Health – Page 2 – Spreely News

Pillows Linked To Higher Glaucoma Risk, Protect Your Vision

Ella Ford April 15, 2026

New research links how you sleep with the risk of worsening eye health, showing that pillow height and neck position can influence eye pressure and blood flow in people with glaucoma; experts weigh in on

Understanding Life Without a Medical Diagnosis: Insights from Dr. Ardis

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 15, 2026

In a recent episode of Dr. Ardis Show, the host explored the concept of living without a medical diagnosis. Dr. Brian Artis discussed the significance of Undiagnosed Day and the implications of seeking a diagnosis

GLP-1 Drugs Reveal Overlooked Risks, Demand Patient Protections

Ella Ford April 15, 2026

Researchers digging through more than 400,000 Reddit posts used AI to map real-world reports about GLP-1 drugs and found some effects that didn’t get much attention in trials, including menstrual changes, temperature swings, fatigue and

Prioritizing Time: Insights from Resilience Brilliance with Jena Taylor

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 14, 2026

In a recent episode of Resilience Brilliance With Jena Taylor, the host delves into the significance of prioritizing time in our lives. Joined by Tiffany Kellogg, a success strategist, the discussion highlights the impact of

Navigating Divorce with Resilience: Insights from a Divorce Specialist

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 14, 2026

In a recent episode of Resilience Brilliance With Jena Taylor, the host explored the complexities of divorce with Mardi Winder, a certified divorce transition and high conflict divorce coach. The discussion focused on the importance

CDC Warns Drug Resistant Shigella Surging, Threatens U.S. Treatment

Ella Ford April 14, 2026

CDC officials are sounding the alarm about a rise in drug-resistant Shigella infections across the United States, based on a large surveillance review. Researchers tested more than 16,000 samples and found a clear uptick in

Young Adults’ Weight Choices Raise Premature Death Risk, Study

Ella Ford April 14, 2026

New research tracking more than 620,000 people finds that gaining significant weight in your late teens and twenties carries outsized, long-lasting harm, raising the risk of early death and chronic disease more than weight gained

Optimism Linked To 15 Percent Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Ella Ford April 14, 2026

New research suggests a link between a person’s outlook and their odds of developing dementia, tracking thousands of adults over more than a decade and finding that greater optimism was tied to a modestly lower

Anemia Signals Cancer, Mortality Risk, Families Must Push Screening

Ella Ford April 14, 2026

New Swedish research flags newly diagnosed anemia as a clear signal worth taking seriously: people who develop anemia face a higher short-term chance of a cancer diagnosis and an elevated risk of death over the

Unvaccinated Blood Requests Threaten Patient Care, Hospitals Warn

Ella Ford April 13, 2026

Hospitals are seeing more patients ask specifically for blood from donors who haven’t had COVID-19 vaccines, a trend that can slow care and create risks; this article examines why those requests happen, how hospitals respond,

Recognize Buffalo Hump Causes, Act Early To Protect Health

Ella Ford April 13, 2026

A fatty lump at the base of the neck, often called a buffalo hump, can be more than a cosmetic annoyance; it has several causes and distinct treatment paths. This piece explains what a buffalo

Rebecca King Crews Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis, New Procedure Helps

Ella Ford April 12, 2026

Rebecca King Crews has quietly lived with Parkinson’s for years, first noticing small signs in 2012 and receiving a diagnosis in 2015, and her story highlights how early-onset cases can be missed, what symptoms to

Government Health Rollback Forces Volunteers To Fill Care Gap

Ella Ford April 11, 2026

Uninsured Americans are turning to volunteer pop-up clinics to get basic care when costs put treatment out of reach; Remote Area Medical runs mobile operations that provide dental, vision and basic medical services for free,

Marriage Protects Against Cancer, Never Married Suffer Higher Risk

Ella Ford April 11, 2026

A new University of Miami analysis of more than four million adults finds a striking link between never marrying and higher cancer rates, with the gap showing up across many cancer types and strongest for

