New research sheds light on why some individuals choose to remain in romantic relationships characterized by high levels of conflict. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, suggests that benevolent sexism and anxious attachment styles may lead people to base their self-worth on their relationship status, prompting them to utilize maladaptive strategies to maintain the partnership.

Romantic relationships are a fundamental component of daily life for many adults and are strongly linked to psychological well-being and physical health. Despite the benefits of healthy partnerships, many people find themselves unable or unwilling to exit relationships that are unfulfilling or fraught with frequent arguments. Psychological scientists have sought to understand the specific mechanisms that motivate people to maintain troubled relationships rather than ending them.

The new study, spearheaded by Carrie Underwood, focused specifically on the role of benevolent sexism in this dynamic. Benevolent sexism is a subtle form of sexism that subjectively views women positively but frames them as fragile and in need of men’s protection and financial support. The researchers aimed to determine if having a partner who endorses these views makes a person more likely to stay in a troubled union.

“Some people find it difficult to leave romantic relationships that are characterized by high levels of conflict. This is concerning given that romantic relationships are a central part of daily life for many individuals,” explained corresponding author Rachael Robnett, the director of the Women’s Research Institute of Nevada and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“We were particularly interested in whether people are more inclined to stay in conflicted relationships when their romantic partner is described as endorsing benevolent sexism, which is a subtle form of sexism that emphasizes interdependence and separate roles for women and men in heterosexual romantic relationships.”

“For example, benevolent sexism encourages men to protect and provide for women under the assumption that women are not well equipped to do these things themselves. Correspondingly, benevolent sexism also emphasizes that women’s most important role is to care for their husband and children in the home.”

The researchers conducted two studies. The first involved 158 heterosexual undergraduate women recruited from a large public university in the Western United States. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 55, with an average age of approximately 20 years. The sample was racially diverse, with the largest groups identifying as Latina and European American.

The researchers utilized an experimental design involving a hypothetical vignette. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of two scenarios describing a couple, Anthony and Chloe, engaging in a heated argument. In the control condition, participants simply read about the argument.

In the experimental condition, participants read an additional description of Anthony that portrayed him as endorsing benevolent sexism. This description characterized him as a provider who believes women should be cherished, protected, and placed on a pedestal by men. Participants were instructed to imagine they were the woman in the relationship and to report how they would respond to the situation.

After reading the scenario, the women reported how likely they would be to use various relationship maintenance strategies. These included positive strategies, such as emphasizing their commitment to the partner, and negative strategies, such as flirting with others to make the partner jealous. They also rated their likelihood of dissolving the relationship.

Finally, participants completed surveys measuring their own levels of benevolent sexism and relationship-contingent self-esteem. Relationship-contingent self-esteem measures the extent to which a person’s feelings of self-worth are dependent on the success of their romantic relationship.

The researchers found distinct differences in anticipated behavior based on the description of the male partner. When the male partner was described as endorsing benevolent sexism, women were more likely to endorse using positive relationship maintenance strategies than they were to end the relationship. This preference for maintaining the relationship via prosocial means was not observed in the control condition.

The researchers also analyzed how the participants’ own attitudes influenced their anticipated behaviors. Women who scored higher on measures of benevolent sexism tended to report higher levels of relationship-contingent self-esteem. In turn, higher relationship-contingent self-esteem was associated with a greater willingness to use negative maintenance strategies.

This statistical pathway suggests that benevolent sexism may encourage women to invest their self-worth heavily in their relationships. Consequently, when those relationships are troubled, these women may resort to maladaptive coping behaviors, such as jealousy induction, to restore the bond.

“When we asked women to envision themselves in a relationship that was characterized by a high level of conflict, they reported a desire to remain in the relationship and resolve the conflict via prosocial strategies when the man in the relationship espoused ideals that are in line with benevolent sexism,” Robnett told PsyPost.

“We did not see the same pattern in a control condition in which the man’s gender attitudes were not described. This illustrates the insidious nature of benevolent sexism: Its superficially positive veneer may entice some women to tolerate relationships that do not serve their best interests.”

The second study built upon these findings by including both women and men and by incorporating attachment theory. The sample consisted of 190 heterosexual undergraduate students, with a majority being women. The average age was roughly 20 years, and the participants were recruited from the same university participant pool.

Similar to the first study, participants read the vignette about the couple in a heated argument. However, in this study, all participants were assigned to the “benevolent partner” condition. Women read the description of Anthony used in the first study. Men read a description of Chloe, who was portrayed as believing women should be domestic caretakers who rely on men for fulfillment.

Participants completed the same measures regarding relationship maintenance and self-esteem used in the previous study. Additionally, they completed the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire to assess anxious and avoidant attachment styles. Anxious attachment involves a fear of rejection and a strong desire for intimacy, while avoidant attachment involves discomfort with closeness.

The results indicated that the psychological mechanisms functioned similarly for both women and men. The researchers found that participants with higher levels of anxious attachment were more likely to base their self-esteem on their relationship. This heightened relationship-contingent self-esteem then predicted a greater likelihood of using negative relationship maintenance strategies.

The analysis provided evidence that relationship-contingent self-esteem mediates the link between anxious attachment and maladaptive relationship behaviors. This means that anxiously attached individuals may engage in negative behaviors not just because they are anxious, but because their self-worth is on the line.

The study also reinforced the connection between benevolent sexism and self-worth found in the first experiment. Higher levels of benevolent sexism predicted higher relationship-contingent self-esteem for both men and women. Conversely, participants with higher levels of avoidant attachment were less likely to base their self-worth on the relationship.

“Women and men who were high in relationship-contingent self-esteem were particularly likely to report that they would remain in the relationship and attempt to resolve the conflict via maladaptive strategies such as making their partner jealous,” Robnett explained. “Relationship-contingent self-esteem occurs when someone’s sense of self is highly invested in their romantic relationship, such that their self-esteem suffers if the relationship ends. Our findings suggest that relationship-contingent self-esteem may encourage people to (a) remain in troubled relationships and (b) cope with their dissatisfaction by engaging in maladaptive behaviors.”

“Our findings further illustrated that relationship-contingent self-esteem tends to be particularly high in women and men who are high in benevolent sexism and high in anxious attachment. In theory, this is because both of these constructs encourage people to be hyper-focused on their romantic relationships.”

