As the Make America Healthy Again movement gains traction nationally, many parents and grandparents may be reminded to keep an eye on the kinds of candy their children and grandchildren may receive this Valentine's Day.

To avoid potentially harmful dyes and chemicals in some candies and baked treats, certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, whose business is in New York, and registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein of Los Angeles offered a few MAHA-minded swaps.

Here are four alternatives for a healthier Valentine's Day this year for all family members.

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Instead of choosing chocolate candies that are "loaded with sugar," artificial food dyes and preservatives, DeCicco recommended trying organic YumEarth ChocoYums candies, which are free of artificial food dyes and high-fructose corn syrup.

She said Rawmio Organic Keto Dark Chocolate Hearts are made with raw cacao nibs.

"This chocolate is the real deal," she said. "There isn't even any butter or milk added – so this is also dairy free."

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Muhlstein recommended a variety of Hu dark chocolate bars, which are vegan, gluten-free and made with organic cacao.

Some colorful candies include a variety of potentially harmful colors, including red dye 40 and yellow and blue food coloring.

DeCicco suggested YumEarth Giggles as a hard chewy candy option, which uses organic fruit and vegetable concentrates for coloring.

The East Coast-based nutritionist recommended Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears, made with natural fruit and vegetable juice, as a swap for gummy or fruit snacks.

Muhlstein also listed a few healthier options for chewy and gummy sweets, including low-sugar Numa Taffy Candy, Pure Organic Fruit Bars, YumEarth Organic Chewys and BEAR Real Fruit Snack Rolls.

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For a bubble gum alternative, Muhlstein recommended Tree Hugger tooth-friendly gum with added xylitol for oral health.

While pink and red-colored cupcakes, brownies and other baked treats are festive and delicious, DeCicco said some red velvet cake mixes include preservatives to extend shelf life, as well as red dye.

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The nutritionist instead suggested Go Nana's Red Velvet Banana Bread/Cupcake Mix, including beet root powder for red coloring and no preservatives.

Muhlstein told Fox News Digital that any cake mix and frosting can be turned pink or red by mixing in natural ingredients like freeze-dried strawberries, pomegranate juice or mashed-up raspberries.

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DeCicco also offered a healthy Valentine's Day recipe for brownies. (See the video at the top of this article.)

Single-ingredient foods like fruits are always a good choice, said Muhlstein.

To make things a bit more festive for Valentine's Day, she suggested the idea of using a heart-shaped fruit cutter to slice strawberries, apples, bananas or other fruits of choice.

Heart-shaped cookie cutters can also be used to shape other food options, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with all-natural peanut butter and no added sugars.

Some brands are also focused on single-ingredient snacking, such as The Daily Good – recommended by Muhlstein – which makes soft-dried dragon fruit slices of 100% dragon fruit.

"Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) became a rallying cry during the final months of the 2024 presidential election, after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed President Donald Trump and joined his campaign.

A little over a week after Election Day 2024, Trump announced Kennedy as his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Under Kennedy's leadership, the MAHA movement aims to improve nutrition in America, eliminate toxins, preserve natural habitats and fight the chronic disease epidemic, according to its website.

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Read on to learn more about some of the key players behind the MAHA movement.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a former presidential candidate, son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and President Trump's pick for HHS secretary. 

Kennedy has said he aims to make America healthy again through strategies such as focusing on food and nutrition, targeting chronic diseases, changing FDA policies and raising awareness of alternative health treatments. 

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Jessica Reed Kraus is the author of "House Inhabit," one of the top culture Substack blogs. The California-based influencer previously described herself as "super liberal," but her politics shifted during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Kraus worked with both the Trump and RFK Jr. presidential campaigns, and she wrote glowingly about the MAHA Inaugural Ball in her Substack.

Marla Maples, ex-wife of President Donald Trump and mother of Tiffany Trump, was among the supporters who appeared on Capitol Hill this past Wednesday during the confirmation hearing for HHS secretary. 

The Georgia native, also a co-founder of the Global Wellness Forum, shared her excitement for the MAHA movement and her hopes for a healthier America.

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"I have to support America's health, our children's health … We suffered [for] so long with what they're putting in our food supply without having consent on what we're getting medically," she told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

Jillian Michaels is a renowned fitness expert based in Miami, Florida. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist, she takes a no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. 

In Sept. 2024, Michaels appeared in a "Make America Healthy Again" ad with healthcare entrepreneur Brigham Buhler.

Alex Clark is the host of the "Culture Apothecary" podcast. She speaks with guests who share their own healing remedies for those seeking alternative healthcare methods. 

A contributor to the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, the Arizona-based Clark has over 120,000 followers on X and nearly half a million Instagram followers.

Known as the "Food Babe," Vani Hari has been raising alarms about chemicals in food, water and the air for over a decade. 

Based in North Carolina, the mother of three is the author of several books and the "Food Babe" blog. 

As a food activist, Hari aims to influence major food giants to adopt healthier policies.

Caitlin Sinclair, who is with Turning Point Action, spoke with Fox News Digital about her personal connection to the MAHA movement.

Sinclair experienced a "dark, seven-year odyssey" of wrongful diagnoses, she shared. 

The MAHA movement is part of a "spiritual awakening" in the U.S. that is key to helping people achieve the American dream, she said.

Calley Means is a New York City-based entrepreneur, author and advocate for healthcare reform, focusing on the intersection of food, policy and chronic disease. 

Means co-founded TrueMed, a company in Washington, D.C., that helps Americans use health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for preventative health measures like nutrition and fitness. 

He also co-wrote the book "Good Energy" with his sister, Casey Means, M.D. 

Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and metabolic health expert based in Los Angeles.

Formerly a surgeon, she shifted her focus to preventive medicine, emphasizing the role of diet and lifestyle in combating chronic disease. 

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Means focuses on metabolic health, highlighting the connections between blood sugar, inflammation and long-term wellness. She was among the supporters who attended the confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. on Jan. 29.

Nicole Saphier, M.D., a board-certified radiologist with advanced fellowship training in breast imaging, is a Fox News medical contributor and bestselling author. 

The New York City-based doctor also wrote the book "Make America Healthy Again" in 2020, spearheading the MAHA movement. 

An Australian who now calls Los Angeles home, Liana Werner-Gray said her life changed dramatically in 2009 at age 21, when she was told she had cancer in her lymphatic system.   

