The ‘3 Bs’ — including ‘booty’ — are the key to longevity, says health CEO

Living Longer and Healthier

Dr. Robin Berzin, the founder of Parsley Health, emphasizes three key health markers—referred to as the "3 Bs"—that can greatly influence longevity: brains, bones, and booty (muscle mass). She argues that instead of merely focusing on living longer, people, especially women, should prioritize living healthily and feeling good as they age.

The "3 Bs" serve as a shorthand for cognitive health, skeletal health, and maintaining muscle mass. Dr. Berzin points out that these areas are often overlooked but are crucial for staying sharp, strong, and independent as we age. She believes that while people are living longer, they often suffer from chronic diseases. Thus, living healthier is as important as the duration of life itself.

Berzin highlights that women face specific health challenges, particularly during midlife and menopause. She urges everyone, especially women, to focus on their brain health through proper metabolic management, including stable blood sugar levels and sufficient sleep. Additionally, she stresses the importance of maintaining bone health through resistance training and recommended DEXA scans for those over 35 to assess bone density.

Menopause wellness advocate hopes Manitoba clinic will support full spectrum of 'life transition'

A menopause wellness advocate from Winnipeg, Louise Neil, emphasizes the importance of a new clinic in Manitoba that is being established to support women during menopause. She highlights that menopause should be viewed as a "life transition" rather than a medical condition. The clinic, funded with $5.2 million from the provincial budget, needs to offer a wide range of support beyond just hormone replacement therapy.

Neil points out that many women, especially those in perimenopause, are unaware of their condition and lack the necessary support and education. She advocates for the clinic to provide educational resources not only for women but also for employers and healthcare practitioners. The previous closure of the Mature Women's Centre in 2017 left a gap in specialized services for women undergoing menopause, making this new initiative crucial.

The NDP Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara, has assured that the clinic will offer comprehensive care, featuring clinical services, education, and coordinated support. However, Neil warns that one clinic may not be sufficient for the large number of women in the province experiencing menopause, and she hopes for ongoing investments in these essential services. Education and support for family doctors are also vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment of menopause symptoms.

I was told it was ‘just a bad period’ – I actually had endometriosis

A young woman named Tehyana Johnson, 22, from Norwich, has shared her difficult journey with endometriosis, a condition that causes painful symptoms as tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus. For nearly a decade, Tehyana's symptoms, which included severe pain, heavy bleeding, and nausea, were dismissed by medical professionals, with many attributing her pain to her weight or simply classifying it as "just a bad period."

Tehyana had over 250 medical consultations before finally self-diagnosing herself with endometriosis. She received an official diagnosis in July 2025 after undergoing a laparoscopy, which revealed extensive endometriosis affecting multiple organs. Although the diagnosis provided a sense of validation, she expressed frustration over the years of suffering that could have been avoided if her concerns had been taken seriously sooner.

Tehyana is now advocating for faster diagnoses for endometriosis, which affects around 176 million women worldwide. According to the charity Endometriosis UK, the average wait time for diagnosis is over eight years. Tehyana hopes to raise awareness about this often "invisible" condition to help others receive the care they need more quickly.

NBC Select Wellness Awards 2026: The best fitness, sleep and oral care products

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported, and users are encouraged to access the site using a different web browser for a better experience.

The article highlights various deals and promotions currently available, including significant discounts on Apple Watch and vacuum sales during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Additionally, the winners of the NBC Select Wellness Awards 2026 for fitness, sleep, and oral care products are featured.

Various categories of products are listed for wellness and home, including skin care, health, fitness, and kitchen items. The article provides a comprehensive menu of different sections for easy navigation, emphasizing the selection of top stories and gift guides.

Utilization of palliative care services and associated factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Palliative care is essential for enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. However, its utilization is low, resulting in untreated symptoms and diminished patient well-being. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to estimate the rate of palliative care usage among Ethiopian cancer patients and identify factors that influence this utilization.

The study analyzed data from nine cross-sectional studies, involving a total of 2,839 cancer patients. The findings indicated that the overall palliative care utilization rate was 42%. Key factors influencing this utilization included educational attainment and gender, with higher rates observed among educated individuals and men.

Overall, the research underscores a significant gap in palliative care access in Ethiopia, reflecting broader systemic and socioeconomic issues. Recommendations for improvement include decentralizing services to rural areas, integrating palliative care into primary healthcare settings, enhancing workforce training, and raising awareness among patients and families. These steps are crucial for ensuring equitable and sustainable palliative care delivery in the country.

