while heavy drinking increased by more than 36%.

Across all age groups, alcohol use declined by nearly 2%, and heavy drinking declined by more than 8% from 2022 to 2024. However, overall alcohol use remained above pre-pandemic levels.

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Among Gen Z adults, alcohol use declined by more than 5%. Millennials drank approximately 17% less from 2022 to 2024.

The findings, which were published on Sept. 21 in Annals of Internal Medicine, were based on self-reported data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included 114,352 U.S. adults from 2018 to 2024.

Heavy drinking was defined as five or more drinks per day or 15 or more drinks per week for men within the preceding 12 months and at least four daily drinks or eight weekly drinks for women.

Men were found to have a larger alcohol decline than women (2.4% vs. 1.1%), but women had a larger reduction in heavy drinking (9%) compared to men (7.7%).

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"Women’s heavy drinking rose more than men's during the pandemic and is still about 13% above where it was in 2018," lead study author Brian P. Lee, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, told Fox News Digital. "Women develop liver damage at lower levels of drinking than men, so that number carries more weight than it looks."

The study was funded in part by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health.

The chief limitation of the study is that people reported their own levels of drinking, which tend to run low, according to Lee.

"It also can't tell us why drinking changed, only that it did," he told Fox News Digital. "And we have two years of decline after four years of increases, so I'd describe this as a promising turn rather than an established trend."

The researchers also did not investigate the reasons younger adults reduced alcohol consumption.

Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said many factors may contribute to the increased rate of drinking among older adults.

"As we approach our 50s and 60s, we start reflecting on our lives, and changes start to happen," Tuell, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

The loneliness epidemic in the U.S., and the fact that people are more "polarized" and "disconnected," may also come into play, according to Tuell.

Grief and loss may also lead to increased drinking as people seek a way to escape or cope with the loss of friends and family members.

"One out of four people will experience some mental health issue … depression, anxiety, loss, grief — these are real things that are impacting people," Tuell said. "And it's at a time where a person might feel very vulnerable."

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As people age, there may also be increased issues related to chronic pain and medical issues, resulting in reduced function.

"Now I have these aches and pains, or maybe I'm diagnosed with something more serious," Tuell said as an example. "So that becomes a problem that I now have to deal with."

Many aging adults are also approaching retirement age, which can result in a loss of structure and change the identity they’ve had for decades, the expert noted.

"I wake up and something I've done every day for many, many years is no longer happening. So I'm more bored. What do I do with my time? This is unfortunately a perfect storm for things like substance use."

As older adults experience body changes, they don't metabolize alcohol the same way they once did, Tuell noted.

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"What I used to drink maybe five years ago … that same amount now can affect me differently, because I'm not metabolizing it like I used to," he said.

Women are especially impacted by alcohol, Tuell said, likely because they may have less body fat and don't have as much water in their bodies.

Lee noted that while alcohol doesn't harm everyone equally, the risk starts at low levels and goes up with every additional drink.

"There isn't a level the evidence shows to be safe."

To determine whether someone has a problem with alcohol, Tuell recommends using the "three Cs."

Alcohol can still be problematic even if someone doesn’t have an addiction, Tuell noted.

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For example, they might drink more than they should, to the point where they get a hangover or put themselves at risk.

"Maybe it's impacting my interactions with other people, interpersonal relationships, hobbies, interests," he said. "Maybe it's affecting my sleep."

In a normal sleep pattern, people go through a cycle four to five times per night, but when they drink, it's more like two to three times, Tuell said. "So, we're not getting good rest during that period."

It’s never too late to seek help with alcohol dependency, he pointed out.

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"I've treated people in their 80s who still have a lot of life left," Tuell said, pointing out that Americans are living longer. "So we're aging, we're getting older, and there are a lot of life changes happening … physically, emotionally, psychologically."

For those who are over 50 and drinking more than they did before 2020, Lee recommends asking a doctor about liver health, "even if nothing feels wrong."

"There are clear increases in cancer and liver risk with alcohol, even at low levels," he warned. "Even advanced liver disease might have no symptoms, and the earlier alcohol-related liver damage is caught, the more of it can be undone."