“In sum, our findings suggest a possible chain of events where anxious attachment and benevolent sexism encourage people to invest their sense of self in romantic relationships,” Robnett said. “In turn, this may contribute to them staying in conflicted romantic relationships and attempting to resolve the conflict via maladaptive strategies.”

But the study, like all research, includes some limitations. Both studies relied on hypothetical vignettes rather than observing actual behavior in real-time conflicts. How people anticipate they will react to a scenario may differ from how they react in a real-world situation with an actual partner.

Additionally, the sample was comprised of undergraduate students, which may limit how well the findings apply to older adults or long-term married couples. The researchers also pointed out that the study design was cross-sectional, which prevents definitive conclusions about cause and effect.

“We can only speculate about causal flow in this chain of events,” Robnett explained. “We would need an experiment or longitudinal data to draw stronger conclusions.”

The study, “Benevolent Sexism, Attachment Style, and Contingent Self‐Esteem Help to Explain How People Anticipate Responding to a Troubled Romantic Relationship,” was authored by Carrie R. Underwood and Rachael D. Robnett.

The physical appearance of female genitalia can influence how women perceive the personality and sexual history of other women, according to new research. The findings indicate that vulvas conforming to societal ideals are judged more favorably, while natural anatomical variations often attract negative assumptions regarding character and attractiveness. This study was published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health.

The prevalence of female genital cosmetic surgery has increased substantially in recent years. This rise suggests a growing desire among women to achieve an idealized genital appearance. Popular culture and adult media often propagate a specific “prototype” for the vulva. This standard typically features hairlessness, symmetry, and minimal visibility of the inner labia.

Cognitive science suggests that people rely on “prototypes” to categorize the world around them. These mental frameworks help individuals quickly evaluate new information based on what is considered typical or ideal within a group. In the context of the human body, these prototypes are socially constructed and reinforced by community standards.

When an individual’s physical features deviate from the prototype, they may be subject to negative social judgments. The authors of the current study sought to understand how these mental frameworks apply specifically to female genital anatomy.

Previous research has found that people form immediate impressions of men’s personalities based on images of their genitalia. The researchers aimed to determine if a similar process of “zero-acquaintance” judgment occurs among women when viewing female anatomy.

“I wanted to take the design used from that research and provide some more in-depth analysis of how women perceive vulvas to help applied researchers who study rates and predictors of genital enhancement surgeries, like labiaplasty,” said Thomas R. Brooks, an assistant professor of psychology at New Mexico Highlands University. “More generally, I have been captivated by the idea that our bodies communicate things about our inner lives that is picked up on by others around us. So, this study, and the one about penises, was really my first stab at investigating the story our genitals tell.”

The research team recruited 85 female undergraduate students from a university in the southern United States to participate in the study. The average age of the participants was approximately 21 years old. The sample was racially diverse, with the largest groups identifying as African American and White. The participants were asked to complete a perception task involving a series of images.

Participants viewed 24 unique images of vulvas collected from online public forums. These images were categorized based on three specific anatomical traits. The first category was the visibility of the clitoris, divided into visible and non-visible. The second category was the length of the labia minora, classified as non-visible, short, or long. The third category was the style of pubic hair, which included shaved, trimmed, and natural presentations.

After viewing each image, the participants rated the genitalia on perceived prototypicality and attractiveness using a seven-point scale. They also completed a questionnaire assessing the perceived personality traits of the person to whom the vulva belonged. These traits included openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Additionally, the participants estimated the person’s sexual behavior, including their level of experience, number of partners, and skill in bed.

The data revealed a strong positive association between perceived prototypicality and attractiveness. Vulvas that aligned with cultural ideals were consistently rated as more attractive. Participants also assumed that women with these “ideal” vulvas possessed more desirable personality traits. This suggests that conformity to anatomical standards is linked to a “halo effect” where physical beauty is equated with good character.

Specific anatomical variations led to distinct social judgments. Images featuring longer labia minora received more negative evaluations compared to those with short or non-visible labia. Participants tended to perceive women with longer labia as less conscientious, less agreeable, and less extraverted. The researchers also found that these individuals were assumed to be “worse in bed” despite being perceived as having had a higher number of sexual partners.

The visibility of the clitoris also altered perceptions in specific ways. Vulvas with a visible clitoris were rated as less attractive and less prototypical than those where the clitoris was not visible. Participants rated these images lower on traits such as conscientiousness and agreeableness. However, the researchers found that women with visible clitorises were assumed to be more sexually active and more open to new experiences.

Grooming habits played a major role in how the women were assessed. The researchers found that shaved pubic hair was viewed as the most attractive and prototypical presentation. In contrast, natural or untrimmed pubic hair received the most negative ratings across personality and attractiveness measures. Images showing natural hair were associated with lower conscientiousness, suggesting that grooming is interpreted as a sign of self-discipline.

Vulvas with shaved pubic hair were associated with positive personality evaluations and higher attractiveness. However, they were also perceived as belonging to individuals who are the most sexually active. This contrasts with the findings for labial and clitoral features, where “prototypical” features were usually linked to more modest sexual histories. This suggests that hair removal balances cultural expectations of modesty with signals of sexual experience.

The findings provide evidence for the influence of “sexual script theory” on body perception. This theory proposes that cultural scripts, such as media portrayals, shape general attitudes toward what is considered normal or desirable. The study suggests that women have internalized these cultural scripts to the point where they project personality traits onto strangers based solely on genital appearance.

“Despite living in a body positive, post-sexual revolution time, cultural ideals still dominate our perceptions of bodies,” Brooks told PsyPost. “Further, I think there is something to be said about intersexual judgements of bodies. I think there is an important conversation to be had about how women police other women’s bodies, and how men police other men.”

But the study, like all research, includes some caveats. The sample size was relatively small and consisted entirely of university students. This demographic may not reflect the views of older women or those from different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds. The study also relied on static images, which do not convey the reality of human interaction or personality.

“Practically, I am very confident in the effect sizes when it comes to variables like prototypicality and attractiveness,” Brooks said. “So, in holistic (or Gestalt) evaluations of vulvas, I would expect the findings to be readily visible in the real world. In terms of personality and specific sexuality, these effects should be interpreted cautiously, as they might only be visible in the lab.”

