People wear red during the first week of February to bring attention to the disproportionate impact of heart disease on women. This annual observance, known as National Wear Red Day, highlights the leading cause of death in women—and the steps we can take to prevent it.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American women—claiming one in three lives, or nearly one woman every minute. Prioritizing heart health isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Awareness matters because 64% of women who die suddenly from heart disease had no prior symptoms, and 90% have at least one risk factor. Since heart disease and stroke often present differently in women than in men, recognizing the signs can save lives.

While understanding the risks is critical, taking action saves lives. You cannot change your genes, but you can change your habits, which can have long-term effects on your heart health.

Start with these:

• Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week.
• Eat heart-healthy foods—more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol to one drink per day or less
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get enough sleep

See your doctor to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides; medication may help if lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

Wear red to help raise awareness about women’s heart health, share your red on social media to spread the word, and consider supporting the American Heart Association. Your assistance can help advance critical research, improve treatment, and promote heart-healthy lifestyles that save lives. Most importantly, take action—because awareness starts the conversation, but action creates real change.

Improving your nutrition is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward better health. Instead of quick fixes, 2026 is all about building sustainable eating habits that nourish your body and support long-term wellness.

Every bite you take contributes to your overall health. Building a balanced, nutrient-dense diet begins with conscious daily routines.

Practice Portion Control Healthy eating starts with balance, and portion size matters. Follow recommended servings and be mindful of how much you’re eating. If avoiding fast food isn’t realistic, cut back and make smarter choices when you do indulge—reviewing menus ahead of time can help.

Don’t Fear Coffee (in Moderation) Coffee is rich in antioxidants and linked to reduced risks of several diseases. Stick to 3–4 cups a day and avoid sugary add-ins. Too much caffeine can cause sleep issues or palpitations, and pregnant individuals should limit or avoid it.

Support Your Gut Health A healthy gut supports your overall wellness. Improve it by eating fermented foods, taking probiotics when necessary, and adding more fiber to feed beneficial bacteria.

Avoid Restrictive Diets Strict diets often backfire, slowing metabolism and triggering cravings. Focus instead on sustainable habits and whole, nutrient-dense foods to support long-term health and natural weight management.

Avoid Heavily Charred Meats Charred meat forms harmful compounds linked to cancer. Cook meat without burning it, and limit processed meats like bacon and deli slices.

Use Herbs and Spices Herbs and spices add flavor and offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Incorporate a variety—such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon—to enhance both taste and health.

Simple changes can make a noticeable difference. When you focus on nourishing your body, healthy living becomes easier and more enjoyable.

The wellness industry is rapidly evolving, with individuals increasingly engaging with comprehensive health data, personalized care, advanced technology, and lifestyle habits that extend well beyond the traditional annual checkup.

This shift encompasses various aspects of our lives, including our eating and sleeping patterns, as well as how we monitor and enhance our physical well-being. The emphasis is moving toward prevention, longevity, and daily wellness.

In 2026, these trends go beyond mere buzzwords—they are actively shaping the future of health. If you’re looking to elevate your well-being, here are the top trends that will dominate the conversation.

Smarter Fitness & Health Tech

Wearables and apps are evolving beyond step counts. Expect tools that track sleep, stress, metabolism, recovery, and gut health—then offer personalized suggestions for how to eat, move, and rest.

Mental Fitness & Stress Management

Mental well-being is becoming just as important as physical health. Mindfulness, breathwork, therapy, and somatic practices are rising as essential tools for managing stress and improving emotional resilience.

Functional Nutrition & Gut Health

Gut health is gaining prominence. People are choosing fiber-rich meals, probiotics, prebiotics, and functional foods that support digestion, immunity, and long-term wellness—rather than chasing quick-fix diets.

Holistic Mind–Body Well-being

Health in 2026 is about treating the body and mind as one. Fitness, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and emotional balance work together to create a more complete approach to wellness.

Community & Social Wellness

Wellness is becoming more community-driven, with group workouts, shared healthy meals, and mindfulness classes helping people stay consistent, supported, and connected.

As these trends shape the future of wellness, the goal remains the same: find what supports your health, stay consistent, and build habits that help you feel your best in 2026 and beyond.

Have you set lofty fitness goals in the past, only to lose enthusiasm after a few weeks? Setting objectives is simple; the issue is actually achieving them.