Three Florida counties have declared states of emergency amid the spread of dengue fever in the state.

As of Sept. 23, Pasco County, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County have made the declarations due to a spread of the mosquito-borne disease, according to each county’s news release.

The local emergency declarations allow county officials to expedite mosquito-control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts and, where applicable, seek state or federal assistance or reimbursement, the releases state.

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Under Florida law, local emergency declarations expire after seven days unless they are renewed.

A total of 190 locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed across six Florida counties, according to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance report, which covered cases with onset through Sept. 19.

Of the 190 locally acquired cases, 170 were reported in Hillsborough County, seven each in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County and one in Palm Beach County.

The 190 locally acquired infections are separate from travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year.

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Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dengue is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa. Though less common in the continental U.S., locally acquired cases have been recorded in Florida, California and Texas.

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"The Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida," an entomologist spokesperson at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health, makers of OFF!, said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

"As dengue cases continue to be reported in the Tampa area, taking steps to help prevent mosquito bites is especially important," the expert went on. "Staying aware of local mosquito activity and consistently protecting against bites are important steps people can take to help reduce their risk."

The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) previously said crews are increasing aerial and ground treatments in areas showing dengue virus activity, while also inspecting private properties for potential mosquito breeding sites, according to reports.

FMCA has urged residents to empty or cover standing water around their homes. The mosquito that spreads dengue is a container breeder, meaning it lays eggs in buckets, planters, plant saucers, tires, discarded toys and other objects that collect small amounts of water, experts say.

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The SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health entomologist shared the following recommendations to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne disease.

The FMCA also advises people to dress in long sleeves, light colors and closed-toed shoes outdoors.

Many people infected with dengue have no symptoms, and most people who do become sick recover within a week or two, according to Mayo Clinic.

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In some cases, however, the illness can progress to severe dengue, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Symptoms typically begin four to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Warning signs can develop quickly, often within a day or two after the fever subsides. Those may include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness and irritability, or restlessness.

People experiencing warning signs of severe dengue should seek immediate medical care.

Will Reeve, son of the late famed "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve, announced that he recently battled cancer.

The "Good Morning America" correspondent, 34, shared during Tuesday’s show that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this year, assuring viewers that he is "OK."

"The diagnosis was a shock and the treatments were a slog," he said. "Today, though, I am relieved to announce that we arrived at our destination and this cancer is in the rearview mirror. But what a journey."

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Reeve said he found a "hard, tender lump in [his] left testicle" just a few months after his wedding to luxury event planner Amanda Dubin.

An ultrasound revealed that he had "a mass that had to come out." After undergoing surgery to remove the testicle (an orchiectomy), Reeve discovered the mass was embryonal carcinoma.

The aggressive subtype of testicular cancer can spread more quickly than some other forms, according to the American Cancer Society.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS MAY PLAY SURPRISING ROLE IN CANCER OUTCOMES

Reeve later underwent a second surgery to remove lymph nodes from his abdomen after some cancer cells had spread there.

The surgery took place at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which is where his mother, Dana Reeve, died from lung cancer in 2006 at age 44. His father died in 2004 at the age of 52.

Reeve shared that he also underwent two rounds of chemotherapy to lower the risk that the cancer would return. He said he experienced several side effects from the medication, including ringing in the ears, bone pain, night sweats, blood clots and constant headaches.

He did not lose his hair because he used a method called "cold capping," which is used during certain chemotherapy treatments to help reduce hair loss by cooling the scalp and constricting blood vessels.

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After finishing his second round of chemotherapy on July 31, Reeve said he received "clean scans" on Sept. 8.

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In an interview with People, Reeve said he is "going to be fine," although it has been "one heck of a chapter."

"I’m fortunate that I caught this early," he said. "Yes, I had to jump through some flaming hoops to get to the other side, but it could have been much worse had I ignored it or delayed going to the doctor."

Reeve also praised his wife for serving as his "caregiver," similar to how his mother helped care for his father after a 1995 horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed.

"I learn[ed] more about what it was like to be my dad in the final nine years of his life, where he had my mom and our family taking care of him," Reeve said.

