Forget what you’ve been told – daily showers might not be as necessary as you think! Dr. James Hamblin, a preventive medicine expert, challenged social norms by skipping traditional showers for five years. His experiment, documented in Clean: The New Science of Skin, dives into the truth behind personal hygiene, marketing gimmicks, and our obsession with lathering up.
Hamblin argues that much of our shower routine is more about aesthetics than health. While washing your hands and maintaining hygiene is essential for disease prevention, scrubbing head to toe daily is purely a personal preference. Over-cleansing can disrupt your skin’s microbiome, which is home to beneficial bacteria that protect and balance your skin, much like gut flora. Constantly stripping away natural oils can lead to issues like dryness, eczema, and acne.
So, how often should you shower? It depends. Some rinse off daily for a refresh, while others space it out. There’s no universal “right” way. The billion-dollar beauty industry feeds our ideas of cleanliness, but in reality, the healthiest approach might be to do less. Hamblin’s takeaway? Don’t stress—your skin knows what it’s doing.
A New Life for Empty Offices: Thriving Vertical Farms
With office vacancies soaring over 20% in some U.S. cities, innovative startups are transforming empty spaces into thriving indoor farms. These vertical farms, like the 65,000-square-foot facility inside Calgary Tower, produce fresh kale, cucumbers, strawberries, and more, breathing new life into unused buildings.
Vertical farming offers a powerful solution to urban food production, using advanced hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic techniques. These farms require up to 95% less water than traditional agriculture and can produce significantly higher yields per square foot. Their controlled environments ensure year-round harvests, free from pests and unpredictable weather.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of local food sources, driving a surge in vertical farming investments. As remote work reshapes cities, landlords are embracing indoor farms as a sustainable and profitable use for vacant spaces. Companies like Greenspace in Australia even incorporate small-scale farms into corporate offices, providing fresh greens right where people work.
Beyond sustainability, vertical farms reduce food transportation emissions and improve urban food security. These farms can be set up in various spaces with modular, adaptable designs, making city-grown food more accessible than ever. While energy use remains a challenge, renewable energy integration makes vertical farming greener.
As cities look for smart solutions to revitalize empty buildings, vertical farms offer a future where fresh, local produce is just an elevator ride away.
Flossing is a Simple Habit That Can Protect Your Heart and Brain
Did you know that regular flossing can do more than just keep your gums healthy? A new study suggests that flossing at least once a week can significantly lower the risk of stroke caused by blood clots. Researchers presented these findings at the American Stroke Association’s annual meeting, showing that flossing is linked to a 22% lower risk of clot-related strokes and a 44% lower risk of strokes caused by heart-related clots.
Beyond stroke prevention, the study also found that flossing may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib)—an irregular heart rhythm that increases stroke risk—by 12%. According to Dr. Souvik Sen, the study’s lead researcher, flossing helps lower inflammation and oral infections, which in turn benefits cardiovascular health.
The research analyzed data from over 6,200 people in a long-term study on artery health. Flossing still provided protective benefits even among those who didn’t regularly brush or visit the dentist. It was also associated with lower risks of cavities and gum disease.
Dental care can be costly, but flossing is a simple, affordable, and effective habit that promotes overall health. This study highlights how maintaining oral hygiene might prevent serious health issues like strokes.
The Hidden Cause of ‘Zoom Fatigue’ Draining American Workers
Virtual meetings are wearing down American workers, and a new study reveals a surprising reason: dissatisfaction with facial appearance. Researchers found that constant self-viewing in video calls leads to increased stress, fueling “Zoom fatigue” and reducing workplace engagement.
Chaeyun Lim of the University of Michigan led a study of 2,448 remote workers, published in PLOS One. The findings show that those unhappy with their appearance experience more virtual meeting fatigue, often turning to beauty filters and avatars. However, using these tools only worsens exhaustion, making meetings feel even less useful.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News, connects this to broader issues of post-pandemic anxiety and disconnection. He notes that poor lighting and unflattering angles exacerbate discomfort, causing many to turn cameras off. “The solution isn’t better cameras or makeup—it’s self-acceptance,” he says.
Lim suggests improving virtual meeting tools to better support mental well-being. “Our study highlights that dissatisfaction with facial appearance fuels Zoom fatigue, reducing engagement in virtual meetings.”
As hybrid work continues, understanding and addressing the psychological toll of video calls could be key to boosting productivity and employee well-being.
Married Influencers Spark Debate Over ‘Sleep Divorce’ and Separate Beds
The debate over “sleep divorce” reignited when influencer Matt Howard revealed he sleeps separately from his wife, Abby, for his mental health. The couple, known for their TikTok presence with 5.3 million followers, faced speculation about their marriage after Matt disclosed he sleeps on a mattress in a walk-in closet due to his ADHD and anxiety. Many TikTok users questioned the arrangement, with some suggesting it indicated marital trouble.
However, experts argue that sleeping separately is not necessarily a sign of a failing relationship. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Melania Trump, and Gwyneth Paltrow have also discussed similar arrangements. Common reasons for separate sleeping include snoring, restlessness, and incompatible sleep schedules. Studies show that 1 in 4 couples sleep apart, though social stigma still exists.
Dr. Meir Kryger from Yale University emphasizes that separate sleeping can improve relationships and not diminish romance. However, issues may arise if separation stems from deeper relationship problems. Children may also misinterpret it as a sign of divorce, making open communication essential. Experts suggest couples struggling with sleep compatibility can explore solutions before opting for separate sleeping arrangements. Ultimately, what matters is mutual understanding and a healthy relationship dynamic.
Trump to Sign Executive Order to Bring Plastic Straws Back
President Donald Trump is putting an end to the left’s paper straw disaster and bringing America back to sanity and back to plastic!
In a bold statement on Truth Social Friday, Trump announced that he will sign an executive order next week to roll back Biden’s senseless environmental regulations that forced Americans to suffer through flimsy, useless paper straws.
“I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!” Trump declared.
This move directly challenges Biden’s 2022 executive order mandating the phase-out of all single-use plastics on federal lands, including straws, food containers, and bottles. The Department of Interior, bowing to radical environmental activists, had committed to eliminating these products by 2032, ignoring how inconvenient and ineffective paper alternatives are for everyday Americans.
From the start, Trump has been a champion of common sense over progressive hysteria. During his 2020 re-election campaign, he proudly sold Trump-branded plastic straws, calling out the left’s obsession with impractical, soggy paper versions that dissolve before you finish your drink.
The Paper Straw Lie: Not Eco-Friendly
Paper straws are not as environmentally friendly as advertised. Their production contributes to deforestation, consumes high amounts of water and energy, and involves chemical coatings (like PFAS) that can be toxic and non-biodegradable. Many are non-recyclable, have a higher carbon footprint due to manufacturing and shipping, and often end up in landfills or as litter.
A Win for Consumer Choice
This latest executive order is a win for freedom, convenience, and consumer choice. Americans don’t want the government dictating what kind of straws they use. The Biden administration’s overreach into the everyday lives of citizens is yet another example of the Democrats’ radical agenda forcing unnecessary “green” policies onto hard-working people who just want to enjoy their beverages in peace.
Trump is taking a stand, bringing common sense back, and returning plastic straws to the people where they belong.
