By Claire Brinsden Jordan
Study Session
As the kids head back to school to fill their brains with all sorts of new information, it seems the perfect time to investigate the latest in health news. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a science nerd, so reading health-related studies is kind of my thing, but what good is this plethora of new information if no one knows about it? Ongoing scientific studies offer emerging insights for those on a lifelong wellness journey, so here is the abbreviated version of some of my favorite findings.
Sunscreen’s New Ingredient
For decades Europe and Asia have safely used the sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinol, known as PARSOL Shield, a chemical sunscreen filter. The FDA has just approved it for use in the United States, heralding a new generation of sunscreens. PARSOL Shield offers improved UVA protection, which is lacking in current US sunscreens, in addition to UVB protection. While UVB rays cause sunburn, the UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to pigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancer.
The advanced broad spectrum PARSOL Shield is more stable in sunlight compared to sunscreens currently available in the US, and there is minimal absorption into the skin. It can also provide strong protection at relatively low concentrations, making PARSOL Shield sunscreens more lightweight and comfortable to wear. Consumers can expect to see new products containing PARSOL Shield on store shelves by the end of 2026. Always soak up the sun safely!
The Amazing Avocado
An avocado a day may be replacing (or joining) the apple to keep the doctor away. Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. A 2025 study found that women who ate 2-3 tablespoons (1/4 of an avocado) a day also lowered their risk of diabetes compared to those who didn’t. Another recent study showed that eating an avocado a day lowers glycemic load by slowing digestion and helping to reduce the spike in blood sugar that occurs after eating. Both studies suggest that avocado is a super food for improving meal quality and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. So go ahead and order that guac!
Strength Training Sweet Spot
A new study that tracked U.S. health data over 30 years found that adults who averaged 90-120 minutes of strength training per week had a 13% lower risk of death from any cause, a 19% lower risk of death from heart disease, and a 27% lower risk of death from Alzheimer’s and other neurological disease. These benefits leveled off after more than two hours of strength training a week, suggesting that moderate amounts of exercise are the “sweet spot.” The study also found that those who combined strength training with cardio workouts enhanced these longevity benefits with a 45% lower risk of death than people who did not exercise at all. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to live longer!
New Non-Opioid Pain Management
In January of 2025, the FDA approved the first drug in a new class of non-opioid pain medications. Journavx is prescribed for short-term treatment of moderate to acute pain. It targets sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system to stop pain signals from reaching the brain. Journavx offers patients an alternative to opioid pain management, which carries the risk of addiction and overdose. Because it acts on the peripheral nervous system instead of the central nervous system, there is no risk of addiction with Journavx. It also lacks the risks to the GI tract and kidneys associated with NSAIDS like Advil or Aleve. Journavx does come with some side effects, including muscle spasms, itching, rash, and elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase in the blood, and it can also reduce the effectiveness of other medications. People taking Journavx should avoid any food and drink containing grapefruit. If you have surgery coming up, ask your doctor about non-opioid pain management for post-operative pain relief.
B-12 Deficiency Mimics Aging
Our bodies only require a microscopic amount of Vitamin B-12 to support red blood cells, nerves, and DNA production. Most people who eat animal products get enough B-12 without supplementation. However, B-12 deficiency is still common among adults over 50, vegans, vegetarians, and people who don’t absorb it properly due to conditions like celiac or Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of B-12 deficiency like exhaustion, weakness, or “brain fog” usually develop slowly, which is why it is often mistaken for normal aging. A 2026 study found that when cells lack enough Vitamin B-12, it disrupts DNA in the cell “powerhouse” called mitochondria and reduces cell energy production. This leads to fatigue. As a pesco vegetarian over the age of 50, I take a B-12 supplement daily. If you suspect you have a B-12 deficiency, see your healthcare provider for testing.
Science continues to gift us with new insights and invention when it comes to leading a healthy life. From the development of improved sunscreens and non-addictive pain medication to research on nutrition and fitness, there is always more to discover. I hope that sharing these findings can help you on your health and wellness journey.