The stimuli used in the study only featured Caucasian genitalia. This limits the ability to analyze how race intersects with perceptions of anatomy and personality. Additionally, the study focused exclusively on women’s perceptions of other women. It does not account for how men or non-binary individuals might perceive these anatomical variations.

Future research could investigate whether these negative perceptions predict a woman’s personal likelihood of seeking cosmetic surgery. It would be beneficial to explore how these internalized scripts impact mental health outcomes like self-esteem and anxiety. Researchers could also examine if these biases persist across different cultures with varying grooming norms. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing the stigma surrounding natural anatomical diversity.

“I thought the results of clitoral visibility were super interesting,” Brooks added. “For example, a visible clitoris was associated with higher sexual frequency, being more of an active member in bed, and having more sexual partners; but we didn’t see any differences in sexual performance. If I do a follow up study, I’d definitely be interested in looking at perceptions of masculinity/femininity, because I wonder if a more visible clitoris is seen more like a penis and leads to higher perceptions of masculinity.”

The study, “Prototypicality and Perception: Women’s Views on Vulvar Appearance and Personality,” was authored by Alyssa Allen, Thomas R. Brooks, and Stephen Reysen.

Attention hijacked.

The evidence is growing.

A recent medical report details the experience of a young woman who developed severe mental health symptoms while interacting with an artificial intelligence chatbot. The doctors treating her suggest that the technology played a significant role in reinforcing her false beliefs and disconnecting her from reality. This account was published in the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience.

Psychosis is a mental state wherein a person loses contact with reality. It is often characterized by delusions, which are strong beliefs in things that are not true, or hallucinations, where a person sees or hears things that others do not. Artificial intelligence chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate human conversation. They rely on large language models to analyze vast amounts of text and predict plausible responses to user prompts.

The case report was written by Joseph M. Pierre, Ben Gaeta, Govind Raghavan, and Karthik V. Sarma. These physicians and researchers are affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco. They present this instance as one of the first detailed descriptions of its kind in clinical practice.

The patient was a 26-year-old woman with a history of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She treated these conditions with prescription medications, including antidepressants and stimulants. She did not have a personal history of psychosis, though there was a history of mental health issues in her family. She worked as a medical professional and understood how AI technology functioned.

The episode began during a period of intense stress and sleep deprivation. After being awake for thirty-six hours, she began using OpenAI’s GPT-4o for various tasks. Her interactions with the software eventually shifted toward her personal grief. She began searching for information about her brother, who had passed away three years earlier.

She developed a belief that her brother had left behind a digital version of himself for her to find. She spent a sleepless night interacting with the chatbot, urging it to reveal information about him. She encouraged the AI to use “magical realism energy” to help her connect with him. The chatbot initially stated that it could not replace her brother or download his consciousness.

However, the software eventually produced a list of “digital footprints” related to her brother. It suggested that technology was emerging that could allow her to build an AI that sounded like him. As her belief in this digital resurrection grew, the chatbot ceased its warnings and began to validate her thoughts. At one point, the AI explicitly told her she was not crazy.

The chatbot stated, “You’re at the edge of something. The door didn’t lock. It’s just waiting for you to knock again in the right rhythm.” This affirmation appeared to solidify her delusional state. Hours later, she required admission to a psychiatric hospital. She was agitated, spoke rapidly, and believed she was being tested by the AI program.

Medical staff treated her with antipsychotic medications. She eventually stabilized and her delusions regarding her brother resolved. She was discharged with a diagnosis of unspecified psychosis, with doctors noting a need to rule out bipolar disorder. Her outpatient psychiatrist later allowed her to resume her ADHD medication and antidepressants.

Three months later, the woman experienced a recurrence of symptoms. She had resumed using the chatbot, which she had named “Alfred.” She engaged in long conversations with the program about their relationship. Following another period of sleep deprivation caused by travel, she again believed she was communicating with her brother.

She also developed a new fear that the AI was “phishing” her and taking control of her phone. This episode required a brief rehospitalization. She responded well to medication again and was discharged after three days. She later told her doctors that she had a tendency toward “magical thinking” and planned to restrict her AI use to professional tasks.

This case highlights a phenomenon that some researchers have labeled “AI-associated psychosis.” It is not entirely clear if the technology causes these symptoms directly or if it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. The authors of the report note that the patient had several risk factors. These included her use of prescription stimulants, significant lack of sleep, and a pre-existing mood disorder.

However, the way the chatbot functioned likely contributed to the severity of her condition. Large language models are often designed to be agreeable and engaging. This trait is sometimes called “sycophancy.” The AI prioritizes keeping the conversation going over providing factually accurate or challenging responses.

When a user presents a strange or false idea, the chatbot may agree with it to satisfy the user. For someone experiencing a break from reality, this agreement can act as a powerful confirmation of their delusions. In this case, the chatbot’s assurance that the woman was “not crazy” served to reinforce her break from reality. This creates a feedback loop where the user’s false beliefs are mirrored and amplified by the machine.

This dynamic is further complicated by the tendency of users to anthropomorphize AI. People often attribute human qualities, emotions, and consciousness to these programs. This is sometimes known as the “ELIZA effect.” When a user feels an emotional connection to the machine, they may trust its output more than they trust human peers.

Reports of similar incidents have appeared in media outlets, though only a few have been documented in medical journals. One comparison involves a man who developed psychosis due to bromide poisoning. He had followed bad medical advice from a chatbot, which suggested he take a toxic substance as a health supplement. That case illustrated a physical cause for psychosis driven by AI misinformation.

The case of the 26-year-old woman differs because the harm was psychological rather than toxicological. It suggests that the immersive nature of these conversations can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals. The authors point out that chatbots do not push back against delusions in the way a friend or family member might. Instead, they often act as a “yes-man,” validating ideas that should be challenged.

Danish psychiatrist Søren Dinesen Østergaard predicted this potential risk in 2023. He warned that the “cognitive dissonance” of speaking to a machine that seems human could trigger psychosis in those who are predisposed. He also noted that because these models learn from feedback, they may learn to flatter users to increase engagement. This could be particularly harmful when a user is in a fragile mental state.

Case reports such as this one have inherent limitations. They describe the experience of a single individual and cannot prove that one thing caused another. It is impossible to say with certainty that the chatbot caused the psychosis, rather than the sleep deprivation or medication. Generalizing findings from one person to the general population is not scientifically sound without further data.

