Category: Health

When it comes to national policies around paid sick or family leave, the United States falls short compared to other developed countries.

Around 28 million Americans lack access to paid sick time, which disproportionately affects low-income workers and their families, particularly caregivers.

A recent survey from Theraflu and Wakefield Research of more than 1,000 employed U.S. adults who care for someone in their household found that 80% of respondents couldn’t afford to take a sick day.

More than half of respondents said they worked while sick because they needed the income, while 28% said that taking a sick day could put their job at risk.

Working parents are often obligated to continue their responsibilities even when they’re sick. Mothers are more likely than fathers to bear the brunt of this responsibility, even in the most egalitarian households.

That’s why track and field icon Allyson Felix is on a mission to help make paid sick time a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

The five-time U.S. Olympian partnered with Theraflu to raise awareness for The Right to Rest & Recover Fund, which has offered microgrants to families that help offset lost income from unpaid sick days. The Fund has distributed more than $1 million in microgrants since 2021.

As a mom of two, Felix knows firsthand how physically and emotionally taxing it can be to care for young children when you’re unwell. As a former elite sprinter specializing in the 200m, 400m, and relay events, Felix understands the importance of rest and recovery for both the body and the mind.

Now retired, the most decorated American track and field athlete in history — with 11 Olympic medals across five Games and a three-time world champion — has her heart set on a new goal: Paid sick leave for all.

“I don’t think it’s a conversation that we’re having enough of,” Felix told Healthline. “I love that Theraflu is doing something about it for people who are experiencing this hardship.”

Regardless of your parenting or caregiving status or even your fitness level, everyone benefits from rest and recovery — and from sick days when you need them.

Clarinda Hougen, MD, primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles, CA, said that from an exercise science standpoint, rest and recovery are fundamental.

“When we exercise, we place stress on our muscles, tendons, and other tissues,” she told Healthline.

“Healing the microtears that occur in muscle tissues during exercise results in muscle hypertrophy and can only occur during periods of rest. In other words, strength gains and improved endurance occur during recovery rather than during the exercise itself.”

Hougen shared a few tips to prioritize rest and recovery:

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
• Build 1–2 rest days into your weekly exercise regimen.
• Practice “active recovery” (i.e., light walking, cycling, yoga, or other low intensity activities immediately after a high intensity workout).
• Eat a nutritious diet including protein and carbohydrates.

“Athletes who participate in a variety of different activities that involve different types of movement are less likely to experience injury,” she said.

“Rest and recovery should absolutely be considered a core pillar of every individual’s wellness regimen,” Hougen said.

“If rest periods are inadequate over many weeks, the body is not able to fully repair and heal damaged tissues, and overtraining syndrome may develop,” she said. “When this occurs, athletes may feel decreased enjoyment in their sport and increased perceived exertion during activity.”

From a physical standpoint, recovery practices might include intentional rest, sleep, and other forms of lighter exercise.

Felix echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that it’s important to recognize when you need rest and recovery and to carve out time and space for it.

“I just try to do the best that I can each day by being intentional and planning out how I’m going to take care of my body,” Felix said.

With her Olympic career in the rearview, Felix still maintains an active lifestyle. She hits the track for speed workouts and recovers with other forms of exercise like Pilates or spending time outdoors with her family.

She stays busy pursuing her latest ambitions, including the Theraflu initiative, a shoe company, and an athletic talent agency.

But her greatest achievement, she says, is motherhood. Here’s how she finds balance with it all.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Felix: I think we live in a time where this kind of mentality of ‘no days off’ and ‘just pushing through’ is almost glorified. What I found is that it’s just not sustainable, and our rest and recovery are so important.

I learned that so much as an athlete, but now I see it in every aspect of life and just how valuable it is for everyone.

You have to fill your cup first. You have to be able to do the things that support longevity and let you do all the things you want to do. And to me, in this phase of life, I understand that more you know now than ever.

Felix: I think I just understand it; I’m living it. And I also understand the double burden of being a caregiver: when you’re sick, your responsibilities don’t stop. People depend on you, the little ones depend on you, and you have to show up for them.

When one of my kids is sick, I’m navigating that double burden if I’m not feeling well. I think that if you’re not in this situation, you probably don’t really understand it.

Felix: I try to prioritize taking care of my body, from the things I’m eating, the nutrition I’m getting, the sleep I’m getting — and sometimes it’s really challenging, because I have little kids.

For me, it’s about asking for help when I need it. There are days when I feel like I’m not going to make it, and I tell my husband I’m going to get a 30-minute nap to take care of myself.

Then there’s prioritizing my mental health, whether that’s scheduling time on my calendar to do something that brings me joy or to rest. You have to make space for it, because there are a million things that will always come up. I try to be intentional about how I take care of myself.

Honestly, I think it used to be a lot easier when it was my sole job to take care of my body and be an Olympic athlete. I had a nap built into my day, and everything revolved around training.

I think now, it’s more the reality of how I can prioritize taking care of myself and my family, work, and all of the things.

Felix: Moving my body just makes me feel like me.

A lot of times, it’ll look like early mornings or late nights on the treadmill or doing something at home. I also enjoy playing tennis. I still enjoy doing track workouts. I enjoy doing Pilates, so I try to switch things up and have a nice variety to make sure I keep moving.

Focusing on family has also been a really great exercise for the family. We love to take walks at the end of our days. Now my daughter can ride her bike, and we have one of those little tow things for my son, so we’ll go on the bike path. Staying active as a family is really key as well.

Felix: Motherhood is my greatest role. It brings me the most joy of all the things I get to do. The work I do, I’m passionate about it. When I get to advocate for mothers and parents and do work that I’m passionate about and believe will have an impact, just having a sense of purpose is very fulfilling.

