1.
Walking and weight training may not be enough to keep your bones strong
A recent study has found that common exercises like walking, jogging, and traditional weight training might not be as effective for bone health as we once thought. Instead, high-intensity sports that involve explosive movements and quick changes in direction, like football and handball, showed a significant boost in markers for bone formation—up to 46% more, in fact. This suggests that if you're looking to strengthen your bones and protect against aging or osteoporosis, incorporating these dynamic sports could be a more effective strategy. It’s a reminder that not all exercises are created equal when it comes to bone health.
2.
Scientists discover a common sugar may help cancer cells break free and spread
Researchers have found that fructose, a sugar often found in sweetened foods and drinks, might play a role in helping aggressive ovarian cancer cells spread. In a recent study, scientists observed that cancer cells that survive chemotherapy release fructose, which seems to weaken the connections between neighboring tumor cells. This weakening could make it easier for the cancer to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body.
Additionally, the study noted that high levels of dietary fructose, along with cholesterol-lowering statins, produced concerning effects in preclinical experiments. While this research is still in its early stages, it raises important questions about the impact of diet on cancer progression. It’s a reminder to stay informed about what we consume, especially when it comes to sugars and their potential effects on our health.
3.
Chef Martin brings liquid sunshine into your kitchen
Chef Martin kicked off the show with a bright idea to lift spirits on a dreary day. He showcased a simple yet beautiful technique with saffron, rubbing the threads in water to create a vibrant, glowing mixture. This set the stage for his oil-free saffron paella, a delightful one-pot dish that’s both comforting and colorful. If you want to see how he did it, you can catch the replay for all the details.
Looking ahead, mark your calendar for next Wednesday, November 18, 2026, when Martin will join for a special session of Healthy Through the Holidays. This nine-week program is all about enjoying the festive season while staying healthy. The holiday menu will be sent out on November 16, so if you’re interested in the recipes and next week’s session, consider upgrading your Habit Healers subscription. It’s a great way to embrace the season with delicious, mindful cooking.
4.
Rejection Sensitivity: The Trauma of Being Misunderstood Before You Could Speak
The article explores the concept of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a term that resonates with many, especially those with ADHD. It describes how RSD often manifests as an intense emotional response to perceived rejection, like feeling anxious when a message goes unanswered. However, the author suggests that this reaction might stem from deeper, earlier experiences—before we even had the words to express our feelings.
The piece invites us to consider that some individuals may not just fear rejection but have learned, through their experiences, that being misunderstood or expressing needs can jeopardize their connections with others. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the conversation around RSD, framing it not merely as a fear but as a response rooted in early trauma.
The author emphasizes that this is a hypothesis meant to provoke thought rather than a definitive diagnosis. It aims to explain the physical and emotional intensity of these feelings, which can be difficult to navigate. By acknowledging the potential for misunderstanding to trigger these responses, the article encourages a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape many people navigate.
5.
11 November 2026 ~ 3 Good Things
In a recent post, the author shared insights from readers about the placement of a painting in her posts, revealing a mix of preferences but a slight lean towards having it at the beginning. She reflected on how many didn’t even notice the change, which eased her overthinking. Two readers suggested keeping it at the end, likening it to a “grace note” or “kiss goodnight,” which resonated with her.
She also hinted at exciting news about two new decks of cards related to her "Tell Me 3 Good Things" practice, promising more details next week. The author expressed gratitude for the community's support, noting how this simple practice has fostered connections among people. She shared a few personal moments from her day, including a peaceful morning yoga session and a rewarding painting meet-up, encouraging readers to share their own good things.
6.
Pope has cancer; Phase 1 trials for AI; Can AI hack cancer trials__1
The episode walks through a tiny phase‑1 study where an AI platform helped design the dosing schedule for a novel oncology drug. It was a single‑arm, 12‑patient trial, so the evidence is very limited, but the AI’s recommendations matched the clinicians’ choices and the safety profile looked comparable to historical controls. The hosts stress that this isn’t a game‑changing breakthrough yet—just an early proof‑of‑concept that AI can assist, not replace, trial designers. They also note the Pope’s recent cancer diagnosis as a reminder that real‑world outcomes still hinge on solid, patient‑centered research.
