Health Alert: People Are Spending More Years in Poor Health.
Using Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study health data from 204 countries and territories, researchers found that people worldwide spent 14.5% of their lives in poor health in 2023, compared with 13.6% in 1990. Low back pain, mental health disorders, hearing loss, and falls were among the leading contributors, underscoring the importance of preventing chronic conditions that reduce quality of life.
The Lancet Public Health, August 2026

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise the Risk of Gallbladder Disease.
A study that included more than 150,000 adults found that people with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 20% higher risk of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and a 15% higher risk of cholelithiasis (gallstones).
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, July 2026

Exercise: Grip Strength Linked to Future Health Risks in Type 2 Diabetics.
Grip strength is commonly used in scientific research as a proxy for overall muscular fitness, much like body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight to estimate body fat. In a 13-year study that included 10,844 adults, researchers found that type 2 diabetics with lower grip strength were more likely to develop diabetic neuropathy, kidney disease, heart failure, and dementia.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, July 2026

Chiropractic: Childhood Spinal Pain May Signal Future Jaw Pain and Headaches.
Among 9,639 participants in the Danish National Birth Cohort study, those who experienced moderate-to-severe or frequent spinal pain at age 11 had substantially higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorders and headaches in young adulthood. The findings suggest that spinal pain during preadolescence may be an early indicator of susceptibility to persistent pain conditions later in life.
Journal of Pain, July 2026

Mental Attitude: Factors That Affect Emotional Well-Being.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1.2 million adults and found that high stress, limited social contact, and chronic illness are associated with poor mental health outcomes. In contrast, frequent social interaction and regular physical activity were linked to lower odds of depression, insomnia, and job burnout.
BMC Public Health, July 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Habits May Support Mental Health in Older Adults with Chronic Illness.
Depression and anxiety are common among older adults living with chronic diseases. In a study of 8,986 adults aged 60 and older, researchers found that healthier lifestyle traits—including balanced nutrition, moderate physical activity, adequate sleep, and social engagement—were associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and both conditions occurring together.
Journal of Affective Disorders, July 2026