Kelly Ripa Defends Aging Choices, Reveals Butt Microneedling Routine

Ella Ford April 11, 2026

Kelly Ripa recently talked about a beauty trend that has gained attention online: microneedling applied to the buttocks. She discussed the procedure on her podcast and a dermatologist explained what it does, how it’s done,

Poor Hospital Food Worsens Outcomes For America’s Sickest

Ella Ford April 10, 2026

This roundup walks through a string of recent health developments you should know about, from lifestyle risks and surprising fixes to weird medical mishaps and system-level problems. I cover emerging research on liver disease and

Addressing Mental Health and Human Trafficking Challenges in First Responder Communities

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 10, 2026

In a recent episode of A Badge of Honor TV, hosts Samantha Horowitz and John Salerno delved into the mental health struggles faced by first responders, the impact of AI on media platforms, and the

Exploring Traumatic Brain Injuries with NFL Legend Mike Singletary

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 10, 2026

In a recent episode of Dr. Ardis Show, host Dr. Brian Artis delved into the pressing issue of traumatic brain injuries with NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary. The discussion highlighted the impact of such

Ozempic And Wegovy Raise Divorce Risk, Threaten Marriage Stability

Ella Ford April 10, 2026

New appetite-suppressing drugs like GLP-1s are reshaping weight loss, but researchers warn a surprising social side effect: big drops on the scale can shake up relationships. Historical data from people who lost weight through surgery

Exploring COVID-19 Discoveries: Dr. Ardis and Dr. Tau Braun Discuss Controversial Theories

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 10, 2026

In a recent episode of Dr. Ardis Show, host Dr. Brian Artis delved into the controversial theories surrounding COVID-19 with guest Dr. Tau Braun. The episode revisited the contentious idea of snake venom analogs in

High Dose Flu Vaccine Linked To 50% Lower Alzheimer’s Risk In Seniors

Ella Ford April 9, 2026

New research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that older adults who receive the high-dose flu vaccine face a much lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, with the strongest dose

Viral TikToker Nearly Dies From Nose Ring Lodged Near Aorta

Ella Ford April 9, 2026

A young woman in Mexico found out a stubborn cough was actually a tiny metal septum ball lodged deep in her chest, perilously close to her heart, and her story went viral after she shared

Nitazene Derivative Shows Strong Pain Relief, Demands Strict Oversight

Ella Ford April 9, 2026

An experimental compound derived from a long-abandoned class of synthetic opioids showed powerful short-term pain relief in animal tests while avoiding the classic dangers tied to standard opioids, and researchers see potential for safer pain

Antibacterial Soaps Promote Antibiotic Resistance, Threaten Families

Ella Ford April 8, 2026

The debate over antibacterial soaps and household biocides has returned to the spotlight after an international team warned these products could be nudging microbes toward antimicrobial resistance, potentially creating risks for people and the environment.

Salt Habit Raises Heart Risk For Seniors, Study Warns

Ella Ford April 8, 2026

A new analysis of survey data from older adults in Brazil highlights who is most likely to shake extra salt on their meals and why that habit matters for health, while experts suggest simple swaps

High Protein Diet Disarms Cholera, Protects Families

Ella Ford April 8, 2026

Researchers report that common dietary proteins may blunt cholera’s ability to take hold in the gut, cutting bacterial colonization dramatically in animal tests and pointing to a low-cost, food-based approach that could complement vaccines and

Exploring Cancer Prevention and Environmental Risks with Dr. Brian Artis

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 8, 2026

In a recent episode of Dr. Ardis Show, Dr. Brian Artis delves into the alarming rise of colorectal cancer among young adults and the potential environmental and pharmaceutical contributors to cancer risk. He emphasizes the

CMS Memo Forces Hospitals To Follow HHS Guidelines, Threatening Funding

Ella Ford April 7, 2026

Health officials are pushing federal dietary guidelines into hospital kitchens, and the change could reshape what patients eat during their stay. A recent CMS memo nudged hospitals to cut ultraprocessed foods, sugary drinks and refined

Former Marathoner Warns Crowds Could Trigger Celine Dion Return

Ella Ford April 7, 2026

A former marathoner living with stiff-person syndrome reflects on Celine Dion’s announced return to large-scale performances, expressing surprise and concern that crowds and noise could trigger severe spasms and complicate life for people with the