Developing a workout regimen is one of the most effective strategies for enhancing both your physical and mental health.

However, simply expressing the desire to "exercise more" is not enough; it is essential to have a well-defined plan that will steer your fitness journey and help you stay on course.

Start small and build up. Once you know your end goal, break it into smaller, manageable steps. Each small win builds momentum, confidence, and steady progress.

Pair fitness with healthy habits. Exercise works best when supported by good nutrition, proper hydration, and consistent sleep. These habits help you feel your best and improve results.

Choose activities you enjoy. Working out shouldn’t feel like punishment. Pick activities you genuinely like—running, volleyball, yoga, group classes—and aim for a balance of cardio and strength training to support overall fitness.

Track your progress. Recording your workouts, whether in a notebook or a phone app, keeps you motivated and helps you see how far you’ve come.

Find accountability. Having someone to check in with—whether a friend or a fitness group—can keep you consistent and supported. Shared goals make sticking with your routine much easier.

Be kind to yourself. Missed workouts or setbacks are part of the process. What matters most is getting back on track. Real progress comes from consistency, patience, and self-compassion.

Setting fitness goals is only the beginning—showing up for yourself day after day is what creates real transformation. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember that every step counts. Your 2026 fitness journey is yours to shape, one goal at a time.

As the new year begins, it is an ideal time to reset, refocus, and prioritize your health. While many people aim to lose weight or live healthier, those goals often fade without simple habits to support them.

Establishing realistic health goals is essential for long-term success. Achievable goals that fit your lifestyle boost motivation and commitment, fostering confidence and steady progress while minimizing burnout and disappointment.

Here are some credible, sustainable resolutions that can help you feel better all year long.

1. Move your body for at least 20 minutes.

Daily movement—whether walking, stretching, yoga, dancing, or a quick workout—boosts energy, improves mood, and supports long-term wellness. Consistency matters more than intensity.

2. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Stick to a steady sleep schedule, limit screens before bed, and create a relaxing routine. Quality sleep strengthens immunity, sharpens focus, and supports hormone and weight balance.

3. Add protein to each meal.

Protein keeps you full, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports muscle health. Include lean sources like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, or Greek yogurt in each meal.

4. Practice stress management for five minutes every day.

A few minutes of calm—deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, or fresh air—can lower anxiety and build emotional resilience.

5. Drink water throughout the day.

Keep water nearby, add fruit for flavor, and sip consistently. Proper hydration improves digestion, skin health, and overall energy.

6. Prioritize Gut Health With Fiber and Fermented Foods

Eat more fiber-rich fruits, veggies, oats, and nuts, and include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut for better digestion, immunity, and mood.

Maintaining long-term health requires regular, modest actions. They are more effective than extreme measures or band-aid solutions.

Each year, millions around the world turn their eyes to the dazzling crystal ball in Times Square. As the clock nears midnight, it begins its slow descent—and voices everywhere join together to count down those final seconds, welcoming a brand-new year filled with hope, possibility, and dreams.

The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball first dropped in 1904, a creation of Jacob Starr, a Ukrainian immigrant and metalworker, along with Adolph Ochs, the publisher of The New York Times. Initially, Ochs celebrated the new year with fireworks, but city officials soon banned explosives, leading to the establishment of a safer, yet equally dazzling, tradition.

The original ball, constructed from iron and wood and lit with 100 light bulbs, measured 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. Over the years, it evolved: in 1920, a wrought iron ball replaced the original, and in 1955, an aluminum ball weighing just 150 pounds took its place. In the 1980s, there was a brief transformation into an apple for the “I Love New York” campaign before it returned to its classic glowing white form.

Modern upgrades began in the 1990s, introducing aluminum, rhinestones, strobes, and computerized controls. For the millennium celebration in 2000, the ball was redesigned with advanced lighting and traditional crystal, merging history with the future.

In 2007, to mark its 100th anniversary, LED technology replaced incandescent bulbs, resulting in a brighter and more energy-efficient display. Today’s iconic Big Ball measures 12 feet wide, weighs nearly six tons, and is covered with 2,688 crystal triangles illuminated by over 32,000 LEDs. It shines above Times Square year-round, serving as a sparkling reminder of a century-old tradition that continues to unite the world each New Year’s Eve.