Blowing Away Sleep Apnea? Ancient Conch Shell Practice Shows Promise
An ancient Indian tradition may hold a surprising key to better sleep. A small randomized controlled trial, published in ERJ Open Research, found that regularly blowing into a conch shell — known as shankh blowing — significantly reduced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with moderate cases. OSA is a common sleep disorder where airway blockages cause repeated...
Why Do I Hiccup When I Eat Carrots?
If you’ve ever noticed hiccups striking after eating carrots, you’re not alone — and there’s a surprising mix of reasons why this crunchy snack might trigger them. Hiccups happen when your diaphragm — the muscle that helps you breathe — involuntarily contracts, followed by your vocal cords snapping shut. This reflex can be set off by anything that irritates the...
Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska for High-Stakes Ukraine Talks
Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, August 15, in a bid to find a path toward ending the war in Ukraine. The announcement came on the same day Trump’s deadline expired for Russia to accept a ceasefire or face harsher U.S. sanctions. Three earlier rounds of talks this summer—initiated by Trump—have failed...
White House Orders Sweeping Review of Eight Smithsonian Museums
The Trump Administration has launched a sweeping “comprehensive internal review” of eight Smithsonian museums, aiming to align them with President Trump’s cultural directives ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch—signed by White House officials Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley, and Russell Vought—the administration called for celebrating “American exceptionalism,” removing “divisive narratives,” and reinforcing public...
FDA Moves to Ban Red Dye No. 3 in Food and Drinks
The FDA announced it will ban the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in animals, from food and drinks. This dye, found in products like candy, cereals, and milkshakes, has been banned in cosmetics since 1990. Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have pushed for this move due to evidence linking the dye to cancer...
Urgent Recall: Deadly Bacteria Found in Hand Soap
DermaRite Industries is recalling nearly four dozen lots of its hand soaps and lotions nationwide after discovering contamination with Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), a bacteria that can cause life-threatening sepsis in vulnerable individuals. The affected products were distributed across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The recall covers four products: DermaKleen – Antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E for reducing bacteria...
What It Really Takes to Be “Wealthy” in America in 2025 — And Why It’s Not Just About Money
If you want to be considered “wealthy” in the U.S. this year, the magic number is $2.3 million in net worth, though where you live can push that figure much higher. According to Charles Schwab’s 2025 Modern Wealth Survey, Americans in the West say you need a staggering $3 million to earn the “rich” label, while those in the...
The Truth About Chemical Sunscreens — and Why Natural Options Are on the Rise
Social media is fueling a growing skepticism toward chemical sunscreens — and with good reason. While health agencies maintain their safety, many consumers are questioning whether applying a cocktail of synthetic chemicals to our largest organ every day is truly harmless. Chemical sunscreens, which use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene, work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into...
Tax Time Trap: How One Filing Error Cost a Family $1.5 Million
Estate planning is meant to preserve and protect your wealth for future generations, but one costly oversight shows just how quickly mistakes can wipe away those intentions. After Fay Rowland passed away in 2016, her husband attempted to use a tax provision called “portability,” which allows a surviving spouse to claim any unused portion of their partner’s estate tax exemption....
Breathe Easy, Heart Strong: How an Air Purifier Could Help Your Heart
It turns out that one small home upgrade might have a big payoff for your health. Running a HEPA air purifier could do more than freshen the air—it might actually help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart problems. Recent research found that people with slightly elevated systolic blood pressure who used a real HEPA purifier for...
