As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on Capitol Hill Wednesday for the confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary, supporters and leaders in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement gathered to show their support.

Among the supporters was Marla Maples, ex-wife of President Trump and mother to Tiffany Trump, who co-founded the Global Wellness Forum.

The organization "unites and empowers groups and activists worldwide, amplifying their efforts to promote health, sovereignty, truth and transparency," according to its website.

WHY DOES RFK JR.’S VOICE SOUND RASPY? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

Maples spoke with Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview sharing her excitement for the MAHA movement and her hopes for a healthier America under her friend Kennedy.

"I have to support America's health, our children's health … we suffered so long with what they're putting in our food supply without having consent on what we're getting medically," said Maples.

Maples added, "It's the most important thing I think we have for ourselves [and] our children … and I have a little grandbaby coming, so I want to make sure we leave a cleaner world for our children's children, too."

Tiffany, 30, is expecting a child with her husband Michael Boulos, President Trump announced in October. 

MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN: THE POWERHOUSE FOODS THAT WORK MEDICAL MAGIC

Maples shared that Americans should "read every label" of the food they are consuming.

"Just make sure you stay away from corn syrups, any artificial colors. I've been telling people forever. No refined sugars." 

Maples said she believes Americans should rely on their own intuition when it comes to their health.

"Truly, you have an inner sense of what's good for us, and really trusting that, taking time and just caring enough about yourself."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

She added, "It's really about maintaining your own health and being your own best doctor."

Maples also advocated for people growing their own food when possible.

"If you have the chance to grow your own garden, that's the best. I used to do it growing up. Now I live in a condo and I have little herbs growing."

The wellness advocate is also a big believer in the power of prayer, sharing, "Be really sure before you put anything in your body and pray over it all."

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

To stay fit both physically and mentally, Maples shared that she does handstands and lots of stretching.

"If I have a chance to play a sport during the week, I'll get out and do that because it keeps my mind very clear and helps my mind be very focused."

Representatives of the Global Wellness Forum were also seen supporting Kennedy at his confirmation hearing.

"We're going to be helping support Bobby and Bobby's initiatives in the government … making sure there's a way we can bring teams together to support what he's going to be doing in the government, so we can support in the community," Maples added.

A man who served in World War II as an airman recently turned 100 years old — and celebrated in style with two different birthday parties. 

He also said the smartphone has been one of the most significant inventions in his lifetime — plus shared his tips for living a long and healthy life. 

John Fife, who lives in Clevedon, in North Somerset in the U.K., turned 100 on Dec. 26, 2024, news agency SWNS reported.

EATING THIS BREAKFAST FOOD COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY SUGGESTS

He celebrated first with family and friends at a hotel — and second with friends and neighbors in the lounge at Coleridge Court, a McCarthy Stone Retiring Living development, as SWNS noted.

He said, "I feel very fortunate that I still enjoy good health and am able to get out and about."

Born and educated in Edinburgh, Fife said he was called up for national service with the Royal Air Force in 1943. 

He trained as a wireless operator and air gunner in the RAF, SWNS said. 

He then served with Coastal Command Air/Sea Rescue until he was demobilized in 1946.

TO LIVE LONGER, DO THESE 5 THINGS EVERY DAY, SAYS A BRAIN HEALTH EXPERT

After leaving the military, Fife got married and started a career in the civil service with the Post Office Savings Bank in two different locations.

He, his wife and their two sons moved to Glasgow in 1966 where, following the separation of the Savings Bank from the Post Office, he worked on setting up a new headquarters for the Savings Bank, known today in the U.K. as National Savings & Investments, the same source noted.

During this time, he received special recognition for his services.

"In 1970, I was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the headquarters of the new Department," Fife said, as SNWS reported.

He retired from the Civil Service in 1984 and moved to Clevedon to be nearer his sons.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

So how does he keep active even today? 

"I start each day with a fixed goal, such as a long walk or going to church, and I love completing jigsaws," he said, as SWNS reported.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

He said he's also "made new friends and started new activities since moving to Coleridge Court in 2022."

When asked for his secrets of living a long life, Fife was quite clear.

"Make a decision to do things and carry them out and do what you can to help the less fortunate," he said.

He said medical advances throughout his years on Earth have been extraordinary — and also named the smartphone as probably the most significant development he's witnessed in his 100 years.

