Editorials

A drug already prescribed for heart conditions and erectile dysfunction is showing early promise in a surprising new area: protecting muscles from age-related decline.

Most people associate tadalafil with two things — blood pressure management and erectile dysfunction. But early-stage research suggests this well-known drug may have a role to play in one of the biggest challenges of aging: keeping your muscles strong. Here's what the science actually says, and what it means for you right now.

Researchers say building muscle isn't just about how you look — it may be one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your brain, bones, and heart as you age.

You might think lifting weights is something for athletes or twenty-somethings chasing bigger biceps. But a growing body of research suggests that strength training could be one of the single most important habits adults over 40 can build — for longevity, brain health, and quality of life. Here's what the science says, and how to get started safely.

Sleep researchers and medical groups have weighed in — and they largely agree on which clock is better for your health.

Twice a year, millions of Americans reset their clocks and spend a week feeling groggy, cranky, and off. Most people assume the disruption is temporary. But a growing body of research suggests the clock we live on year-round may matter just as much as the switch itself — and experts say one option lines up far better with how your body is built to work.

Artificial intelligence is transforming medicine fast — but there are things it still cannot do that your doctor can.

You may have heard that AI can now read X-rays, flag cancer early, and predict who is likely to land in the hospital. Some of that is true. But if you think a computer is about to replace your physician, the full picture is a lot more nuanced — and a lot more reassuring.

Heavier, lighter, later, or more painful — your cycle can shift for many reasons, and knowing the difference between normal and not is worth your attention.

You've had the same general cycle for years. Then suddenly something changes. Maybe it's heavier than usual, or it skips a month, or the cramps are worse than you ever remember. Before you spiral into worry — or brush it off entirely — here's what the evidence actually says about why periods change and when it's time to call your doctor.

Severe menstrual pain is common — but common doesn't always mean normal. Here's what the research says about when to pay closer attention.

You've probably heard it before: cramps are just part of being a woman. But what if that message has caused millions of people to dismiss pain that actually deserves medical attention? Understanding the difference between typical period discomfort and something more serious could be one of the most important things you do for your long-term health.

If you finish a full meal and find yourself raiding the kitchen an hour later, the problem probably isn't your willpower.

You ate a real meal. Not a handful of crackers — an actual plate of food. And yet, sixty minutes later, your stomach is growling again. Sound familiar? Before you blame a lack of discipline, consider this: biology might be running the show.

There are well-understood reasons why some meals satisfy you for hours while others leave you hungry almost immediately. Once you know what's driving the signal, you can make simple changes that actually keep hunger in check.

You already know sleep feels good. But a growing body of research suggests it may actually be adding years to your life.

Most of us treat sleep as the first thing we cut when life gets busy. Work deadlines, late-night scrolling, early alarms — and suddenly seven hours becomes five. But science is making a strong case that skimping on sleep isn't just making you tired. It may be quietly shortening your life.

Those flashy little packets near the cash register may look harmless, but federal health authorities say some contain hidden pharmaceutical ingredients — and the health risks are real.

They are sold right next to the beef jerky and lottery tickets. Brightly colored packets with bold promises about male performance, stamina, and sexual vitality. No prescription required. No doctor visit. Just a few dollars at the register and you are on your way.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly warned that many of these over-the-counter sexual enhancement supplements contain undisclosed prescription drug ingredients — including sildenafil, the active compound in Viagra, and tadalafil, found in Cialis. That means millions of men may be unknowingly taking potent cardiovascular drugs without any medical oversight.

Decades of low-fat dietary advice are being questioned — and the science behind it is more complicated than you might think.

You've been told for years to choose skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese. But a growing body of research is challenging that long-standing advice. Some large studies now suggest that full-fat dairy may not be the heart villain it was made out to be — and for certain health outcomes, it may even have an edge.

Science is building a real case that your four-legged companion does more than lift your mood.

You already know your dog makes you smile. But could that wagging tail actually be adding years to your life? A growing body of research suggests the answer may be yes — and the reasons go deeper than a daily walk around the block.

Your walking pace may reveal more about your health than you think — and changing it could matter.

You probably think about what you eat, how much you sleep, and whether you're getting enough exercise. But here's something most people never consider: how fast they walk. A growing body of research suggests your natural walking pace may be one of the simplest — and most surprising — windows into how long you'll live.

You don't have to punish yourself at the gym to build a healthier heart, sharper metabolism, and longer life — this overlooked training method explains why.

Most people assume that harder workouts mean better results. But a growing body of research suggests that slowing down — way down — may be one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term health. Zone 2 training is having a moment in longevity and sports medicine circles, and the science behind it is worth understanding.

Cardio gets all the credit, but new research suggests your weight rack deserves a place in your heart-health routine.

Most people think of heart health and picture a treadmill or a morning jog. But a growing body of research is asking a different question: what if lifting weights is just as important for your heart as aerobic exercise? The findings may surprise you.

What you eat in the first hour of the day can set the tone for your energy, appetite, and blood sugar for hours to come.

Most people think breakfast is just about not being hungry. But nutrition science tells a different story. The foods you choose in the morning can either steady your blood sugar for hours or send it on a roller coaster that leaves you tired, hungry, and reaching for a snack by 10 a.m. Here is what the research actually says about building the best breakfast for stable blood sugar.