It was nearly midnight on Oct. 3rd, 2021, and a calm evening in British Columbia. Ruth Hamilton, 66, was sound asleep in bed when she was abruptly awakened by her dog barking, followed by an “explosion.” When she turned on the lights in her bedroom, she discovered a gaping hole…
Maya Pontone
Web Editor
Maya Pontone is a journalist and photographer with a B.S. in Multimedia Journalism and a Political Science minor from Emerson College.
Entries Maya Pontone
A new study reveals that cases on “broken heart syndrome” are steadily on the rise in the United States. Otherwise known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this temporary condition can be recognized by symptoms that mimic a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakened heart muscles, according to Harvard Health.…
Nowadays, it’s hard not to feel tired and achy after a long day of working at a desk, running errands, and taking care of household chores. Frequent knee pain and soreness afflicts approximately 25% of adults in the US, with osteoarthritis being the primary culprit among people 50 and older.…
Four people on a commuter plane died Saturday afternoon when it crashed on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, authorities said. The only survivor, an 11 year-old girl, was airlifted to a hospital in Petoskey and is currently in critical condition. The identities of the victims were not initially…
For many women transitioning to menopause, memory issues are a common occurrence. During perimenopause, the period right before menopause, “brain fog” and mild lapses in memory are very normal. In one study, researchers shared that around 60% of middle-aged women reported difficulty concentrating and other cognitive issues. According…
Danish Baig, 27, died saving his fiancé from the deadly crowd surge that killed eight people at the Astroworld music festival on Friday. According to USA Today, the mass casualty was one of the deadliest in history—a result of when crowds of 50,000 rushed the stage at NRG Park in…
A fast-acting 9 year-old girl from Brockton, Mass. is being celebrated this week for rescuing her family from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. On Oct. 28, Jayline Barbosa Brandão was in bed when she suddenly heard her father yelling, according to CNN. Downstairs, her mother had lost consciousness, and…
A 4 year-old Australian girl who went missing from her campsite over two weeks ago, has been found and reunited with her parents, police said. Cleo Smith first made headlines when she was kidnapped from her sleeping bag on Oct. 16. She and her family were on a…
At 73 years-old, Grease star Olivia Newton John is living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This is her third round of treatment since she was first diagnosed 30 years ago. When the pop icon found out the Today host Hoda Kotb had had her own experience with the illness,…
A single mother from Chelsea, Michigan is recovering from severe burns after repeatedly running into her burning home to rescue her four children. On Tuesday, Mikala Vish’s home caught fire when she and her children were still inside. It didn’t take long until the house was engulfed in…
At least 12 people were killed and 52 injured as a result of 11 mass shootings over this past Halloween weekend, according to CNN. The violence erupted at house parties, in the streets, and at one boxing match across the country. Most definitions of a mass shooting refer…
Alec Baldwin responded to the fatal ‘Rust’ shooting for the first time on camera, calling it a "one-in-a-trillion episode." On Thursday Oct. 21, the iconic actor discharged a prop gun on set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, unaware that there was a real bullet inside. The shot killed Ukrainian cinematographer…
Patsy Cline is one of the most influential vocalists of the mid-twentieth century. Since her tragic death in 1963, her legacy as the most popular female country singer in recording history continues to live on decades later. Countless singers have been inspired by her music, including k.d. lang, Linda Ronstadt,…
Swedish supergroup ABBA admitted in a Wednesday interview with The Guardian, that the iconic band will be separating for good following the release of their new album Voyage. The 70s pop group, comprised of members Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, will be releasing their first album…
An American Airlines flight from New York City on its way to California Wednesday evening made an emergency landing in Denver after a flight attendant was physically attacked by a passenger midway through the trip. The airline said he punched a female flight attendant over his refusal to…
If the idea of running doesn’t appeal to you, then welcome to the club. So many of us would rather do anything else than run a few laps around the track. If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are four cardio exercises that don’t…
If you’re someone who has experienced the painful spasm of a leg cramp, then you’re not alone. According to Cleveland Health Clinic, up to 60% of adults are afflicted by these uncomfortable muscle contractions. These “charley horses” can interrupt you day-to-day, making it difficult to do basic activities like sleep…
BOISE, ID.— A gunman opened fire in an Idaho mall on Monday afternoon, killing two people and injuring four others, including a police officer, according to Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee. An unnamed suspect was also wounded during the gunfire and is currently in critical condition, the police department wrote…
Eliza Hutton is finally speaking out about fiancé Brandon Lee’s death in the wake of the tragic Rust shooting that killed 42 year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In 1993, Lee, son of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, died similarly at only 28 years-old during the final week of production for his…