Law Enforcement Warns Prisons Face Rising Synthetic Drug Mail Threat

Ella Ford April 7, 2026

Jails and prisons are facing a new, stealthy threat: paper soaked with synthetic drugs that can cause fatal overdoses and spill danger beyond custody walls. This piece walks through how these substances are being smuggled,

Parental Drinking Undermines Family Safety, Study Finds

Ella Ford April 7, 2026

New research from the Federal University of São Paulo tracked more than 4,200 teenagers and their guardians and found clear patterns: what parents do around alcohol and tobacco matters, parenting style shapes risk, and targeted

Alzheimer’s Tau Disrupts Sleep, Threatens Senior Brains

Ella Ford April 7, 2026

New research links the toxic protein tau to restless brains and broken sleep, suggesting a biological road that could help explain why sleep problems often precede memory loss in neurodegenerative disease. Lab work in female

Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among First Responders: Insights from A Badge of Honor TV

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 6, 2026

In a recent episode of A Badge of Honor TV, hosts Samantha Horowitz and John Salerno discussed the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Joined by guest Evan Easter, a veteran police officer, the

Shoulder Pain Could Signal Early Liver Cancer, Get Checked

Ella Ford April 6, 2026

Unexplained shoulder pain, especially on the right side, can sometimes be more than a strained muscle — doctors say it can be referred pain from the liver, and in rare cases it has been tied

Officials slam hospital food as health experts demand menu overhaul: 'Farm to gurney'

Ella Ford April 6, 2026

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are pushing federal nutrition guidance into hospital kitchens, drawing sharp reactions about patient care, costs and federal reach. This piece looks

Study Warns Americans Face Decade Long Stroke Risk After TIA

Ella Ford April 5, 2026

New research shows that people who suffer a minor stroke face a long shadow: the risk of another stroke can stretch for years. A broad review of studies tied lingering danger to specific, measurable factors

HHS, EPA Move To Cut Microplastics, Protect Drinking Water

Ella Ford April 5, 2026

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have launched a focused effort to tackle microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water, pairing a new research program with regulatory moves that could lead to tougher

LeAnn Rimes Sobs During Jaw Release Therapy Session

Ella Ford April 4, 2026

LeAnn Rimes drew attention after a jaw release session left her visibly moved, and that moment has sparked wider interest in what jaw work actually does, why it can produce intense emotional reactions, and what

Disciplined Meal Routines Boost Weight Loss, New Study Shows

Ella Ford April 4, 2026

New research suggests that repeating meals and keeping daily calories steady can help people lose more weight during a focused program, with a 12-week study showing clearer results for those who stuck to the same

Binge Drinking Triples Advanced Liver Fibrosis Risk, US Study

Ella Ford April 4, 2026

I’ll explain the new research, show who it affects most, describe what “episodic heavy drinking” means, outline the study’s strengths and limits, and include exact quotes from experts so you can hear the takeaways straight

Officials Warn Rhino Tranq Spreads, Menaces Public Safety Nationwide

Ella Ford April 4, 2026

Quick health roundup: this piece jumps between early warning signs for dementia, a worrying uptick in the so-called ‘white plague’ and a possible vitamin therapy for aggressive brain tumors, then moves to human interest wins

CDC Warns Medetomidine Surges In Illicit US Fentanyl Supply

Ella Ford April 3, 2026

Officials are sounding an alarm after finding medetomidine — a powerful veterinary sedative sometimes called rhino tranq — showing up in illegal drugs, often mixed with fentanyl, and creating new dangers for users and challenges

Pridopidine Phase 3 Trial Launches To Expand ALS Treatment Options

Ella Ford April 3, 2026

This article covers a hopeful new development in ALS research: a late-stage trial of the drug pridopidine, why researchers are focused on early, rapidly progressing patients, key results from the earlier phase 2 trial, safety

95-Year-Old British Great Grandmother Sets Five Masters World Records

Ella Ford April 3, 2026

At 95, Jane Asher is still smashing age-group swimming world records and living proof that a lifetime in the pool can pay off. She added five more age-group world records to a collection that tops

FDA Approves Lilly Foundayo Weight Loss Pill, Expands Choice

Ella Ford April 2, 2026

Lilly’s new oral GLP-1 pill Foundayo (orforglipron) has won FDA approval as a daily option for adults with excess weight and related health issues, promising a flexible, needle-free approach that pairs with diet and activity.

