How Genomic Sequencing Actually Works for COVID Strains

For the last several months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has publicly shared information about the percentage of COVID-19 variants that are circulating in the U.S. at any given time. That data helped scientists know when the Omicron wave was happening, and it also allows everyone to keep tabs on COVID variants as a whole...

7 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood, According to Science

There's plenty of evidence to suggest that activities like working out, spending some time outside during the day, and cuddling with a pet can lift your spirits, and as it turns out, what you eat can also have a big impact on your mood. Whether you've been afflicted with the winter blues or find yourself in a funk you just can't seem to get out of...

What Happens When You Crack Your Back?

There’s nothing like a good snap, crackle, and pop first thing in the morning. (No, we’re not talking about those cute little elves with the cereal.) We’re talking about the glorious feeling of cracking your back—well, for some people at least.

It sounds like a painful pastime, but cracking your back can feel really good, whether it’s the first thing you do when hopping out of bed...

How Runners Can Avoid Overuse Injury

As the grips of winter (hopefully) lessens in the next few weeks across the country, people will be eager to shake off their cabin fever and get outside to get active.

But it might not be the wisest decision to go straight out the door to your first long run workout after a long layoff. Depending on your state of health and fitness, your exercise program should begin with a discussion of your goals and desires...

The 13 Best Immunity Boosting Foods, According to Dietitians

A healthy immune system is what makes the difference between getting sick, say, once a year, and coming down with colds and other illnesses on a regular basis. Much of society’s renewed interest in immunity is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what can you do to actively...

How the Stillness of Yoga Changed the Way I Live My Life

I’ve practiced and studied yoga for many years now, but I can still remember my early days, when I would itch to get off my mat during Savasana. The stillness felt like torture—I would rather have done 40 more chaturangas than lie there motionless. There were even mornings where I’d scope out...

'Clean,' 'Processed,' and Other Meaningless Nutrition Buzzwords You Should Ignore

Everyone wants to eat healthy, but “healthy” doesn’t have a specific meaning. Neither do lots of other food-related buzzwords that are used on packaging or by influencers. These words and phrases are meant to make you feel good (or bad) about your choices, while giving...

When Packing Anxiety Wrecks the Joy of Travel

I loathe packing. Whether I’m heading away for a long weekend or a weekslong excursion, I inevitably find myself staring at an open bag in a cold sweat. The night before a vacation I’m vowing that I’d rather CANCEL THE WHOLE THING than be forced to evaluate which swimsuit...

Are Meal Replacement Shakes a Good Choice for Runners?

If you’ve ever been pressed for time before a run (haven’t we all?) and couldn’t squeeze in a full meal, you’ve probably looked around for more convenient options. One of those potential options: meal replacement shakes or a “meal” you can drink that’s meant to provide...

26 Worst Belly Fat Myths You Should Never Believe

If beating belly fat were easy, we'd all look like magazine cover models. But that doesn't mean flat abs are out of reach; it just requires a comprehensive attack plan...

"To combat fat storage, you need to reduce inflammation, maintain a healthy gut microbiome, avoid foods you may have sensitives to...