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Doctors warn: Your skin remembers every sunburn

4. July, 2026

A golden tan is often seen as a sign of a great holiday or a relaxing day outdoors. But according to skin experts, that darker skin tone is actually the body’s response to ultraviolet damage rather than proof that your skin has become stronger.

According to Unilad, the warning comes as record-breaking heatwaves across the UK and the United States encourage millions of people to spend more time outdoors.

Health experts say prolonged exposure to intense UV radiation could increase the risk of long-term skin damage.

Your skin keeps score

Ultraviolet rays can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Although the body repairs much of this damage naturally, repeated or severe sunburns may leave permanent genetic changes behind. Over time, these changes can increase the likelihood of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

Research also suggests that multiple blistering sunburns during childhood and early adulthood are among the strongest preventable risk factors for melanoma later in life.

The tan myth

Many people still believe that developing a “base tan” provides meaningful protection against future sunburn. Dermatologists say this is misleading. A tan represents the skin’s attempt to defend itself after UV damage has already occurred and offers only minimal natural protection.

To reduce your long-term risk, experts recommend:

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Reapply every two hours and after swimming.
Protect commonly missed areas, including the ears, lips, scalp and feet.
Limit direct sun exposure during the middle of the day whenever possible.

A growing health concern

With climate experts predicting more frequent and intense heatwaves, doctors believe sun protection will become increasingly important. Building simple daily habits today could significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer in the years ahead.

Should you sleep with your pet? Experts explain the risks

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

4. July, 2026

Should you sleep with your pet? Experts explain the risks

Many dogs and cats do not sleep only in their own beds or on the floor. They also share their owners’ beds.

A U.S. survey from 2022, cited by The New York Times according to News55, found that nearly one in two adults sleeps with a pet.

It can disrupt your sleep

Your sleep may be affected when an animal is in your bed.

A 2017 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that dog owners slept less efficiently when their dog slept in the bed than when it slept elsewhere in the room.

However, many people do not notice that their sleep is being disrupted. As a result, it can be difficult to tell whether daytime fatigue is caused by a pet or something else.

The risk is small

Pets can bring ticks, fleas, and parasites into the bed.

In rare cases, bacteria can also be be transmitted to humans, especially if a person has open wounds or a weakened immune system.

According to experts cited by The New York Times, the risk of becoming seriously ill is generally low for healthy people.

The most important thing is to protect your pet against fleas and ticks and to ensure it receives regular deworming treatment.

The key message is not that pets should be banned from the bed. If you sleep well and are in good health, there is usually no reason for concern.

If you are not sleeping well, you could try having your pet sleep somewhere else for a few nights.

How long each skin type can stay in the sun

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

How long each skin type can stay in the sun

The sun is an important source of vitamin D, but spending too much time in the sun without protection increases the risk of both sunburn and skin cancer.

How long you can safely stay in the sun depends on both your skin type and the UV index, according to Netdoktor.

The sun can be healthy in moderation

The sun helps the body produce vitamin D, but it is important not to get too much sun exposure.

A lack of protection can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Your skin type makes a big difference

The amount of time you can spend in the sun depends on your skin type.

Skin types are classified based on how easily the skin becomes sunburned.

Skin type 1 is very sensitive

People with skin type 1 always get sunburned and almost never develop a tan.

Skin type 2 burns easily

People with skin type 2 burn easily, but their skin is also capable of tanning.

Skin type 3 can develop a moderate tan

This skin type tans relatively easily but can still become sunburned if proper care is not taken in the sun.

Skin type 4 tolerates more sun

People with skin type 4 can tolerate a significant amount of sun and, according to Netdoktor, do not get sunburned after one hour of sun exposure.

After seven days of sun exposure, the skin develops a deep tan.

Skin types 5 and 6 have very dark pigmentation

Skin types 5 and 6 are characterized by very dark pigmentation and, according to Netdoktor, do not get sunburned.

The UV index affects how long you can stay in the sun

The amount of time your skin can tolerate without protection depends on both your skin type and the UV index.

