Fox & Friends launched Wellness Week to test viral health trends firsthand, diving into red light therapy and hot-and-cold contrast treatments, talking to practitioners and a medical analyst about benefits, timing and safety, and previewing more trend tests to come.
Morning hosts packed into a downtown studio to see what these buzzy treatments actually do. They wanted to separate real results from online hype, and they tried popular options in person to judge heat, comfort and immediate effects. The team kept an eye on the science while noting what feels real and what feels like marketing. Viewers got an up-close look instead of just another social post.
First up was red light therapy at a local wellness studio, where staff explained how the machines work and what clients often report. “The way that it works for our body is we’re able to absorb the heat and the warmth from those red-light therapy light bulbs and give our body the space to help with recovery, help with cell production.” The treatment is sold for everything from inflammation and muscle recovery to collagen support and anti-aging boosts.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, noted that the devices use LED light and are “close to infrared light” while still being visible and safer than sunlight. He said consistent sessions can “promote healing of the skin and more collagen,” though changes are not immediate and usually require several weeks of repeated use. In short, red light therapy shows promise but it needs patience and reasonable expectations.
The team then moved into extreme temperature work, testing the classic hot sauna followed by an icy plunge. One participant spent 15 to 20 minutes in a 190-degree Fahrenheit sauna to raise body temperature and trigger a stress response, then dropped into an ice bath at roughly 46 to 48 degrees. The initial shock was intense and forced controlled breathing, but the immediate physiological reaction was obvious to everyone in the room.
After the plunge, reactions ranged from stunned silence to big smiles. Adam Klotz called it “a rush” and “definitely a shot of life,” and he added, “It clears your mind and … really improves my mental mood.” The contrast treatment can feel cleansing and energizing, and many athletes use it for recovery and circulation improvements.
Siegel pointed to a long-term Finnish study that showed regular use of these practices “decreases mortality (death rate) by about 40% to 50%” when done consistently, which is a striking claim that deserves attention. Still, he was careful with his advice: “you better make sure you’re in good shape” before trying extreme cold exposure. He also urged people to check with a doctor so they “know that their heart is in good shape,” because the cardiovascular stress can be significant.
The crew emphasized that while red light and contrast therapy offer measurable benefits for muscle recovery and inflammation, they are not miracle fixes. Professional medical guidance should steer anyone toward the right frequency, duration and safety steps before plunging into extreme therapies. Simple precautions and realistic expectations make these tools useful rather than risky.
Wellness Week promised more investigations into trending treatments beyond heat and light, including IV drips, wearable tech and sensory deprivation tanks, so viewers can expect continued hands-on reporting. The goal is straightforward: test popular fads, highlight the science, and give practical advice so people can try the things that actually help without getting swept up in every viral claim.