Eschewing traditional medicine, Werner-Gray embarked on a "massive detox" and changed her diet. She is the author of "The Earth Diet" and several other books.

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The wellness advocate spoke with Fox News Digital about her personal health journey while attending RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearing.

Daphne Oz is an Emmy-winning TV host, author and wellness advocate known for her expertise in healthy living, nutrition and balanced lifestyle choices. She is based in Florida.

As the daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz, Daphne Oz has built a career emphasizing the importance of nourishing foods, mindful indulgence and wellness. She was recently spotted at the MAHA inaugural ball held in celebration of RFK Jr. on Jan. 20. 

As health officials report a surge of winter viruses, health experts are warning that heart disease symptoms can sometimes mimic respiratory illnesses.

Four viruses are circulating in the U.S., sparking concerns of a possible "quademic."

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, COVID-19 and norovirus are all at "very high levels" around the country, experts warn. 

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The American Heart Association (AHA) confirmed that certain viruses have been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

"The highest risk is within three days of infection, but remains heightened for up to 90 days," the AHA stated on its website.

Johanna Contreras, M.D., a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City, said she has seen people mistaking virus symptoms for serious heart complications.

Some patients who experience shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, swelling and palpitations may assume their symptoms are linked to a cold when these could be signs of heart failure, she said in a release sent to Fox News Digital.

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Weakness, fever, dizziness and chest pain could also mask potentially life-threatening conditions.

Those may include pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), heart attack, pericarditis (inflammation around the lining of the heart), heart failure or viral myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), according to Mount Sinai cardiologists.

Viruses can provoke an inflammatory condition, which can lead to or worsen cardiac conditions, according to Dr. Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

"Typically, those [viruses] that make one sicker and promote a hypercoaguable state (an increased tendency to form blood clots) are more dangerous," she told Fox News Digital. 

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"The focus has now been increasingly placed on RSV and norovirus on top of the known influenza and COVID viruses."

Anuradha Lala, M.D., another cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York City, noted that the body’s immune system creates an inflammatory response to fight and eliminate the virus — but this inflammation could inadvertently harm cardiac tissue. 

"If you have a known heart condition, viral infections can bring on exacerbations — or a worsening of the underlying tissue — whether it is atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease or heart failure," she noted in the release.

A recent patient at the hospital recently experienced severe shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations and fatigue, fearing they had heart failure, she noted. 

"After they had bloodwork taken, there was a frantic moment when we could not reach the patient to share results that revealed a significantly elevated troponin level, which can be linked to a heart attack," she shared in the release. 

"Although we suspected the worst, we eventually reached the patient and they were hospitalized with influenza A and severe viral myocarditis. They were treated appropriately and luckily there was a good outcome."

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Older adults — as well as those who are immunocompromised or have a history of heart issues or other underlying conditions — are particularly at risk for cardiac complications, according to the Mount Sinai cardiologists. 

"Anyone is susceptible, even healthcare providers — and anyone who is not paying attention to their symptoms may get sick with potentially life-threatening complications," Fergus said in the report.

Patients who notice persistent chest pain and palpitations after a viral illness should consider ruling out myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, according to Contreras.

It is important to discuss any post-virus symptoms with a healthcare professional, especially for those in high-risk groups, health experts told Fox News Digital.

Specific symptoms that warrant emergency attention include chest pain, difficulty breathing or staying awake, feelings of passing out, or extremes of blood pressure.

Swelling of the legs may also be linked to cardiac events — especially if there is also an underlying heart condition or risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, Lala stated in the Mount Sinai release.

During the cold, damp winter months, certain viruses may thrive and become more virulent, Fergus told Fox News Digital. 

"People should stay vigilant and observe for symptoms of an impending cold," she advised. "Get tested to know what virus you have, as the antiviral treatments are different."

People should take measures to avoid exposure to winter illnesses and seek treatment if they become ill, especially if they have an underlying condition, Fergus advised.

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It is recommended that those who are in vulnerable groups get vaccines when available, the cardiologist added.

The American Heart Association recommends following the below precautions to reduce the chances of contracting a virus: 

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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.

As the "Make America Healthy Again" movement takes shape with President Donald Trump in the White House again, many Americans are already looking for ways to improve their well-being through the foods they eat.

Fox News Digital spoke with two nutritionists and a doctor to discuss how incorporating certain foods into a person's diet can promote a healthy lifestyle and offer some medicinal benefits as well.

Here are five foods and one beverage that experts recommend you eat and drink. 

Numerous studies have found that the nutrients in berries can prevent disease.

A new study led by Washington State University researchers found that elderberry juice could be a tool for weight management and improving metabolic health.

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Carrie Lupoli, a Connecticut-based nutritionist and behavior specialist, told Fox News Digital that the elderberry is one of her favorites.

"I think it's one that there's not enough options out there for us with the unbelievable benefits," said Lupoli. "There are elderberry supplements out there, but they're often filled with a lot of garbage. But the elderberry itself is an incredible immunity buster."

Dr. Blake Livingood, a chiropractor and doctor of natural medicine in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital that berries are great antioxidants that can help lower sugars, especially fructose, in the liver.

"Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries that most people can get their hands on — those antioxidants can help actually cleanse the filters like the liver," Livingood said, and help control blood sugar levels.

"That helps the liver, helps the heart — which ultimately makes an impact on blood pressure and cholesterol."

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Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and nutritionist based in New York City and founder of Nutritious Life, said berries are also a powerful tool to fight inflammation.

"We know that we need to eat anti-inflammatory foods, so we have less inflammation in the body," Glassman told Fox News Digital. "Inflammation, we know, is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, even just [the] wrinkling of our skin."

Vegetables are recommended as part of a balanced diet, but some are better for us than others.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are "very underrated," Livingood said.

"They contain sulfur compounds and really help to support balancing hormones," Livingood said. 

Cruciferous vegetables "can make a really big impact" on those with cancer concerns, Livingood said, citing research showing that women who ate greater amounts had a lower risk of breast cancer and men who ate more had a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

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"If you can go with any leafy green vegetable, you are going to get more calcium than you will in milk," Lupoli added. "And that's not how we should be getting them. So much of our calcium bone density, bone health, especially for women, is really important."

Cruciferous vegetables also have sulforaphane, which helps with detoxification, Glassman said.

Fish like salmon and sardines are rich in necessary Omega-3 fatty acids, which can't be produced by the body.

"I want everyone to have salmon," Lupoli told Fox News Digital.