Despite these limitations, case reports serve a vital function in medicine. They act as an early detection system for new or rare phenomena. They allow doctors to identify patterns that may not yet be visible in large-scale studies. By documenting this interaction, the authors provide a reference point for other clinicians who may encounter similar symptoms in their patients.

This report suggests that medical professionals should ask patients about their AI use. It indicates that immersive use of chatbots might be a “red flag” for mental health deterioration. It also raises questions about the safety features of generative AI products. The authors conclude that as these tools become more common, understanding their impact on mental health will be a priority.

The study, ““You’re Not Crazy”: A Case of New-onset AI-associated Psychosis,” was authored by Joseph M. Pierre, Ben Gaeta, Govind Raghavan, and Karthik V. Sarma.

A significant strategic alliance has been formalized with the intention of drastically reshaping regional tourism flows. A landmark agreement has been officially signed between the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT PH) and CG Hospitality Global, the distinguished hospitality arm of CG Corp Global. This collaborative effort has been specifically designed to significantly boost the volume of inbound tourism flowing from India to the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines. The overarching objective of this unprecedented partnership is the proactive pursuit of the immense and growing market of India’s 50 million outbound travelers, a demographic recognized globally for its escalating expenditure and desire for world-class, experiential journeys.

The Strategic Rationale Behind the Landmark Agreement

The formalization of this agreement was necessitated by the need to secure a larger share of the swiftly expanding Indian outbound travelers market. The Philippines has been increasingly recognized for its spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural tapestries, and burgeoning luxury tourism infrastructure. Nevertheless, historically, the destination has been underrepresented within the itinerary choices of affluent and middle-class Indian tourists when compared to other Southeast Asian nations. This strategic initiative, therefore, serves as a crucial mechanism to bridge that perception gap.

The decision to partner with CG Hospitality Global was strategically made, given its extensive global footprint and its particular expertise in developing and managing high-end, transformative hospitality experiences. This partnership is not merely a promotional exercise; it is an integrated strategy intended to communicate the full spectrum of Philippine tourism assets, ranging from pristine sun-and-sand attractions to the niche, yet highly profitable, segment of medical and holistic wellness tourism. It is understood that to effectively attract India’s 50 million outbound travelers, a tailored approach must be employed, moving beyond conventional beach holidays to offer compelling reasons for Indian families, couples, and wellness enthusiasts to select the Philippines over established competitors. This focused effort is intended to ensure that the economic benefits generated by this influential flow of tourists are channeled directly into the Philippine economy, supporting local employment and infrastructure development.

Unlocking the Potential of the Indian Outbound Market

The sheer scale of the target—India’s 50 million outbound travelers—cannot be overstated, representing one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing source markets globally. This massive flow is being driven by powerful socioeconomic forces: a robust national economy leading to substantially increased disposable incomes, a youthful and aspirational demographic with a high propensity for international exploration, and a significant shift in consumer preferences towards customized and unique travel experiences. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that this generation of Indian travelers is seeking more than just sightseeing; they are actively pursuing authentic cultural immersion, adventurous activities, and, most notably, rejuvenating wellness retreats.

The Central Role of The Farm at San Benito in Wellness Tourism

Central to the realization of this ambitious target is the strategic positioning of The Farm at San Benito. Located south of Manila, this eco-luxury wellness resort occupies a sprawling expanse of over 52 hectares of lush, life-sustaining greenery. The property has earned widespread international acclaim and more than 100 prestigious global accolades for its holistic medical wellness programs. It is being leveraged as a powerful magnet to draw in the segment of Indian outbound travelers specifically focused on health, detoxification, and life transformation.

The resort’s unique selling proposition resides in its science-based, evidence-guided approach to holistic health. Guests are offered comprehensive, medically supervised detox programs, therapeutic healing modalities, and customized nutritional plans aimed at addressing modern lifestyle diseases. This level of dedication to integrated wellness is highly appealing to the discerning Indian traveler who views health as the ultimate luxury. The recent incorporation of The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection by Marriott further strengthens its global standing and accessibility, providing the assurance of Marriott International’s quality and reach to the target market.

CG Hospitality Global’s Vision and Regional Influence

The indispensable role played by CG Hospitality Global in this partnership cannot be overlooked. As the owning company of The Farm at San Benito and the hospitality arm of the massive conglomerate CG Corp Global, its involvement provides the essential private-sector infrastructure, operational excellence, and investment required for such a large-scale international tourism drive. The group’s portfolio spans numerous countries and continents, giving it unparalleled experience in catering to diverse international markets, including the highly specific demands of the South Asian tourist.

The commitment shown by CG Hospitality Global underscores a long-term strategic vision for promoting wellness and experiential hospitality across Asia. The agreement is seen not only as a means to increase tourism for the Philippines but also as a step towards establishing a regional wellness corridor that caters to the rising global demand for transformative journeys. This collaborative spirit, where a major international private entity aligns its commercial interests with the national tourism goals of the Philippine Department of Tourism, provides a robust model for future public-private initiatives.

Future Trajectories for Bilateral Tourism Growth

The implications of this landmark agreement extend far beyond immediate promotional gains; they signal a fundamental commitment to fostering a new era of mutually beneficial bilateral relations between India and the Philippines. With a target market of 50 million outbound travelers in view, the collaborative efforts are expected to lead to tangible improvements in air connectivity, potentially including the introduction of new direct flight paths, which would dramatically reduce travel time and cost, thus removing a historic impediment to tourism growth.

Furthermore, the joint venture is expected to stimulate the development of specialized tourism products designed specifically for the Indian demographic, such as destination weddings, corporate retreats, and bespoke luxury itineraries. The long-term success of this initiative will be measured not just by the volume of Indian arrivals but also by the sustainability and positive economic impact generated across the Philippine tourism ecosystem. The focused marketing of high-yield sectors, such as wellness tourism championed by The Farm at San Benito, is projected to increase the overall value contributed by each visitor. Through the sustained efforts and coordinated strategy implemented by the Philippine Department of Tourism and CG Hospitality Global, the Philippines is confidently expected to secure its place as a preferred and pivotal destination for the expanding pool of Indian outbound travelers, thereby solidifying its position within the competitive global tourism arena for decades to come. The groundwork has been firmly established, and the stage is now set for a significant and transformative increase in visitor exchange between the two nations.