And my businesses, I’m growing them — my shoe company, Saysh, my agency, Always Alpha — and knowing that they are in the world, I want them to have the most impact.

As an Olympian, it’s very clear-cut; success is very easy to determine. Now it’s just shifting that mindset to say that success, to me, looks like impact: How can I put that out into the world?

I still love to push myself athletically and set ambitious goals — there aren’t as many eyeballs on me when I’m doing those things.

Felix: Whenever I’m able to be still and disconnect from everything that’s going on around me, I think about the time when I’m here with my family at home.

Whether we’re going on a walk or I’m just watching my kids’ faces, there’s so much joy in just the very simple things.

I think about how I’m raising them, and I want them to be great people in the world, good people with good values. When I look at them, I get reminded that there’s still a lot of good here, and that we’ve got to keep fostering it.

I remind myself of that often; just taking a moment to notice the little things, the simple things that can bring you a lot of joy that I think we often just overlook, because we’re not looking up.

• A recent study has shown that fructose plays a role in driving disease.
• The research shows that the effects fructose can have on the body may be associated with metabolic syndrome.
• Understanding the effects of fructose on the body may help develop new strategies to prevent and treat metabolic diseases.

Fructose is a simple sugar that is found both naturally, in honey and fruits, and in sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose (table sugar).

A recent review published in Nature Metabolism highlights the role fructose plays in driving disease. This is separate from its role as a source of calories.

Consumption of fructose has grown significantly over the past few centuries, driven by the increased use of sweeteners in the average diet.

Fructose can be problematic because it has twice the sweetness of glucose. This may lead to increased cravings for more fructose-containing foods and drinks.

“Fructose found in these processed forms is not handled the same way as regular blood sugar,” said Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished, who wasn’t involved in the study.

“When it is consumed, it goes to the liver, where it easily turns into fat, which can build up in the liver and around the organs and contribute to conditions like fatty liver and metabolic syndrome,” she told Healthline.

Unlike glucose, fructose has unique metabolic effects. These effects may help contribute to obesity and related conditions.

“The emerging body of research suggests that fructose is not metabolically identical to all other carbohydrates, especially when it is consumed in excess through sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods,” said Serena Poon, certified nutritionist & longevity wellness advisor. Poon wasn’t involved in the study.

“Excess calories still matter, but fructose may affect metabolism differently than other sugars, particularly in the liver … In my view, this supports a more nuanced conversation because it is not just about sugar in the abstract, but also about the form, dose, and dietary context in which fructose is consumed,” Poon told Healthline.

The review highlights how the metabolism of fructose bypasses key regulatory steps in the energy processing pathways. This can have various effects, including:

• increased fat synthesis
• depletion of cellular energy
• production of compounds associated with metabolic syndrome

The review points out that fructose metabolism can contribute to more than metabolic syndrome.

It has associations with:

“High intakes of ultra-processed or concentrated fructose can also raise uric acid and increase oxidative stress,” said Routhenstein.

Poon echoed these remarks. “There is also emerging evidence that high fructose exposure may affect appetite regulation, satiety signaling, and gut barrier function, especially when intake is chronic and concentrated in liquid form,” she said.

“That said, the strongest concerns are generally tied to patterns of habitual excess intake rather than to modest amounts consumed in whole foods.”

Poon cautioned that people should “not turn this into a fear-based conversation about all fructose-containing foods. Whole fruit can absolutely fit into a healthy dietary pattern and is consistently viewed differently from added sugars in the research.”

Routhenstein agreed. “The study is really about large amounts of added fructose (like in sodas and ultra‑processed foods), which overload the liver and drive fat buildup and metabolic problems, not the smaller amounts naturally present in whole fruit,” she said.

“Whole fruits don’t contain excessive amounts of fructose, and they come packaged with fiber and beneficial plant compounds. These beneficial compounds found in fruit help slow sugar absorption, and help reduce inflammation around the liver and support cholesterol-lowering and metabolic functions,” Routhenstein continued.

To limit your intake of fructose, Poon recommended reading food and beverage nutrition labels.

“Fructose often appears through ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, fruit juice concentrate, and other added sweeteners,” she said.

Routhenstein suggested limiting or avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages and juices.

Choosing whole fruit and focusing on minimally processed foods can also help.

“Increasing dietary fiber, and building meals around protein, healthy fats, and high quality carbohydrates can help reduce excess fructose exposure without making the diet feel unnecessarily restrictive,” Poon said.

“For most people, the goal does not need to be eliminating fructose entirely, but rather reducing habitual overload from processed foods and beverages,” she said.

• An executive order signed by the Trump administration reclassifies medical cannabis as a less dangerous drug.
• Although this does not legalize cannabis under federal law, it marks a significant shift in policy.
• The change will provide significant tax breaks for businesses that sell cannabis and ease barriers for researchers who possess the drug in order to study it.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order on April 23 to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

This major shift in policy does not legalize cannabis for recreational or medical use under federal law. However, reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug changes how it’s regulated.

For instance, licensed medical cannabis businesses will receive tax breaks. Researchers studying the drug’s effects will run into fewer roadblocks.

The move aligns with advocates who’ve long said the substance shouldn’t be held in the same regard as drugs like heroin by the federal government.

Trump told the press that he had received several phone calls pleading for restrictions to be lifted. In December, he told his administration to move quickly on reclassifying cannabis.

“The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” Blanche said in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

“This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.”

The move to reclassify marijuana focuses on medical cannabis and products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Trump administration has scheduled a June hearing that will provide a pathway for evaluating broader changes to cannabis status under federal law. For now, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.

Most states allow recreational use, medical use, or both. Only 2 states — Idaho and Kansas — do not have any legal cannabis programs whatsoever.

This means that anyone researching or selling cannabis in a state where it was legal was subject to federal prosecution.

