It’s Monday, February 2. Today, we’re diving into the big health headlines and breaking down what they actually mean for your daily routine.

On the radar today:

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We’ve come to think of health as a series of perfect choices — how well we eat, if we exercise at all, and whether we're checking all the right boxes. But a new study in the journal Science suggests that how long we live is (largely) a reflection of the DNA we’re born with. Researchers analyzed decades of twin registries and the family trees of over 2,000 centenarian siblings to find that genetics accounts for over 50% of your lifespan — double what we previously thought. Study co-author Uri Alon, PhD, says previous research often underestimated genetics since it often included people who died from causes unrelated to aging. 

Why It Matters: So, is hitting the gym a waste of time? Not quite. While 55% of your lifespan might be a genetic luck of the draw, the remaining 45% is still your call. Alon explains that lifestyle choices — whether good or bad — can shift your age by about five years (you can essentially add five years with a solid routine or lose five by wrecking it). “Genetics is not a done deal,” he tells CNN. 

Read more: Scientists are probing the DNA of supercentenarians to figure out how they defied the odds. 

🗞️ American life expectancy hit a record 79 years in 2024, owing to a historic 26% drop in overdose deaths, according to data from the CDC. 

🗞️ South Carolina is currently battling the largest measles outbreak in the US since the disease was declared “eliminated” in 2000. With 847 cases reported as of Friday, the surge has surpassed a massive 2025 Texas outbreak.

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👪 Your Parents Might've Been Cool After All
Surprisingly enough, a rich social life will often start with those childhood dinner table conversations. A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that people with close, nurturing family ties during their youth were twice as likely to have a thriving network of friends 20 years later. The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to be “bruh’d” by your teen. 

🚽 A Gut Check For You
If your morning routine feels a little …. stagnant, check your vitamin cabinet. New research published in Gut found that Vitamin B1 is what you need for gut motility (aka the muscle contractions that keep things “moving”). Your bowel movement is partly genetic — but hitting your B1 goals with black beans or cereal can help speed up the process. 

📝 Here For The Resolution Rescue 
So, are your new year resolutions gathering dust? You’re in good company — over 40% of us drop ours by late January. Experts at The New York Times recommend temptation bundling (pairing chores with treats) and building in buffer days when other tasks get in the way. That alone should save a bad day from turning into a failed year.

🏋️ Instead of spending hours at the gym:

Make intentional effort — a concentrated 12-minute bodyweight routine can be equally impactful if you prioritize the right things. A certified personal trainer spares you the fancy equipment for simple, easy-to-do at-home workouts. 

🥚 Per EatingWell’s suggestion, swap the heavy mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy take on the classic egg salad. 

The Perks: High protein, vision-boosting antioxidants, and almost zero prep. 

Brain Food: Eggs are full of nutrients like choline and B12 to keep you sharp.

Macros: 14g protein | 12g fat | 3g carbs | 181 calories (per serving).

Thanks for reading! At The Blue & Green Letter, we track wellness trends and health essentials every day, bringing you one well-curated update to help you live well and stay informed.

Disclaimer: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Our content is sourced from reputable health publications and government data. Readers are encouraged to review the original articles and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.