In every relationship, intercourse can play a very different role. Perceptions on sex vary from person to person, so determining a “healthy sex life” can look very different depending on whose involved. So how can you tell if a lack of intercourse is harming your relationship? There are myriad factors…
According to a search warrant obtained by the Los Angeles Times, actor Alec Baldwin was not aware of any live rounds in the gun that was used to fatally shoot cinematographer Haylna Hutchins. The 63 year-old actor was practicing removing the gun from his holster and aiming the revolver at…
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO — On Thursday afternoon, actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of his upcoming movie Rust, fatally wounding cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, according to New Mexico authorities. Hutchins, 42, was airlifted to nearby University of New Mexico…
We’ve all been there: you stand up just a bit too quickly, and feel a sudden rush of blood race up to your head. Your vision goes blurry, and you feel off-balance, even if it’s just for a few moments. For most people, lightheadedness and dizziness from standing up is…
Many people tend to experience cold hands and feet from time to time. It’s a common occurrence, albeit an annoying one. “Cold hands and feet are a common complaint,” vascular medicine specialist G. Jay Bishop, MD explained to Cleveland Health Clinic. “But generally, when this happens in young healthy people,…
Last week, Cher filed a federal lawsuit against the widow of her former musical partner and ex-husband Sonny Bono over royalties for Sonny and Cher songs, including hits “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.” Cher and Sonny Bono, who were married from 1969 to 1975,…
Trigger Warning: This article discusses depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Known for optimism and positive energy, Dolly Parton is one of the most cherished celebrities and country artists today. However, despite her widespread success, the…
Bumps on your vaginal area can be alarming for anyone. Immediately, our minds jump to the scariest scenario. But before you get ahead of yourself, know that there are many potential causes behind that bump on your vulva that aren’t necessarily as dangerous as you would think. Just like the…
A 37 year-old Danish man armed with a bow and arrow killed five people and wounded two others in a series of random attacks in Kongsberg, Norway late Wednesday, local police said. One of the victims included an off-duty police officer. The man was spotted around 6:30 p.m., shooting at…
William Shatner, known for his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk on “Star Trek,” just became the oldest person to travel to space. The 90 year-old actor traveled on Blue Origin's New Shepard 4 spacecraft on Wednesday morning for a 10-minute commercial flight. When he landed, Shatner was overcome with emotion,…
A 3-year-old boy who went missing near Magnolia, Texas last week was found alive and well on Saturday morning just five miles away from his home, the Grimes County Sheriff's Office announced. "He was in good shape, good health. He’s being checked out now. He’s on the way…
Adele is opening up about her upcoming album, her weight loss journey, and finding happiness post-divorce. In a recently published article for Vogue magazine, the 33 year-old singer talks about what it has been like to return to the studio after a six year hiatus and a painful divorce from…
In today’s world, it’s difficult not to be stressed. Whether it’s the pandemic, politics, or personal stressors–– the pressures of everyday life can quickly make anyone feel overwhelmed and exhausted nowadays. Because stress can take a drastic toll on physical and mental health, it’s important to know how to manage…
A single-engine plane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off on Friday afternoon at a suburban airport just outside of Atlanta, killing all four passengers, according to authorities. The crash occurred at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia, at around 1:10 p.m. local time, according to a release from the…
OAKLAND, CA — 15 year-old Shamara Young was shot and killed Wednesday night in a road rage shooting. Her death marks the 109th homicide in the Northern California city this year. "She loved her family a lot. She loved her little brothers and she was very protective of them," Young's…
A 20 year-old Washington woman is in a coma with severe burns after jumping into a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park to save her dog earlier this week. On Monday, Laiha Slayton was scalded in the Maiden's Grave Spring while trying to save her dog from the…
A shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas has left 4 people injured, including one 15 year-old boy who is in critical condition. Three of the victims were taken to the hospital, while one refused medical treatment after suffering minor injuries. Police took suspect Timothy George Simpkins…
By now, you’ve probably heard about the numerous benefits of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin.” From calcium absorption to immune function to protecting your bone, muscle, and heart health—vitamin D influences a lot of areas in your body’s health. And yet, researchers estimate that at least 1 billion people globally…
Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault. Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski is accusing Robin Thicke of allegedly groping her on the set of Blurred Lines, reigniting a conversation about how the song was problematic from the very beginning. Ratajkowski, who is known for her work as a model, actress,…