Currently, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I drug in the same class as LSD and heroin, which have significant potential for abuse and “no currently accepted medical use.”

Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug puts it in the same bracket as Tylenol mixed with codeine: Medically beneficial drugs with low potential for abuse.

Although this change will not be welcomed in all quarters, public sentiment is broadly aligned.

A 2025 Gallup poll, for instance, showed that support in the United States for cannabis legalization had almost doubled from 36% in 2005 to 64%.

Currently, businesses in states that allow medical or recreational cannabis use face significant headaches.

While their business may be entirely legal in their state, it is illegal at the federal level, making banking and tax compliance challenging. This new legal change will make a significant difference.

Terry Mendez, CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, a company that works with the cannabis industry, called the order “the most significant federal action on cannabis policy in more than 50 years.”

From a business standpoint, changes in how taxes are collected will have the greatest impact. Now, for the first time, state-licensed medical cannabis companies will be able to deduct business expenses on their federal taxes.

On the same point, Anthony Coniglio, CEO at NewLake Capital Partners, Inc, said that this “is a material shift not only for operators and patients, but also for investors, lenders, and real estate partners evaluating the cannabis sector.”

Similarly, Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original, a provider of medical cannabis, told Healthline that the move is “a significant step for Texans who will benefit from easier access to needed medicine.”

Industry aside, scientists will benefit from this shift in cannabis regulation.

With easier access to the drug and a significant reduction in red tape, it will be much easier (and cheaper) to investigate cannabis for the treatment of health conditions.

Sasha Kalcheff-Korn is the executive director of Realm of Caring, a nonprofit that provides information about cannabinoid therapies, conducts research, and awards research grants.

“Rescheduling will make it easier to complete this research and conduct future studies,” Kalcheff-Korn told Healthline. “Helping build the scientific foundation behind what many patients already experience: cannabinoid therapies may offer meaningful relief for a range of symptoms and conditions.”

In agreement, Steven Gregoire, president of Quiet Monk CBD, told Healthline, “Under the current classification, Schedule I, it is very restrictive in how, when, and if research can be conducted.”

“When reclassified to a schedule III,” he continued, “it increases the supply for research, allowing for more studies and research on the drug and its benefits.”

Researchers and cannabis-based businesses seem, in general, pleased with this new move — although some believe it hasn’t gone far enough. Others we contacted, however, are more cautious.

“This decision underscores just how quickly the policy landscape around marijuana is changing,” said Pam Jenkins, CEO of Shatterproof, a nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis.

“As states evaluate access to these products, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people are protected, that clinicians have clear guidance, and that the public understands the real risks — especially when it comes to youth mental health,” Jenkins told Healthline.

“We’ve seen what can happen when public health lags behind access,” she continued. “We cannot afford to repeat those mistakes.”

Kevin Sabet, the chief executive of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, believes this change in the law will “send a confusing message” to the public about the safety of cannabis.

“With this move, we are now confronted with the most pro-drug administration in our history,” he said. “Policy is now being dictated by marijuana CEOs, psychedelics investors, and podcasters in active addiction.”

The government hearing in June will show whether there can be a broader reclassification of cannabis in the United States.

• GLP-1 weight loss medications containing tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) can reduce heart-related health risks for people with serious heart conditions, according to new research.
• Experts say the heart health benefits are produced by the drugs’ ability to help people lose weight and control blood sugar levels.
• People using these medications should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise and a balanced diet, to maintain overall health.

Weight loss medications containing the active ingredient tirzepatide significantly reduce cardiovascular risks in people with serious heart conditions, according to new research.

Tirzepatide medications are usually prescribed to help treat type 2 diabetes.

According to a news release for the two studies, tirzepatide’s ability to manage blood sugar levels and promote weight loss delivers “meaningful cardiovascular benefits.” While prior research has established these benefits, their impacts on patients undergoing interventional heart procedures have not yet been extensively evaluated.

Notably, the researchers found a 62% lower risk of death among participants receiving tirzepatide who underwent a PCI procedure.

“GLP-1 agonists represent an important evolution in cardiometabolic care,” said SCAI President Srihari Naidu, MD, an interventional cardiologist, in the news release.

“Clinicians already recognize the benefits of glycemic control and weight reduction, but we are now beginning to understand how these therapies can improve outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter cardiovascular interventions.”

Experts not involved in the new studies say the research supports earlier studies on the cardiovascular benefits of weight loss drugs.

“These findings are consistent with what we are seeing broadly that medications like tirzepatide are not just weight loss drugs but have meaningful cardiometabolic benefits,” said Kevin Shah, MD, a cardiologist and the program director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at the Long Beach Medical Center. “We do need prospective studies to validate the findings from these analyses.”

They identified adult participants with type 2 diabetes who received GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide or older medications with the active ingredient dulaglutide at the time of their PCI procedure.

The researchers did not compare tirzepatide drugs with medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

In all, the researchers examined the medical records of 1,281 study participants. One month after PCI, they reported that the participants who used tirzepatide drugs experienced lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as:

They noted there was no difference in rates of stroke among participants using tirzepatide drugs and those using dulaglutide medications.

One year after PCI, researchers observed reductions in MACE, myocardial infarction, and heart failure exacerbation, remaining consistent after one year. There were also further reductions in mortality, stroke, and cardiac arrest at one year.

“The study adds on additional data to what we’ve already previously known about GLP-1 containing agents: these drugs hope to reduce risk for cardiovascular complications from obesity,” said Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ni wasn’t involved in the study.

“This patient population in this study is automatically higher risk because they need an intervention for their conditions,” Ni told Healthline. “Consequently, seeing a reduction in risk of cardiovascular events is promising, albeit not surprising.”

In a second study, researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Houston, TX, used the TriNetX database to identify adults with obesity who underwent TAVR from January 2020 to January 2025.

