Health news

Health Experts Reveal What Happens If You Eat Too Many Pumpkin Seeds

That’s a lot of fiber.

9 Hidden Apple Watch Health Features Revealed by Apple Doctor

"Your wrist might be smarter than your doctor's clipboard." That's the bold reality facing Apple Watch owners who haven't tapped into its full health potential. Beyond step counts and workout rings, Apple's wearable hides a suite of advanced health tools that might just help detect early signs of illness, track long-term wellness trends, and even inform mental health check-ins. These features are more than marketing fluff they're actually backed by clinicians on staff at Apple and, in many cases, cleared by regulators. Everything from subtle temperature fluctuations overnight to breathing irregularities during sleep can be surfaced on the watch - provided you know where to look. As Dr Lauren Cheung, a clinician at Apple says "These devices provide tools for people to be educated and empowered about their health". Here are nine of the most overlooked - and impactful - health features hiding in plain sight on the Apple Watch. 1. Vitals App: Your Overnight Health Dashboard Launched in 2024, the Vitals app compiles heart rate, wrist temperature, respiratory rate, blood oxygen (on eligible models), and sleep duration into a single view. Wear the watch snugly for at least seven nights to establish your baseline. The app then flags when two or more metrics drift outside normal ranges a subtle warning that could precede illness. Dr. Cheung notes that elevated heart rate and temperature together might indicate infection or even the effects of alcohol. This proactive alerting helps users decide whether to rest, seek medical advice, or adjust daily activity. 2. Noise monitoring and hearing health The Noise app measures environmental sound levels and provides warnings for when exposure risks long-term hearing damage. With the AirPods Pro 2 or 3, Apple pairs it with a five-minute test that gives a baseline result without having to go to a clinic. As Crystal Rolfe of the RNID puts it: "Now you've got something right in your pocket, I can't see why you wouldn't do it once a year." The watch is also a mild hearing aid, boosting conversations and automatically adapting audio to suit your hearing profile. 3. Temperature Tracking for Ovulation Estimates In the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra, two sensors measure temperature changes as low as 0.1 degree Celsius. This feature allows Cycle Tracking to retrospectively estimate ovulation so that period predictions can be improved. Experts like Kate White caution against using it as birth control, citing complexities in fertility and misinformation risks. For those using two-factor authentication, the cycle data is encrypted end-to-end in case anyone should be worried about privacy post–Roe v. Wade. 4. Fall Detection with Emergency SOS Available on Series 4 and later, Fall Detection differentiates between workout-related impacts and actual accidents. If you haven't moved for about a minute after a hard fall, the watch calls emergency services and alerts your emergency contacts-including via satellite in areas without cell coverage. Cheung says it's particularly useful for cyclists and highly active people, although there is some risk of false positives when doing high-impact sports. Users can limit the feature to workouts only, or keep it on at all times. 5. Heart Health Notifications & AFib Monitoring The Apple Watch can detect unusually high or low heart rates and rhythms that could signal atrial fibrillation. Its AFib detection has been approved by the FDA, using photoplethysmography to monitor intervals between heartbeats. Although not diagnostic, it elicits timely consultation with a doctor. For those patients, AFib history offers an estimate of the percentage of time in arrhythmia, providing the outputs in PDF format for clinicians. According to Dr. Cheung, AFib is the most common cause of stroke, often with no symptomatology at all. 6. Time in Daylight Tracking The watch estimates the daily exposure to natural light using its ambient light sensor. Cheung refers to various studies that suggest 20 minutes of outdoor time can improve mood and vitamin D among adults, and 80–120 minutes for children to prevent myopia. With Family Sharing, guardians can track how much daylight time a child is getting, potentially influencing habits that can impact eye health and mental well-being. 7. Mood Charting With State of Mind integrated into the Mindfulness app, users can record emotions both in real time or retrospectively, tagging feelings and life areas. Over time, Apple Health correlates mood trends with sleep, exercise, and daylight exposure. Dr. Cheung says it's all about emotional regulation and building resilience. Early adopters describe using it to identify burnout triggers and manage conditions like ADHD it's a very rare mental health tool to be built into mainstream wearables. 8. Sleep Apnea Notifications On Series 9 and Ultra 2, Apple's algorithm analyzes breathing disturbances during sleep, flagging it for users after 30 days of elevated patterns. Dr. Matt Bianchi from the Health Technologies team at Apple says that accelerometry and respiratory data underpin this screening, which is not a diagnosis but rather a prompt for medical evaluation. More than a billion people in the world have untreated sleep apnea and are at increased risk for hypertension and heart disease. 9. Handwashing Timer The Handwashing Timer-which uses motion detection and audio cues, most notably the squelching sound of soap-to achieve 20-second washes-was introduced in 2020. Detection is inconsistent for some users-the false triggers while washing dishes, for one-and the technique can be improved by emphasizing the sounds of the soap, turning a pandemic-era feature into a functional hygiene habit. The hidden health features of the Apple Watch go far beyond casual fitness tracking toward early warnings, behavioral insights, and even environmental monitoring. Some of these tools require careful interpretation and follow-up with healthcare professionals, including those for estimating ovulation or alerting for sleep apnea. Their presence on a consumer device, however, implies a movement toward accessible, continuous health awareness. Unlocking these capabilities for tech-savvy, health-conscious users might mean earlier risk detection, smarter lifestyle choices, and data-driven conversations with doctors.