Salmon has "healthy fats" that help the heart, she said.

Glassman agreed, saying Omega-3 fatty acids are "super important" for supporting overall heart health.

Livingood said the standard American diet has lots of Omega-6s and not enough Omega-3s — so fish oils help to bridge that gap.

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The smaller the fish the better, Livingood said, because it tends to have "less concentration of toxins compared to the larger fish." 

He also suggested eating fish caught in the wild because "it means they're fed cleaner diets, which means you're fed a cleaner diet."

Mushrooms "bring a lot of medicinal benefits," Livingood told Fox News Digital. "There's a wide range of different ones that can be used."

Reishi is one he recommends to his patients for reducing stress or for those who struggle with sleep. He said this type of mushroom is a supplement typically found in powder form and can support the immune system.

One benefit of eating mushrooms is that they have vitamin D, "which no other produce has," Glassman said.

"Now, obviously, mushrooms aren't really produce," she said. "They're not a fruit or vegetable, but we still sort of put them in that category."

Vitamin D, Glassman said, is critical for immune health, mood and weight.

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"They also have vitamin B2, which is an antioxidant that also fights free radicals," Glassman said.

Lupoli suggested looking beyond the regular shiitake or portobello mushrooms found in stores.

"I always say get a variety of them and stir-fry them," she said. "You can't go wrong."

Spices and herbs have health benefits that include lowering blood sugar and reducing inflammation.

Cinnamon is a spice that helps mitigate blood sugar spikes, Lupoli told Fox News Digital.

She said blood sugar is "the key foundation for every single metabolic disorder," from arthritis, diabetes and dementia to autoimmune issues and fertility.

Tumeric is beneficial in helping to battle the body's inflammation, while saffron is a spice that a study showed had a "very similar effect" as Prozac on anxiety, Livingood said. 

"By no means do we say to replace any type of medical advice," Livingood said. 

"But it's a very interesting spice with a strong study behind it showing that it can really help with mood. And it's one that most people don't know about."

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Peppermint is a natural herb that can be used to combat headaches, Lupoli said.

"Peppermint extract is better than any Advil or Tylenol for a headache," she said. "You just breathe it in, put a little on your temples and your headache will be gone in a minute."

Adaptogenic herbs are "adrenal supporters" that can help with stress, Livingood said.

"Tea is just really great for you in general," Glassman told Fox News Digital.

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Green tea protects and reduces cell damage, she said.

"It's rich in polyphenols, the compounds that have benefits like reducing inflammation," Glassman said.

Not only that, but green tea is a good alternative to coffee because it doesn't have the same levels of caffeine and is less acidic, Lupoli said.

It's also full of antioxidants and is "very thermogenic, meaning it can stimulate the body to burn more fat," Livingood added.

With President Donald Trump back in the White House, many of America’s doctors are welcoming the new administration’s greater focus on health and wellness.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative — led by incoming Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — aims to improve nutrition, eliminate toxins, preserve natural habitats and fight the chronic disease epidemic, according to its website.

Several physicians shared with Fox News Digital what they hope and expect to see on the health front during the next four years.

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As Trump takes back the White House, Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, said he looks forward to a greater focus on mental health.

"The mental health epidemic is worsening, including among our teens," he told Fox News Digital — a problem that he said is worsened by "social media overreach."

"The best approach is connectivity, and a return to a time of community and family priorities," said Siegel, who is also a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health. "I am hopeful that President Trump will emphasize this."

The doctor is also optimistic that the new administration will focus on pandemic preparedness, based on lessons learned from COVID-19.

In particular, Siegel said he hopes to see increased surveillance, advances in biotechnology and the use of artificial intelligence to track threats.

Personalized medicine will also be a focus in Trump’s White House, Siegel predicted, with an increased use of wearables.

"We could save hundreds of billions of dollars with DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and HHS addressing health care rather than sick care," Siegel said. 

"The focus will be on wellness, lifestyle, exercise and diet," he added, along with a "war on ultraprocessed foods."

Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician and diabetes specialist in Tennessee, shared with Fox News Digital that he hopes Trump’s presidency will be a "new golden age for American health."

"For too long, the practice of medicine has been polluted by corporate profits, questionable research, silenced physicians and misleading statements to the public," said Berry, who helps patients overcome obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

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"I hope to see a thoughtful re-evaluation of all existing research, the restoration of an unhindered doctor-patient relationship, the cessation of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, and an end to Big Food's misleading health claims," Berry went on.

The doctor also encourages a "vigorous effort" to educate Americans on genuinely healthy food and lifestyle choices, along with a "renewed cultural appreciation for the idea that being healthy and happy is not only achievable, but also aspirational."

Dr. Robert Lufkin, a California physician who is also a medical professor at UCLA and USC, applauded the new administration’s goal to address the rise in chronic diseases, including a focus on lifestyle factors and exposure to chemicals.

"I am excited about this administration's possible health actions in several areas," he shared with Fox News Digital.

In particular, Lufkin said the new administration aims to "prioritize research into environmental triggers such as pesticides, industrial pollutants and food additives."

"They also plan to advocate for transparency in corporate practices and stricter regulation of industries contributing to environmental degradation," he added.

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Lufkin also highlighted MAHA’s goal to improve food safety and nutrition and to reduce exposure to unhealthy substances.

"This could be done by regulating harmful ingredients like artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup and chemical additives in processed foods," he said.

Lufkin also supports the administration's goal to restrict unhealthy foods for public assistance programs and to encourage local and sustainable farming.

Shifting the health care system’s focus from treatment to prevention is another important part of MAHA's agenda, the doctor noted.

This could involve expanding alternative and holistic therapies and educating the public on the importance of lifestyle changes, including exercise, proper nutrition and stress management, he noted.

"Another goal is to minimize reliance on pharmaceuticals and encourage the use of natural treatments and non-drug interventions for common conditions," Lufkin said.

The doctor also applauded the new administration’s plans to combat corporate influence in health care, and to "examine the pharmaceutical and chemical industries’ values of prioritizing profits over public health."

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, said she hopes the Trump administration continues to build on its policy of increasing price transparency for clinics, hospitals, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies. 

"Hidden prices, manipulated many times over, have allowed Americans to be overcharged and exploited for profit, whether it's generic medications being marked up by 1,000% or an emergency room visit for dehydration costing $5,000," she told Fox News Digital. 