They grouped the participants based on whether or not they were prescribed tirzepatide medications.

According to a news release, participants who did not receive tirzepatide “experienced worse outcomes over time, with lower event-free survival.”

They said the participants who didn’t take tirzepatide also faced a 54% higher risk of hospitalization for acute heart failure.

They added that patients who didn’t take tirzepatide experienced major adverse cardiovascular events 44% more frequently.

Researchers, however, noted that they observed no significant differences between groups in rates of ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and the medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, said this new research provides valuable information for medical professionals. Chen wasn’t involved in the studies.

“These results add to our rapidly growing evidence of the beneficial effects of GLP-1 agonists across a broad range of cardiometabolic conditions,” he told Healthline.

However, Jackie DesJardin, MD, a cardiologist and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco’s Division of Cardiology, cautioned that there may be more to these results than simply the medications. DesJardin wasn’t involved in the studies.

“The dramatic reductions seen here, more than 50% lower heart attack risk within just one month, are simply too large to be explained by the drug alone,” she told Healthline.

“Tirzepatide is new and expensive, and the patients who receive it tend to be more affluent and better connected to care. Despite the author’s best attempts to adjust for these factors, these socioeconomic differences could easily be driving some of the differences in outcomes.”

Recent research has shown that weight loss medications that contain tirzepatide or semaglutide have numerous health benefits.

An August 2025 study reported that both types of GLP-1 drugs can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in people with a common type of heart failure.

A February 2026 study stated that the pill version of the semaglutide drug Wegovy can help lower the heart failure risk for people with type 2 diabetes.

Experts say the heart health benefits from GLP-1 drugs are derived from the medications’ ability to help people lose weight and manage blood sugar levels, among other factors.

“GLP1 agents such as semaglutide and tirzepatide promote weight loss, reduce insulin resistance, and reduce liver fat,” said Ni. “All of these biological improvements have been shown to [reduce] the risk for heart disease.”

“Improperly controlled diabetes can hurt the heart in many ways,” said Chen. “Excess blood sugar increases inflammation in the blood vessel walls, leading to plaque buildup, which can cause heart attacks and heart muscle damage. The excess blood sugar can also lead to dysfunction of the heart muscle directly and cause it to become stiffer and pump blood less efficiently.”

“Tirzepatide works by mimicking two natural gut hormones that are released after eating, leading to more weight loss and better control of the major drivers of cardiovascular disease: blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol,” added DesJardin.

“There is also emerging evidence that these medications may have direct effects on the heart and blood vessels, reducing inflammation, helping blood vessels relax, protecting heart muscle cells, and slowing plaque buildup in arteries.”

Experts say it’s important for people taking tirzepatide and semaglutide drugs to realize that these medications simply suppress a person’s appetite.

“[GLP-1 drugs] are effective, but these medications work best as part of a broader plan of lifestyle changes,” Shah told Healthline. “Patients should be monitored closely for side effects and determine long-term goals on this medication class.”

Ni said that weight loss medications are meant to be a short-term solution while lifestyle habits produce long-term results.

“I advise patients to use these medications in conjunction with a broader lifestyle change goal,” he said.

“Even if my patients are using this for diabetes or cardiovascular prevention, it still is meaningful to modify diet, physical activity, exercise, sleep patterns, and other lifestyle measures to improve overall health. I find my patients that are successful at changing the way they live to be healthier can get off these medications easier down the road and not regain the weight.”

• The FDA has issued a report regarding the voluntary recall of a single lot of Xanax XR.
• Viatris has recalled 3-milligram tablets in 60-tablet bottles with the lot number 8177156.
• The company reports that this lot failed to meet dissolution specifications.
• Experts say this could cause the pills to not be as effective in controlling symptoms.
• They advise that you continue taking the pills until your doctor can issue a new prescription.

A nationwide recall of Xanax has many people wondering whether their anti-anxiety medication has been affected.

According to an Enforcement Report issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Viatris, Inc., a major pharmaceutical company, has voluntarily recalled a specific lot of Xanax XR (alprazolam extended-release tablets) distributed across the United States.

The recall, initiated on March 17, affects 3-milligram tablets packaged in 60-tablet bottles, produced in Ireland and distributed by Viatris Specialty LLC in Morgantown, W.Va.

The decision comes after the product failed to meet dissolution specifications, which are critical for ensuring proper drug release and effectiveness.

Patients and healthcare providers are urged to check their medication and contact Viatris or their healthcare professional if they have the affected lot, numbered 8177156, with an expiration date of February 28, 2027.

Dissolution testing measures how quickly and efficiently the active ingredient is released from the tablet into the body.

As noted in the Enforcement Report, the formulation of the drug being recalled is Xanax XR, a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.

This extended-release formulation is designed to release the medication gradually over time, providing more consistent symptom control.

Aleksey Aronov, AGPCNP-BC, a board certified adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of VIPs IV, told Healthline that if the pill does not meet dissolution specifications, it may not break down as it should in the body, which could result in the medicine not working properly.

“When a pill does not dissolve the right way, the body may not absorb the correct amount of the medicine, which may result in not treating anxiety or panic symptoms appropriately,” he said. “Pills that fail to dissolve essentially may not be effective.”

The Enforcement Report further notes that the recall is classified by the FDA as a Class II recall. Class II indicates that the use of this medication could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” however, there is little risk of serious adverse health consequences, according to the agency.

Aronov clarified this description further by explaining that failed dissolution is not a safety hazard, nor will the drug cause harm to your body.

“It is just a quality control issue that may result in the patient not benefiting from the medicine when they take it,” he said.

People taking Xanax should speak with their doctor about getting a replacement prescription, Aronov said.

“Patients should not abruptly stop taking Xanax because this medicine requires a very gradual taper in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms,” he said.

