Daily showers aren’t necessary and may not have any health benefits, according to some experts.

Proponents of less frequent showers claim that most people take them every day — or multiple times a day — only because this has become a societal norm.

“Why are we washing? Mostly because we’re afraid somebody else will tell us that we’re smelling,” environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy said in an interview with the BBC.

McCarthy said he only showers once a month, freshening up with sink washes in between.

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Approximately two-thirds of Americans shower every day, according to Harvard Health.

Some of the most common reasons are to prevent body odor, freshen up after working out and get help in waking up.

Potential health impacts of daily showers

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., senior faculty editor of Harvard Health Publishing, noted in an article for Harvard Health that frequent hot showers remove the healthy oils and “good” bacteria from the skin.

As a result, the skin can become dry, itchy or irritated, he noted. 

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The skin may also become more susceptible to infections and allergic reactions, as harmful bacteria and allergens are able to enter through dry, cracked areas.

Daily showers could also weaken the immune system, Shmerling warned.

“Our immune systems need a certain amount of stimulation by normal microorganisms, dirt and other environmental exposures in order to create protective antibodies and ‘immune memory,’” he said.

Some of the most common reasons for showering, say experts, are to prevent body odor, freshen up after working out and get help in waking up. (iStock)

“This is one reason some pediatricians and dermatologists recommend against daily baths for kids. Frequent baths or showers throughout a lifetime may reduce the ability of the immune system to do its job.”

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Risks could also arise from exposure to chemicals in water — including salts, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride and pesticides — and in shampoos, conditioners and soaps.

“Daily showers do not improve your health, could cause skin problems or other health issues — and, importantly, they waste a lot of water,” according to one expert. (iStock)

“Overcleaning your body is probably not a compelling health issue,” Shmerling wrote. 

“However, daily showers do not improve your health, could cause skin problems or other health issues — and, importantly, they waste a lot of water.”

A personal decision

While some dermatologists recommend showering every other day or just two or three times per week, according to Healthline, the frequency of showers comes down to personal preferences, routines and lifestyles.

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There are some risks associated with not showering enough, experts say, including unpleasant body odor, skin infections, discoloration of the skin, acne, and flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis in people who have those conditions.

Frequent showers can cause the skin to become dry, itchy or irritated, an expert noted.  (iStock)

“While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty or have other reasons to shower more often),” said Shmerling in the Harvard Health article. 

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“Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Shmerling for additional comment. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

Three women likely contracted HIV after receiving so-called “vampire facials” at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico, according to a new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The shocking findings would make them the first known cases of the virus being transmitted during a non-sterile cosmetic injection procedure, the CDC says. 

A “vampire facial,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, is a procedure where blood is drawn from the arm, placed into a machine which “separates the platelets from the rest of your blood,” then is “re-injected into you (only the part of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets).”

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The procedure is also known as “platelet-rich plasma” and is considered to be a more affordable and less invasive option than getting a facelift.

Kim Kardashian is among those to have undergone the treatment. She posted an image of her bloody face after undergoing the process in 2013 but has since come out against the procedure.

The CDC’s investigation states that a woman in her 40s tested positive for HIV while traveling abroad in 2018.

The patient reported no injection drug use, recent blood transfusions, or recent sexual contact with anyone other than her current sexual partner, who received a negative HIV test result after the patient’s diagnosis. However, the patient did report exposure to needles during a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling procedure in spring 2018 at spa A in New Mexico.

Another person tested positive for the virus during routine tests for life insurance in 2018, while a third did not find out she had HIV until last year, when hospitalized with an “AIDS-defining illness.”

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VIP Beauty Salon and Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Google Maps)

“This investigation identified an HIV cluster associated with receipt of cosmetic injection services at an unlicensed facility that did not follow recommended infection control procedures or maintain client records,” the CDC states. 

While the CDC report did not name the spa, referring to it as “Spa A,” last year a spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was linked to several new HIV cases and the New Mexico Department of Health reached out to its former clients stating that there was a risk they may have contracted HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infection.

The spa, VIP Beauty Salon and Spa, closed in September 2018 after a multi-state agency “identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C to clients.”