The times listed below apply to a UV index of 7.

Skin type 1

At a UV index of 7, people with skin type 1 can stay in the sun without protection for approximately 15 minutes.

Skin type 2

People with skin type 2 can stay in the sun without protection for around 20 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin type 3

For skin type 3, the recommended maximum time without protection is 25 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin type 4

People with skin type 4 can stay in the sun without protection for approximately 40 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin types 5 and 6

People with skin types 5 and 6 can stay in the sun without protection for up to 55 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Dark skin also requires care

Although people with skin types 4 to 6 typically do not get sunburned and have a lower risk of skin cancer and melanoma, it is still not healthy to spend long periods in direct sunlight.

Netdoktor also emphasizes that direct sun exposure causes just as many wrinkles in these skin types as it does in skin types 1 to 3.

Rare tick-borne illness sees unusual increase across the U.S.

Mie Hermansen

3. July, 2026

Rare tick-borne illness sees unusual increase across the U.S.

Warm weather encourages millions of people to spend more time outdoors, but it also marks the peak of tick season. While Lyme disease is often the best-known concern, researchers say another, far rarer infection has begun attracting renewed attention.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with figures highlighted by Fox News, Powassan virus has been identified in significantly more patients this year than has typically been seen, reports UNILAD.

Although infections remain uncommon, specialists are watching the trend closely because the disease can become severe and there is no targeted treatment.

Different from Lyme disease

One reason the virus has drawn attention is the speed at which it may spread. Unlike Lyme disease, which usually requires a tick to remain attached for many hours before transmission occurs, Powassan virus may be passed on much sooner after a bite.

Health officials say this makes preventing tick bites especially important, particularly in areas where infected ticks are known to live. Most reported infections have been linked to the Great Lakes region and the northeastern United States.

An unusual increase

Powassan virus was first identified in Canada in 1958 and has long been considered one of North America’s rarest tick-borne diseases. However, U.S. surveillance data show 76 confirmed cases during 2025, well above the historical average of roughly seven reported annually.

Not everyone who becomes infected develops symptoms, and illness may not appear until weeks after exposure. When symptoms do occur, they often begin with:

Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Weakness

In some patients, the infection progresses to inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues, causing seizures, confusion, speech difficulties and loss of coordination. According to the CDC, about one in ten people who develop severe neurological disease die, while many survivors experience lasting neurological problems.

No specific cure

Doctors currently treat Powassan virus by managing symptoms rather than eliminating the infection itself. Patients with serious complications may require hospital care, including breathing support, intravenous fluids and treatment to reduce swelling in the brain.

Because there is no vaccine or specific antiviral therapy, public health agencies continue to recommend insect repellent, protective clothing and careful tick checks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

Research: Sugar-free soft drinks are not necessarily a healthier alternative

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Research: Sugar-free soft drinks are not necessarily a healthier alternative

Many people choose sugar-free soft drinks because they contain fewer calories and no sugar.

However, a British study suggests that sugar-free soft drinks may not be as harmless as many people believe.

The study, published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and cited by SosialNytt, followed more than 120,000 adults for over ten years.

The researchers emphasize that the study only shows an association and does not prove that soft drinks are the direct cause of the disease.

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease, also known as MASLD, occurs when fat accumulates in the liver.

Many people experience no symptoms, and the condition is often discovered only through a blood test or another medical examination, according to SosialNytt.

The researchers point out that both sugar-sweetened and sugar-free soft drinks may affect the body, although in different ways.

They therefore believe that further research is needed to better understand the association.

The findings

The researchers found that people who drank more than 250 grams of a sweetened beverage every day had a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease.

The risk was about 50 percent higher for those who drank regular soft drinks and about 60 percent higher for those who drank sugar-free soft drinks.

At the same time, the study showed that people who replaced soft drinks with water had a lower risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Why are people left- or right-handed? New study offers a answer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Why are people left- or right-handed? New study offers a answer

Researchers studied healthy adults by asking them to perform various tasks using both arms.