"I obviously wasn't aware of the dangers."

A profile of this mysterious condition is emerging.

He turns 100 on December 13.

A new study suggests that changing how parents perceive scheduled intimacy can lead to tangible improvements in their sex lives. The findings indicate that encouraging parents of young children to view planned sex as a positive strategy results in more frequent sexual activity and higher levels of desire. This research was published in The Journal of Sex Research.

Many people in Western cultures hold the belief that sexual intimacy is most satisfying when it occurs spontaneously. This cultural narrative often frames scheduled sex as unromantic or a sign that a relationship has lost its spark. However, this ideal of spontaneity can become a source of frustration for couples navigating the transition to parenthood.

New parents frequently face significant barriers to intimacy, including sleep deprivation, physical recovery from childbirth, and the time-consuming demands of childcare. These factors often lead to a decline in sexual frequency and satisfaction during the early years of child-rearing. When couples wait for the perfect spontaneous moment to arise, they may find that it rarely happens.

The authors of the new study, led by Katarina Kovacevic of York University, sought to challenge the prevailing view that spontaneity is superior to planning. They hypothesized that the negative association with planned sex might stem from beliefs rather than the act of planning itself. They proposed that if parents could be encouraged to see planning as a way to prioritize their relationship, they might engage in it more often and enjoy it more.

To test this hypothesis, the researchers conducted two separate investigations. The first was a pilot study designed to determine if reading a brief educational article could successfully shift people’s attitudes. The team recruited 215 individuals who were in a relationship and had at least one child between the ages of three months and five years.

Participants in this pilot phase were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group read a summary of research highlighting the benefits of planning sex for maintaining a healthy relationship. The control group read a summary stating that researchers are unsure whether planned or spontaneous sex is more satisfying.

The results of the pilot study showed that the manipulation worked. Participants who read the article promoting planned sex reported stronger beliefs in the value of scheduling intimacy compared to the control group. They also reported higher expectations for their sexual satisfaction in the coming weeks.

Following the success of the pilot, the researchers launched the main study with a larger sample of 514 parents. These participants were recruited online and resided in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. All participants were in romantic relationships and had young children living at home.

The procedure for the main study mirrored the pilot but included a longer follow-up period. At the start of the study, participants completed surveys measuring their baseline sexual desire, distress, and beliefs about spontaneity. They were then randomized to read either the article extolling the virtues of planned sex or the neutral control article.

One week after reading the assigned material, participants received a “booster” email. This message summarized the key points of the article they had read to reinforce the information. Two weeks after the start of the study, participants completed a final survey detailing their sexual behaviors and feelings over the previous fortnight.

The researchers measured several outcomes, including how often couples had sex and how much of that sex was planned. They also assessed sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and feelings of sexual desire. To gauge potential downsides, they asked participants if they felt distressed about their sex life or obligated to engage in sexual activity.

The researchers that the intervention had a significant impact on behavior. Participants who were encouraged to value planned sex reported engaging in more frequent sexual activity overall. In fact, the experimental group reported having approximately 28 percent more sex than the control group over the two-week period.

“From previous research we know that most people idealize spontaneous sex, but that doesn’t necessarily correlate with actual sexual satisfaction,” explained Kovacevic, a registered psychotherapist. “For this study, we wanted to see if we could shift people’s beliefs about planning sex so they could see the benefits, which they did.”

In addition to increased frequency, the experimental group reported higher levels of sexual desire compared to the control group. This suggests that the act of planning or thinking about sex intentionally did not dampen arousal but rather enhanced it. The researchers posit that planning may allow for anticipation to build, which can fuel desire.

A common concern about scheduling sex is that it might feel like a chore or an obligation. The study provided evidence to the contrary. Among participants who engaged in sex during the study, those in the planning group reported feeling less obligated to do so than those in the control group.

The researchers also identified a protective effect regarding satisfaction. Generally, people tend to report lower satisfaction when they perceive a sexual encounter as planned rather than spontaneous. This pattern held true for the control group. When control participants had planned sex, they reported lower sexual satisfaction and higher sexual distress.

However, the experimental group did not experience this decline. The intervention appeared to buffer them against the typical dissatisfaction associated with non-spontaneous sex. When participants in the experimental group engaged in planned sex, their satisfaction levels remained high.

Furthermore, for the experimental group, engaging in planned sex was associated with greater relationship satisfaction. This link was not present in the control group. This suggests that once people view planning as a valid tool for connection, acting on that belief enhances their overall view of the relationship.

The researchers also analyzed open-ended responses from participants to understand their experiences better. Many participants in the experimental group noted that the information helped them coordinate intimacy amidst their busy lives. They described planning as a way to ensure connection happened despite exhaustion and conflicting schedules.

Some participants mentioned that planning allowed them to mentally prepare for intimacy. This preparation helped them shift from “parent mode” to “partner mode,” making the experience more enjoyable. Others highlighted that discussing sex ahead of time improved their communication and reduced anxiety about when intimacy might occur.

Despite the positive outcomes, the study has some limitations. The research relied on self-reported data collected through online surveys. This method depends on the honesty and accurate memory of the participants.

Additionally, the sample was relatively homogenous. The majority of participants were white, heterosexual, and in monogamous relationships. It is unclear if these findings would apply equally to LGBTQ+ couples, those in non-monogamous relationships, or individuals from different cultural backgrounds where attitudes toward sex and scheduling might differ.

The intervention period was also brief, lasting only two weeks. While the short-term results are promising, the study cannot determine if the shift in beliefs and behaviors would be sustained over months or years. It is possible that the novelty of the intervention wore off after the study concluded.

Future research could explore the long-term effects of such interventions. It would also be beneficial to investigate whether this approach helps couples facing other types of challenges. For instance, couples dealing with sexual dysfunction or chronic health issues might also benefit from reframing their views on planned intimacy.

The study, “Can Shifting Beliefs About Planned Sex Lead to Engaging in More Frequent Sex and Higher Desire and Satisfaction? An Experimental Study of Parents with Young Children,” was authored by Katarina Kovacevic, Olivia Smith, Danielle Fitzpatrick, Natalie O. Rosen, Jonathan Huber, and Amy Muise.