He added that the experience taught him how to "repurpose [adversity] into something hopeful."

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Testicular cancer is among the most treatable cancers, particularly when detected early, according to the American Cancer Society. Experts recommend seeing a doctor promptly for any lump, swelling, pain or change in a testicle.

Fox News Digital reached out to Reeve’s representatives requesting comment.

As Americans increasingly turn to GLP-1 medications — which have been linked to a loss of lean muscle, especially during rapid weight loss — experts say preserving strength and mobility should be a priority as people age.

Jacob Zemer, a New York-based fitness coach who primarily trains clients ranging from 35 to 55 years old, said that beyond GLP-1s, there are several other reasons that adults start losing muscle as they get older.

"The biggest change is lifestyle," he told Fox News Digital. "When you're in your teen years or your 20s, you're running around, you're doing activities that lend themselves to building muscle."

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That tends to change as people shift focus to career and family, the expert said.

"You simply become more sedentary, which lowers your metabolism and your level of activity, so you're going to have less muscle."

As people approach their 40s, hormone levels begin to change for both men and women, Zemer noted.

"That means we partition the calories we're using less and less for protein and building muscle, and more and more for simply storing as fat," he said.

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"We see this all the time … people start to store fat in their tummies, and they start have less muscle."

Zemer said he believes that everyone should be "very mindful" about building muscle, starting from a young age.

"All the way up into your 50s, your goal should be to build muscle so that when you enter your golden years — your 60s, 70s, 80s — it's kind of like your 401K," he said. 

"You're going to be depleting from it as you go through life. So in your 30s and 40s, you just have to be more strategic about it, because your lifestyle has changed. You need to go to the gym and train in order to have that muscle later in life."

Zemer shared the following strategies that can help people slow down muscle loss as they age.

Protein helps to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, the body's process of repairing and building muscle, according to Zemer.

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Including enough protein in your daily diet can help reduce the risk of sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.

While people’s protein needs will vary based on age, activity level and fitness goals, Zemer said people who regularly strength-train generally benefit from higher intake.

"If you're a sedentary person, you don't need to be obsessed with protein," he told Fox News Digital. "Very few people aren't getting enough protein in terms of macronutrients. But if you're training and going to the gym, you want to be getting somewhere between 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight."

For general health, the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults strength train at least two days per week, working all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using moderate or greater intensity until it's difficult to complete another repetition with good form.

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The guidelines also recommend pairing the strength training with 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity) each week.

Lifting weights isn’t just about building muscle, but also preserving muscle, according to Zemer.

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"Even if you have a busy week, and you went to the gym and you lifted weights 30 minutes twice a week, that may not be enough to build new muscle, but that is certainly enough to maintain muscle," he said.

"So it's very important that you lift weights a couple of times a week as you age."

For beginners, Zemer recommends focusing on a few basic functional movements. Body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups and pulling movements help build strength for everyday activities, while carrying weighted objects — known as a farmer's carry, Zemer said — can improve grip, balance and overall stability.

For people who feel intimidated by the gym, working with a qualified trainer for a few sessions can help boost confidence and refine technique, according to Zemer.

Perhaps the most difficult strategy for maintaining muscle is to get enough quality sleep — seven to nine hours, Zemer emphasized.

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"Now, if you don't get that every night, you're not going to lose muscle," he noted. "But when you start to look at actual serious sleep deficiency, like we're talking five hours consistently, that is when you see rapid muscle loss."

"The worst thing you can do, even if you're injured, is to stop doing anything," Zemer said.

"Find things you can do. Even if something hurts you, even if your knees aren't like what they used to be."

Even without structured workouts, regular movement can help slow age-related muscle loss, while being sedentary is associated with rapid declines in muscle mass and strength, the expert cautioned.

The above strategies are especially important for people who are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, Zemer noted, as these drugs can lead to muscle loss in the absence of strength training or adequate protein.

"If you are on a GLP-1, just remember you're accelerating the rate of fat loss, but you're also accelerating the rate of lean muscle," he said.

"You want to make sure you're getting that protein and training, so that you are not losing muscle on top of the fat loss."