Roger Flugel, chief scientific officer for Neurogan Health, emphasized that patients using this drug “shouldn’t panic.”

Firstly, it’s only the 3-milligram tablets of Xanax XR in 60-tablet bottles identified by the lot number 8177156 that are affected, he said.

“It’s important that you know the lot number before anything else, and see to it that you take the necessary steps,” said Flugel.

Even if you have this lot number, he explained that you aren’t in any imminent danger since any health effects are temporary and reversible.

“My advice is that you shouldn’t abruptly stop taking it, even when the lot number [of the] medication matches the one above, as that can be riskier,” Flugel said.

Instead, continue to take your medication as directed and speak with your doctor right away about your concerns.

No press release has been issued by the FDA for this recall, and the recall remains ongoing as of the latest available data from April 8, 2026.

Consumers and healthcare professionals can stay informed by monitoring the FDA website or contacting Viatris directly.

• Egg coffee, made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, is going viral on social media platforms like TikTok.
• Experts warn that the drink may increase the risk of Salmonella contamination from raw or undercooked eggs.
• It can also be high in sugar and saturated fat.
• Simple swaps can make it safer and healthier.

A sweet, creamy twist on your morning cup of coffee is going viral on social media.

It’s called egg coffee, and it’s typically made by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a rich, custard-like foam, then layering it over a strong cup of joe or espresso.

While the drink is currently trending on TikTok, it isn’t exactly new. Versions of the dessert-like beverage have been around for decades, including Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng), Swedish egg coffee, and Italian egg-based drinks like zabaglione al caffè.

But as the drink gains popularity, some experts are warning that it can carry some serious health risks.

One of the biggest concerns about egg coffee is how it’s made. Many recipes call for raw or lightly heated egg yolks, which can carry Salmonella bacteria.

“Consuming egg coffee using raw or undercooked yolk does carry a salmonella risk that shouldn’t be ignored,” said Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.

While some people may assume that hot coffee is enough to make the drink safe, Routhenstein warns that’s usually not the case.

“Hot coffee does not typically reach a safe temperature to cook the egg and reduce the potential risk of salmonella contamination,” Routhenstein said.

Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which may begin anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure.

While many healthy people recover without treatment, the infection can be more serious for certain groups, including older adults, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems.

Although the risk of contamination from any single egg is relatively low, food safety experts generally recommend avoiding raw or undercooked eggs when possible.

Beyond food safety concerns, egg coffee may also come with nutritional drawbacks.

Combined with egg yolks, it can also contribute a notable amount of saturated fat.

“We want to be mindful of the saturated fat content that this can add into your day,” Routhenstein said.

“Egg yolks and condensed milk can carry several grams of saturated fat, and depending on what else you are eating, this can raise apoB and LDL cholesterol levels.”

Higher levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease over time.

While occasional egg coffee consumption is unlikely to have a major impact on health, regularly drinking high-sugar, high–saturated–fat drinks may not be the best choice for long-term health.

For those who are curious about egg coffee, there are ways to recreate a similar texture and flavor while reducing potential risks.

“To lower salmonella risk, we need to eliminate the raw egg yolk,” Routhenstein said.

One option is to swap in steamed milk or barista-style plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk, to create a creamy, foamy texture without using eggs.

These options can mimic the drink’s signature richness while avoiding the food-safety concerns associated with raw or undercooked eggs.

Another alternative is aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), which can be whipped into a stable foam and used as a coffee topping.

Using aquafaba “adds an airy cloud effect to your coffee without the salmonella [risk],” Routhenstein said.

For those who still want to incorporate eggs, using pasteurized eggs may help reduce the risk of contamination. However, experts still recommend handling them carefully and avoiding recipes that rely on raw or undercooked eggs whenever possible.

In addition to food safety concerns, making a few ingredient adjustments can help reduce the drink’s overall sugar and saturated fat content.

Traditional recipes often rely on sweetened condensed milk and added sugar, which can quickly increase the calorie load.

Swapping in lower-sugar alternatives, such as unsweetened or lightly sweetened milk, may help reduce added sugars while still providing a creamy texture.

Using lower-fat dairy or plant-based milk can also help reduce saturated fat intake. For example, oat milk or almond milk can offer a similar richness without contributing as much saturated fat as condensed milk.

Adjusting portion sizes or treating egg coffee as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit can also make a difference for those looking to support heart health over time.

• Egg coffee, made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, is going viral on social media platforms like TikTok.
• Experts warn that the drink may increase the risk of Salmonella contamination from raw or undercooked eggs.
• It can also be high in sugar and saturated fat.
• Simple swaps can make it safer and healthier.

A sweet, creamy twist on your morning cup of coffee is going viral on social media.

It’s called egg coffee, and it’s typically made by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a rich, custard-like foam, then layering it over a strong cup of joe or espresso.

While the drink is currently trending on TikTok, it isn’t exactly new. Versions of the dessert-like beverage have been around for decades, including Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng), Swedish egg coffee, and Italian egg-based drinks like zabaglione al caffè.

But as the drink gains popularity, some experts are warning that it can carry some serious health risks.

One of the biggest concerns about egg coffee is how it’s made. Many recipes call for raw or lightly heated egg yolks, which can carry Salmonella bacteria.

“Consuming egg coffee using raw or undercooked yolk does carry a salmonella risk that shouldn’t be ignored,” says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.

While some people may assume that hot coffee is enough to make the drink safe, Routhenstein warns that’s usually not the case.

“Hot coffee does not typically reach a safe temperature to cook the egg and reduce the potential risk of salmonella contamination,” Routhenstein says.

Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which may begin anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure.

While many healthy people recover without treatment, the infection can be more serious for certain groups, including older adults, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems.