7.
Elizabeth Holmes/ AI researchers start smoking/ Moderna vax
I just listened to Dr. Prasad’s latest chat. He started by reminding us that the Moderna COVID‑19 vaccine’s effectiveness still rests on the original phase‑3 trial—about 30,000 participants, double‑blind, showing roughly 94 % protection against symptomatic infection. He noted the data are solid, but the recent real‑world studies are smaller and show a modest drop in efficacy over time, especially against newer variants.
He then pivoted to the Elizabeth Holmes saga, pointing out there’s no new forensic evidence; the legal filings are still the same courtroom documents we’ve seen before, so our prior view of the case doesn’t really shift.
Next, he mentioned a quirky trend: a handful of AI researchers have been publicly smoking e‑cigarettes during conferences, citing a small observational survey of 50 attendees. It’s anecdotal, not a health study, so it’s more a cultural footnote than anything actionable.
Finally, he wrapped up with a policy angle—he argues that while the Moderna data are robust, we need transparent communication about the modest waning immunity and the importance of boosters, especially for high‑risk groups. No hype, just the facts we need to keep in mind.
8.
Menopause & Skin: 8 Takeaways from the Menopause Society Meeting
Hey! So, I was looking into what was presented at the Menopause Society meeting, and there was a talk specifically about skin changes during menopause. The main takeaway is that while we see a lot of skin changes like dryness, thinning, and wrinkles as we age and go through menopause, the direct link to estrogen *specifically* causing these changes isn't as clear-cut as we might think.
They talked about how skin has estrogen receptors, which makes it seem like a simple cause-and-effect, but it's actually way more complex. There are a lot of steps between a drop in estrogen and a change in collagen, for example. Plus, just because a tissue has a receptor doesn't mean giving a hormone will have the exact effect we want. This is a really important point that goes beyond just skin – it applies to other areas too, like the brain.
Now, about those topical estrogen products you see online, especially for the face – the data supporting their effectiveness is pretty weak. The studies that *do* show some benefit, like a slight improvement in collagen or skin thickness, are for sun-protected skin, not necessarily the face. And even then, the quality of the studies isn't great. So, based on the available evidence, they can't really be recommended.
Also, a really interesting point was made about the concentration of estriol in some of these compounded face creams. They can be significantly higher than what's in approved vaginal estriol creams. And applying a more concentrated product daily to the face isn't the same as using a less concentrated one a couple of times a week vaginally. We don't really know how much is absorbed from these facial formulations, so we can't assume they're as safe or effective as the vaginal ones.
9.
homemade pumpkin pie!
This weekend, a big birthday bash brought together 16 friends for a fun-filled celebration. The host prepared an Italian Steakhouse-themed dinner, starting with salads and crispy Caesar broccoli, followed by a delicious vodka sauce pasta and grilled flat iron steaks topped with fancy butter. As Thanksgiving approaches, the host is gearing up for family visits and sharing a beautiful pumpkin pie recipe from *The Festive Baker*.
To prepare for guests, they suggest practical tips like stocking the bathroom with toiletries, setting up a cozy breakfast spread, and keeping snacks handy. Plus, they recommend adding fresh flowers to guest rooms and providing easy access to coffee.
For an easy Thanksgiving dish, they highlight a sheet pan recipe featuring turkey meatballs, delicata squash, and creamy cranberry sauce, perfect for Friendsgiving or cozy fall dinners. The host also shares excitement about a new cookbook filled with over 170 holiday recipes, emphasizing the simplicity of the pumpkin pie recipe included.
10.
Tomorrow Could Shape California's Vaccine Exemption Laws for Years
Tomorrow, California senators will hold a hearing on vaccine medical exemptions at the County Administration Center in San Diego. The session starts at 10 a.m. on November 12.
The committee chose its usual public health representatives—AAP, Medical Board, and the Department of Public Health—