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Texas Monthly - Austin-based, Humanaut Health, plans longevity clinic expansion across the USA. (Read more)

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STORY OF THE WEEK

💀 DEATH CLOCK APP GOES VIRAL

In an era where smartphones can monitor our steps, heart rates, and even sleep patterns, it was only a matter of time before an app emerged to predict the ultimate metric: our expiration date.💀

For a modest annual fee of $40, users can embark on a journey of self-discovery—or perhaps, self-mortification.

The “Death Clock” app poses a series of probing questions about your health and lifestyle choices, from your cholesterol levels and sleep habits to your social engagements and dietary indulgences. With this data, the Death Clock calculates not just the year, but the exact date of your predicted departure from this blessed earth. The countdown is OFFICIALLY ON.

Can you imagine the scene at the local senior center?

Armed with their smartphones and newfound knowledge of their ticking clocks, our beloved elders might decide that it's time to throw caution to the wind.

Bingo nights could devolve into raucous affairs of strip poker, with debauchery at every corner. With the clock ticking down, our seniors have nothing to lose!

If you're curious to confront your own mortality and perhaps glean some insights into leading a healthier life, the Death Clock awaits. Approach with a sense of humor and a grain of salt, and remember: it's never too late to make positive changes.

👉🏾 Head to the app store, if you dare.

DEEP DIVE SESSION

💧 FLUORIDE IN WATER. GOOD? BAD?

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

Today, we’re talking about fluoride. The debates have officially gone mainstream, and individual States are taking action under the “break-everything” model the new presidential administration has led.

Oh boy!

With the amount of disinformation that’s out there, we thought it’d be a great time to bring you a breakdown of the evolution of fluoride, the benefits, the risks, and all the good stuff in between, so that you can make an informed decision all by yourself.

A brief historical timeline:

• 1901: Dentist Frederick McKay notices mysterious brown stains on the teeth of Colorado Springs residents, later dubbed "Colorado Brown Stain." Despite the discoloration, these teeth are surprisingly resistant to decay. ​

• 1931: Researchers identify fluoride in the water supply as the culprit behind the staining and the cavity resistance. ​

• 1945: Grand Rapids, Michigan, becomes the first city to intentionally add fluoride to its public water supply, aiming to harness its cavity-fighting powers. ​

• 1951: Water fluoridation is adopted as official policy by the U.S. Public Health Service. ​

• 1960s-1970s: Thousands of U.S. communities join the fluoridation bandwagon, leading to significant drops in tooth decay rates nationwide. 🦷

Fast-forward to today…

• January 2025: President Donald Trump nominates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, known for his skepticism toward water fluoridation, sparks national discussions about the practice's safety and efficacy.

• March 2025: Utah becomes the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, a move that overrides local authorities' decisions and ignites debates about public health versus personal choice.

• April 2025: Florida's legislative session kicks off with discussions on a bill that would prohibit fluoridation statewide, reflecting a growing trend of states re-evaluating their stance on fluoride.

So what does the science say?

It is crucial to acknowledge the existing body of research supporting the efficacy of water fluoridation. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) continue to advocate for its implementation, citing extensive evidence of its role in preventing tooth decay.

A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Dental Research in 2015 reinforced these findings, highlighting the continued benefits of community water fluoridation. Here’s what the consensus says:

• Reduced Tooth Decay:

  • Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria that cause cavities.

  • It promotes remineralization of weakened tooth enamel.

  • Studies consistently show a significant reduction in dental caries (cavities) in communities with fluoridated water.

• Cost-Effectiveness:

  • Community water fluoridation is a cost-effective public health measure, reducing the need for expensive dental treatments.

  • It benefits all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status.

• Accessibility:

  • Water fluoridation provides a consistent level of fluoride to the entire community, ensuring even those with limited access to dental care receive its benefits.

  • It is a passive form of preventative care.

On the flip-side, here’s where the other side stands on the negative impacts of fluoride:

• Dental Fluorosis:

  • Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis, causing white spots or streaks on the teeth.  

  • In severe cases, it can cause brown staining and pitting of the enamel.

• Skeletal Fluorosis:

  • Long-term exposure to very high levels of fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a condition that affects bones and joints.

  • This is more common in areas with naturally high fluoride levels in groundwater.

• Concerns about other health effects:

  • Some studies have raised concerns about potential links between fluoride exposure and other health issues, such as neurodevelopmental effects.

  • This is an area of ongoing research, and more studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions.

To fluoridate or not to fluoridate❓

As the fluoride debate swirls like water down a drain, it remains clear that decisions about public health measures must balance scientific evidence, individual rights, and societal benefits.

It’s a delicate balancing act.

We want to protect public health, but we also respect individual autonomy.

Whether you're raising a glass of fluoridated water or opting for the fluoride-free variety, staying informed and engaged in the conversation is key. After all, knowledge is power—and it doesn't require a prescription.

👉🏾 For a deeper dive into the ongoing debate over fluoride in drinking water, check out this video!