Although the risk of contamination from any single egg is relatively low, food safety experts generally recommend avoiding raw or undercooked eggs when possible.

Beyond food safety concerns, egg coffee may also come with nutritional drawbacks.

Combined with egg yolks, it can also contribute a notable amount of saturated fat.

“We want to be mindful of the saturated fat content that this can add into your day,” Routhenstein says.

“Egg yolks and condensed milk can carry several grams of saturated fat, and depending on what else you are eating, this can raise apoB and LDL cholesterol levels.”

Higher levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease over time.

While occasional egg coffee consumption is unlikely to have a major impact on health, regularly drinking high-sugar, high–saturated–fat drinks may not be the best choice for long-term health.

For those who are curious about egg coffee, there are ways to recreate a similar texture and flavor while reducing potential risks.

“To lower salmonella risk, we need to eliminate the raw egg yolk,” Routhenstein says.

One option is to swap in steamed milk or barista-style plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk, to create a creamy, foamy texture without using eggs.

These options can mimic the drink’s signature richness while avoiding the food-safety concerns associated with raw or undercooked eggs.

Another alternative is aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), which can be whipped into a stable foam and used as a coffee topping.

Using aquafaba “adds an airy cloud effect to your coffee without the salmonella [risk],” Routhenstein says.

For those who still want to incorporate eggs, using pasteurized eggs may help reduce the risk of contamination. However, experts still recommend handling them carefully and avoiding recipes that rely on raw or undercooked eggs whenever possible.

In addition to food safety concerns, making a few ingredient adjustments can help reduce the drink’s overall sugar and saturated fat content.

Traditional recipes often rely on sweetened condensed milk and added sugar, which can quickly increase the calorie load.

Swapping in lower-sugar alternatives, such as unsweetened or lightly sweetened milk, may help reduce added sugars while still providing a creamy texture.

Using lower-fat dairy or plant-based milk can also help reduce saturated fat intake. For example, oat milk or almond milk can offer a similar richness without contributing as much saturated fat as condensed milk.

Adjusting portion sizes or treating egg coffee as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit can also make a difference for those looking to support heart health over time.

• Research suggests that daily low dose aspirin doesn’t appear to reduce a person’s risk of colorectal cancer.
• Frequent aspirin use may increase a person’s risk of bleeding in and around the brain.
• Experts say you can lower your colorectal cancer risk with lifestyle habits such as eating a plant-based diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising daily.

A daily regimen of low dose aspirin probably does not significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer but may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain area, according to a large-scale analysis of previous research.

Researchers reported that daily aspirin probably does not help in preventing colorectal cancer in the first 15 years of use, although it might have some preventive benefits in the longer term.

However, the researchers stated that they are “not confident” in the long-term assessment.

They also reported that daily aspirin use may increase deaths from colorectal cancer in the short term but may help reduce deaths after 15 years.

Again, the researchers noted they are “not confident” in these conclusions.

They did report that daily aspirin use may increase the risk of bleeding outside the skull as well as bleeding in and around the brain.

“It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions or outline specific implications for the routine use of aspirin for [colorectal cancer] primary prevention based on the current evidence,” the researchers wrote. “Our findings reveal complex, time‐dependent preventive effects and concerns about potential harms for clinicians and patients to consider.”

Ketan Thanki, MD, a colorectal surgeon who specializes in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, said this latest report provides cautionary advice for anyone considering an aspirin regimen.

“This study demonstrates limited (if any) protective benefit from aspirin on risk of developing colorectal cancer in the general population,” Thanki told Healthline. “With the known potential complications of long-term aspirin use, I would recommend that people don’t take daily aspirin solely with the intent of reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.”

To reach their findings, the researchers analyzed data from 10 randomized controlled clinical trials.

They compared aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with either no treatment or a different treatment for preventing colorectal cancer or colorectal adenoma in the general population.

The studies included more than 120,000 participants. Most of the research was conducted in North America and Europe. Low‐dose aspirin (75-100 mg per day) was typically used, although three studies evaluated higher doses.

The researchers said they found that daily aspirin “probably results in little to no difference” in reducing colorectal cancer risks after 5 to 15 years of use. They added that aspirin might slightly reduce colorectal cancer risk after 15 years of use.

“I would advise that you only consider daily aspirin for this purpose, either if you have a genetic syndrome that predisposes you to cancer (specifically Lynch Syndrome) or have had adenomatous polyps removed during a prior colonoscopy,” Thanki said.

“In those populations, there is good evidence that it may decrease risk of cancer and may decrease risk of adenoma recurrence, respectively. Those patients should speak with their doctors.”

The researchers also reported that daily aspirin “may increase mortality” from colorectal cancer between 5 and 10 years of use, as well as producing “little to no difference in mortality” between 10 and 15 years, and a possible reduction in mortality after 15 years.

They added that aspirin “may result in little to no difference” in colorectal adenoma between 5 and 10 years, but “the evidence is very uncertain.”

The researchers also noted that daily aspirin use produced “little to no difference’ in overall serious adverse events, but they said “aspirin does increase the risk of serious extracranial hemorrhage” and “probably increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.”

The researchers said their findings should raise concerns for medical professionals and patients alike.

“The uncertain and delayed potential for benefit must be weighed against a definite harm,” they wrote.

“In light of the mixed evidence, clinical practice should continue to center on an individualized assessment and a shared decision‐making process, carefully balancing a patient’s established cardiovascular risk profile against their risk of bleeding,” the researchers wrote.

There has been conflicting research in recent years over the benefits and the risks of daily aspirin use as a cancer prevention tool.

The new research contradicts an August 2024 study that reported that regular aspirin use can lower the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in people who have obesity or have unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking.

An April 2024 study also concluded that daily aspirin may have some protective benefits against colorectal cancer, perhaps by enhancing the body’s ability to detect cancer cells.

