When it comes to spine health, planks are one of the best exercises you can integrate into your routine. I’ve worked with countless individuals who struggle with posture issues and lower back pain, and often, the root cause lies in weak core muscles. Planks are brilliant because they engage your entire core, including the deep abdominals that support and stabilize your spine. Unlike crunches or sit-ups, planks put minimal strain on your spine while effectively building strength in the muscles that keep your back aligned. What I love most about planks is their versatility—they’re accessible whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey. Holding a proper plank position trains your body to maintain a neutral spine, which is crucial for standing, walking, and even sitting. I can’t stress enough how this translates into everyday life. Think about it—every step you take, every chair you sit in, benefits from a steady foundation. Over time, strengthening these core muscles through planks can reduce back pain and improve your posture dramatically. Beyond just physical benefits, planking is a mental game too. It’s about holding still, focusing your breath, and staying present. For many of us, experiencing back pain can feel physically and emotionally draining. Planks are a way to fight back—both strengthening the areas involved and empowering you to take charge of your spine health. Remember, consistency is key. Start small, even if it’s just 20 seconds a day, and watch your spine and entire core grow stronger over time.
New RSV vaccine update: Moderna halted its clinical trial of experimental mRNA vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in babies after the shots were linked to severe side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed this week in a briefing document that rather than protecting babies as anticipated, the vaccine likely caused higher rates of severe RSV illness among the vaccinated babies enrolled in the Phase 1 clinical trials. The FDA document also stated that enrollment is now on hold for all investigational trials for RSV vaccines for infants and toddlers under age 2 and children ages 2 through 5 who haven’t previously had RSV illness. Among the children who developed symptomatic RSV disease, 26.3% in the vaccinated group progressed to severe disease, while only 8.3% of those in the placebo group did. The illnesses were attributed to vaccine enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD) — a phenomenon that occurs when vaccination promotes immune responses that exacerbate the disease caused by subsequent infection with the germ the vaccine was meant to protect against. At this time, vaccine makers are developing 26 different RSV vaccines or monoclonal antibodies for all age groups.
Echinacea has been used for generations as a natural remedy to support the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Modern studies now back up what others instinctively knew for so long - echinacea is packed with compounds that help bolster the immune response, making it easier to fend off common illnesses. What makes echinacea so special is its ability to increase the activity of white blood cells, our body’s natural defense army. Think of it as a booster for your immune system, encouraging it to work harder when you’re feeling run down. Whether taken as a tea, capsule, or tincture, echinacea has shown promise in reducing the severity and duration of colds when used at the first sign of symptoms.
It is important to care for our bodies naturally, especially during the colder months when colds and fatigue seem to be lurking around every corner. If you're not already reaching for echinacea when you’re feeling under the weather, I’d say it’s worth giving it a try as it is a big help boosting immune system function.