Among other tasks, participants were asked to reach for targets under normal conditions, while carrying extra weight, and while using a tool that required a high level of precision.

Their movements were measured using specialized equipment, according to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The results showed that there was almost no difference between the arms during the easier tasks.

Only when the tasks became more demanding did the preferred arm perform better, according to HealthDay.

Another test

The researchers also asked participants to write using both their hands and their elbows.

In this test, there was no difference between the right and left elbows because neither had performed the task before.

After a short period of practice, both elbows improved at the same rate.

According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), this suggests that practice plays a major role in determining how skilled an arm becomes at performing specific movements.

The dominant hand

For many years, researchers have believed that a dominant hemisphere of the brain was the primary explanation for whether a person becomes right- or left-handed.

Previous research has also shown that hand preference may develop before birth.

However, the new study suggests that the difference between the right and left hand is mainly shaped through many years of practice and use.

The researchers believe that this knowledge could help improve rehabilitation for people who need to relearn motor skills after, for example, a stroke or a brain injury.

Early puberty may raise the risk of depression

Mie Hermansen

3. July, 2026

Early puberty may raise the risk of depression

Growing up at a different pace than classmates is often seen as a normal part of childhood. But new research suggests that entering puberty earlier than most peers may have consequences that go beyond physical development.

A large Danish study from Aarhus University has found that children who experience puberty earlier than their peers face a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and being diagnosed with depression later in adolescence, reports Ritzau.

The research followed more than 16,000 Danish children and teenagers over several years and was led by PhD researcher Thea Emily Benson and Professor Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen from the Department of Public Health.

Girls face the strongest link

The findings show the association was strongest among girls. Those who developed breasts or experienced their first menstrual period earlier than most girls their age were more likely to later receive a diagnosis of depression.

The study also found an increased risk among boys. Earlier pubic hair growth, an earlier first ejaculation and an earlier voice change were all associated with a greater likelihood of depressive symptoms or a depression diagnosis compared with boys who entered puberty at a more typical age.

Girls with earlier breast development had a 27% higher risk of depression.
Early menstruation was linked to a 36% higher risk.
Boys with earlier pubic hair growth had a 66% higher risk of receiving a depression diagnosis.
Early first ejaculation was associated with a 51% higher risk, while an earlier voice change was linked to more moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

More research is needed

The researchers stress that early puberty does not mean a child will inevitably develop depression. Instead, the findings show that the risk is higher than among young people who begin puberty around the same time as most of their peers.

The next step is to determine which biological and social factors may explain the relationship. The research team also hopes to establish whether the increased risk continues into adulthood or is mainly limited to the teenage years.

The findings highlight the importance of paying close attention to the mental wellbeing of children who mature earlier than expected, allowing families, schools and healthcare professionals to identify potential challenges at an earlier stage.

Danny Glover’s daughter reveals the first signs before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Mie Hermansen

3. July, 2026

Danny Glover’s daughter reveals the first signs before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Danny Glover’s daughter noticed subtle changes long before his diagnosis, highlighting how Alzheimer’s can begin almost unnoticed, reports LADbible.

The first signs were easy to miss

According to his daughter, the earliest changes were not major memory lapses but small differences in the stories Danny Glover would tell.

His stories began to change

Mandisa Glover noticed that her father often spoke about his parents, but over time certain details were missing from stories she had heard many times before.

The family became concerned

The missing details led Mandisa to wonder whether there was an underlying reason for the changes she was noticing.

The diagnosis came later

Danny Glover was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023.

Alzheimer’s affects memory

The disease is the most common form of dementia and can affect memory, thinking and behaviour.

It develops gradually

Symptoms usually become more noticeable over time, although the progression varies from person to person.

Memory is not lost all at once

Danny Glover says he still has many vivid memories and that there are moments he knows he will never forget.

Coming to terms with the diagnosis takes time

The actor says he is still working to fully accept every aspect of living with Alzheimer’s.

Some days are different than others

According to Mandisa, there are times when her father is fully aware of his condition and other times when he is not.