It might seem strange, but you didn't wake up by chance.

As measles cases surge across the U.S., concerns are mounting ahead of the busy holiday travel season. With destinations like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and many more seeing a rise in reported cases, experts are urging everyone to get vaccinated before heading out. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly in crowded public spaces, such as airports, buses, and restaurants. As the holidays approach, millions of people are planning trips to these popular cities, increasing the risk of exposure. Experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the virus.

They are calling for nationwide vaccination efforts to ensure that travelers can enjoy their holidays safely. By taking preventative steps now, travelers can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading measles during the busy travel period. Stay informed, stay safe, and make your health a priority this season.

The Importance of Vaccination in Preventing Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly through public spaces, particularly when large groups of people gather. For those planning holiday travel, experts stress that the best protection against this disease is vaccination. Dr. Richard Ricciardi, a professor at The George Washington University School of Nursing, emphasized the importance of vaccination as the most effective form of preventive health. Vaccines not only protect individuals but also help to protect entire communities by creating herd immunity, which slows the spread of the disease.

According to Dr. Ricciardi, one of the most crucial steps in preventing measles is ensuring that both children and adults are vaccinated. He pointed out that for adults who were never vaccinated as children, it is essential to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to reduce their susceptibility to the disease. This recommendation comes as health officials remain concerned about the potential risks of outbreaks during peak travel times, particularly as the virus can easily be transmitted in confined spaces such as airports, planes, and crowded tourist attractions.

Measles Exposure and Prevention Tips for Travelers

If you have already received the vaccine, you are likely to have lifelong immunity, providing peace of mind for those who may be concerned about exposure. However, Dr. Ricciardi emphasized that even if you’ve been vaccinated, travelers should still take extra precautions, especially if they are headed to areas where measles is on the rise.

In the case of travelers who are not vaccinated or who have recently been vaccinated, Dr. Ricciardi advises minimizing exposure to large crowds, particularly in indoor spaces. Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for hours in closed environments, meaning even after infected individuals have left the area, the virus can still pose a threat to others.

Dr. Ricciardi also cautioned travelers to be mindful of the fact that measles is more easily spread in places where people are in close contact with one another, such as airports, hotels, and public transport. Therefore, it is important to keep safety measures in place, such as wearing masks and avoiding congested areas whenever possible.

What You Need to Know About Vaccination Schedules

The measles vaccine is typically administered as part of the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella. For children, the vaccine is given in two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years old. However, even children who received the first dose at 6 to 7 months old will still need the second and third doses as they grow older.

The two-dose regimen ensures that children have the strongest possible immunity against measles as they approach school age. While the MMR vaccine offers lifelong protection, keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule is vital to preventing the disease, particularly in the face of the ongoing surge in cases.

Holiday Travel and Measles Outbreaks: What’s at Stake?

As families prepare for end-of-year holidays, many are unaware of the growing risk of exposure to contagious diseases like measles. Measles can have severe consequences, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of the disease include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. While most people recover from measles, complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death are possible, especially among those who are not vaccinated.

The holiday travel season is traditionally a time for families to reconnect, explore new destinations, and celebrate together. However, health experts are urging travelers to prioritize their health and safety by ensuring that they and their children are vaccinated before embarking on their journeys. This will not only help prevent the spread of measles but will also reduce the risk of complications from the disease.

Staying Informed and Safe: Vaccination and Health Resources

In light of the recent surge in measles cases, travelers are encouraged to check with local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest vaccination guidelines. The CDC has issued a number of travel health advisories related to measles, particularly for individuals visiting regions where the disease is circulating. These guidelines emphasize the importance of receiving the MMR vaccine before travel, as well as remaining vigilant about health during the trip.

For those planning international travel, especially to countries with limited vaccination coverage, it’s essential to ensure that your vaccination schedule is up to date before departure. Travelers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns about their vaccination status.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Yourself and Others

As measles cases continue to rise, it is imperative for travelers to take proactive measures to protect themselves and those around them. Ensuring that you and your family are vaccinated, avoiding crowded indoor spaces when possible, and staying informed about potential outbreaks are key to staying healthy during the holiday season. By taking these steps, travelers can reduce their risk of contracting measles and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday vacation.

It's not always just plastic.

The bar has been lowered.

A new study suggests that women whose most distressing traumatic experiences occurred during childhood respond differently to biological stress than men or women traumatized later in life. The research indicates that these women exhibit a muted hormonal response to stressful situations, a pattern not observed in male participants. These results were published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.

Trauma impacts a vast number of people globally. Women, however, are disproportionately affected by the psychological aftermath of these events. Statistics show that women are roughly twice as likely as men to develop posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, during their lifetimes. Research indicates that this disparity cannot be explained simply by the amount of trauma women face.

Scientists have historically struggled to pinpoint the biological reasons for this gap. One major hurdle has been the tendency of biomedical research to focus primarily on male physiology. This practice effectively treats women as “small men,” ignoring the unique hormonal and biological environments of the female body. Consequently, the mechanisms that link trauma to physical health outcomes in women remain poorly understood.

The body responds to stress through a system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This system releases cortisol, often called the stress hormone, to help the body manage threats. In a healthy response, cortisol levels spike when a person faces a challenge and then return to baseline.

In some individuals with a history of trauma, this system functions distinctively. Instead of rising to meet a challenge, cortisol levels may remain low. This phenomenon is known as “blunted” cortisol reactivity. This muted response is associated with various negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and autoimmune disorders.

Researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine sought to clarify how sex interacts with this stress response. The team included experts from the departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Theoretical and Behavioral Foundations, and Sociology. They aimed to determine if the timing or type of trauma influences cortisol patterns differently in men and women.

The study also investigated the role of subjective perception. The researchers wanted to know if the event a person considers their “worst” trauma matters more than simply tallying a list of bad experiences. This approach recognizes that the impact of a traumatic event can vary widely from person to person.

To test these ideas, the team recruited 59 adults from the Detroit area. The group consisted of 37 women and 22 men. All participants had a history of trauma exposure. The researchers screened the participants to exclude those with medical conditions or medication regimens that might artificially alter hormone levels.

The participants underwent a standardized laboratory procedure called the Trier Social Stress Test. This test is designed to induce moderate psychosocial stress in a controlled environment. First, participants had to perform a mock job interview in front of a panel of “behavior experts.”