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In June 2022, VIP Beauty Salon and Spa owner, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, according to KRQE. (New Mexico Corrections Department)

In June 2022, the spa’s owner, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, according to KRQE. She was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. 

However, the source of contamination remains unknown, the report states. 

“Although the investigative team was not permitted to collect specimens from spa A, evidence from this investigation supports the likely transmission of HIV through poor infection control practices.”

Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report. 

Traces of bird flu have been detected in pasteurized milk — leaving many people wondering if it’s safe to drink.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notice on Thursday stating that one in five retail samples of commercial milk tested positive for fragments of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu or avian flu.

The share of milk with viral remnants was higher in areas where herds of cattle had been infected.

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The presence of the virus in the milk doesn’t necessarily mean there is a risk to consumers, however, the FDA noted.

“Additional testing is required to determine whether an intact pathogen is still present and if it remains infectious, which would help inform a determination of whether there is any risk of illness associated with consuming the product,” the agency stated.

“Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred,” the FDA stated in the alert.

Pasteurization eliminates risk, experts say

Before milk can be sold commercially, government regulations require that it is pasteurized.

During the pasteurization process, raw milk is heated to a certain temperature for a brief period of time and is then chilled again, according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) website.

This process kills any pathogens and ensures that milk is safe to drink.

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Dr. Scott Pegan, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of California, Riverside and a biochemist for the United States Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, said the FDA’s finding does not mean there is any direct risks to consumers.

“In the U.S., commercial intrastate sold milk is required to be pasteurized,” he told Fox News Digital. “This process is geared to kill viruses like H5N1 and other bacteria that can pose a threat to human health.”

A milk pasteurization system is shown at a food and drink exhibition. Pasteurization is a process that kills microbes in food and drink, such as milk, juice, canned food and others. (iStock)

“Milk that has been pasteurized is safe and there is no current reason to avoid it or other pasteurized milk products based on the FDA’s findings,” Pegan went on. 

“However, there is a substantial risk of consuming unpasteurized milk and products of that milk.”

Even after viruses and bacteria have been killed in pasteurized milk, remnants can remain in the milk, he said — but they are not dangerous.

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Edward Liu, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, agreed that there is not a risk associated with drinking pasteurized milk.

“The pasteurization is the key — the heat treatment kills off the viruses,” he told Fox News Digital. “Although the FDA’s testing picked up fragments [of the virus], the heating process destroyed it, so it’s not able to infect people.”

The share of milk with viral remnants was higher in areas where herds of cattle had been infected. (iStock)

The fragments alone are not enough to cause any kind of infection, he confirmed.

“I think the key word is ‘fragments.’ Just like with COVID, if you do a PCR test a month later, we’ll detect little fragments of the virus, but it’s not active anymore,” Liu said. 

“So if the virus isn’t entirely intact, it shouldn’t be able to infect you.”

Any sporadic cases of human infection would likely occur when a farmer is handling birds directly, Liu said.

Consumers should avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized, the FDA said.

“There are some people who like to go all natural, but pasteurization has been used for decades for safety,” he said. “Some degree of processing is actually better and safer for us.”

Animals pose greater concern, experts say

The “indirect concern” within the scientific and medical community involves the increased risk of “spillover” to humans from animals with the H5N1 virus, said Pegan. 

“Prior to the outbreak in dairy cattle, this concern principally revolved around the risk of transmission to humans from wild birds or poultry,” he told Fox News Digital.

The “indirect concern” within the scientific and medical community involves the increased risk of “spillover” to humans from animals with the H5N1 virus, one expert said. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

“The presence of H5N1 avian flu in the milk of these cattle shows that cattle may be able to provide a new reservoir for this virus, increasing the odds of exposure to those in direct contact with the infected cattle.”

The more animals that are infected, the higher chance that humans may come in direct contact with the virus — which likely would lead to a greater number of human cases, said Pegan. 

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“The case of cattle-to-human transmission seen in Texas is in line with this concern,” he noted. 

“Also, the more mammals infected increases the chances that the virus will adapt to other mammals, such as humans.”

FDA’s recommendations

The FDA restated its “long-standing recommendation” that consumers avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized. 

The agency also recommends that companies refrain from manufacturing or selling raw milk or raw milk products made with milk from cows that tested positive for bird flu, were exposed to the virus or showed symptoms of illness.

