Wellness & Beauty

Kobe – September 30, 2026 -- ASICS has issued what it calls the world's first conservation warning for human movement, after new research found people report spending 86% of their waking day not moving.

The Japanese sportswear brand released the findings ahead of World Mental Health Day, alongside a short nature documentary titled Human Nature, narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver. The film explores how sofas, screens and modern convenience are quietly replacing everyday movement.

More than half of adults fail to meet activity guidelines today

The global study, conducted in July 2026 among 34,000 people across 31 countries, found 53% of adults are not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. ASICS worked with experts, including Professor Brendon Stubbs, to create a Movement Conservation Status, classifying weekly activity as active, at risk, or endangered based on WHO and national health guidelines.

East Lyme, Conn. – September 24, 2026 -- Chad and Jennifer Sklodosky have opened East Lyme Stretch Zone, bringing practitioner-assisted stretching services to their hometown in Connecticut.

The studio marks the couple's second Stretch Zone location, with a third already in development. Chad and Jennifer met in East Lyme in high school and later married, giving the opening particular personal weight.

Chad Sklodosky Spent 30 Years in Corporate Business Before Switching to Stretching

Before becoming a franchise owner, Chad worked for more than 30 years at a local Fortune 500 company in business administration and operational excellence. He said he was drawn to Stretch Zone for its focus on wellness and its straightforward business model.

San Diego – September 24, 2026 -- A new national study finds that more than 1 in 5 people with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)—the condition recently renamed from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—waited over five years for a formal diagnosis, with weight stigma cited as a major driver of delayed care.

The research, conducted by eating disorder treatment provider Equip in partnership with Women's Health, surveyed 1,048 women and intersex individuals in the U.S. with diagnosed or suspected PMOS. The IRB-approved study (Sterling IRB: 16473) recruited participants through CloudResearch, using bot detection and attention checks to verify data quality.

Wilmington, Del. – September 24, 2026 -- Biophysical Therapeutics is now accepting pre-orders for an anti-aging moisturizer priced at $120, with only 500 units available in its first production run at www.IF1.skin.

The Delaware-based biotech company launched the product under a new consumer brand called IF1, named after a protein the company says plays a role in determining lifespan across mammal species.

The moisturizer's formula is based on research into why species age at different rates.

Biophysical Therapeutics says its research found that species with higher levels of IF1 protein tend to live longer -- comparing a mouse's four-year maximum lifespan to a bowhead whale's lifespan of centuries. The company reports that increasing IF1 protein in mice reduced aging as measured by a biomarker for aging.

Hoboken – September 23, 2026 -- Dove launched Back Her Game, a nationwide contest offering one girls' sports team a trip to Brazil for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, running from September 23 through October 4, 2026.

Coaches enter by posting a video showing team confidence

Eligible adult head or assistant coaches of current girls' sports teams, with players ages 13 to 18 in the 50 U.S. states or D.C., can enter by posting a public video on Instagram or TikTok. Entries must tag @dove and include #KeepHerConfident and #Contest in the caption, following official rules posted at unileversweepsrules.com/dovecontest.

Philadelphia – September 23, 2026 -- Incontinence care company TENA has released expert answers to the most common AI-generated questions women ask about pelvic floor health, aiming to counter misinformation found through chatbot searches.

The brand, part of global hygiene company Essity, compiled top prompts women type into AI tools about aging and pelvic health, then had 3D movement specialist Zarina Del Mar respond with evidence-based guidance.

Strengthening the pelvic floor requires more than endless Kegels, Del Mar says

Del Mar explains that a healthy pelvic floor needs to be both strong and responsive, contracting when the body needs support and relaxing when it doesn't. She recommends focusing on breath, pelvic floor, deep core, and movement working together rather than isolating visible abdominal muscles.

Frederick, Md. – September 23, 2026 -- A new survey from NaturaLawn of America finds that 78% of American adults feel guilty choosing screen time over time outdoors, even as 76% say they feel the need to disconnect at least once a week.

The survey, fielded August 22-23, 2026 among 1,137 U.S. residents ages 18-61 with a margin of error of +/- 2.964%, found that roughly three in four adults recognize the phrase "touch grass." Among those who know it, 83.2% have used it themselves, most often to mean unplugging from technology (54%) or getting outside (52%). Only about one in four use it literally.

Intentions don't match behavior over the past month

Despite widespread guilt over screen use, more than a third of respondents managed just 20 screen-free minutes outdoors on two or fewer days over the past month. One in nine managed zero such days.

New York – September 22, 2026 -- Lemonade has launched its pet insurance product in Kentucky, giving pet owners in the state access to customizable accident, illness, and preventative care coverage through the company's app.

Kentucky becomes the 44th state for Lemonade Pet

With this rollout, Lemonade Pet Insurance is now live in 44 states plus Washington, D.C. Customers can get a quote within minutes and file claims directly through the Lemonade app, with the company touting payouts that can arrive in seconds rather than the weeks or months typical of traditional insurers.

Bryant, Ark. – September 20, 2026 -- Patients walking into a med spa for the first time can expect a detailed consultation before any needle, laser, or contouring device comes near their skin, according to guidance from Lindsey Smith of Flawless Med Spa in Bryant, Arkansas, featured in a HelloNation article.

Smith describes a med spa as a hybrid of clinical treatment and spa comfort, offering services like injectables, laser treatments, and body contouring in a setting meant to feel welcoming rather than intimidating.

The first appointment starts with a conversation about personal goals

Providers ask what changes matter most to the patient, whether that's skin texture, fine lines, or stubborn areas targeted through body contouring. Smith notes that no two patients share the same priorities, so treatment plans are built around individual expectations and lifestyle.

Santa Rosa – September 20, 2026 -- Canine Companions, the nation's first and largest service dog organization, will livestream its puppy nursery from September 22 to 30 as part of National Service Dog Month, giving viewers a free daily window into the earliest days of future service dogs.

The Puppy Cam will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT (9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET) each day, showing seven Labrador/Golden Retriever mix puppies as they play, learn and take their first steps toward becoming service dogs. The iconic character Snoopy will make a special appearance during the livestream to interact with the puppies.

Viewers can sign up for a free Canine Cam Kit before the stream begins

The kit includes early access to exclusive puppy content, a Meet the Puppies preview video, downloadable extras and updates on when Snoopy will appear on camera.