This past Saturday, thousands of protestors gathered in cities across the country for the fifth annual Women’s March, focusing on protecting reproductive rights. According to Al Jazeera, 660 demonstrations took place around the country over the weekend, including a rally at the nation’s capital that was attended by around 5000…
A video by Jason Arena who makes Tiktoks chronicling his wife Marilyn’s cancer treatment has gone viral after he criticizes unvaccinated people for overcrowding hospitals and taking away space from vaccinated patients with chronic illness. In the video, Arena shared that Marilyn, who has Stage 4 breast cancer, spent two…
Nowadays, it's hard not to feel stressed. Especially with a worldwide pandemic, the responsibilities we take on in our professional, personal, and social lives can get to be overwhelming at times. If constantly feeling stressed is starting to make you feel unmotivated, tired, and disillusioned, then you may be on…
As flu season rounds the corner, it’s important to know how to boost your immune system to avoid falling ill. We all know the basics: vitamin C, neti pots, and tea are all well-known home remedies practically everyone relies on to keep that cold at bay. But aside from focusing…
After decades of allegations, a viral documentary, and lengthy courtroom battles, a New York jury found R&B singer R. Kelly guilty on eight counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering charges in his trial on Monday. As a result, the disgraced singer, whose real name is Robert Sylvester…
A New Jersey toddler was rescued on Thursday after falling 7 feet into an open manhole at a playground, thanks to his mother’s quick thinking. According to Union Fire Department officials, the child and his mother were enjoying a quiet morning at Kawameeh Park in Union when around 10:45am, the…
Our bodies undergo many changes throughout our lifetimes, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of them all! As we age, we may find ourselves constantly wondering if the changes we’re going through are normal. From our heads to our toes, we are constantly evolving, growing, and changing in…
One Charlottesville mother is struggling to recover after being “engulfed in flames” from a sanding accident. On Sept. 10, Charlie Anna Xavier was busy sanding down a table at her family’s brewery when she suddenly caught fire. According to the GoFundMe page organized by friends to help pay for her…
It’s no secret that the way you sleep can impact your health. We know that getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day is essential. But did you know that which side you sleep on can also have a huge effect on your physical well-being? According to experts, sleeping…
Trigger Warning: This article discusses experiences of sexual assault. An actress, author, and activist, Gabrielle Union has accomplished more than just a lot throughout her career. From starring in major blockbusters like Bring It On and She’s All That, Union has also become a voice against gender inequality, sexual assault,…
For women over 55, spotting an underactive thyroid can sometimes be difficult. While many people may experience the same symptoms present in younger people, there are many older women who show little to no hypothyroidism symptoms, making diagnosis hard. If you notice any of these symptoms, they may be possible…
Danika Ross was only 10 years-old when she died tragically in July after being sucked into an irrigation pipe in a man-made lake at a Washington winery. Now, her heartbroken family is speaking out and suing the establishment for wrongful death. "You can't imagine that this is happening," Margarita, Danika's…
By now, many people are aware of the dangers of catfishing. And yet, it is still so easy to fall prey to scammers if you’re not careful. Especially in the age of online dating and social media, catfishing has become more prevalent–-and pervasive–-than ever before. According to a 2020 survey…
On Sunday, comedian and actress Amy Schumer revealed on Instagram that she had her uterus and appendix removed as a result of treating her endometriosis. "So, it's the morning after my surgery for endometriosis, and my uterus is out," she said in the video. "The doctor found 30…
On Monday morning, the FBI entered and searched the Florida family home of Brian Laundrie, after investigators uncovered human remains believed to be the body of missing 22 year-old influencer Gabby Petito in Wyoming on Sunday. https://twitter.com/FBITampa/status/1439957009508544514?s=20 The body was found on the eastern border of Grand Teton National Park,…
A Baltimore woman is celebrating a "second chance at life;" doctors revived her after she was clinically dead for 45 minutes. In the same hospital, her daughter was in the middle of a 39-hour labor. On July 2, Kathy Patten was on the golf course when she received…
On Tuesday afternoon, country music star Reba McEntire was rescued by local firefighters from a second-story window of a historical building after a staircase collapsed. McEntire was touring a building in downtown Atoka, Oklahoma for a future project when suddenly the stairs gave way. “We were just touring…
Florida authorities are investigating a missing person case after high-profile influencer Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito disappeared after a road trip with her fiancé. Investigators have named her partner, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie, as a person of interest, since he returned from the trip without Petito. The case has gained international attention, as…
On Monday afternoon, a 41 year-old San Francisco woman was killed after she was dragged by a train when the car doors closed between her and her dog. According to local news, Amy Adams was on the platform with a dog tethered to her waist. She initially boarded a train…