“Over the past few years, there has been an increased consumer demand for these unpasteurized products,” Pegan said. 

The FDA restated its “long-standing recommendation” that consumers avoid drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized.  (iStock)

“While not allowed to be sold via interstate brands, some states have relaxed local sales of these products at farmer’s markets and similar outlets,” he said. 

“Individuals may want to avoid those unpasteurized products until more information is obtained about this H5N1 avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle.”

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The FDA also urged producers to “take precautions” when discarding milk from affected cows, “so that the discarded milk does not become a source of further spread.”

So far, only one person has been confirmed to have contracted the virus after exposure to infected cows, the FDA stated.

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“The CDC says the risk to the general public remains low,” the agency said.

“The FDA and USDA continue to indicate that, based on the information we currently have, our commercial milk supply is safe.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the National Milk Producers Federation, the American Dairy Association and the International Dairy Foods Association for comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Chronic lack of sleep can cause a long list of physical and mental issues — and for one young man, his mother believes it led to his death.

Derek McFadden was just 23 when he took his own life on Aug. 17, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona.

His mother, Robin McFadden, who lives in Tuxedo Park, New York, said she believes her son’s insomnia was the “only driver” of his suicide.

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Derek McFadden was an “extremely funny kid” who loved swimming, snow-skiing and cuddling, his mother said — but for most of his life, he struggled with debilitating insomnia.

At around 8 years old, he started taking small doses of sleeping medication, which helped for several years.

Around the time he turned 18, during his senior year of high school, the medication stopped working, McFadden said.

“He never got a good night’s sleep, but he soldiered through his school day and then would come home and lie down on his bed, exhausted, but couldn’t fall asleep,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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McFadden took her son to multiple doctors and they tried different medications — none of which worked, she said. 

“Derek would just lie there at night, and he was so tired, but he couldn’t fall sleep,” she said.

Amid the sleep struggles, her son managed to graduate from high school — but things got even worse when he left for college at the University of Arizona.

Derek McFadden, left, is pictured with his older brother Jake McFadden. (Robin McFadden)

He’d chosen Arizona because he was an “avid outdoorsman” who loved fly-fishing, going off-roading in his Jeep and spending time with his dog, which he’d adopted for emotional support.

“Our hope was that with Derek being in Arizona, the sunshine during the day would stimulate his brain to wake up so he could go to sleep at night, but it just didn’t work,” McFadden said.

The doctor’s visits continued, but none of the experts could figure out what was causing the insomnia. 

“There was something wrong in his brain that was preventing him from sleeping.”

“Every doctor would assume it was sleep hygiene, and that he was doing something wrong,” McFadden said.

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“They assumed that because he was 18, 19 or 20 years old that he was playing video games all night.”

She added, “But Derek knew sleep hygiene. He had done so much research on his own. There was something wrong in his brain that was preventing him from sleeping.” 

Derek McFadden, far left, is pictured with his brother, mother and father. (Robin McFadden)

The family looked into holistic approaches, including hypnosis, acupuncture and “brain training,” but “nothing seemed to work,” McFadden said.

Many nights, he would go the entire night without sleeping — sometimes up to three days in a row, she said.

“It was really, really bad,” McFadden said.

Physical and mental toll

As the months went by and sleep continued to elude her son, McFadden said it began to take a toll on his immune system.

After consecutive nights without sleeping, he developed bruises all around his eyes.

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“Derek was constantly getting sick, and that made him feel like he was not a normal kid,” she said. “He just couldn’t fight anything off. He was always at Urgent Care.”

Her son developed severe acid reflux and stomach pain, to the point where it became difficult for him to eat.

“Sometimes his insomnia got so severe that he couldn’t keep any food or fluids down at all,” McFadden said. 

Multiple times, he ended up in the emergency room with dehydration and severe cramping, she said.

Derek was an “avid outdoorsman” who loved fly-fishing, going off-roading in his Jeep and spending time with his dog, which he’d adopted for emotional support, his mother said. (Robin McFadden)

The lack of sleep also changed her son’s demeanor and personality, McFadden said.

“Derek had tremendous mood swings — he became anxiety-ridden and depressed,” she recalled.