HHS EPA Target Microplastics To Protect American Families

Ella Ford April 2, 2026

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a coordinated effort to map, measure and remove microplastics and pharmaceutical contaminants from drinking water and human tissues, rolling out a major

Vaccination Decline Fuels Global Measles Surge, CDC, Bangladesh

Ella Ford April 2, 2026

Measles is on the move again, with a deadly cluster in Bangladesh and rising case counts in the United States prompting officials to rethink schedules and remind communities about the classic symptoms and how easily

Protect Families, Lawmakers Tighten Oversight On Recreational Cannabis

Ella Ford April 2, 2026

This article looks at emerging evidence tying heavy cannabis smoking and vaping to increased cancer risks, outlines key studies and expert comments, and explains how inhaling burned or vaporized substances may harm lung tissue and

GLP-1 Microdosing Raises Safety Concerns, Protect Families Now

Ella Ford April 1, 2026

The conversation around GLP-1 drugs and microdosing has blown up, with advocates praising metabolic and longevity perks while clinicians warn about unclear protocols, costs, and side effects. This article lays out why people are experimenting,

Appeals Court Rules DNA Cannot Identify Twin Father, Family Impact

Ella Ford April 1, 2026

A U.K. appeals court found it impossible to name which of two identical twins fathered a child conceived in 2017, leaving legal paternity unresolved and exposing a real-world gap between DNA testing and the law.

Routine Blood Test Saves Miami Man From Early Colon Cancer

Ella Ford April 1, 2026

A routine blood test turned out to be a lifesaver for a Miami man who had no obvious symptoms, and his case highlights a worrying rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. Microscopic blood loss

Understanding and Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries: Insights from Dr. Ardis

OBBM Network Editorial Staff April 1, 2026

In a recent episode of Dr. Ardis Show, the host delved into the complexities of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), discussing their prevalence, causes, and potential treatments. Dr. Brian Artis highlighted alarming statistics on TBIs among

Telmisartan Enhances Cancer Therapy Effectiveness In Preclinical Study

Ella Ford March 31, 2026

A cheap, commonly prescribed blood pressure drug, telmisartan, appears to boost the effectiveness of a cancer therapy called olaparib in lab and animal studies, offering a surprising and practical route to improve cancer treatment response.

Repairs Heart Damage Using Skeletal Muscle Therapy In Preclinical Study

Ella Ford March 31, 2026

Researchers are testing a fresh way to heal hearts after a heart attack by turning limb muscles into factories that send an inactive repair protein to the injured organ, where it activates and encourages recovery

Niacin Restores Immunity, Improves Glioblastoma Six Month Rates

Ella Ford March 31, 2026

This piece looks at early clinical evidence that high-dose vitamin B3, or niacin, may boost immune response and slow short-term disease progression in glioblastoma when combined with standard treatment. It covers how the small human

Confront Hunger To Win Lasting Weight Loss, Doctor Says

Ella Ford March 30, 2026

Weight loss hinges less on willpower and more on understanding hunger. This piece breaks down why simply eating less often fails, explains the three kinds of hunger that drive our choices, looks at how hormones

Embrace Six Disciplined Habits For Longer, Happier American Life

Ella Ford March 30, 2026

Arthur Brooks and the Harvard Study of Adult Development point to a handful of habits that tend to produce longer, healthier, and happier lives: sensible eating, measured exercise, restraint with substances, ongoing curiosity and learning,

Selena Gomez Urges Persistence, Shares Bipolar Diagnosis Journey

Ella Ford March 30, 2026

Selena Gomez has been candid about her bipolar diagnosis and what it took to get clarity, from misdiagnoses to rehab stays and conversations with loved ones. In candid podcast moments with her husband Benny Blanco