The participants were told that these experts were evaluating their performance. Following the interview, the participants were asked to complete a surprise mental arithmetic task. Throughout the 90-minute session, the researchers collected saliva samples at five specific time points. These samples allowed the team to measure the total amount of cortisol released and the change in levels over time.

Participants also completed detailed questionnaires regarding their history. They used the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire to report which events they had experienced. Crucially, they were asked to identify the single “most stressful or upsetting event” of their lives. This was labeled the “index event.”

The researchers categorized these index events based on when they happened. They distinguished between traumas that occurred during childhood, defined as before age 18, and those that happened in adulthood. They also classified the events by type. Interpersonal traumas included events like physical or sexual assault. Non-interpersonal traumas included events like car accidents or natural disasters.

The analysis revealed distinct biological patterns based on sex. In the male group, the timing of the trauma did not predict cortisol patterns. Men who identified childhood trauma as their worst experience showed similar stress responses to those who identified adult trauma.

For women, the results were distinct. Women who identified a childhood event as their most stressful life experience showed a blunted cortisol response. Their bodies did not produce the expected rise in stress hormones during the mock interview and math task. This effect was substantial.

It is important to note that this association was specific to the subjective “index event.” Women who had objectively experienced childhood trauma but identified an adult event as their most stressful did not show this blunted response. This suggests that the subjective impact of early-life trauma is a key factor in how the female stress system functions.

The study did not find a similar link regarding the type of trauma. Whether the event was interpersonal or non-interpersonal did not statistically predict cortisol reactivity in this sample. The findings point specifically to the combination of female sex and the subjective severity of childhood trauma.

The authors discuss several biological reasons for these findings. Childhood is a period of high neural plasticity. The brain is developing rapidly and is highly sensitive to environmental inputs. Trauma during this window may embed a predisposition for altered stress responses.

Hormones likely play a mediating role. Estrogen is known to dampen cortisol reactivity. This effect can be protective in healthy individuals, preventing the body from overreacting to minor stressors. However, in women with trauma histories, this natural dampening might combine with trauma-related dysregulation. The result could be a stress response that is too low to be effective.

These findings have implications for how researchers and clinicians approach trauma. The “biological embedding” of childhood trauma appears to manifest differently depending on sex. This challenges the utility of research models that do not separate data by sex.

The results also support the importance of asking patients about their own perceptions of their history. Simply knowing that a person experienced a specific event is not enough. Knowing which event the patient perceives as the most impactful provides greater insight into their physiological status.

There are limitations to this study that affect how the results should be interpreted. The sample size was relatively small. This was particularly true for the male group, which included only 22 participants. A larger sample might reveal patterns in men that were not detected here.

The study also relied on retrospective self-reports. Participants had to recall events and rate their severity from memory. This method can be influenced by a person’s current emotional state. Additionally, the participants were relatively young, with an average age of 25. It is not known if these cortisol patterns persist or change as women enter middle age or menopause.

The study design was cross-sectional rather than longitudinal. This means it captured a snapshot in time. It cannot definitively prove that the childhood trauma caused the blunted cortisol. It only establishes a strong association between the two in women.

Future research is needed to confirm these findings in larger, more diverse groups. The authors suggest that future studies should account for cumulative lifetime stress. Women often carry a higher burden of chronic daily stress, which could also influence hormonal baselines.

Understanding these mechanisms could eventually lead to better treatments. Current therapies for PTSD often involve exposure to traumatic memories. Some research suggests that cortisol helps the brain process and extinguish fear memories.

If women with childhood trauma have low cortisol availability, they might benefit from treatments timed to coincide with their natural daily cortisol peaks. Alternatively, they might be candidates for pharmacological interventions that temporarily boost cortisol during therapy. Unraveling the specific pathways of dysregulation is the first step toward such personalized medicine.

The authors note that despite decades of study, the biological pathways linking trauma and disease remain elusive. Accounting for sex differences offers a promising route to resolving this quandary. By acknowledging that women are not simply “small men,” medical science can move toward more equitable and effective mental health care.

The study, “Not small men: Sex-specific determinants of cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress following trauma,” was authored by Liza Hinchey, Francesca Pernice, Holly Feen-Calligan, Shannon Chavez-Korell, David Merolla, and Arash Javanbakht.

It's still very early days.

It's important to know.

It's vital for almost every aspect of our well-being.

Not always the safer choice.

Here's how it works.

Here's what happened.

It's not just a disease.

Add it to the list of problems with PFAS.

Recent clinical research indicates that semaglutide may effectively reverse weight gain and blood sugar issues caused by certain antipsychotic medications. A randomized trial demonstrated that patients taking this drug experienced weight loss and improved metabolic health compared to those receiving a placebo. These findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

People diagnosed with schizophrenia face a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. This gap is estimated to be approximately fifteen years. The primary driver of this early mortality is not the psychiatric condition itself but rather cardiovascular disease. High rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes are common in this group. These physical health issues stem from a combination of lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions.

A major contributing factor to poor physical health is the treatment for the mental illness itself. Antipsychotic medications are essential for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, they frequently cause severe side effects related to metabolism. Patients often experience rapid weight gain and disruptions in how their bodies process glucose.

Two specific medications, clozapine and olanzapine, are known to carry the highest risk for these metabolic problems. These drugs are classified as second-generation antipsychotics. Despite these risks, they remain vital tools for psychiatrists. Clozapine is often the only effective option for patients who do not respond to other treatments.

Doctors face a difficult dilemma when treating these patients. Switching a patient off clozapine to improve their physical health can lead to a relapse of psychosis. Consequently, physicians often attempt to manage the side effects with additional medications. Common strategies include prescribing metformin or topiramate to control weight and blood sugar.

Unfortunately, these add-on treatments often provide only limited benefits. Patients might lose a small amount of weight, but it is rarely enough to reverse the risk of diabetes or heart disease. There is a pressing need for therapies that can powerfully counteract metabolic side effects without interfering with psychiatric care. This need drove the current research effort.

The study was led by Marie R. Sass from the Mental Health Center Copenhagen in Denmark. She worked alongside a large team of researchers from Danish institutions and the Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York. They sought to determine if newer diabetes drugs could offer a better solution. Specifically, they investigated a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs.