Jeff Bridges has confirmed that his cancer in in remission. According to The Independent, the 71 year-old actor was diagnosed with lymphoma last Fall. Bridges updated his fans on his current condition via his website: “My cancer is in remission. The 9″ x 12″ mass has shrunk down…
In the age of the Internet, it’s all too easy to grab your phone and search up your symptoms the moment you feel any slight discomfort. In most cases, there’s no reason to panic. That scratchy skin is probably just a mosquito bite, and your sore throat is most likely…
In a recent interview with Vera, acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci revealed what it was like to be diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and how it felt undergoing treatment after losing his wife to breast cancer in 2009. In 2018, doctors discovered a malignant tumor at the base of his…
British musician and singer Phil Collins says he can barely hold a drum stick anymore, due to his deteriorating health. In an interview with the BBC, the 70 year-old Grammy winner said that despite his ongoing health issues, he will be returning on tour with his band Genesis; however, his…
Many studies have demonstrated the impact of sleep quality on our health. However, aside from quality, the sheer amount of sleep we get is just as crucial to our well-being. New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that too much or too little sleep can…
About six years ago, doctors first diagnosed Mike Maudal with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an aggressive form of fatty liver disease that can result in cirrhosis and liver failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diagnosis left him dumbfounded. Doctors initially treated him with dietary changes and medication, but in 2018,…
When Sarah Sharp was diagnosed in 2018 with a rare uterine cancer and suddenly told she would need an emergency hysterectomy, her twin sister Cathey Stoner was more than just a supportive sibling. "Cathey rushed to the emergency room to be by my side," Sharp told "Good Morning America." "And…
After a three-day search, a three year-old boy has been reunited with his family after he went missing on the family's rural property in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Anthony "AJ" Elfalak, who is autistic and non-verbal, was spotted by a helicopter crew on a riverbank Monday morning,…
A six year-old girl died Sunday while on an amusement park ride at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, according to the Garfield County Coroner's Office. The incident occurred on the Haunted Mine Drop ride, a ride advertised for plunging riders 110 feet down a pitch-black tunnel…
If you notice a burning, stinging sensation when you go to pee, chances are, your body is trying to tell you that you have some sort of infection or irritation in your bladder. This symptom, known as dysuria, or painful urination, is most often caused by a urinary tract infection,…
The remnants of Hurricane Ida triggered record-breaking rain, tornado warnings, and massive flooding across the Northeast Wednesday night, leaving at least 25 dead in New York and New Jersey. The severe weather left people trapped in train stations, in their cars, and in their homes as floodwaters upended transit systems…
As we grow older, our bodies go through many changes. Weakening muscles, stiffening joints, and changes in our memory are all natural parts of the aging process. For many women, these changes present an increased risk of developing various disorders and illnesses that can drastically alter our day-to-day life, such…
Take our fun quiz below to find out your signature fall shade!
When jaw pain disrupts your daily routine, it can be difficult to concentrate on anything other than the dull constant ache or sharp stabbing sensation in your mouth. The reasons behind jaw pain can vary from mild to severe health issues. From dental hygiene to a possible sign of a…
Southern California authorities shot and killed a rogue mountain lion on Saturday morning, after it attacked and injured a 5 year-old boy in his front yard near Calabasas. The 65-pound lion fortunately did not fatally injure the child, but it did drag him “about 45 yards across the front lawn,”…
The actress Charlize Theron has not always had an easy life. And yet, the Academy award-winning actress and activist has still accomplished so many feats throughout her career, including her raising two children as a single mom. Earlier this month, Theron celebrated her 46th birthday, surrounded by loving friends and…
Inflammation is an important part of the human immune system. When you’re injured or attacked by a harmful virus, inflammation is part of your body’s natural response. But when the body is constantly inflamed, what is supposed to be the body’s immune response can quickly feel like self-sabotage. In most…
The Department of Defense recently shared updates on the baby who was passed to U.S. troops over the fence at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. In a press briefing, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that after the family had handed the baby over to U.S. Marines, the infant was…
Last week, human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai expressed her grave concerns for the Afghan people when she called upon the international community to take action in response to the Taliban takeover of the Kabul and the rest of the country. The 24-year-old Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has been…
Former Buffalo congresswoman Kathy C. Hochul was sworn in as New York’s 57th governor Tuesday morning, becoming the first female governor for the state. The ceremonial event took place shortly before 10am in the State Capitol building in Albany, hours after she was officially sworn in during a private ceremony…