Sword yoga is the hot, new fitness trend turning NYC women into swashbuckling fighters — with the help of a double-edged blade

Sword yoga is a new fitness trend gaining popularity among women in New York City. It combines elements of tai chi, kung fu, and vinyasa yoga, using a sword, particularly a traditional Chinese jian, to promote strength and confidence. Participants find this non-combative workout empowering, allowing them to express themselves and feel a sense of femininity and strength.

One practitioner, Katya Saturday, shared her personal journey with sword yoga, highlighting its role in managing her anxiety and building her self-esteem. She began training with a ladle before transitioning to a collection of swords, stating that using the sword helps her stay present and overcome negative feelings. She describes her experience as transformative, giving her a sense of power and confidence.

Despite the growing interest in sword yoga, women are still underrepresented in traditional swordsmanship and martial arts. Founder of WeaponUp, Sabina Storberg, aims to change this by offering classes that focus on grace and strength. Her approach presents female martial artists not just as tough fighters but also as graceful and powerful women, helping them feel fierce and confident in their practice.

Angry all the time in your 40s? It could be ‘perimenopause rage’

As women enter their 40s, many experience a phenomenon known as "perimenopause rage," characterized by sudden and intense feelings of irritability and anger. This emotional upheaval is tied to hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause. It is estimated that up to 70% of women face mood challenges during this time, which can be exacerbated by factors like poor sleep and increased stress.

Perimenopause typically begins between the ages of 35 and 45, with emotional symptoms often appearing before physical ones, such as hot flashes. The unpredictability of these emotional changes can be frustrating, as women may feel fine one month and overwhelmed the next. Some women are more susceptible to these mood swings, especially those with a history of PMS or other stress-related issues.

The impact of perimenopause rage can be significant, affecting relationships at home and work. Women may feel guilty for snapping at loved ones or struggle with diminished confidence and performance. This emotional turmoil can also lead to anxiety and depression, disrupting intimacy and overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing these changes is crucial for women navigating this challenging phase of life, fostering understanding and support in their relationships.

Premature menopause tied to 40% greater risk of heart attacks

Women who experience menopause before the age of 40 have a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease later in life. A recent study indicates that this risk is about 40% greater, particularly affecting Black women, who are three times more likely to enter premature menopause than white women.

While the exact reasons for this increased risk are unclear, experts suggest that premature menopause should be discussed in relation to heart disease prevention. It is crucial for women to be proactive about their reproductive health and for healthcare providers to ask about menopause and other related factors that could influence long-term heart health.

The study, which included over 10,000 women, revealed that 15.5% of Black women experienced premature menopause compared to 4.8% of white women. The differences may arise from various social and health factors, indicating a need for further research to understand why these disparities exist and how to address them.

Overall, the findings highlight the importance of including menopausal history in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. Recognizing and addressing these risks early could lead to better health outcomes for women at higher risk due to premature menopause.

Delivering in danger: lack of clean water leaves African mothers almost 150 times more likely to die from sepsis, WaterAid research finds

A new report from WaterAid highlights a severe lack of clean water and hygiene facilities in maternity wards across sub-Saharan Africa, leading to a critical health crisis for mothers. Approximately one in nine mothers in this region develops sepsis during or after childbirth, resulting in around 13,000 maternal deaths annually, which translates to 36 mothers lost every day.

The research finds that mothers in sub-Saharan Africa are 144 times more likely to die from sepsis compared to those in Western Europe and North America. This situation underscores the alarming disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in under-resourced areas where hygiene practices during childbirth are inadequate.

Sepsis, a severe infection tied to unsafe childbirth conditions, is a major contributor to maternal mortality, ranking as the third leading cause worldwide. The findings call for urgent action to improve sanitation and water access in maternity wards to protect mothers and reduce preventable deaths.

Meet Hildegard of Bingen, the German Mystic Who Destigmatized Women’s Health

Hildegard of Bingen was a significant figure in the Middle Ages who played a crucial role in changing perspectives on women's health, particularly regarding pregnancy and childbirth. During this time, women sought divine help through prayers and rituals to ensure safe births. They would call upon saints, especially the Virgin Mary, using charms and incantations to invoke protection and support during labor.

One notable ritual from this period was the "Delayed Birth," a sequence of incantations and gestures designed for women to empower themselves through their own capabilities rather than relying solely on external divine forces. This practice highlighted women's intrinsic strength and ability to create life, emphasizing that their maternal bodies were nurturing rather than corrupting.

The "Delayed Birth" ritual recognized that motherhood transcends just giving birth to living children; it also honors the experiences of women who faced infertility or loss. In a society that often viewed these struggles as personal failings, this ritual provided a transformative and supportive framework that acknowledged and validated women's experiences. Through such practices, women were able to reclaim their voices and agency in matters of motherhood and fertility.