We Age in Bursts? Ping Pong for Parkinson’s! and FDA Warns Strawberries May Carry Norovirus?

Hey, friends! It’s your favorite delusionally young optimist, Debbie Nigro, back with another Wellness Wednesday where we keep the "live" in alive! If you missed the show, here’s a rapid-fire rundown of what we talked about—because, let’s be honest, I covered a lot. Buckle up!

1. Do We Age in Bursts? Apparently, OMG Yes!

Scientists have confirmed what we already suspected—one day, you wake up and bam, you’ve aged five years overnight.

Studies show major aging jumps around age 44 and 60 (so if you’re near one of those, hydrate and brace yourself).

Researchers analyzed DNA, proteins, and other molecular markers to prove that aging isn’t a slow, gradual process—it’s like nature’s version of a surprise party, but instead of balloons, you get wrinkles.

 

2. Your Heart is Aging, But Science is Catching Up!

Heart disease is still the #1 cause of death, but treatments are better than ever.

The heart actually stiffens as we age—apparently, moisturizer won’t fix this one.

New cardiology advancements are helping older patients live longer, healthier lives—yay for progress!

 

3. Ping Pong Could Help Parkinson’s Patients—And It’s Pretty Cool

A man with Parkinson’s found that playing ping pong helped him regain movement—and now thousands of patients worldwide are following suit.

New York City even has a dedicated Ping Pong for Parkinson’s program (and I was ahead of the curve on this story, thank you very much).

Bonus: Ping pong is fun, so even if you don’t have Parkinson’s, grab a paddle and get moving!

 

4. Measles Outbreaks—Yep, They’re Back (Ugh)

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but now cases are popping up in Texas, New Mexico, and even New York.

Pregnant women and young kids are especially at risk, so let’s stay informed and proactive.

This is your friendly reminder to double-check your vaccination records (if you can actually find them).

 

5. Pheromones, Love Chemicals, and the $100 Attraction Boost

Did you know you can buy pheromone perfume additives to increase your attraction factor?

Dr. Winifred Cutler discovered human pheromones in 1986, bottled them up, and now you can buy them for $100 a pop.
 

Do we really need them, or do we just need to get out more? Hmm…

 

6. Collagen Loading—The Fountain of Youth?

I’ve been doubling up on collagen, and I swear I feel the difference.

It helps joints, skin, hair, and nails, but you have to stick with it for at least three months to see real results.

If you're impatient, "collagen loading" (taking a double dose for the first month) can help speed things up.

 

 7. Strawberries & the Norovirus—Wash Those Berries, People!

The FDA is warning that strawberries might carry norovirus—yes, the one that makes you wish you never ate again.

How to avoid getting sick? Wash them thoroughly under running water (yes, even the pre-washed ones).

A vinegar soak (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) can also help cut down on germs.

 

 8. Spring Break Travel Warnings—Stay Safe, Folks!

Some Caribbean destinations now have heightened safety alerts from the U.S. State Department.

If you're traveling, stick with your friends and avoid risky situations (especially late at night).

A tragic story about a missing college student in the Dominican Republic is a sobering reminder to stay vigilant.  

 

 9. Ozempic & Mounjaro—More Than Just Weight Loss?

New research suggests these popular weight-loss drugs may reduce inflammation in the brain, potentially helping Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients.

But there’s a catch—stop taking them, and your body might go right back to square one.

 

 10. Where Can You Breathe the Cleanest Air?

Only seven countries met the World Health Organization’s air quality standards in 2024.

If you want fresh air, head to Australia, New Zealand, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia, or Iceland.

The U.S.? Not on the list. (Might need to rethink those travel plans.)

 

Final Thought: The Key to Longevity is... LIVING!

Inspired by Arianna Huffington’s latest piece, I want to remind you—longevity is great, but don’t get so caught up in living long that you forget to live well.

Focus on joy, love, and purpose—not just extending your years, but making those year’s worth it.

 

Oh, and if someone texts you the word ‘slay’, make sure you know that means you’ve done an exceptionally good job (thank you, Gen Z, for keeping me on my toes).

So, if you ask me I think I’ve pretty much ‘slayed’ this week’s Wellness Wednesday Report!

Remember, we’re all just trying to keep the live in alive—so let’s do it with energy, laughter, and maybe a little collagen.

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Until next time—stay fabulous! 😘