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In many cases, she noted, prices are "essentially hidden and manipulated," which means the consumer has no idea of the cost basis or true value of a service.  

"I am seeing more price manipulation to make it look like health insurance is paying for services, when they are actually upcharging the service," she said. 

"For example, if I pay the cash price for a mammogram, it is less expensive than if I use my health insurance," Johnson went on. "This is true for generic drugs as well."

The Trump administration has a "great opportunity" to address the growing mental health crisis in America, according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C.

"I truly believe the Trump administration has an opportunity and responsibility to address mental health in a way that helps people build resilience, not just catering to political or cultural trends," he told Fox News Digital.

One of Alpert’s big concerns, he shared, is that the "woke" culture may be inadvertently contributing to a mental health crisis. 

"While it’s important to validate emotions and acknowledge systemic challenges, there’s a growing trend of overpathologizing normal human struggles and promoting victimhood as an identity," Alpert said. 

Rather than "overemphasizing individual traumas or identity-based grievances," Alpert calls for a focus on accountability and personal growth.

"We need policies that foster self-reliance and mental toughness while still offering support for those who genuinely struggle," he said.

In Trump’s administration, Alpert said he hopes to see a commitment to mental health initiatives that foster both support and personal responsibility. 

"This includes improving access to therapy, but also addressing how social media, divisive rhetoric and identity politics are affecting young people’s sense of self-worth and mental health," he said. 

"There’s a real danger in allowing cultural narratives to dictate how we approach mental health, turning it into a political battleground instead of a space for growth."

"Not every challenge is trauma, not every disagreement is harmful and not every failure stems from systemic oppression," Alpert went on. 

Rather than encouraging victimhood, therapy should help people take ownership of their lives, develop resilience and thrive despite adversity, according to the psychotherapist.

As Donald Trump assumes the presidency, the U.S. looks to his administration with hopes for "substantial improvements in public health," according to Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert.

"A key expectation is a commitment to reforming health care policy to make it more accessible and affordable," he told Fox News Digital.                        

"This could involve fostering competition in the health care market (thereby driving insurance premiums down), enhancing price transparency at the hospital level, and expanding coverage options to ensure that families across all income levels receive adequate care."

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Osborn also hopes that the administration will tackle obesity by incentivizing healthier food options, more explicit nutritional labeling, and support for physical activity initiatives at schools.

"Furthermore, addressing food supplies in underserved areas could promote better access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods, reducing diet-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease," he added.  

Another expectation is an emphasis on preventive instead of reactive care, according to Osborn.

"Encouraging regular health screenings to identify risk factors for disease and supporting wellness education campaigns could significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases," he said.

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Ultimately, Osborn went on, the new administration has the potential to prioritize health — "not just as a matter of policy, but as a cornerstone of national prosperity." 

"Without health on an individual and national scale, the nation will continue to falter," the doctor said. 

"However, as President Trump said during his inauguration speech, ‘From this moment on, America’s decline is over.’"

The New Year typically ushers in resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles, which often means making better food choices.

This week, U.S. News & World Report revealed its annual list of the Best Diets Overall, chosen by a panel of medical and nutrition experts.

The experts all specialized in diabetes, heart health and weight loss.

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The diets were chosen for "nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability and evidence-based effectiveness," according to the report, as well as their capabilities to achieve specific goals.

"On the list of best diets, there are important commonalities," Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, told Fox News. (Freirich was not involved in the study.)

"Each diet is evidence-based, includes a variety of foods from all the food groups, and focuses on increasing unprocessed foods with high nutrient density."

Below is the list of the diets topping the list for 2025.

The Mediterranean diet has long been linked to a long list of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity and more.

Studies have found associations between the Mediterranean diet and increased longevity.

The diet is a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece. 

Primary foods in the diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices, according to Mayo Clinic’s website. Olive oil is the primary source of added fat.

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Other foods — including fish, poultry and dairy — can be incorporated in moderation. 

The diet limits red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks.

The Mediterranean diet’s health benefits stem from limiting saturated fats, refined carbohydrates (including sugars) and sodium, as well as promoting healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.

The DASH diet — the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet — was designed by the U.S.-based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, to help lower blood pressure and promote overall health.

"This well-balanced diet puts an emphasis on increasing fruit and vegetable intake along with whole foods, something most of us fall short on," said Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet."

"It is a well-balanced, evidence-based eating plan that can offer a variety of health benefits."

For those who want to add more plant-based foods to their diet without fully committing to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, the Flexitarian diet allows for occasional meat consumption, making it more accessible and sustainable for many individuals, Palinski-Wade said. 

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"This diet has been ranked as one of the easiest diets to follow, thanks to its flexibility and the absence of strict rules or restrictions," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Research also suggests that the Flexitarian diet may be more effective than traditional vegetarian or vegan diets at maintaining heart health."

The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a hybrid of the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. 

This diet is gaining in popularity, as it may help to benefit brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, noted Palinski-Wade.

"As a flexible meal plan focused on maximizing overall intake of nutrient-dense foods, it may not only improve cognitive health, but could also reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers," she said.

Designed by Mayo Clinic, this 12-week diet program follows a food pyramid with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, most of which have low calorie density, according to U.S. News.

Members can sign up for a monthly or yearly plan to access meal plans, trackers and other tools to help with healthy eating habits.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, also known as the TLC Diet, is a program designed to control hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).

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"The TLC diet is beneficial for heart health due to its focus on reducing saturated fats and cholesterol while emphasizing fiber-rich plant foods and whole grains, effectively managing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being," Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, previously told Fox News Digital.

This eating plan is tailored for women in midlife who are approaching or experiencing menopause. It is designed to alleviate the side effects of hormonal fluctuations and to prevent weight gain, according to US News.

The diet emphasizes whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and soy products.

It limits simple carbohydrates, fatty foods, sugars, alcohol and caffeine.

The diet has "proven health benefits," the report states.

Designed by Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine doctor, this diet plan is designed to reduce and prevent inflammation.

The diet emphasizes unprocessed foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables. 

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"It is a way of selecting and preparing anti-inflammatory foods based on scientific knowledge of how they can help your body maintain optimum health," said Dr. Weil’s website. 

"Along with influencing inflammation, this natural anti-inflammatory diet will provide steady energy and ample vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids dietary fiber and protective phytonutrients."

This diet allows for the consumption of all foods, but calls for larger quantities of low-calorie, healthy meals to curb hunger. 