As Dry January has some people putting down the bottle for the first month of the year, the health benefits of eliminating alcohol are in the spotlight.

But TV personality Kelly Ripa, host of ABC’s "Live with Kelly and Mark," revealed that giving up alcohol had an unexpected effect on her.

On Wednesday’s episode, when Andy Cohen co-hosted alongside Ripa, he brought up that he is "in the middle of dry January."

6 TIPS TO REDUCE ALCOHOL USE AND CANCER RISK AFTER SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING

"Usually, a little weight loss comes my way after," he commented. "That’s not really happening yet."

Ripa responded that when she quit drinking in 2017, she expected there to be a "windfall of weight loss."

"Because everybody’s like, ‘Well you are going to get too skinny … you can’t afford to lose it,’" she said. "I gained 12 pounds!"

DOES ‘DRY JANUARY’ ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

"I don’t understand this ‘magical weight loss’ that people [imply]," she continued. "I think I just took to eating the sugars … because apparently, alcohol is like a lot of sugar."

In 2020, Ripa revealed to People Magazine that she and her friends decided to try a sober month back in 2017, and that she "liked the way [she] felt."

"Not that I was a heavy drinker — I wasn’t someone who got drunk — but even like two glasses of wine at a girl’s night out dinner, I would feel it the next morning," she said.

"I just didn’t really feel the need or desire to go back to it," Ripa went on. "It wasn’t really a choice or a thought, it was just, ‘Yeah, I guess I don’t drink anymore.’"

Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Midi Health chief medical officer and women’s health and weight management specialist, shared some health benefits of eliminating or limiting alcohol, including reduced cancer risk and weight loss.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Less drinking eliminates the hundreds of calories in the drinks themselves (anywhere from 160 to 400 or more calories per drink) and less drinking is often accompanied by less late-night snacking," the California-based doctor told Fox News Digital.

"Less alcohol also helps your body get a good night’s sleep, while bad sleep is associated with weight gain. Alcohol interferes with the ability to reach a deep sleep, which then contributes to daytime fatigue and sluggishness – and ultimately to weight gain."

But limiting alcohol might not pose these benefits for everyone, Jordan noted.

If low or moderate drinkers experience weight gain after eliminating alcohol, the expert said that’s most likely due to substituting drinking with snacking or sugary mocktails.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

Jordan recommended replacing alcohol with different variations of water instead, including bubbly, flat or garnished water, which will satiate "nervous eating" and the habit of drinking.

Dry January also occurs when the climate is cold and dark, with most Americans tending to spend more time indoors. 

To support the benefits of not drinking and prevent weight gain, Jordan advised keeping up with physical activity even during the winter months.

CES 2025 has once again showcased a remarkable array of health and fitness technology that promises to transform our well-being. 

From artificial intelligence-powered sleep aids to smart ear-cleaning devices, this year's event highlights cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance our health and fitness routines. 

These groundbreaking innovations are sure to offer something for everyone.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

The Frenz Brainband is this cool new AI-powered sleep headband that not only tracks your sleep, but actually helps you sleep better and focus more during the day. The Frenz Brainband uses some seriously advanced tech to monitor your brain waves, eye movements and even tiny facial twitches while you snooze. 

The Brainband uses all that info to play personalized audio through bone-conduction speakers, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The folks at Earable Neuroscience, the company behind Frenz, have done their homework. They've got research backing up their claims, and they've even snagged a CES Innovation Award. So, whether you're struggling with insomnia or just want to optimize your sleep and daytime focus, the Frenz Brainband might be worth checking out. It's available for purchase at a price of $680 or through a rental option for $45 per month.

A BREAKTHROUGH GADGET COULD HELP YOU DETECT MICROPLASTICS IN YOUR DRINKING WATER 

The Bebird EarSight Flow is an innovative ear care device that combines high-resolution imaging with advanced cleaning technology. Featuring a 1 million-pixel camera and Aquatic Ear Canal Cleaning Technology, this device allows you to safely remove earwax while providing a live view through a smartphone app. As a CES 2025 Innovation Awards honoree in the digital health category, the EarSight Flow offers a modern solution to ear hygiene, enabling you to see inside your ear canal during the cleaning process.

The device comes equipped with a high-definition camera with over 1 million pixels and a Ball Axis Adjustment Megapixel Lens for precise positioning. You can easily integrate the device with your smartphone, using compatible Android and iOS apps to stream the real-time cleaning process. The advanced cleaning technology gently removes earwax and debris, providing a safe and interactive ear care experience. You can buy a Bebird EarSight Flow by clicking here.

