National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: Shingles is becoming more common in younger adults; the link between fitness and cancer; the diet that could add 10 years to your life; updated guidance on mammograms; how ultra-processed foods affect your brain.

MICROGRAPH BY JAMES CAVALLINI, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Why are more people getting shingles?

It can trigger a painful, blistering rash, burning or tingling sensations, headaches, chills, an upset stomach, fatigue, and weakness—and can lead to lasting complications. And now, shingles is becoming more common among adults under 50. Here's what to know about how you can get it, and how to prevent it.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Colon cancer is rising among young adults. Here are signs to watch for.

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Why heart attacks are rising in young adults—and how to prevent them

PHOTOGRAPH BY DR P. MARAZZI, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

What your fitness level says about your risk of cancer

A recent study found a strong correlation between how a person performed on a cardiac stress test and their risk of dying from cancer. Here's what you need to know about the link between heart health and cancer—and what you can do to lower your risk.

TIPS TO LOWER YOUR RISK

EXERCISE AND YOUR BRAIN: New clues are revealing why exercise can keep the brain healthy +

PHOTOGRAPH BY SOLSKIN, GETTY IMAGES

No time to exercise? Just 5 minutes still has a big impact.

Amping up the intensity of everyday activities—like charging up the stairs or carrying heavy groceries—can lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

HOW TO EXERCISE FOR 5 MINUTES A DAY

ILLUSTRATION BY LUISA RIVERA

This American diet could add 10 years to your life

It's not a fad diet invented by a South Beach doctor, a paleo diet marketer, or a social media influencer. This diet was developed by ordinary Americans, is widely affordable, is sustainable, and has a lower carbon footprint than a meat-heavy diet.

BLUE ZONES: Here's where the world's healthiest people live +

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAD DAVENPORT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works

It’s easy to follow, is balanced and flexible, and helps prevent chronic diseases that shorten our lives: "It has worked for generations, and it works for lifetimes."

THE HEALTH BENEFITS

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET SCREENED FOR BREAST CANCER?

PHOTOGRAPH BY NICHOLAS KAJOBA, XINHUA/EYEVINE/REDUX

... and how often? Recommendations about when and how frequently women should begin receiving regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer have shifted frequently over the years. Now, a key U.S. agency is planning to lower its recommended age for women to start getting mammograms—but some experts worry it doesn't go far enough.

A VACCINE FOR CANCER? Cancer vaccines are showing promise. Here's how they work. +

HOW SUGAR AND FAT AFFECT YOUR BRAIN

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

More than half the food consumed by American adults is ultra-processed, often optimized to hit the body's fat and sugar sensors to release dopamine. Experts say this trend has long-term health consequences.

HOW ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS AFFECT YOU

WHAT'S IN A NAME? FOR CANNABIS, A LOT

PHOTOGRAPH BY LYNN JOHNSON, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Death by Cake, Tangerine Trainwreck Haze, Dr. Gonzo. As marijuana restrictions ease, consumers are navigating a list of names that may seem nonsensical—but can hold clues to what you're buying, where it came from, and the effect it can have medicinally or otherwise.

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Does cannabis really relieve your pain—or is it a placebo effect?

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How you think about physical pain can make it worse

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Could monoclonal antibodies be the solution to chronic pain—and the opioid crisis?

READ MORE TOP STORIES FROM NAT GEO

PHOTOGRAPH BY WESTEND 69 / GETTY IMAGES

This winter, take a breath. And if you can't, here are some natural remedies, from echinacea to marshmallow, commonly used to offer relief.

7 HERBS THAT MAY HELP FIGHT COLD AND FLU

RELATED: Are vitamin C supplements overrated? +

A long COVID mystery solved? This new clue could be a breakthrough.

Scientists knew this drug was useless—but you’ve been using it for decades

How science solved the mystery of feet washing ashore in the Pacific Northwest

They rely on this lizard to heal their pain. Now it's endangered.

Origami is revolutionizing technology, from medicine to space

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