"This diet focuses on satiety and offers flexibility, making it easy to stick with," said Palinski-Wade. 

"The focus on adding high-volume foods, which are often rich in fiber, may promote a variety of health benefits, from weight loss to lower cholesterol levels and improved heart health."

The dietitian noted that the Volumetrics diet is also easy to follow, as it does not involve strict rules or restrictions and can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

The Cleveland Clinic has launched its own diet app "designed to optimize wellness, weight loss and heart health," according to the report.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

The wellness tracker allows people to enter their food intake and activity.

Based on their answers to a questionnaire, each user is guided to enter either the HeartSmart (heart-friendly) or BodyGuard (overall well-being) program.

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"The goal is to help educate consumers on healthy eating and eating for health instead of just looking at weight loss for overall health," said Julia Zumpano, registered dietitian nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition and one of the developers of the app, in the report.

When recommending diets for people, Freirich advises avoiding overly restrictive diets or diets that heavily depend on packaged foods. 

"All diets should be something you can maintain long-term for long-lasting success," she said.

"Most importantly, the best diet is the one that works best for your life, medical history and health goals. Discussing dietary changes with your doctor and a registered dietitian is a surefire way to find the best diet for you."

A married couple who have long enjoyed the game of Scrabble both together and separately before they even met are never at a loss for words — and attribute their wedded bliss in part to their love of the nostalgic game.

They're still playing in tournaments built around the game decades after they began doing so.

Graham Harding and his wife Helen Harding, both in their 60s, have been married for over 20 years.

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They met in the 1990s at Scrabble tournaments, as news agency SWNS reported.

But it was a "special match" in 2000 that brought the couple together — and has kept them together now.

Graham Harding is from the East Berkshire Scrabble Club, while his wife Helen is from the Leicester Scrabble Club in the U.K.

They have been taking part in the UK Open Scrabble Championship in Reading this week.

"Scrabble is all about having a good vocabulary," said Graham Harding, SWNS noted.

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"But it is a Scrabble vocabulary — not necessarily everyday English."

Added Helen Harding, "The more words you know, the more ammunition you've got."

The couple said they were "vague acquaintances" for about five years after they first met.

Then they got together after a special match in Swindon.

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They maintained a long-distance relationship before they got married in 2004.

The couple even brought their Scrabble board to their wedding. 

It featured a message with Scrabble pieces that said, "Congratulations on your wedding day" — while their wedding cake said, in Scrabble letters, "Helen and Graham."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

They each took up the hobby early in life well before they met each other. 

The tournament that's been taking place this week is the first since the COVID pandemic after a five-year break — and the couple has played some two dozen games in it as of Friday, SWNS reported. 

A new trend gaining popularity among people trying to lose weight is microdosing the diabetes medication Ozempic.

With approximately 70% of American adults meeting the criteria for being obese or overweight, more people are turning to weight loss medications to help them shed pounds.

Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while its counterpart, Wegovy, is approved for treating obesity. Both are made by Novo Nordisk.

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Eli Lilly also offers a diabetes medication, Mounjaro, as well as a version for weight loss, Zepbound.

"Ozempic is the only version among the weekly injectables — Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro — that has the option to ‘hack’ the pen for a smaller dose," Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an obesity medicine specialist and founder of SoWell in New York, told Fox News Digital.

She is also the author of the book "The Ozempic Revolution" that is set to be released on Jan. 7.

Fox News Digital spoke to the experts to get the skinny on this latest trend.

Microdosing Ozempic refers to using smaller amounts compared to the standard therapeutic doses that are traditionally prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, experts say. 

This practice is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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"Health care clinicians do not typically recommend this approach, as the standard dosing regimen is based on clinical trials determining the most effective and safe amount for these conditions," noted Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

There are no established guidelines for microdosing – although there are reports on social media of using 10 to 100 times lower than standard prescriptions, added Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and obesity specialist who runs True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina.

Some people get confused by the terminology, the doctors noted.

"I think there's a little bit of a misconception, as some people say ‘I'm microdosing’ when they're just on the starting doses or don’t go all the way up in the escalation titration dosing of the medication," Sowa said.

The primary reason for microdosing is to reduce costs, according to McGowan.

For example, he said, a patient might think that if a full prescription costs over $250 per week, they may be able to achieve some benefit with just $25 worth of the medication.

The average monthly retail price of Ozempic ranges from $1,000 or more without insurance, per GoodRx.

People may also pursue microdosing to reduce the incidence or severity of side effects such as nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort, according to Stanford.

"Some individuals might start with microdoses to gradually acclimate their body to the medication, potentially easing into the full therapeutic dose over time," she said.

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Any potential benefit of the medication, however, will likely wane proportionally with lower doses, experts noted.

Individuals may also microdose due to supply challenges, according to Dr. Amy Rothberg, clinical professor of medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes at the University of Michigan. 

"Some feel they may derive a benefit from microdosing by being able to extend their supply and may perceive an effect," Rothberg, who is also the medical director of Rewind, a lifestyle program for type 2 diabetes patients, told Fox News Digital. "As we know, the placebo effect may have a strong impact."

The most likely risk of microdosing is a lack of effectiveness, McGowan noted.

"Microdosing Ozempic or other [weight-loss] medications is entirely off-label and unproven, with no supporting clinical studies," he cautioned.

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Stanford also warned that smaller doses may not provide adequate blood sugar management, leading to uncontrolled diabetes and associated complications.

It can also lead to suboptimal weight loss and unpredictable results, as well as the potential for misuse, she added.

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People who microdose often use a "compounded" version of the medication, which the FDA does not regulate.

"This introduces risks such as contamination, inconsistent formulations and uncertainty about the actual strength of the product being injected," McGowan stated.

Additionally, these compounded versions are usually dispensed in vials, which requires a syringe to draw it up, in contrast to the FDA-approved versions that are simpler to use.

Using the compounded versions through vials runs the risk of drawing up too much medication — so instead of microdosing, it's possible to macrodose, Sowa warned. 

Some providers are still comfortable offering microdosing for select patients with one caveat — that people should always consult a health care clinician before altering their medication regimen. 

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"As long as it is being dispensed and monitored by a physician, I don’t see how anybody is going to overdose, especially when we are giving such small amounts," Dr. Suzanne A. Trott, a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.

"I have seen a lot of patients who are given metformin for weight loss — I don’t see how this is any different," said Trott, who runs her own microdosing clinic.