“He would have hallucinations, and was constantly losing things. He couldn’t think clearly.”

On the rare occasion that her son had a good night’s sleep, McFadden said, he was “a completely different person, as happy as could be.”

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“It broke my heart, because he was such a happy, funny, huge-hearted person, and it was really sad to watch his decline.”

Unable to keep up with his studies, her son had to drop out of college.

“He couldn’t even hold a job because he couldn’t sleep at night,” McFadden said. 

“He saw there was no cure, no future, and he just didn’t see a point in going on.”

In July 2018, when her son came home from Tucson for the summer, McFadden knew something had shifted.

“We were sitting on the sofa and he said to me, ‘Mom, I’m gonna die young,’” she recalled. 

“And I said, ‘Derek, why do you say that?’ And he said, ‘Because my mind and body can’t take the sleep deprivation.’”

Derek McFadden, left, is pictured with his older brother. After the tragedy, his mother said she realized her son had likely been planning his suicide in recent weeks. (Robin McFadden)

Her son had also expressed that he didn’t want to have children because he didn’t want to pass on the disorder, McFadden said.

“He saw there was no cure, no future, and he just didn’t see a point in going on,” she said. “Physically, he was starting to fall apart, and mentally, his cognitive ability was going.”

“Physically, he was starting to fall apart.”

Four weeks later, McFadden got an early-morning call from the Tucson Police Department notifying her that her son had taken his life.

After the tragedy, McFadden realized that her son had likely been planning his suicide in recent weeks.

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“He had contacted some old friends, and in his text messages and phone calls, he sounded very serene, relieved and calm,” she recalled. “I truly believe Derek had made the decision. He just saw no future for himself.”

The sleep-suicide link

Studies have suggested a likely connection between sleep and suicide.

Research published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports found that treating insomnia and nightmares, or addressing the source of those issues, could help prevent “the rising threat of suicide.”

“Sleep is crucial for emotional and psychological balance.”

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with the firm Senolytix, said there is a “significant body of research” suggesting a link between sleep deprivation and an increased risk of suicide. 

“Sleep is crucial for emotional and psychological balance,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“Lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances, irritability and decreased stress tolerance, all of which can worsen feelings of despair or depression — potentially leading to suicidal thoughts.”

On the rare occasion that her son had a good night’s sleep, McFadden said, he was “a completely different person, as happy as could be.” Derek McFadden is pictured here with his mother, Robin McFadden. (Robin McFadden)

Sleep deprivation can also affect cognitive functions, the doctor continued. 

“This impairment can make it harder for individuals to see alternative solutions to problems or seek help, potentially increasing the risk of suicidal behavior,” he said.

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Sleep problems are also commonly associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are themselves significant risk factors for suicide, according to Osborn.

“Sleep pathology is extremely complex and challenging, because sleep itself is poorly understood.”

“Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are particularly prevalent in these conditions,” he warned. “This can be a source of diagnostic confusion and resultant treatment errors.”

Sleep also affects various biological processes, Osborn noted — “including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (which is involved in mood regulation) and stress hormones like cortisol.”

Derek McFadden was an “extremely funny kid” who loved swimming, snow-skiing and cuddling, his mother said. (Robin McFadden)

“Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to dysregulation in these systems, which could contribute to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.”

While the majority of insomnia patients respond to lifestyle changes and/or medications, Osborn noted, there is a subset of patients who are “more difficult to manage.”

“Often, there are underlying medical problems, like reflux, that fly under the radar and predispose the individual to insomnia,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Derek McFadden, center, in cap and gown, is pictured with his family at his high-school graduation.  (Robin McFadden)

“Another issue is the potentially reciprocal relationship between depression and anxiety,” Osborn said.

“Sleep pathology is extremely complex and challenging, because sleep itself is poorly understood,” he continued. “A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach — involving a psychiatrist and a sleep specialist — is always best.”

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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, agreed that there is a proven link between insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.

“Since suicide is a manifestation of severe depression, I think there is a link there, too, though insomnia wouldn’t be the entire cause,” he told Fox News Digital.

Fly-fishing was one of Derek McFadden’s favorite hobbies. (Robin McFadden)

Siegel refers to it as a “cycle of worry.”

