There’s so much health information at our fingertips — new studies, new breakthroughs, new innovations, new findings.

How does one keep up with it all?

That’s where we come in. We spent the past year tracking all of the biggest health and wellness stories — from mental health to physical health and everything in between — and we’ve rounded up the 10 most important, most interesting tidbits from the year that was. This critical information not only serves to inform; it also helps you on your path to a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life. 

The 10 Most Important Health Stories of 2024

The Risks of Irregular Sleep

We all know that poor sleep can cause a whole host of health problems, and research continues to support that. New research from Jean Pierre Chaput, a professor in pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, reveals that those who get irregular sleep — going to bed and waking up at different times — are at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is true even for those who get the recommended amount of sleep. 

This underscores the importance of sleep hygiene and having a consistent sleep routine. Are you looking to get on a consistent sleep schedule? Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, INHC provided some invaluable tips and strategies in this piece.

RFK Jr. Selected to Lead the Department of Health and Human Services

President-elect Donald Trump made the unconventional (yet relatively unsurprising) decision to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country,” Trump wrote on X after making the selection.

We’re not here to offer an opinion on the selection, but it will certainly be fascinating — and worth keeping a close eye on — to see how this affects the healthcare industry, the health and wellness industry, and Americans’ collective holistic health in the coming years. 

The Link Between Period Pain and Depression

Pain during periods — which can include throbbing or cramps — can be intense, and it has been linked to depression. But according to a recent study in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Briefings in Bioinformatics, depression might actually be causing the period pain.

“Depression and menstrual pain significantly impact women’s lives across the world, yet their connection remains poorly understood,” lead author Dr. John Moraros told CNN.

For a deep dive into the menstrual cycle and the science behind hormone health, check out our best-in-class Hormone Health Course.

The Connection Between Parenting and Mental Health

This one may not have made a ton of headlines, but it certainly caught our attention. This past summer, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents. In the advisory, he noted that over the past decade, parents have reported higher levels of stress than other adults. Rising childcare costs, inflation, and children’s mental health struggles are just a few of the many reasons for the added stress that parents take on. We covered this story in more detail here.

Australia Passes Social Media Ban for Kids

This won’t affect us in the States — at least not yet — but Australia has approved a social media ban for children under the age of 16.

After the news broke, IIN faculty member Dr. Daniel Amen — who has been outspoken in his view that children shouldn’t be on social media — took to Instagram to express his support for the ban.

“As a period characterized by high neuroplasticity, adolescence is a critical time for brain development,” he wrote. “That’s why excessive social media use in a child’s younger years can so drastically shape the developing brain in disturbing ways.”

What Is a Yoga Pill?

A new study in the scientific journal Nature Neuroscience reveals that a new class of anti-anxiety pills could be in the works following the discovery of the part of the brain that controls slow breathing and meditation techniques. The pill, which is being referred to as a “yoga pill,” would slow one’s breath during an anxiety attack without consciously focusing on it. It would, in theory, give one the peace and calm that comes with yoga and meditation. This pill likely wouldn’t be on the market for another decade, neuroscientist Sung Han told the Los Angeles Times.

This study also confirms what we already know: yoga, meditation, and breathwork significantly reduce anxiety.

Move More, Live (a Lot!) Longer

It’s no secret that a more active lifestyle leads to a longer life. And now, according to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, we can quantify it. The study found that if American adults over the age of 40 were as active as the top 25 percent of the population, they could add an additional 5.3 years to their lifespan. 

Better start moving! Let us help you get started with these terrific at-home workouts.

All You Need Is 5 Minutes

Sticking with the exercise theme, an analysis of 15,000 participants in the scientific journal Circulation revealed that a mere 5 minutes of vigorous exercise daily can aid in lowering blood pressure. This can be done in the form of walking fast, climbing stairs, biking, or running (just to name a few). And if you exercise for 20 minutes, the study points out, it may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

According to NBC News, half of Americans have high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or a stroke. Are you new to running, or want to pick it back up after a hiatus? Check out this primer.

Another Strike Against Ultra-Processed Foods

You know how we feel about ultra-processed foods — and now we have another reason not to like them. According to research published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Dermatology, there’s a link between ultra-processed foods and psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflamed skin. That’s on top of a host of other health issues that these foods are believed to cause.

Examples of ultra-processed foods include sugary cereals, deli cold cuts, and packaged baked goods.

U.S. Healthcare System Lags Behind

Of everything on this list, this one is perhaps the most troubling. According to a report by The Commonwealth Fund, the United States’ healthcare system ranks last among a group of 10 high-income countries in outcome measures, access to care, and equity.

“The U.S. is failing one of its principal obligations as a nation: to protect the health and welfare of its people,” said Commonwealth Fund President Joseph Betancourt, MD.

This serves as an important reminder that it’s critical to take care of yourself holistically, throughout your entire life, so you’re less reliant on the complexities and challenges of the healthcare system. The Health Coach Training Program is a great place to start your journey and build a foundation towards a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life.