Trott pointed out that there are many "off-label" practices offered to patients.

"Botox and fillers are not even FDA-approved for most of the places we use them," she noted.

Experts agree that sustained weight loss will not occur with medication alone.

"I think people find that it’s easier to take a drug, but neglect concomitant behavioral changes," Rothberg said.

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In the absence of changes to diet and physical activity patterns, the long-term benefits will disappear once the drug is stopped, she noted.

Trott also recommends maintaining consistent exercise, strength training, hydration and high protein intake to maintain muscle mass.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, for comment.

A Durham, North Carolina, man has turned his life around after receiving grave medical news. 

Derek Barnett, 55, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 10 years ago, according to a report from SWNS.

At his heaviest, Barnett weighed 240 pounds and was a size 38.

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Barnett, a construction worker who is currently unemployed due to health issues, brushed off his diagnosis, telling SWNS that he "didn’t think anything of it."

"Everybody’s got a type of thing," he said.

But the man's condition worsened, progressing into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer.

In January 2024, Barnett was given a letter from his doctor that broke some bad news – he potentially had only six months to live if the cancer continued to grow.

"When they gave me that letter last year, it got real," he reflected.

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"That note said, 'If the cancer gets aggressive, you have six months to live.' I saved it, looked at it every day, and it beat me up."

Barnett’s doctors informed him that the best way to regain his health would be to lose weight – and he knew it was time to get motivated and act.

"I was like, ‘OK, we can do this,’" he told SWNS. "I’m a fruit-aholic. I went on a major fruit diet basically."

Barnett began limiting his diet to "very tiny meals" throughout the day, involving lots of his favorite fruits.

"I can eat a whole watermelon in a day, but I also eat apples, oranges and grapes — whatever’s in season," he said.

‘YO-YO’ WEIGHT LOSS OCCURS BECAUSE OF THIS SURPRISING REASON

"I do protein shakes, too. I’m not a vegetarian, but I don’t eat meat much, because it’s too filling for me."

Barnett recently hit a record-low weight of 164 pounds. He reported that he dropped the pounds by following this diet, and that his "scores are looking fantastic."

"I haven’t weighed this since I was probably 15 years old," he said.

Barnett said he still has work to do in toning his muscles to "catch up to the skin loss," but he continues to push forward.

"My clothes are a little too big and baggy, and it’s hard to afford clothing when you lose weight so quickly, but I feel fantastic," he said.

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Barnett has also kept the weight off by staying active, despite his physical limitations.

"I have osteoarthritis in my right knee and need a knee replacement," he revealed. "I can’t go jogging or do stairs, but I do what I can."

He reported that his workouts usually involve sitting in chairs and "using little dumbbells."

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"I’m nonstop, but I do it without hurting myself," he added. "Losing weight is just [about] staying active, finding anything you can possibly do to get off a couch."

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Barnett told SWNS that he will find out the status of his prognosis in February, and that he hopes to inspire others with his successful weight-loss journey.

 "If I can do this, anyone can," he said. "I’ve done everything the doctors told me to do. It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up."

"I was 55 going on 90," he went on. "Now I’m 55, going back on 20 again."

Barnett hopes to return to work and live a "full, active life," according to SWNS.

"I want to ring that bell next time I see my doctors and tell them I’ve done it," he said. "This is just the beginning."

Finding your Zen means practicing mindfulness throughout the day. Depending on your goal, this can look different. For some people who want to prioritize health, finding their Zen may mean monitoring things like blood pressure and cholesterol. Incorporating daily monitoring is a great way to maintain heart health and give you the tranquility to move confidently in your daily life.

You may also want to pay more attention to how you present yourself to the world. A great way to do this is to incorporate a home routine that prioritizes skin health or develop a routine that helps you relax. 

Slowing down your day is a great way to practice mindfulness. Consider setting up a space in your home to meditate or journal daily to find more stillness in your day. 

Here are 12 things to help you find calm in 2025:

A devotional journal is a place to record your inner thoughts and reflections on your spiritual journey. This devotional journal from DaySpring invites you to reflect for 100 days on different Bible verses. This daily devotional journal, $9.11 at Walmart, encourages you to write down personal thoughts and feelings to grow your relationship with God.

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If you are looking for daily motivation, try the Calm app. This app has everything you need, including sleep, meditation and mindfulness exercises. Try a 14-day free trial to see if it's a good fit.

Crafting is a great way to practice mindfulness. This living art DIY kit from UncommonGoods uses succulents to create a textured, easy-to-care-for work of art. Or get lost in this crochet kit from the Wobbles, which offers detailed instructions to help you crochet a Snoopy.

Create space in a cluttered mind to the sounds of soothing water falling from this three-tier tabletop water fountain by Pure Garden. The fountain features a rolling glass ball water feature, multi-colored LED lights and a built-in electric pump. This water fountain from Homedics, on sale for $23.99 at Amazon, has an Asian-inspired three-tiered design. 

Original price: $39.97

Use a meditation sound bowl on Amazon to promote relaxation and focus through the vibrations created by the sounds. It's believed to help calm the mind and balance energy within the body by generating deep, sustained tones. This sound bowl, $43.99 from Wayfair, comes in a beautiful style made with sustainably harvested Himalayan Lokta paper on top of a recycled paperboard.

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Regular blood pressure monitoring is more important than ever, especially with nearly half of American adults affected by high blood pressure. Greater Goods Bluetooth blood pressure monitor from Walmart can help you stay ahead of potential health issues. This monitor enables you to track your systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as your pulse. Also, it's compatible with two users, storing up to 60 measurements for each with wireless technology. Or try the Braun ExactFit 2 blood pressure monitor, on sale for $29.98 on Amazon, for accurate readings.

Original price: $56.95

Rehabilitate your skin from holiday chaos with this warm facial sauna, which opens pores for enhanced skin health and protection. This kit includes five precise instruments to help remove blackheads and blemishes effortlessly after every steam. Try this steamer from Dr. Dennis Gross, $159 at Sephora, for a professional-level device that delivers micro-steam technology to intensely hydrate and visibly purify your skin.

White noise machines can help promote relaxation and reduce stress by creating a peaceful environment. Try the Yogasleep Dohm Nova Sound Machine and Night Light from Walmart to customize your sound environment with ten fan speeds, changeable tone and volume, an adjustable amber night light and an optional sleep timer. You can buy this machine on Wayfair for $67.93.