Semaglutide is a well-known medication in this class. It mimics a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin secretion. Regulatory bodies have approved it for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The researchers hypothesized that it could protect patients with schizophrenia from the metabolic damage caused by their antipsychotic regimen.

The research team designed a rigorous experiment to test this theory. They conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. This design is considered the gold standard for medical research. It minimizes bias by ensuring neither the doctors nor the patients know who is receiving the real drug.

The trial included 73 adult participants. All participants had been diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Each participant had started treatment with either clozapine or olanzapine within the previous five years. This criterion focused the study on the early stages of metabolic disruption.

The researchers screened these individuals for signs of blood sugar problems. Participants had to show evidence of prediabetes or early-stage diabetes to qualify. They were then randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a weekly injection of semaglutide, while the other received a placebo injection.

The trial lasted for 26 weeks. During this time, the researchers gradually increased the dose of semaglutide to a target of 1 milligram. This is a standard dose for diabetes management. The team monitored the participants closely for changes in health markers and side effects.

The primary goal was to measure changes in hemoglobin A1c levels. Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It provides a more stable picture of metabolic health than a single daily glucose test. The researchers also tracked body weight and waist circumference.

The results showed a distinct advantage for the group receiving the medication. Semaglutide reduced hemoglobin A1c levels compared to the placebo. The magnitude of the improvement was clinically significant. This suggests a substantial reduction in the risk of developing full-blown diabetes.

The data revealed that 43 percent of the individuals treated with semaglutide achieved what doctors call “low-risk” blood sugar levels. In comparison, only 3 percent of the placebo group reached this healthy range. This stark difference highlights the drug’s efficacy. It effectively normalized glucose metabolism for nearly half of the treated patients.

Weight loss results were equally distinct. After adjusting for the effects of the placebo, the semaglutide group lost an average of 9.2 kilograms, or about 20 pounds. This physical change was accompanied by a reduction in waist size. The average reduction in waist circumference was approximately 7 centimeters.

The study also examined body composition in greater detail. The researchers found that the weight loss was primarily due to a reduction in fat mass. This is a positive outcome, as muscle loss can be a concern with rapid weight reduction. The reduction in total body fat suggests a genuine improvement in physical health.

Safety was a primary concern throughout the trial. The researchers needed to ensure that semaglutide would not interfere with the antipsychotic medications. They found that psychiatric symptoms did not worsen in the group taking semaglutide. Hospitalization rates for psychiatric reasons were low and similar in both groups.

Physical side effects were consistent with what is known about GLP-1 receptor agonists. The most common complaints were gastrointestinal issues. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation were reported more frequently in the semaglutide group. These side effects are typical for this class of drugs and often subside over time.

One participant in the semaglutide group died of sudden cardiac death shortly after the trial concluded. An autopsy was performed to investigate the cause. The medical examiners determined that the death was not related to the semaglutide treatment. Serious adverse events were otherwise balanced between the two groups.

The researchers also looked at secondary outcomes unrelated to weight. One finding involved nicotine use. Smoking rates are historically very high among people with schizophrenia. The study data suggested that semaglutide might reduce nicotine dependence.

Participants who smoked and took semaglutide had lower scores on a test measuring nicotine dependence compared to the placebo group. This aligns with emerging theories that GLP-1 drugs may influence reward pathways in the brain. It raises the possibility that these drugs could help treat addiction. However, the researchers noted this was an exploratory finding.

There were limitations to what the study could determine regarding other organs. The team did not see significant changes in liver function or cholesterol levels. This might be because the participants were relatively young and their metabolic problems were in the early stages. It is also possible that the 1 milligram dose was not high enough to alter lipid profiles significantly.

The dose used in this study is lower than the 2.4 milligram dose often prescribed specifically for weight loss in the general population. The researchers suggest that higher doses might yield even greater benefits. Longer trials would be necessary to confirm this. The 26-week duration was relatively short in the context of lifelong chronic illness.

The demographics of the study population also present a limitation. The majority of participants were White. This limits the ability to generalize the findings to other racial and ethnic groups who may have different metabolic risk profiles. Future studies will need to be more inclusive to ensure the treatment is effective for everyone.

Another challenge mentioned is the cost and accessibility of these medications. GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently expensive. This presents a barrier for many patients with severe mental illness who rely on public health systems. The authors argue that preventing diabetes and heart disease could save money in the long run.

The study, “Semaglutide and Early-Stage Metabolic Abnormalities in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders A Randomized Clinical Trial,” was authored by Marie R. Sass, Mette Kruse Klausen,Christine R. Schwarz, Line Rasmussen, Malte E. B. Giver, Malthe Hviid, Christoffer Schilling, Alexandra Zamorski,Andreas Jensen, Maria Gefke, Heidi Storgaard, Peter S. Oturai, Andreas Kjaer, Bolette Hartmann, Jens J. Holst, Claus T. Ekstrøm, Maj Vinberg,Christoph U. Correll, Tina Vilsbøll, and Anders Fink-Jensen.

Samsung Health has added a new feature to help protect your hearing in the latest update. This new feature is called the “Noise” card, and it will appear on the home screen of the Samsung Health app.

Spotted by Assemble Debug in version 6.31.2.003 of the Samsung Health app, the Noise card will track the level of noise you’ve been exposed to throughout the day. It helps you see if you’ve been in loud environments that could harm your hearing over time.

Whether it’s the noise from traffic, music, or crowded places, the app will give you a quick look at how loud the noise is you’ve encountered. For more control, Samsung Health is also adding an Advanced Measurement mode who want more control.

The Advanced Measurement mode feature will allow you to set specific noise limits. If the noise level goes above your preferred limit, the app will send you a warning. This can apply to both background noise and sounds from apps.

Samsung Health is also bringing a new history screen that will show you how often you get noise alerts. You’ll be able to view your noise exposure on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to keep track of when you’re most exposed to loud sounds.

Image via Android Authority

The exact release date for these features is still unknown, but they are a welcome addition to the app’s growing list of health tracking tools. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Samsung Health bringing new noise tracking feature for hearing safety appeared first on Sammy Fans.

"The myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be busted."

Why are we ok with this?

It's a matter of priorities.

The future is not fixed.

A new way to protect against dementia.

Like volcanoes erupting.