Protect Heart Health With Common Sense Daily Habits, Study Shows

Ella Ford March 30, 2026

A large, eight-year study of more than 53,000 adults suggests the path to better heart health doesn’t always require a dramatic life overhaul. Small, repeatable daily habits — a little more sleep, a few extra

Conservative Leaders Demand Action As TB Cases Rise Nationwide

Ella Ford March 29, 2026

Tuberculosis has been climbing in the United States since the pandemic, driven by missed diagnoses, stalled public health work and the activation of long-hidden infections. Officials are seeing more confirmed cases year over year, and

Hormone Therapy Boosts Tirzepatide Weight Loss In Postmenopausal Women

Ella Ford March 29, 2026

New research from Mayo Clinic suggests postmenopausal women who add menopausal hormone therapy to tirzepatide treatment may see larger weight losses than those taking the drug alone, though the study was observational and not definitive.

Stop Nighttime Phone Use, Protect American Sleep Health

Ella Ford March 28, 2026

Phones at night are undermining sleep more than most of us admit, and a sleep expert lays out why the habit is so damaging and what one simple boundary can do to help. This piece

New Study Links Meat Consumption To Lower Dementia Risk

Ella Ford March 28, 2026

This piece pulls together a batch of fresh health stories and studies shaping conversations right now, from local policy moves to surprising research findings and everyday frustrations. You’ll get clear, punchy takes on regulatory shifts,

Joro Spiders Spread Across Southeast, Threaten Local Yards

Ella Ford March 28, 2026

The Joro spider has moved from curiosity to commonplace across parts of the Southeast, building large, golden webs on porches and power lines and drawing attention from homeowners and scientists alike. This article walks through

Meat Intake May Protect Seniors Memory, Defend Family Health

Ella Ford March 27, 2026

New research tracked more than 2,100 older adults for up to 15 years and found that higher unprocessed meat intake was linked to slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia for people carrying

Infections Raise Late-Onset Dementia Risk For Seniors

Ella Ford March 27, 2026

New research links severe, hospital-treated infections to a higher risk of late-onset dementia, finding that certain bacterial illnesses often precede diagnosis by several years and may play an independent role alongside other medical conditions. A

Tianeptine Sales Banned In Connecticut, Protecting Youth

Ella Ford March 26, 2026

States are moving fast to clamp down on tianeptine, a drug sold openly at convenience stores and gas stations that can produce opioid-like effects. Lawmakers, health officials and clinicians warn it can be highly addictive

Routine Blood Pressure Screening Can Help Protect Seniors From Dementia

Ella Ford March 26, 2026

New Georgetown-led research suggests routine blood pressure checks can reveal patterns of vascular aging that predict dementia risk years before symptoms appear, using simple measures calculated from standard clinic data and long-term trial records. Doctors

CDC Warns Spring Break Travelers Of Dengue Risk, Take Precautions

Ella Ford March 26, 2026

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 1 travel notice about dengue in more than 15 countries, urging usual precautions as outbreaks rise in certain regions. The agency notes dengue

FDA Approves New Higher Dose Wegovy HD Expands Adult Treatment Options

Ella Ford March 25, 2026

The FDA has cleared a higher-dose version of Wegovy, semaglutide at 7.2 mg, aimed at stronger weight loss and longer-term maintenance for adults with obesity or overweight and related conditions. Clinical data showed larger average

Protect Children, Address Childhood Stress to Prevent Gut Disorders

Ella Ford March 25, 2026

New research shows that tough childhood experiences can rewire the gut-brain connection and leave lasting fingerprints on digestive health, from chronic pain to motility problems, with evidence drawn from animal experiments and large human datasets

COVID Variant BA.3.2 Spreads Across U.S., Officials Demand Protection

Ella Ford March 25, 2026

Health officials are tracking a new COVID-19 lineage called BA.3.2 that has spread across multiple countries and turned up repeatedly in U.S. surveillance samples. Scientists say it carries a large number of spike protein changes

Parathyroid Hormone Reverses Chronic Back Pain, Restores Mobility

Ella Ford March 25, 2026

Researchers at Johns Hopkins report that a hormone used for bone disease may do more than strengthen bones: it could block the nerve invasion that causes chronic lower back pain. In animal tests, parathyroid hormone