Note: Health care professionals recommend consulting with a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning device to ensure safe and proper usage.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

The Circular Ring 2 introduces a groundbreaking digital sizing method that allows you to determine your ring size using only a smartphone camera and a dedicated app. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional plastic sizing kit used by competitors like Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring.

A standout feature of the Circular Ring 2 is its FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection algorithm, which marks the first such certification in the smart ring market. The Circular Ring 2 will launch in mid-to-late January 2025 with an expected retail price of $349 to $380, depending on the finish selected (gold, silver, black or rose gold). The ring will ship in March 2025 and is notable for being subscription-free.

NEW PROSTHETICS RESTORE NATURAL MOVEMENT VIA NERVE CONNECTION  

The Amp Fitness machine is a groundbreaking $1,795 home gym powered by advanced artificial intelligence that transforms strength training. Featuring adjustable cable machine weights, an integrated camera and a smart companion app, the device provides dynamic workouts that adapt in real time to maximize your fitness gains. 

You can access hundreds of workout variations, participate in fitness challenges and even compete on a global leaderboard that tracks strength and progress. The machine's AI technology continuously analyzes performance, adjusting resistance and workout intensity to ensure you are constantly challenged and making consistent progress. The Amp Fitness machine is priced at $1,795 and is available with a $99 deposit. It is expected to ship in early 2025.

COULD THESE EXOSKELETON "POWERED PANTS" MAKE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES EASIER IN THE FUTURE?

The Elehear Beyond Pro is an innovative over-the-counter hearing aid that combines cutting-edge AI technology with user-friendly features. This smart hearing wearable offers real-time translation capabilities across multiple languages, making it an invaluable tool for global communication. 

The device also provides customizable tinnitus relief, addressing a common concern for many individuals with hearing issues. At the heart of the Beyond Pro is Elehear's proprietary Vocclear technology, which significantly enhances sound clarity and speech intelligibility. The Elehear Beyond Pro hearing aid is expected to be released later in 2025.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED NO MATTER WHERE YOU TRAVEL IN THE WORLD  

Kirin Holdings has unveiled an innovative electric salt spoon that uses a mild electrical current to enhance food flavor without adding sodium. This $127 device concentrates sodium ions on the tongue, making low-sodium foods taste up to 1.5 times saltier. The spoon offers four adjustable intensity levels, ranging from mild (yellow light) to intense (blue light). 

Developed in collaboration with Meiji University, the device addresses critical health concerns by helping people enjoy flavorful meals while reducing salt intake. First-time users are recommended to start at the lowest intensity setting to acclimate to the unique sensory experience. You can purchase the electric salt spoon through Kirin's official online store.

BEST WAYS TO KEEP ORGANIZED IN THE KITCHEN

LG's innovative AeroCatTower is a device that seamlessly blends pet comfort with air purification technology. The tower features a dome-shaped seat where cats can relax, complete with a built-in heater and an attachable stepper to help older cats climb. 

Its intelligent air purification system automatically adjusts airflow when a cat is present, ensuring minimal disturbance to your furry companion. Through the LG ThinQ app, pet owners can track their cat's weight and sleep patterns, adding an extra layer of pet care technology. Pricing and availability remain undisclosed by LG.

THIS IS THE WAY CLEAN FREAKS GET THEIR FILTHY TECH SPOTLESS

The YoctoMat is a smart yoga mat that transforms your practice through cutting-edge embedded sensor technology, providing real-time feedback on your posture, balance and weight distribution. By creating a visual map of your movements, this intelligent mat acts like a personal yoga instructor, helping you perfect your alignment and technique with precision and ease. 

The mat's advanced IoT capabilities allow you to track your progress, analyze your performance and receive instant corrections, making every yoga session an opportunity for growth and mindfulness. Lightweight and portable, the YoctoMat brings the expertise of a professional yoga studio directly to your home, enabling practitioners of all levels to enhance their practice. 

Its AI-powered system not only improves physical technique but also supports stress reduction and mental well-being, turning your yoga routine into a holistic wellness experience. Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced yogi looking to refine your skills, the YoctoMat offers an interactive, data-driven approach to yoga that adapts to your individual needs. The YoctoMat is available for purchase through the company's inquiry form here.