“Anxiety interferes with sleep, which then makes you more anxious and more sleepless, especially if you add caffeine to combat the grogginess,” he said.

During sleep, the brain relaxes and “cleanses” itself, Siegel said.

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“Waking up refreshed can improve mood, especially when accompanied by exercise,” he noted. 

For those with severe insomnia, Siegel recommends undergoing a full sleep study/evaluation — typically with an EEG or video monitoring — to help determine the causes.

“Severe, resistant cases require evaluations by sleep specialists, neurologists and psychiatrists,” he added.

Call for awareness

The most “disheartening” part of her son’s tragedy, according to McFadden, was a lack of support from the health community, in her view.

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“Other than sleep apnea and bad sleep hygiene, the medical community does not seem to believe that severe insomnia really exists,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“And that just infuriates me.”

Today, McFadden’s goal is to raise awareness of chronic insomnia — “because there are so many people in this world who are suffering from this.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Dental hygiene is important — as is taking pride in your “pearly whites.”

But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with various factors causing discoloration.

Dr. Ronald Santana, head of science and development at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the “staining or darkening of teeth” from internal or external factors.

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“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by color changes of the tooth enamel by external factors such as smoking, foods or beverages, including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Intrinsic discoloration affects the tooth dentin and is caused by some medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease).”

Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that numerous factors can cause the discoloring of teeth.

While there is “no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional,” the expert said that diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and the wearing down of teeth via grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.

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“A good general rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” she told Fox News Digital.

Santana and Fraundorf offered seven tips on how to get your teeth whiter and brighter.

1. Develop an oral care routine

Fraundorf recommended brushing at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).

“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage enamel over time, making teeth darker,” she said.

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“Transform mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she added.

While some people might feel inclined to try at-home teeth-whitening remedies, Santana stressed that “care should be exercised in selecting a safe and effective at-home approach for tooth whitening.”

Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)

“Avoid trying at-home approaches before seeing a dentist, because some substances may damage the tooth enamel,” he warned.

“Adequate” toothbrushing is an “effective” way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.

PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PERIODONTITIS

“Tooth brushing with a correct brushing technique, employing a whitening dentifrice and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources to reduce tooth discoloration.”

Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, using a water flosser to remove plaque and using a tongue scraper daily to decrease bacteria can also promote whiter teeth.

2. Drink more water

Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” according to Fraundorf.

“Next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, take a swig of water in between sips and briefly swish around,” she advised. 

Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” a dentist suggested. (iStock)

“Water will not only prevent the staining particles from clinging onto your teeth, it will also help neutralize the acidity of the beverage.”

Fraundorf also recommended choosing flat water rather than sparkling.

“Drink and swish with it frequently to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains,” she suggested.

3. Chew sugar-free gum

Studies suggest that cavities are “significantly lower” in patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal, Fraundorf noted.

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“Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains.”

4. Drink through a straw

Using a straw, especially when drinking dark, acidic or sugary beverages, can help decrease the contact these substances make with your teeth.

Drinking through a straw decreases the liquid’s contact with your teeth, experts advised. (iStock)

“For extra credit, try drinking beverages more quickly to reduce the amount of time your oral environment is exposed to a lower pH, therefore decreasing the amount of enamel damage,” Fraundorf said.

5. Fight stains with fruits and veggies

Certain foods and drinks — such as red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — may stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.

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“Moreover, although the scientific evidence is limited, consumption of a balanced, healthy diet — containing strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds — may limit tooth staining,” he noted.

Fraundorf agreed that “superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally.”

Superfoods like strawberries can help whiten teeth, according to experts. (iStock)

“Strawberries, apples and watermelon all contain a lot of malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva,” she said.

Other superfoods that can help whiten teeth include celery and leafy greens, since their “fibrous textures act like a natural toothbrush, exfoliating plaque off your teeth,” Fraundorf added.

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“Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, counteracting the effects of acids, and an abundance of folic acid, which is essential to gum tissue cell growth.”

6. Visit the dentist

“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile,” Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.

“Set a calendar reminder to get regular check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist.”

Santana added, “Your dentist can prescribe safe and customized resources for tooth whitening tailored to your specific needs.”