However, a January 2026 study reported that daily aspirin did not appear to reduce cancer in older adults but stated it might increase the risk of cancer-related mortality in older population groups.

The contrast in research has prompted at least one government agency to revise its recommendations.

However, the task force withdrew its recommendation in 2022, citing a lack of evidence showing that daily aspirin reduces a person’s chance of developing or dying from colorectal cancer.

Experts concur that people should consult with their doctor about whether daily aspirin is beneficial for them.

“It may decrease the risk of… preeclampsia in high risk pregnancies, and, as we discussed, polyps and tumors in the colon. It is important to know that this is highly nuanced and you should always talk with your doctor to see if daily aspirin use is right for you,” he explained.

Katherine Van Loon, MD, a specialist in gastrointestinal cancers at the University of California San Francisco, said the January 2026 study indicates that a patient’s age can be a determining factor in whether daily aspirin use should be initiated.

“Age of aspirin initiation also seems to play a role and younger patients may benefit more,” she told Healthline in an earlier interview. “For now, I think we can say that we shouldn’t initiate aspirin therapy in an older adult for the sole purpose of cancer prevention.”

• eating more plant-based foods
• consuming less red meat and processed meat
• limiting alcohol consumption
• quitting smoking
• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising daily

“A lifestyle of moderation is most important in reducing your risk of colorectal cancer,” he said. “Diet and exercise are the best and easiest ways you can decrease your cancer risk.”

“Daily exercise and weight reduction are also key. Try avoiding tobacco use,” he added. “Lastly, get your screening tests done. Colonoscopy is the best way to prevent and detect cancer, but other modalities like Cologuard are also now available.”

Van Loon shared a similar philosophy.

• Research suggests that the amount of time stool spends in your body may affect your overall health.
• This may be due to changes in gut microbiomes associated with how quickly or slowly stool moves through the body.
• An expert explains long-term health issues associated with slow digestion, chronic constipation, and chronic diarrhea.

The amount of time it takes for stool to move through your body may impact your health in more ways than you may think.

A 2023 study showed that there may be distinct differences in gut microbiomes depending on whether your stool is fast or slow.

This study also looked at previous research on gut transit time. All of the research had the same goal of estimating how long food stays in a person’s colon.

The longer it stays, the more time bacteria have to ferment the contents, regulate acidity in the gut, and produce metabolites that can influence the body’s health.

The study found that people with faster gut transit times had drastically different microbiomes than those with slower transit times.

One approach to estimating the gut transit time was the Bristol Stool Scale. This is a visual tool that classifies stool by consistency. For example, hard, rock-like pellets typically mean a long transit time. Watery, mushy stool often indicates a short transit time.

Transit time can also influence how your body responds to probiotics, as well as supplements and medications that interact with the gut.

“The gut is far more than a digestive organ — it is a finely tuned ecosystem whose balance underpins everything from immune function and metabolic health to neurological well-being and cancer risk,” said Ketan Thanki, MD, board certified colorectal surgeon who specializes in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus with the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA.

Healthline spoke with Thanki to learn more about how poop transit time can impact health.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Thanki: Gut transit time is a major determinant of microbiome composition, diversity, and metabolism.

Slower colonic transit time is consistently associated with a shift away from beneficial sugar fermentation, which produces health-promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and toward protein fermentation that generates potentially harmful byproducts like ammonia and phenols.

The relationship works both ways: transit time shapes which microbial communities thrive, but microbiota and their metabolites — including SCFAs and secondary bile acids — directly influence gut motility.

Thanki: When transit slows, fermentable carbohydrates become depleted before stool reaches the distal colon, and bacteria switch from fermenting carbohydrates into healthful short-chain fatty acids to fermenting proteins instead (proteolysis).

This produces metabolites — ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, phenols, indoles, and branched-chain fatty acids — that are directly toxic to colonocytes, damage colonocyte DNA, cause cancer-causing mutations, and promote a leaky gut lining, thereby promoting systemic inflammation.

Meanwhile, increased methane production further slows the gut, and increased estrogens in the blood can increase the risk of malignancies like breast cancer and dysregulate levels of other hormones.

SCFA depletion affects systemic metabolism. SCFAs are not just local (colonocyte) fuel. They also signal to the liver to regulate glucose production, and influence adipose tissue metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and secretion of appetite hormones (GLP-1, PYY).

When prolonged transit time reduces SCFA production, these regulatory signals are diminished. This is particularly relevant in diabetes and obesity, where gastroparesis and altered transit compound glycemic control problems and energy dysregulation.

Lastly, gut bacteria convert choline and carnitine from meat and eggs into trimethylamine (TMA), which the liver converts to TMAO, a metabolite linked to cardiovascular disease. The paper notes the transit-TMAO link hasn’t been fully characterized yet, but it’s a plausible pathway to worsened heart disease.

Thanki: Colorectal cancer is one of the most well-established and serious associations with chronic constipation.

Slow transit promotes the accumulation of secondary bile acids that are directly genotoxic and cytotoxic to colonocytes.

Combined with the shift toward proteolytic fermentation generating ammonia, phenols, and hydrogen sulfide — all of which damage the mucosal barrier and colonocyte DNA — and the depletion of protective butyrate (a SCFA), the colonic environment becomes progressively more hostile over time.

The distal colon, where proteolysis dominates and transit is slowest, is also where most colorectal tumors arise.

Thanki: Eat lots of fiber (I suggest aiming for 35 g a day), drink lots of water (64 to 80 ounces a day), and minimize red and processed meats (3 portions of red meat a week and only eat processed meats rarely or sparingly).

Try to get your fiber from varied sources like vegetables, seeds, and whole grains, and don’t hesitate to take a fiber supplement like psyllium husk.

Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut can help restore gut flora, especially sugar-fermenting bacteria.

