Health

Americans are increasingly obtaining and using unapproved, compounded, or repackaged drugs — from Vyleesi being taken by men to a growing market for peptides and GLP-1 variants — often via online vendors and compounding pharmacies.

Steve Gaines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president and longtime pastor, has been placed in hospice care as he continues his battle with kidney cancer, his church and Baptist Press reported.

Mirasol's café in Dartmouth launched a collagen-based "Collagen Crush" latte on March 2, and the iced version has been popular with customers.

A substitute teacher and her boyfriend were indicted in Texas on multiple child sex-related charges after arrests in December 2025; both suspects had their bonds increased following grand jury indictments.

A randomized trial by Mass General Brigham found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a small difference in reported lingering symptoms eight weeks after infection (21% vs. 25%) and did not change short-term illness severity or healthcare visits.

Sleep specialists identified tart cherries as a natural source of melatonin, and a 2025 review of seven studies reported improvements in sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and time to fall asleep.

The World Health Organization released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria; allocations include $1 million for Lebanon and $500,000 each for Iraq and Syria.

Experts report that deep sleep declines with age and that aligning time in bed with actual sleep ability — rather than simply extending time in bed — can improve sleep efficiency and support restorative sleep.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released updated cholesterol guidelines published March 13 that replace the 2018 guidance and emphasize earlier screening — including in some people in their 30s — and a shift toward assessing lifetime cardiovascular risk with a new PREVENT-ASCVD calculator.

Two sleep experts note that seven hours falls within recommended ranges for many adults and that waking during different points in sleep cycles, plus sleep regularity and oversleeping, can influence morning grogginess.

Sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta outlines bedroom changes that address mattress and pillow fit, room temperature, darkness and noise control, and air quality as factors tied to sleep quality.

A writer with mild obstructive sleep apnea used an app-based program of orofacial exercises and recorded a reduction in snoring frequency and volume, though the benefits lessened after the exercises stopped.

A 2026 Vitality–LSE study reported that keeping bedtimes within a one-hour window and getting 7+ hours of sleep was associated with lower mortality risk and up to four extra years of life. Sleep experts describe six circadian anchors—consistent wake time, morning light, regular meals, daytime activity, a bedtime routine and reduced evening light—to support sleep regularity.

The NHS is marking one year since patients began receiving medicines made from plasma donated in the UK, and some patients report symptom stabilisation after monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions.

A GoFundMe for 78-year-old DoorDash driver Richard Pulley has raised more than $884,000 after a viral video; donors praised the community's support.

Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, clarified in written responses that she believes people should get the measles vaccine; the CDC reported 1,362 cases across 31 states as of March 12, 2026.

A board-certified neurologist explains that regular moderate-intensity swimming can improve sleep for people aged 65 and over by increasing sleep drive, easing pain, supporting mood, and offering social interaction; the article cites a practical target of about 20–40 minutes of pool time three times a week, earlier in the day.

About 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023, according to an analysis of National Health Interview Survey data published in NEJM Evidence.

Officials say a 10-year-old was detained after a 7-year-old student was injured at Benjamin Bubb Elementary; the victim is reported to be recovering.

A Johns Hopkins study found a single high dose of psilocybin combined with cognitive behavioral therapy led to higher six-month quit rates than nicotine patches in a small trial; researchers plan a larger study to test the approach further.

A sandstorm swept across Gaza on Saturday, striking tents and makeshift shelters and creating a dusty haze over Gaza City and Khan Younis. The United Nations says millions remain displaced and about 80 percent of buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli airstrikes since March 2 have killed at least 31 health professionals and wounded 51, and a strike on a southern health center reportedly killed 12 with four people missing; the World Health Organization criticized attacks on health workers.

The article reports that the United States spends more per capita on health care than peer nations, while Canada and the U.K. show lower per-capita spending alongside reported wait-time challenges.

Sleep specialists said they avoid lingering in bed or sleeping in and instead prioritize morning light exposure and activity to support the body's circadian rhythm.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Vivian Bucay highlights retinoids for their ability to increase collagen, and the article mentions a CeraVe drugstore serum that combines encapsulated retinol with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Black rice contains more fiber and antioxidant pigments than white rice and is reported to take about 30 minutes to simmer plus a 10-minute steam before serving.

Colorectal cancer rates are rising among adults under 50 and more than 90% of Americans fall short of the recommended 25–34 grams of daily fiber; Dr. Bea Bakshi highlights simple additions—seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, high-fiber fruits and smoothies—to help raise fiber intake.

The one-hour sleep rule — going to bed and waking within the same one-hour window each day — is part of a 7:1 approach the author tested and says helped them fall asleep within minutes and stop waking at 3 a.m. Research cited links regular sleep timing with lower rates of depression and anxiety and with longer life expectancy.

Experts identify seven common sleep hygiene errors — such as late alcohol, heavy evening meals, clock-watching and insufficient daytime light — that are linked to middle-of-the-night awakenings and longer-term insomnia.

Experts describe a 'brain bedroom' as a calm, clutter‑free sleep space that uses warm lighting, natural materials and airflow; a sleep researcher says these cues can lower arousal and support sleep.