The family continues to explore treatment options

Danny Glover and his family are continuing to work with his doctors to look at available treatment options.

He wants to remain active

Despite the diagnosis, Glover says he does not see it as the end of his life and wants to continue working and contributing to his community.

Alzheimer’s can have several early symptoms

The article notes that early symptoms may include memory problems, difficulties with thinking and reasoning, language problems, changes in how a person sees and hears things, and changes in mood.

Should you choose sausages or hamburgers for the grill? Dietitians have the answer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Should you choose sausages or hamburgers for the grill? Dietitians have the answer

Both sausages and hamburgers can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.

According to Real Simple, a healthier barbecue meal also depends on the side dishes.

Vegetables, whole-grain bread, and lower-fat toppings can make the meal more nutritious.

At the same time, the National Cancer Institute advises avoiding overcooking meat on the grill, as heavily charred meat can produce compounds that may be harmful.

An important difference

Sausages provide protein as well as several vitamins and minerals.

However, they are typically more processed than hamburgers and generally contain higher amounts of salt, saturated fat, and preservatives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that processed meat may increase the risk of cancer, according to Real Simple.

For that reason, many experts recommend eating sausages only occasionally.

Experts point to one winner

Hamburgers also provide protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Choosing lean ground beef further reduces the amount of saturated fat.

According to three registered dietitians interviewed by Real Simple, a hamburger made from lean ground beef is the healthier option.

It typically contains more protein, less salt, and fewer additives than a typical grilled sausage.

It is also less processed, which all the sources agree is the healthier choice.

Older coronavirus variant reappears in several countries

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Older coronavirus variant reappears in several countries

Today, coronavirus behaves more like other respiratory viruses, with limited fluctuations in infection levels, and the population’s overall immunity has reduced the risk of major waves of transmission.

According to Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut and Professor Allan Randrup Thomsen of the University of Copenhagen, the disease has also become milder than it was during the first years of the pandemic, TV 2 reports.

Researchers emphasize, however, that the virus continues to evolve through mutations, meaning future developments cannot be predicted with certainty.

The Statens Serum Institut believes that ongoing surveillance remains necessary.

Mutations change the picture

International surveillance data show that a variant originating from Omicron BA.3 has been detected again after several years.

According to researchers, the variant may have evolved over an extended period in a chronically infected patient in South Africa, where the virus had the opportunity to mutate gradually.

The current variant differs from the original by more than 40 additional mutations.

It was first identified in surveillance samples in 2024 and has since spread to several countries.

Unusual pattern

The most unusual aspect of these developments is not the severity of the disease, but who is becoming infected.

According to the Statens Serum Institut, a higher proportion of infected children is being observed than before, particularly among the youngest age groups, who have lower immunity to earlier Omicron variants.

At the same time, the institute assesses that the variant does not cause more severe illness than other known variants, and a new major wave of infections is not expected.

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Your skin keeps score

The tan myth

A growing health concern

It can disrupt your sleep

The risk is small

The sun can be healthy in moderation

Your skin type makes a big difference

Skin type 1 is very sensitive

Skin type 2 burns easily

Skin type 3 can develop a moderate tan

Skin type 4 tolerates more sun

Skin types 5 and 6 have very dark pigmentation

The UV index affects how long you can stay in the sun

Skin type 1

Skin type 2

Skin type 3

Skin type 4

Skin types 5 and 6

Dark skin also requires care

Different from Lyme disease

An unusual increase

No specific cure

What is fatty liver disease?

The findings

Another test

The dominant hand

Girls face the strongest link

More research is needed

The first signs were easy to miss

His stories began to change

The family became concerned

The diagnosis came later

Alzheimer’s affects memory

It develops gradually

Memory is not lost all at once

Coming to terms with the diagnosis takes time

Some days are different than others

The family continues to explore treatment options

He wants to remain active

Alzheimer’s can have several early symptoms

An important difference

Experts point to one winner

Mutations change the picture

Unusual pattern

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