A member of Afghanistan’s national youth soccer team died in a fall from a U.S. military plane leaving Afghanistan's capital airport during the Taliban takeover, the country’s official sports federation announced on Thursday. Government officials confirmed the death of Zaki Anwari as a result of the chaos that erupted at…
Vitamin C Well-known for its disease-fighting properties, vitamin C has numerous health benefits that can help strengthen the body’s immune system. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free radicals in the body, which may help protect the body against certain cancers and heart disease, as well as promote healthy aging.…
It’s no secret that for many people, intercourse can play a pretty big role in maintaining overall health. A 2017 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin showed that there’s a connection between frequent sexual activity and overall well-being. Similarly, intercourse in a relationship can help boost physical…
On Wednesday, US public health officials and medical experts announced in a joint statement that booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine will be offered this fall, once authorized by the FDA and signed off by the CDC. Rollout for the additional shots would begin as early as September 20. After analyzing…
Federal health officials and medical experts are expected to recommend that Americans who are eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations should get booster shots eight months after their second doses, according to NBC News. The recommendation would apply only to people who have received the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and could…
Donnie Wiseman probably didn't expect he’d find himself riding an alligator bareback when he decided to attend a 5 year-old’s birthday party. And yet, when an 8-foot reptile known as Darth Gator attempted to pull its handler into the enclosure, that’s just what happened. At Salt Lake City’s Scales and…
Some siblings are so close, they’re practically attached at the hip. But for Charity Lincoln Gutierrez-Vazquez and her twin sister Kathleen, this reality is all too real. In 2000, the sisters made national headlines when they were born with bodies physically attached from their breastbone to their pelvis, sharing a…
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid, the small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that is responsible for monitoring your metabolism along with a few specific hormones. In the United States alone, 14 million people currently have Hashimoto's, making it the most common thyroid…
Unhappy with your hair? Then this centuries-old hair rinse technique using rice water might be your saving grace. For years, women in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia have used rice water as their secret hack for long, strong, and shiny hair. Since then, beauty gurus and researchers alike have studied…
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he will "step away" from office on Tuesday. Amidst the sexual harassment scandal that has caused political leaders including President Biden to call for his resignation, Cuomo says he will officially leave office in 14 days. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, another fellow Democrat, will be…
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches on the skin, most commonly found on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. It’s so common that more than 8 million Americans currently deal with the skin condition, as well as 125 million people worldwide, according to the World…
On Wednesday morning, Forbes announced that Robyn Fenty, better known by her stage name Rihanna, is officially a billionaire, worth an estimated $1.7 billion. Her wealth makes her the richest female musician on the planet, and second wealthiest female entertainer (coming right under Oprah Winfrey). But the majority…
Getting a good night’s rest is pertinent to your health. But what if, no matter how much you sleep, you still move throughout the day feeling fatigued and groggy? It can be irritating to be collapsing after only a few hours into the work day, after getting a full 7…
In today’s current climate, it can sometimes feel like it’s impossible to avoid stress. Covid, politics, climate change—the list can go on forever of all the different triggers contributing to anxiety these days. With so much to worry about, it’s no wonder that burnout is on the rise. What is…
No school, long weekends, vacation time —during the summer months, it’s no secret why many people feel more energized and active in comparison to the rest of the year. Especially with prolonger sun exposure from longer daylight hours, the extra boost of seratonin many people get during the summertime can make…
This past weekend, Michael Packard’s lobster diving routine took a sharp turn when the 56 year-old fisherman found himself entrapped inside the mouth of a hunchback whale. Off the coast of Herring Cove Beach in Massachusetts, Packard was swimming towards the sea floor to pluck lobsters off the sandy bottom…
Amidst much controversy and debate, the FDA greenlighted the use of a new drug, Aduhelm (aducanumab), for treating patients with early onset Alzheimer’s. The new drug, manufactured by Biogen, is the first of its kind to be approved in 18 years, despite strong opposition from Alzheimer’s experts. Currently, more than…
Tina Turner certainly doesn’t need any validation to cement her title as Queen of Rock & Roll. But earlier this month, the music legend was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, along with 12 other artists in what the music organization called “the most diverse list…
The pandemic has caused major interruptions in many people’s sleep schedules. Practicing good sleep hygiene is key to eliminating distractions and disturbances that prevent us from getting a good night’s rest. But what happens when you still find yourself waking up in the middle of the night? Eliminating distractions from…