Frequent nighttime urination? Here's what it means and how to manage it

Frequent nighttime urination, or nocturia, affects millions of adults and often increases with age. Experts say simple lifestyle changes and timely medical advice can make a big difference.

Contagious illness surges in Texas - what parents need to know

Cases are four times higher than last year, data shows.

The CDC reveals the states with the lowest cancer rates in America—and the highest

Stacker used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rank U.S. states and the District of Columbia by their incidence rates of cancer in 2019 (the most recent data available).

The Ripeness Level Of Your Banana Actually Matters For Your Health — Here's How

The nutritional content in a banana changes as it ripens. What ripeness level is best for you?

Health headlines can be confusing—these 3 questions can help you evaluate them

Every week of 2025 seems to bring a new health headline, whether it's about climbing autism rates, changing vaccination recommendations or unexpected cancer risks.

10 healthy habits that improve daily wellness

Lavendaire introduces 10 healthy habits to boost your daily wellness and elevate your lifestyle.

Vitamin C Vs. Zinc for Immune System: Doctors Explain Which Is Better

Let’s dive in.

Why a lemur’s dental infection became an urgent medical case

A routine examination took a serious turn when veterinarians noticed signs of infection spreading inside a lemur’s mouth. Under the careful supervision of Dr. Chris Brown, the team worked to diagnose and treat the hidden cause behind the swelling and pain. What began as a simple checkup quickly revealed the delicate balance between animal health and early intervention. The case highlights how compassion and quick thinking can make all the difference in saving a life.

Bengals' Logan Wilson turns to Pilates for health benefits, recruits teammates to join

Bengals' Logan Wilson turns to Pilates for health benefits, recruits teammates to join

How To Handle a Medical Issue Overseas

Why Your Family Health History Matters Before Baby Arrives

What aspects of your family medical history should you discuss with your doctor while you're pregnant? Our health history form should help.

Editorial (opinion): The long struggle with youth fitness

Recent data shows fewer than half of Connecticut students pass an annual fitness test.

Can Resetting Your Body Clock Help Prevent Dementia?

A new study has looked at the connection.

11 Foods High in Beta Carotene for Eye and Immune System Health

Medically reviewed by Sohaib Imtiaz, MD Beta carotene is the pigment that gives foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach their vibrant color. Your body converts it into vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps support your vision and immune system. 1. Pumpkin Beta carotene: 17,000 micrograms (mcg)Serving size: 1 cup Cooked pumpkin is rich in bet...

Think you’re not allergic to poison ivy? Don’t be so sure

You may have managed to dodge the dreaded rashes until now, but it doesn't mean you'll stay safe forever.

Achieving Cure in Multiple Myeloma

MRD negativity will remain a prerequisite for cure and remain a hot topic for debate

Is Diabetes Reversible? Doctors Reveal What the Latest Research Says

The answer depends on your diagnosis.

7 reasons you constantly feel tired

Practical Ways Seniors Can Stay Healthy, Peaceful, and Happy Without Relying on Family

Staying healthy and happy in later life is possible even without day-to-day family help. You have the ability to create contentment through practical steps that focus on your independence. Helpful guidance is available from trusted organizations for everything from community resources to harm prevention. Today, we will find out how regular movement, a healthy diet,... The post Practical Ways Seniors Can Stay Healthy, Peaceful, and Happy Without...

The spice that can fortify your immune health and aid digestion

The cooking spice that can fortify your immune health - The spice has a shelf life of up to four years

'BeanTok' trend goes viral with wild gut health promises — here's what experts say

Gen Z drives new wellness craze of eating beans for improved digestion and mood, while a gastroenterologist confirms the benefits but recommends starting with smaller portions.

Warning issued to people taking a certain painkiller for common leg condition

A warning has been issued to people who take one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers, as it can cause a number of side effects that a doctor should know about as soon as possible.

How to know if you’re vitamin D deficient and what to do about it

How to know if you’re actually vitamin D deficient and what to do about it - Experts say that if you only take one supplement, it should be this one but dosage is everything

What Candy Can People With Diabetes Eat, and How Much Is Safe?

It is possible to eat candy when you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn about the best choices for your situation, and how much is safe to eat.

What are the first signs of diabetes? Here's what experts need you to know.

It’s estimated that 37 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes. Early detection is essential.

Frequent reflux episodes lasting beyond six months warrant medical evaluation, expert says

Acid reflux can feel like your heart or chest is burning. If you've ever experienced acid reflux, you may have wondered if it was abnormal or dangerous.

Mindfulness may improve the health of women with chronic jaw pain

Living with chronic pain on a daily basis impacts not only the body but also the mind and emotions. This is the reality for thousands of people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition affecting the joint responsible for opening and closing the mouth, as well as the chewing muscles. For these individuals, constant jaw, temple, facial, or ear pain; difficulty chewing; and headaches can affect their daily routine and mental health.

