Health Alert: 1 in 8 Teens Show Signs of Hearing Loss.
Examinations of more than 3,300 Dutch teenagers revealed 13% exhibited signs of noise-related hearing damage, with roughly 6% experiencing permanent hearing loss by age 18. The research team attributes these issues to frequent exposure to loud recreational noise—from earbuds, concerts, and fireworks—as a key risk, emphasizing the need for early screening, prevention, and safer listening habits during adolescence.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, October 2025

Diet: Dark Chocolate Compound Linked to Slower Biological Aging?
Researchers from King’s College London report that higher blood levels of theobromine—a natural compound found in cocoa—were associated with a younger biological age relative to chronological age. These findings suggest that regular consumption of theobromine-rich dark chocolate may be linked to lower oxidative stress and inflammation, improved mitochondrial and vascular function, and other cellular processes that help maintain more accurate cell division as aging progresses.
Aging, December 2025

Exercise: Neuromuscular Training Helps Teens Maintain Coordination During Growth.
Balance and coordination disruptions are common during adolescence due to rapid physical growth and developmental changes. Current research suggests that neuromuscular training—which combines balance, strength, agility, and coordination exercises—can help affected teens improve motor control and reduce injury risk during physical activity.
The Conversation, December 2025

Chiropractic: A Link Between Depression and Low Back Pain.
A recent literature review found that depression and low back pain exhibit a bidirectional relationship, meaning each condition increases the risk of the other. For example, the pain and disability associated with low back pain can disrupt daily activities and quality of life, contributing to the onset or worsening of depression. Conversely, depression can amplify pain perception and interfere with pain modulation. This interconnection is thought to reflect shared neurobiological mechanisms, as circuits involved in emotional regulation and pain processing overlap in the central nervous system.
Brain and Behavior, November 2025

Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Insomnia Linked to Reduced Natural Killer Cell Levels.
Natural killer cells are a type of immune cell that act as the body’s first responders, quickly finding and destroying virus-infected or abnormal cells without needing prior exposure. In a recent study, researchers observed that symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with lower natural killer cell counts. These findings suggest that psychological stress and poor sleep may suppress immune function and potentially increase vulnerability to disease.
Frontiers in Immunology, December 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Habits That Reduce Inflammation...
The American Heart Association recommends the following health habits to reduce chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke: consuming a nutrient-dense diet, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing sedentary time, getting adequate sleep, practicing stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
American Heart Association, December 2025