SKYROCKET TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS GEAR IN 2025

ESight, renowned for its medical vision enhancement devices, is showcasing its latest innovation, eSight Go, at CES. These cutting-edge digital glasses are designed to assist individuals with central vision loss caused by conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The eSight Go features a high-definition camera on the nosepiece that captures continuous video footage, which is then optimized and displayed on HD OLED screens for enhanced viewing. 

Users can integrate their prescription lenses for further visual optimization. Engineered for all-day wear, these lightweight glasses come equipped with built-in controls and a neck-worn battery pack that provides up to three hours of continuous use. The eSight Go is priced at $4,950, and you can get a free consultation here.

FACIAL RECOGNITION GLASSES TURN EVERYDAY LIFE INTO A CREEPY PRIVACY NIGHTMARE

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The iSleePad is a contactless sleep-tracking solution designed to monitor vital health data without the discomfort of wearable devices. Utilizing advanced low-power microwave sensor technology, the lightweight and foldable pad can track essential sleep metrics, including heart rate, breathing and sleep position with remarkable precision. 

Positioned conveniently under the shoulders and torso, the iSleePad offers a unique feature set that goes beyond traditional sleep tracking, including real-time alerts for bed exits and a Schumann wave mode that promotes deep, restful sleep. Its flexible pressure-sensitive antenna provides over 95% accuracy in monitoring sleep activities, making it especially beneficial for elderly users, medical care settings and families with infants. The device seamlessly integrates with a smartphone app, allowing users to access real-time data and long-term physiological records. No specific information is available regarding its price or availability.

TOP SLEEP ACCESSORIES 2025 

Withings has unveiled the Omnia, an innovative AI-powered smart mirror that provides comprehensive health screening through advanced sensor technology. The full-length mirror, equipped with a sophisticated base, can capture an extensive range of health metrics, including weight, heart health, metabolic data and body composition. 

Using integrated AI, the Omnia not only displays health data but also offers personalized insights through a voice assistant that can provide recommendations and potentially connect users with health care professionals. The device seamlessly integrates data from multiple Withings devices and third-party health apps, creating a holistic health monitoring ecosystem. The Omnia is still a concept product and is not yet available for purchase. It is in development with no clear pricing details provided at this time.

SMART RINGS THAT CAN TRACK YOUR SLEEP, FITNESS, COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

NextSense has unveiled the Tone Buds, a groundbreaking biosensing smart earbud that goes far beyond traditional sleep technology by actively monitoring and improving sleep quality. These innovative earbuds use clinical-grade EEG technology to precisely assess sleep stages and depth, providing unprecedented insights into a user's nocturnal experience. 

When the Tone Buds detect stage N3 sleep, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, they emit subtle pink noise stimulation to enhance rest. The AI-powered, closed-loop audio system responds dynamically to the user's brain waves, providing comforting audio for falling asleep and sound-neutralizing tracks to help users stay asleep. 

With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology. By continuously monitoring brain activity and actively improving sleep in real time, NextSense is offering a sophisticated solution for those struggling to achieve restful, high-quality sleep. Tone Buds are available for preorder and will retail for $349.

12 MUST-HAVE APPS TO CRUSH YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

EssilorLuxottica's Nuance Audio glasses feature six strategically placed microphones that capture sound with remarkable precision and directional accuracy. These innovative glasses offer users two distinct listening modes — a focused directional setting that amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of you and a 360-degree audio mode that enhances surrounding sounds for complete environmental awareness. 

The embedded micro-speakers, positioned discreetly above the ears, deliver crystal-clear audio directly to the user, creating an invisible and stylish hearing solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. With a companion app and remote control, users can easily customize volume levels, switch between sound modes and fine-tune their listening experience in real time. 

The glasses not only provide exceptional sound clarity but also eliminate the traditional stigma associated with hearing aids by seamlessly integrating advanced audio technology into a sleek, fashionable eyewear design. The launch timeline is pending FDA approval here in the U.S., but the glasses are expected to be available for purchase starting in Q1 2025 

HOW THIS EX-APPLE GUY’S AI GLASSES INVENTION WORKS

Amazfit has unveiled its V1tal device, a compact gadget designed to revolutionize nutritional tracking. The V1tal uses a built-in camera to record your meals, automatically logging food intake and providing detailed nutritional information without manual input. 