A tabletop zen garden is an incredibly calming addition to any home. These little gardens are designed to bring inner peace while engaging a person's mind and body. This kit from Amazon features Asian-inspired Cherry Blossom Trees, a Shinto Torii Gate, Zen rocks, a ceramic pagoda, a bridge, lotus and moss.

Original price: $35

This mediation journal from Barnes and Noble will help you find what is holding you back from achieving stillness. You record your daily practices to uncover the blockages preventing you from successfully meditating. This beautiful journal, $29.99 on Amazon, is designed to help you achieve inner peace, creative self-expression, and gratitude practice. The journal is intended as a guided personal practice for cultivating self-consciousness and more moments of wonder.

The mindful breathing necklace from UncommonGoods was designed to help with stress and anxiety. It allows you to take deep breaths and relax when you feel stressed. It is available in gold, silver, rose gold, and matte slate. 

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals

Original price: $39.99

Use an essential oil diffuser to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing. This stylish oil diffuser from Amazon covers a large room and features an automatic shut-off function when there is no water in it. This elegant stone oil diffuser, $123 at Vitruvi, has an eight-hour run time.

The U.S. surgeon general has released a new advisory warning of alcohol-related cancer risk.

Dr. Vivek Murthy issued the guidance on Friday following research that has linked alcohol to at least seven types of cancer.

In particular, the advisory notes that alcohol can increase the risk of throat, liver, esophageal, mouth, larynx (voice box), colon and rectal cancers.

DRINKING ALCOHOL IS LINKED TO CANCER, EXPERTS SAY

Alcohol consumption has been named as the "third leading preventable cause of cancer" in the country, the advisory noted, with tobacco and obesity taking the top two spots.

"Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States — greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. — yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk," said Murthy in the advisory. 

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"This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm."

The advisory breaks down four different ways in which cancer can increase cancer risk.

In one mechanism, the alcohol breaks down into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA and increases cancer risk.

Alcohol also induces "oxidative stress," the advisory warns, which damages protein, DNA and cells, and also causes inflammation.

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In a third mechanism, alcohol changes hormone levels, namely estrogen, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. More than 16% of all breast cancer cases have been linked to alcohol, the advisory states.

Finally, cancer creates conditions in which alcohol is more easily absorbed into the body.

Individual risk for alcohol-related cancers will also depend on "a complex interaction of biological, environmental, social and economic factors," the same source stated.

In the new advisory, Murthy calls for a warning label to be placed on alcoholic beverages stating that they may increase cancer risk.

The advisory also calls for a "reassessment of the guideline limits" for alcohol consumption and encourages people to be cognizant of the risk when deciding how much to consume.

The surgeon general also calls for doctors, health professionals and community groups to emphasize the link between alcohol and cancer to help raise awareness of the risk.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, applauded Murthy's advisory.

"Too many Americans are living with an outdated assumption that some amount of alcohol is not only harmless, but also good for you," he told Fox News Digital. "Increasing evidence shows that isn't true."

Though wine and other alcoholic beverages may relieve stress and dilate arteries in the short term, the doctor warned that alcohol is a "proven toxin" with direct links to liver, heart and brain disease. 

"Even though traditional advice has been up to one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for men, in fact, no amount of alcohol is healthy," Siegel said.

Multiple studies have shown that 25% of people increased their alcohol use during the pandemic, according to Siegel.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

"This was in part because of stress and also because of social isolation — and the numbers have persisted since the pandemic ended," he said.

"The timing of this advisory is right on the mark."

Country music star T. G. Sheppard, based in Nashville, is sharing his top 15 lessons for a healthy life with Fox News Digital ahead of the New Year.

Sheppard is married to Kelly Lang — and they have collaborated on several projects together.

Read on for Sheppard's best life lessons as 2024 wraps up and 2025 is set to begin.

1. Never forget where you came from if you want to get where you want to go in life. 

This is a lesson that Elvis pulled me aside at Graceland one night and shared with me. After hearing it, I applied it to my career. Learn to be humble.

ATLANTA-BASED HUSBAND AND FATHER REVEALS 43 THINGS HE'S LEARNED IN 43 YEARS

2. There’s no room for ego in this business. 

The fans of what you do give everything to you — and if you don’t stay accessible, down to earth, true to your music and true to your beliefs, they have the right to take it away from you.

3. Never say "no" to a fan who comes up to compliment you and asks for an autograph. 

Always consider it an honor when someone takes the time to acknowledge you. 

It’s the ultimate compliment.

4. Take the time to stop and smell the roses on your journey toward success. 

After all, success is not a place. It’s the incredible trip you take that’s the most important. 

So be careful not to overlook your journey by taking time to reflect along the way.

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5. Money should not be your barometer for success in your career. 

The best barometer will be the friends that you make. 

Long after the smoke clears and the fans stop screaming your name, your relationships will be the most important thing and comfort you more. Be sure to cherish them.

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6. Never get caught up in believing your own press. 

After all, it’s just press.

7. Never stop dreaming. 

No matter how old you get, it’s never too late in life to be who you might have been. 

Dream big, be big. Dream small, be small.

WASHINGTON PASTOR, HUSBAND AND FATHER REVEALS 24 THINGS HE'S LEARNED IN 2024

8. To be successful, surround yourself with people who know more than you do. 

They will help you get where you want to go. A great team can help get you much further than going it alone.

9. Use your money and influence to improve the quality of life of those around you.

That's one of my greatest lessons and joys in life. Paying it forward is an incredible feeling, even if it's to help a total stranger.

10. Never continue to worry about a problem you have no control over. 

Worry about it once, then let it go — because each time you think about the problem, you’re paying for it over and over again. 

Let go and let God.

11. Take time to think through every decision you make in your career, no matter how small.

Remember that small decisions are sometimes just as important as the big ones.

12. Take time to thank and acknowledge the people who helped pave the way to your success. 

A public "thank you" is usually worth more to someone than money.

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13. If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all. 

It’s a small business and everyone in it usually knows or finds out what is said about them.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

14. Never envy someone for their success. 

Be happy for them, as it will help pave the way for your own happiness and success.

15. Don’t forget to be thankful for all that comes your way. 

It will take you higher than you ever imagined.

Putting a swing in their step could be just the thing to help ease the symptoms of depression in some Parkinson's patients, a new study suggests.

Patients who took months of dance classes found their depression eased, a small study published recently in the Journal of Medical Internet Research says.

