Inside Health

With summer temperatures soaring, this article breaks down the crucial differences between heat exhaustion and the more severe heatstroke—and what steps to take if you or someone else shows symptoms. It’s a practical guide to spotting warning signs (like dizziness, nausea, or confusion) and acting fast, from cooling the person down to when to call emergency services.

France just rolled out a ban on smoking in parks, beaches, and bus stops—part of a push to shield kids from secondhand smoke and normalize smoke-free public spaces. It’s a big step in the country’s ongoing crackdown on tobacco.

Editor’s Note: Smoking bans in outdoor spaces are still pretty rare worldwide, so France’s move signals a growing focus on curbing smoking’s broader societal impact—not just health risks for smokers themselves. If it works, other countries might follow suit, especially where outdoor smoking is deeply ingrained in culture. For parents, it’s one less worry about kids inhaling smoke while playing or waiting for the bus.

James Gallagher digs into the science behind whether soaking up some sun might actually be good for you—despite the well-known risks. He’s weighing up the potential perks, like vitamin D and mood boosts, against the dangers of skin damage.

Editor’s Note: We’ve all heard the warnings about sun exposure, but what if there’s more to the story? This piece matters because it challenges the usual "stay out of the sun" advice and explores the nuances—helping readers make informed choices without oversimplifying the risks. After all, life’s rarely black and white, especially when it comes to health.

Turns out, that late-night cheese snack might be doing more than just satisfying your cravings—it could be fueling some seriously wild dreams. New research hints that if you're lactose intolerant, eating cheese before bed might crank up the intensity of your nightmares. So, if you’ve been waking up in a cold sweat after a midnight cheddar binge, your gut might be the culprit.

Editor’s Note: We all know cheese dreams are a thing (thanks, folklore), but this adds a scientific twist. It’s not just about weird dreams—it’s a reminder that what we eat before bed can mess with more than just our waistlines. For lactose-sensitive folks, this could be a small tweak to improve sleep quality. For everyone else? Maybe just a fun excuse to skip the gorgonzola after dark.

California lawmakers are pushing for better menopause education for doctors, citing a widespread lack of training on how to diagnose and treat symptoms. They’re not alone—other states are also stepping up to address the gap in women’s healthcare.

Editor’s Note: Menopause affects half the population, yet many doctors aren’t properly trained to handle it. If this legislation passes, it could mean better care for millions of women who’ve long been dismissed or misdiagnosed. It’s part of a bigger shift toward taking women’s health seriously—finally.