This innovative device analyzes eating behavior, offering insights and tips to improve dietary habits. The V1tal integrates seamlessly with the Zepp app, creating a comprehensive health ecosystem when used alongside Amazfit's smartwatches and fitness trackers. While in the prototype stage, Amazfit plans to launch the V1tal in the United States during the first or second quarter of 2025.

FOOD TRACKING JUST GOT LAZY (IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE) WITH THIS WEARABLE

The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app, recently launched on both Apple and Google Play stores, will transform how users manage their medications. This innovative app offers features such as medication tracking, pill reminders and the ability to log missed or taken doses, making it an essential tool for medication adherence. The app can be used independently or in conjunction with the upcoming Smart Pillbox device, which is in its pilot program phase. 

When paired with the device, the app will sync effortlessly, providing real-time tracking and automated logging of medication intake. The Smart Pillbox device, expected to be widely available in the coming months, will feature built-in sensors to detect when pill compartments are opened, as well as cellular connectivity to transmit adherence data securely to health care providers. 

This comprehensive system aims to improve medication management for users and enable health care providers to monitor patient adherence remotely, potentially enhancing overall health outcomes. The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app is available for free on iOS and Android, with the companion device available for preorder and expected to be widely available in the coming months. 

THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2025

The content of this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered a substitute for professional health or medical advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified health care provider or physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your medical conditions or health goals.

These health and fitness advancements not only highlight the increasing synergy between technology and wellness, but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being in transformative ways. As these products hit the market, they have the potential to change how we approach fitness, nutrition and overall health, marking a pivotal moment for personal wellness. Embracing these innovations can lead to more informed choices and enhanced quality of life, making it an opportune time to explore what these technologies have to offer.

Which of the innovative health and fitness technologies from CES 2025 are you most excited about and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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.

CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT MEAL? IT'S CALLED FOOD NOISE, HERE'S WHAT TO DO

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.

HAIR GROWTH COULD SLOW DOWN WITH THIS POPULAR DIET PLAN, STUDY REVEALS

"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.

IS EATING ONCE A DAY A GOOD IDEA? EXPERTS SHARE VARYING OPINIONS ON THE ‘OMAD DIET’

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."

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

"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."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

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."

Getting a certain number of daily steps has long been known to boost overall health — and now a new study has pinpointed how many you need to keep depression at bay.

A research team led by Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, PhD, from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, analyzed 33 studies involving 96,173 adults.

In comparing the adults’ daily step counts and rates of depression, they found that people with higher daily step counts tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, according to the study findings, which were published in JAMA Network Open last week.

DANCE EASES DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN PARKINSON'S PATIENTS, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

Getting 5,000 or more steps was linked to reduced depressive symptoms, while a step count of 7,000 or higher was associated with a lower risk of depression, the researchers found.

"Our results showed significant associations between higher numbers of daily steps and fewer depressive symptoms, as well as lower prevalence and risk of depression in the general adult population," the authors wrote in the findings.

"The objective measurement of daily steps may represent an inclusive and comprehensive approach to public health that has the potential to prevent depression."

More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with those between 12 and 25 years old most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health.

WHAT IS SUNSET ANXIETY? HERE'S HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE LATE-DAY DISTRESS

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but commented on the review.

"This is an extensive analysis of over 30 observational studies, so it needs to be followed up with prospective randomized studies," he told Fox News Digital. 

"There is already a vast body of evidence, including this study, that exercise is associated with mood improvement, a natural antidepressant."  

The reason that a higher step count reduces depression isn't only psychological, the doctor said — it's also physical. 

"Exercise increases the release of the ‘happy hormones’ — dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin," Siegel added.

Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential in improving mood, depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Richard A. Bermudes, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer of BrainsWay in Nevada.

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

"The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we get," Bermudes, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"We also know that there is an incremental benefit to walking — every increase of 1,000 steps per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of depression."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Genetics, psychological factors and social stressors also play a role in depression, he noted.

"However, we know that natural light exposure, general movement and walking in natural settings or nature have positive mood effects." 

Bermudes encourages those struggling with depression to "take it one step at a time."

"For those with severe depression, try incrementally day after day, increasing by 100 steps each day," he suggested. 

"If you work and are stuck at a desk most days, schedule 15-minute breaks to exercise the brain by taking a walk."

Walking outside is more beneficial, Bermudes added, as it provides natural light exposure.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.