Not only did depression symptoms ease for the Parkinson's patients, their brain scans displayed changes in their brain areas related to mood, researchers said.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE RISK IS LINKED TO GUT HEALTH, RESEARCHERS SAY

"It was very cool to see that dance had a positive effect on the mood circuits in the brain, which we could see in the imaging," senior researcher Joseph DeSouza, an associate professor of neuroscience at York University in Toronto, Canada, said in a university news release.

"These improvements that we could see on MRI brain scans were also reported by the participants via survey," DeSouza said. 

"Our study is the first to demonstrate these benefits across these two detection methods," he also said, as news agency SWNS reported.

The study followed 23 participants in the Sharing Dance Parkinson’s program at Canada’s National Ballet School who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease — as well as 11 healthy people, some of whom were relatives of the patients.

Participants took weekly dance classes for eight months, which progressed from simple leg and foot work and pliés to interpretive movements, waltzes and more complicated, choreographed dances, the outlet reported.

‘PENDULUM LIFESTYLE’ COULD BE KEY TO JUGGLING DAILY CHALLENGES

Researchers honed in on a node in the brain, the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), that has been shown in previous research to be implicated in depression.

The team measured mood and depression scores in all participants using a recognized scale before and after every class, plus they conducted regular MRI scans at York.

After each dance class, they found that reported depression rates dropped — and the effect was cumulative from class to class, with "significant" improvements seen after eight months.

The team also found that the MRI scans showed reduced signals in a frontal-cortex brain region associated with emotional regulation and that in a smaller subset of the participants, a significant decrease in depression scores correlated with changes in the SCG node.

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Co-author Dr. Karolina Bearss, a professor at Algoma University, Canada, said, "We essentially showed that [the] SCG blood oxygen level–dependent signal decreases while dancing over time."

Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the team noted. 

Before diagnosis, there is a "prodromal" phase that can last for two to 10 years. It's characterized by low mood, even before other symptoms appear, such as tremors.

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"People with Parkinson's disease tend to have multiple symptoms that are not just motor-related," said Bearss. "There are a lot of symptoms that include mental and social well-being impairments — one of those being depression."

The new research builds on the team's previous three-year study that found that dance training helps Parkinson's patients with motor control, mood and other functions of daily living.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Dance is thought to have a double benefit, as music activates the brain’s reward centers and the movement acts on sensory and motor circuits.

Professor DeSouza, who has been dancing with participants in the program for 14 years, said that while dancing is not a treatment for Parkinson's per se, the benefits are clear, according to the report.

He added, "We're not trying to cure Parkinson's with dance. What we're trying to do is to have people live a better quality of life. This goes for both those with the disease, and their families that take care of them - they also get benefits of feeling better."

Up to half of all Parkinson’s patients suffer from depression or anxiety at some point, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research notes.

A previous study done at Sydney University found that structured dance (of any genre) is generally as effective as — or even more effective than — other types of physical activity for improving psychological and cognitive outcomes among people with chronic illness as well as healthy people.

Travel is a big part of the holiday season, with statistics showing that more than 119 million Americans plan to embark on some type of journey between Christmas and New Year's.

Unfortunately, traveling also increases the risk of getting sick — but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of staying healthy while away from home.

"When you're traveling, when you're on the road, there's a lot of risk of stress and disorientation," Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

NEW TRAVEL TREND HAS AMERICANS CHASING FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

"You're not in your usual habitat, and that can make people disoriented, upset, anxious or even sleep-deprived, especially when changing time zones."

Siegel shared some of his top tips for preventing illness during holiday travel.

Staying hydrated has been shown to boost the immune system and protect against illness.

Water is always best, but other hydrating fluids include plain coffee or tea, sparkling or flavored waters, 100% vegetable juice, and milk or milk alternatives.

It’s best to travel while "well-exercised," Siegel said.

"If you have a regular exercise routine, I wouldn't suspend it a week before travel," he said.

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"If you're regularly exercising, sleeping right and eating right before you go, I think that that puts you in much better shape when you're traveling."

Siegel said he’s a "big believer" in wiping down surfaces, especially when traveling by plane.

"You wouldn't believe what these surfaces carry — we've studied that," he said. "There are a lot of germs in that tray table, and it's the person next to you who could be sick." 

"When you're about to take a trip, it is a good time for you to think about whether you’re up-to-date on your vaccines," Siegel said.

One immunization that isn’t given enough attention, according to the doctor, is Tdap, a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

It is given at least once every five to 10 years.

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"There's a ton of whooping cough around this year," Siegel said. "Thousands of cases are reported, but many thousands aren't."

The doctor also recommends the shingles shot for those over the age of 50 and the pneumonia vaccine for people 60 and older.

"When you're under stress from travel, that might be when you could get sick," Siegel said, as the immune system isn't functioning at an optimal level. 

"That's when shingles might reappear," he warned. "Shingles is actually a chickenpox virus that's dormant in your body for years, but can recur at times of stress."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that everyone 6 months and older receives COVID and flu vaccinations, with rare exceptions.

For those who take multiple daily medications, the doctor recommends traveling with one pill bottle and putting the various pills in it, making it less likely for any to get misplaced.

"Make sure you have more than enough," he advised. "You never know when you're going to get delayed, especially around holiday travel."

Siegel recommends bringing three or four extra days of pills for all medications.

"Depending on what chronic illnesses you may have, it's a good idea to be up-to-date with blood draws and visits to your doctor" before traveling, he added.

It can be challenging to maintain a regular sleep cycle while traveling, Siegel noted, especially when time zones are changing.

"The more you can catch some winks while traveling, the better off you're going to be," he said.

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For those who have trouble falling asleep while on the road, Siegel recommends identifying what makes you drift off at home and using those same techniques.

"I get asked a lot for sleeping aids," he said. "For people who are traveling on long trips, I personally am uncomfortable giving medication if the patient hasn't been taking it already."

While masks "got a bad name" during the pandemic because of mandates, Siegel noted that they are tools that can be used for those who are ill or at a higher risk. 

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"If you're a person who’s at risk of an infectious disease or has a chronic illness, the last thing you need is to get the flu, COVID or RSV."

The doctor recommends considering a mask for tight spaces where there are a lot of people around.

"You don't know what they have or what they are harboring," he said.

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"That's why I would consider one, especially if you're at high risk."

Overall, Siegel said, "staying hydrated, eating right and sleeping properly as best as possible is the way to go in decreasing stress while traveling."