Patients should visit the dentist for a general check-up every six months, experts recommended. (iStock)

7. Consider professional teeth whitening

Although being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening could be necessary to “take your smile to the next level.” 

“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile.”

“Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to seek customized care,” she said. 

“The most ideal whitening treatment is one specific to you, crafted based on your unique smile goals, teeth composition, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle.”

She added, “A multitude of factors go into a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan for teeth whitening to ensure the best, most comfortable, beautiful results.”

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Artificial tooth structures, like crowns, veneers and composites, won’t whiten, according to the expert — which means whitening these teeth will require extra restorative work.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

CrossFit offers a unique fitness experience, blending a combination of high-intensity workouts with a supportive community.

It’s important for beginners to equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to ensure a safe and successful start before diving into the program.

Read on to learn more about the program and how newcomers can make the most of their CrossFit journey.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a results-oriented fitness program with a focus on lifestyle changes through training.

The program’s workouts feature constantly varied, high-intensity and functional movements.

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Founded more than 20 years ago in a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, CrossFit has since become one of the world’s most popular training programs for improving health and fitness performance.

CrossFit aims to help its members excel in various physical activities and challenges both inside and outside the gym.

How is CrossFit different from other fitness programs?

CrossFit is known for its workouts that blend elements from weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio.

The fitness company has more than 12,000 CrossFit affiliates spanning 146 countries, Austin Malleolo, senior director of strategy and operations of affiliates at CrossFit, told Fox News Digital.

“Our affiliates are staffed with trainers who are equipped to teach you how to move safely, effectively and efficiently,” Malleolo said. 

The CrossFit program is based on three pillars: variance, functionality and intensity.

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Variance is the practice of regularly changing workout routines and exercises. 

By incorporating a wide variety of movements, variance provides CrossFit members with a broader range of physical challenges. This approach exposes the body to different stimuli, which promotes continual growth and adaptation.

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach.

Functionality is doing exercises that mimic real-life activities. By building strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination through functional movements, members can better navigate daily activities outside the gym.

Intensity is the level of effort exerted during workouts. While the word may seem intimidating, it’s simply a guiding principle that symbolizes the importance of working hard to achieve tangible results.

What does a CrossFit class look like?

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach.

Typically, sessions begin with a whiteboard brief, where a coach outlines the workout flow, provides timing examples and demonstrates movements.

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Next, the coach discusses the goals of the workout, explaining the intended stimulus for members to understand the purpose behind the session. Scaling options are then provided for movements in the workout, allowing members to adjust based on their skill level.

CrossFit classes are designed to meet members at their current fitness levels and abilities. (CrossFit, LLC)

Physical activities begin with a general warm-up to get members moving and introduce movement patterns, followed by a specific warm-up tailored to the workout. The session’s main focus is devoted to the workout itself, where participants engage in the exercises outlined.

The session concludes with a cool-down, which incorporates stretching and mobility exercises to reduce muscle soreness. This approach allows members to receive a well-rounded workout experience.

How does CrossFit accommodate those with different fitness levels?

CrossFit classes are designed to meet members at their current fitness levels and abilities, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

“Coaches start by tailoring the workout of the day to allow for all members in the class to achieve the intended goals of the workout that day by having a robust warm-up that allows the members to properly warm up and practice the movements that they will be doing in the workout,” Malleolo said. “The coach will adjust the loading, reps, and time of the workout based on the member’s needs to align with that day’s workout.”

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Throughout the class, coaches teach and refine movements, offering guidance to improve performance.

CrossFit promotes inclusivity and accessibility by accommodating those with a range of fitness levels, allowing participants to progress safely at their own pace.

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle. (CrossFit, LLC)

How do I start CrossFit?

Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle.

“Trust that the hardest part is to walk through the front door of the gym,” Malleolo said. “Once you are there, you will be taken care of! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, a CrossFit Affiliate is designed to be a part of that journey, no matter where you are today.”

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You can begin the process by researching CrossFit locations near you and setting up an introductory session.

Many CrossFit facilities offer programs designed to teach newcomers the fundamental movements in a supportive environment, Malleolo told Fox News Digital.

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The program can be challenging, but it should also be enjoyable as well. 

Participants are encouraged to embrace the process, celebrate their achievements and cherish the friendships made within the CrossFit community.

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