'Health is the face of climate change': how can cities mitigate the impact of global warming

A Lancet report released last week found that since the 1990s, heat-related deaths have increased 23% to 546,000 annually as global temperatures rise. We speak with Emilia Carrera, Director of the Health Initiative at the Rockefeller Foundation, about how urban areas can mitigate the impact of global warming in cities and protect residents in urban areas.

Diabetes, obesity, heart disease to make US visa and Green Card tougher

Foreign nationals seeking to stay in the US could be denied visas if they have diabetes, heart disease and obesity, among other medical conditions. The US State Department sent the new guidelines to American embassies worldwide. The norms are especially aimed at those seeking permanent residency. Officers have been asked to consider future medical costs that applicants and their dependents are likely to add.

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Brussels Sprouts Regularly

Medically reviewed by Roxana Ehsani, RD Key Takeaways The vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants in Brussels sprouts help manage blood sugar and blood pressure, support gut and heart health, reduce inflammation and cancer risk, and more.To enhance the flavor and texture of Brussels sprouts, try steaming, grilling, stir-frying, and roasting thi...

For Your Patients: Understanding Relapse and What It Means for Your Multiple Myeloma

The longer the remission, the better the prognosis

8 Ways to Stay Healthy As You Age

Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, head of the Framingham Heart Study, reflects on seven decades of lessons in longevity.

Sourdough Bread May Have Health Benefits, But Some Doctors Recommend Reading The Label Carefully

Some research has linked it to better digestion, but fakes abound.

Why most people fall off a ‘health cliff’ at 75 — and 5 ways to avoid the drop

Longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia reveals why most people decline sharply in their 70s, and shares his athlete-inspired approach to healthy aging and fitness.

Influencer’s post sparks debate on postpartum perfection

The subject of postpartum has become increasingly acknowledged in mainstream media, as women reflect openly about the period.

Three of the best exercises to improve your heart health

Your heart is the centre of your body in more than one way. It keeps blood flowing to your limbs and other organs, but it also dictates the health of your entire cardiovascular system. As your heart ages, it thickens and becomes stiffer (as do your arteries), making it less efficient at its job. If your heart is ageing poorly, you will see very neg...

The Simple Daily Movement That Slashes Heart Disease Risk and Boosts Energy

Protecting your heart doesn't require overhauling your life; it requires consistency. By embracing these simple, daily movement habits and making targeted nutritional choices, you are actively building a stronger, more efficient cardiovascular system, ensuring a high-energy, pain-free life for decades to come.

Flu season is back in SC. Here are the latest case numbers and the 4 counties where it's worst

From sneezing, headaches and coughing, the influenza virus is once again making its rounds. Here's what Palmetto State residents should know about the current season.

We Asked Doctors Which Supplements Actually Support Healthy Aging—These Are the 9 They Recommended

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Supplements are everywhere these days, promising to help improve nearly every facet of your health—some also say they can boost longevity or promote healthy aging. Taking supplements can’t guarantee that you’ll live longer, and many products aren’t doctor-approved or backed by medical research. But certain products sta...

7 Fatty Fish High in Omega-3s That Help Support a Healthy Heart and Brain

Medically reviewed by Jonathan Purtell, RDN Fatty fish, including salmon, herring, and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats crucial for maintaining heart and brain health. Since the body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, you will need to include them in your diet. 1. Salmon 1.0 to 3.0 grams of EPA/DHA ...

Alzheimer’s decline could slow dramatically with one simple daily habit, study finds

A new study reveals that walking just 3,000 to 7,500 steps daily may delay Alzheimer's cognitive decline by up to seven years for at-risk adults.

40 Foods and ingredients that are rich in vitamins

By incorporating foods that are packed with vitamins into your diet, you can give your body the fuel it needs to function at its best! Here's a list to help you add more vitamin-rich foods to your diet today.

Seven tips to verify online medical information is valid

Why the truth about intermittent fasting matters for burning visceral fat

Intermittent fasting has become a buzzword - but what does it really do when it comes to visceral fat, the deep-seated fat that surrounds organs and raises health risks? In this guide, experts break down the science behind fasting, explaining what actually happens in the body, how hormones shift, and where fat loss is most likely to occur. Beyond the fasting window, they reveal the smart habits - like resistance training, proper protein intake, and quality sleep - that turn the theory into real results. This isn’t just about skipping meals; it’s about understanding how to burn visceral fat safely and sustainably.

She's 90 and a professional caregiver. Workers over 80 say jobs that help their peers live longer and better are the best they can get

Many of the 550,000 Americans 80 and older who still work do jobs that improve the lives of other 80-year-olds. They're home health aides and nurses.

1 in 6 American parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. Here's why — and how vaccine hesitancy can hit your bottom line

Reasons weren’t limited to health risk concerns.

Advanced breast cancer patients living longer thanks to improvements in treatment and care

People diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2025 can expect to live for an extra six or seven months, compared to the average survival time for patients diagnosed in 2011, according to a major study of patient data in the US presented at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8).

3 types of hair loss and the treatments that actually help

We asked dermatologists what people with thinning hair should do to slow it down or reverse it.