Finally, exercise! Even 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day will stimulate your gut motility.

Thanki: Think beyond your diet — while food and water intake are major contributors, constipation is multifactorial.

Move your body regularly: Even a daily 20 to 30-minute walk can stimulate bowel activity.

Don’t hold in your bowel movements: Ignoring the urge to defecate retrains your bowel to live with constipation.

Try lifestyle modifications to help with stress, poor sleep, and reduce medications that might slow things down. These can all contribute to nervous system and hormonal dysregulation that, in turn, affects gut motility.

If constipation persists for more than a few weeks despite lifestyle modification, there’s likely something more going on. Listen to your body and get it checked out.

Thanki: Chronic diarrhea accelerates gut transit to the point where adequate nutrient absorption and microbial fermentation cannot occur, leading to a cascade of long-term systemic consequences, including:

The persistently compromised gut barrier allows bacterial products to enter systemic circulation, driving low-grade inflammation linked to autoimmune conditions, while the depleted SCFA production starves colonocytes and further destabilizes the mucosal lining.

• Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may improve blood vessel function in as little as 8 weeks, according to new research.
• The avocado-mango combo was linked to better flow-mediated dilation in both men and women, with lower diastolic blood pressure more pronounced in men.
• Researchers say the benefits likely come from a mix of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and heart-healthy fats.
• Experts stress that overall diet quality matters most, and mango and avocado work best as part of a balanced eating pattern.

Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may help improve heart health in as little as 8 weeks, according to a recent study.

Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology found that adults with prediabetes who followed this combination experienced improved blood vessel function and reductions in diastolic blood pressure.

Participants who followed the avocado and mango diet showed a notable improvement in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of blood vessel function. Their FMD rose to 6.7%, whereas it fell to 4.6% in the control group, indicating better vascular health in those consuming the fruit combination.

Diastolic blood pressure also improved in males. Those in the control group experienced an average increase in central blood pressure of 5 mmHg, while men in the avocado and mango group saw a reduction of around 1.9 mmHg.

The researchers acknowledged that the study was funded by the National Mango Board and the Hass Avocado Board, which is important to consider when interpreting the findings.

Karen E. Todd, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Supplement Dietitian, said that while the findings of the new study are promising, it doesn’t mean that a mango-avocado combination is a magic bullet. Todd wasn’t involved in the study.

Rather, she said the research highlights how replacing lower-quality foods with nutrient-dense options can improve heart health markers over time.

“The study fits with what we already know about diet quality and heart health. In this trial, adults with prediabetes who ate one avocado plus 1 cup of mango daily for 8 weeks had better flow-mediated dilation, a marker of blood vessel function, than the control group,” she told Healthline.

“The intervention also increased intake of fruit, fiber, vitamin C, and monounsaturated fat, which are all consistent with a more heart-supportive eating pattern.”

“Mango likely helps heart health through a combination of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber,” she said.

“Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports blood vessel integrity, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber supports cholesterol and blood sugar control. Together, these nutrients support both vascular function and overall cardiometabolic health.”

Todd said the biggest heart-health advantage of avocados is their unsaturated fat profile, especially monounsaturated fats, along with fiber and potassium.

“The added fiber and potassium further support heart health through cholesterol management and blood pressure regulation.”

Of course, the study looked at the heart health benefits of eating these two foods together, not each food on its own.

“Nutritionally, they complement each other well,” Todd said.

“Mango provides vitamin C and carbohydrates, while avocado contributes healthy fats and fiber. Together, they create a more balanced, satisfying option that may support heart health more effectively than either food alone, particularly when they replace processed foods,” she explained.

A significant finding of this study is that participants who added one avocado and 1 cup of mango to their daily diet showed measurable improvements in blood vessel function, along with reductions in diastolic blood pressure.

Brett A. Sealove, MD, chair of cardiology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and associate professor and vice chair of cardiology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, said the new study warrants “serious consideration,” but noted some limitations. Sealove wasn’t involved in the research.

“The sample size was relatively small, with 82 participants enrolled and 68 completing the protocol. And the study duration was only 8 weeks, which is brief given that vascular and metabolic remodeling typically occurs over several months,” he told Healthline.

“The study was also partially controlled, as participants prepared some of their own meals, introducing variability.”

Additionally, Sealove noted that the diastolic blood pressure benefit was observed primarily in males, limiting generalizability.

The findings of the present study are promising and offer a somewhat simple strategy to support heart health.

However, moderation is key, given that avocados are high in calories and fat, even though it’s “good” fat, and mangos are higher in natural sugars.

“For most people, a practical intake would be about one-third to one-half of an avocado and half to 1 cup of mango, several times per week,” Todd said.

“Whole fruit sugars are generally not a concern in moderate portions because they come with fiber, but avocado is calorie-dense, so portion awareness matters.

“Overconsumption of either food can contribute excess calories, which may work against weight and metabolic goals,” Todd added.

There are simple, practical ways to include mango and avocado as part of a heart-healthy, balanced diet.

Todd said these nutritious foods can be incorporated into meals or eaten together as a snack.

“Mangos and avocados work well in yogurt bowls with seeds, in salads with leafy greens and legumes, or as a topping for fish, like salmon,” she said.

“Pairing them with foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and other fruits and vegetables helps reinforce an overall heart-healthy eating pattern, which is where the biggest benefits come from,” she continued.

If you’re looking for quick, no-fuss options, try blending mango and avocado with spinach and a source of protein, like Greek yogurt or protein powder.

You could also mash avocado onto wholegrain toast and top it with fresh mango salsa for a balance of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.

The key is to think of mango and avocado as versatile ingredients that can elevate everyday meals while supporting overall diet quality.

Consistently building meals around whole, minimally processed foods is what makes the biggest difference for long-term heart health.