Doctors warn against using laxatives as a "budget Ozempic" option to lose weight, and experts weigh in on when it's OK to let kids quit an activity. Plus, how to shop for the healthiest types of bread, and why a husband's three-word note for his wife is going viral. |
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A scathing Justice Department report issued yesterday found that children's lives would've been saved if officers had responded differently to the gunman who opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022. Poor coordination, training and execution of active shooter protocol contributed to a law enforcement response that can only be described as a "failure," the 600-page report said. "Their loved ones deserved better," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference yesterday. A lack of leadership led to officers failing to recognize an active shooter and waiting far too long to engage the gunman, the report found. The gunman killed 21 people, including 19 students, in the shooting. Here's the latest. |
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The cost and demand around blockbuster drugs used for weight loss like Wegovy and Ozempic have driven some to find cheaper alternatives. Almost 1 in 10 adolescents has used "ineffective and potentially harmful" non-prescribed products such as laxatives and diet pills, researchers reported this month in JAMA Network Open. But opting for those drugs as "budget Ozempic" is a bad idea. "It's not a safe way to lose weight, and it's also not a long-lasting way to lose weight," Dr. Lin Chang from UCLA told TODAY.com. People have been using laxatives to try to lose weight for decades, but social media has brought new attention to the issue. Here's what to know. |
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It's a difficult decision many parents face: What do you do when your child wants to quit an activity that makes them unhappy? Is it OK to let them quit? Podcaster and mother of three Amy Wilson faced the question when two of her kids wanted to drop school activities they had joined only a few weeks earlier. We spoke to Wilson and a pair of experts who gave tips on how to get to the bottom of the issue, and what to do if it's an activity where your child shows real promise. See their advice here. |
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Bread has gotten a bad rap in recent years, with many low-carb diets advising to eat it sparingly or skip it entirely. However, bread can also be a great source of fiber, protein and essential vitamins and minerals. The key is shopping for healthy whole-grain bread made with whole-wheat flour and as little sugar as possible, dietitians say. We spoke with experts about four of the healthiest types of bread, and what to look for on the label. See them all here. |
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Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. |
If you need motivation to complete this month's Start TODAY 100-mile walking challenge, you know the man to see! Al Roker is not letting the cold and snow of January stop him from his goal, and he had some words of wisdom in an Instagram video updating his progress. "Park a little further from the store or go walk to your neighbor instead of driving. It's the little things that make a difference," he said. Al also shared 9 tips for achieving your walking goals, like getting your walks done early, prioritizing sleep, and realizing that on some days, something is better than nothing. See them all here. |
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Allow us to do the meal-planning for you |
As the NFL playoffs heat up this weekend, give your tailgate game a little Middle Eastern boost with these sirloin skewers from chef and restaurant owner Michael Solomonov. If it's too cold to grill outside, you can broil them in the oven or pan-fry them in a heavy skillet. The creamy marinade, featuring onions, red peppers, garlic, harissa, and more, is delicious on chicken or mushrooms, too. Get the recipe. |
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A little pick-me-up before you go. |
Susan Lehman's blood pressure was rising to a boil when she saw her husband left a sink full of dirty dishes after having friends over the night before to watch a game. Three words defused the tension for the mom from Washington state. "It's a handwritten note that reads, "I got it!" with an arrow pointing to the stack of of dirty tableware," she says in a TikTok video. The note was a sign of progress for Susan and her husband, Matt, after falling in a rut where she was stuck with the cooking and cleaning and he did the "man things" around the house. "Our communication is better than it's ever been and I'm proud of how far we've come," she told TODAY.com. "Everybody — our sons included — pitches in now." See the moment here. |
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See you tomorrow. |
Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to subscribe here. |
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