Study Urges Lawmakers to Reject Medicinal Cannabis for Mental Health

Ella Ford March 25, 2026

A sweeping review of clinical trials finds little strong evidence that medicinal cannabinoids reliably treat depression, anxiety, PTSD or most substance-use disorders, and it flags higher rates of adverse effects and patchy study quality that

FDA Approves Higher Dose Wegovy, Prioritizes Speed Over Caution

Ella Ford March 24, 2026

The FDA has approved a new, higher-dose Wegovy HD injection at 7.2 mg for adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, backed by clinical data showing larger average weight loss, with safety signals

Vasectomies Surge During March Madness, Men Choose Responsible Recovery

Ella Ford March 24, 2026

March Madness has quietly become a favorite window for men to schedule vasectomies, with surgeons saying the steady stream of games makes couch recovery easier and more tolerable. Doctors note a recurring uptick in consultations

Understanding Anger and Forgiveness: Insights from The John Chester Show

OBBM Network Editorial Staff March 24, 2026

In a recent episode of The John Chester Show, host John Ivor Chester, MT-BC, CLC-S, explored the complex emotions of anger and forgiveness, challenging the notion that love should always equate to happiness. Chester emphasized

GLP-1 Patients Who Quit Lose Heart Protection Fast

Ella Ford March 24, 2026

New research finds that stopping GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide can quickly erase heart-protection gains, with continuous treatment showing the strongest benefits and interruptions leaving lasting harm even after restarting. GLP-1 receptor agonists have

Payphone Campaign Rebuilds Community, Restores Respect For Elders

Ella Ford March 23, 2026

Matter Neuroscience has taken a simple, playful idea and turned it into a social experiment: bright yellow payphones on sidewalks that urge strangers to “call a Boomer.” The project pairs older and younger adults for

Chlorpyrifos Exposure Raises Parkinson’s Risk, Protect Families Now

Ella Ford March 23, 2026

The new study from UCLA links long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, using decades of human data along with mouse and zebrafish experiments to explore possible biological

Study Warns Cancer Survivors To Avoid Ultraprocessed Foods

Ella Ford March 23, 2026

New research tracking cancer survivors over nearly two decades links heavier intake of ultraprocessed foods to a higher risk of death, and researchers say the way food is processed matters beyond simple nutrient counts. The

Poor Sleep Quality Raises Dementia, Stroke, Cancer Risk

Ella Ford March 22, 2026

Sleep isn’t just a numbers game; the hours you log matter less than how restorative they are, and small habits can wreck otherwise adequate rest. Experts point to alcohol, late caffeine, stress, phone use and

Alcohol, Hidden Gut Virus Drive Colorectal Cancer Risk

Ella Ford March 21, 2026

Alcohol is a clear and growing risk factor for colorectal cancer, especially in people under 50, and scientists point to direct damage to DNA, shifts in the gut microbiome, and dose-dependent effects tied to how

Patient Safety, Texas Hospitals Lead Nation in Awards

Ella Ford March 21, 2026

Healthgrades’ 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award named hundreds of hospitals across the country for strong safety records, spotlighting top performers and the states where they cluster. This piece breaks down who made the list, what

Researchers Advance Oral Insulin Pill, Boost Patient Choice Now

Ella Ford March 20, 2026

Scientists in Japan say a pill could one day replace many insulin shots, and the new research points to a peptide carrier that helps insulin cross the gut. The team built a peptide called DNP-V

NYC Father Urgently Seeks Bone Marrow Donor To Save Son

Ella Ford March 20, 2026

A New York City father is racing the calendar to find a stem cell donor for his 15-year-old son, whose rare blood disorder is rapidly worsening and could require a transplant within weeks to prevent

Canada’s Failing Health System Leaves Patients Waiting 15 Hours

Ella Ford March 20, 2026

This roundup highlights a string of recent health developments and practical wellness tips, from breathwork to infectious disease alerts and shifts in public health trends. You’ll find concise takes on energy-boosting practices, worrying outbreaks, surprising