Category: Health & Fitness

Hi friends! I have a new podcast episode live and I’m so thrilled to talk to Dr. Joy Kong about a HOT health topic: stem cells.

Here’s what we discuss:

What exactly are stem cells, and how do they work to support healing and regeneration?

What kinds of conditions or symptoms does she typically see stem cell therapy help with most?

The difference between using your own stem cells vs. donor-derived stem cells – and when one might be better than the other?

Her tips for being Healthy In Real Life

and so.much.more

181: all about stem cells with Dr. Joy Kong

Dr. Joy Kong is a triple board-certifiedanti-aging physician and stem cell specialist, renowned for her expertise in stem cell therapy and commitment to educating both physicians and the public. With a strong presence in the industry, she has established herself as a trusted voice through her extensive lecturing at national and international conferences, as well as her publications in scientific journals.

As a dedicated educator and pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Kong has founded the American Academy of Integrative Cell Therapy (AAICT) and trained numerous physicians from around the world. Her innovative approach has also led to the creation of Chara Health USA and Chara Biologics, premier companies providing cutting-edge products and services to patients across the United States. With numerous accolades, including Stem Cell Doctor of the Year and Stem Cell Doctor of the Decade, Dr. Kong continues to be a respected figure in the medical community, dedicated to advancing the field of regenerative medicine and improving patient outcomes through her emphasis on scientific data, passion, authenticity, and integrity. Her inspiring memoir, “Tiger of Beijing,” which recounts her remarkable journey as an immigrant from China at the age of 20 starting with her visa rejection in 1991, was named 2020 Book of the Year by IAOTP.

You can connect with her on her Instagram and check out her website here.

You can check out her skincare line here and use the code FITNESSISTA for a discount! I haven’t tried it yet, but her skin was so amazing, I can’t wait to give this a try.

Partners:

Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

The Lifewave X39 patches have been a gamechanger for my energy; the Pilot is obsessed, too! Check them out here. 

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount.

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here.

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. 

The post 181: all about stem cells with Dr. Joy Kong appeared first on The Fitnessista.

One of Kanye West’s albums was abruptly removed from streaming services this week after the rapper was threatened with legal action.

On Wednesday, Kanye West released his album Donda 2 on streaming services for the first time. The album was initially released exclusively on his own platform, Stem Player, back in 2022. On Wednesday, however, the album was finally released on the major streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music years later.

However, the release on streaming services was short-lived.

Just hours after the album was added to streaming services, it was suddenly removed after an apparent legal dispute.

Kanye shared a post on Twitter showing a text conversation with DeAndre “Free” Maiden, who manages the producers Jahmal “Boogz Da Beast” Gwin and Brian “AllDay” Miller. The message requested that the album be taken down over Kanye’s failure to pay them for their work after they had worked on several songs on the album.

“We did not & do not consent to the usage of our work for Donda 2 or ANY Ye project! He’s owed us $ for almost 3 years now, has refused to pay, yet keeps stealing our work,” the text message said.

“The Lawyers are getting this taken down within the hour,” the message continued.

Kanye clearly was not happy with this decision.

“Free Maiden tried to charge me 3 million dollars for these beats from people I showed how to make beats to,” Kanye wrote in the caption of the post. “Now he going to take down Donda 2.”

We’ll have to see whether or not the two sides can work out an agreement to have the album back on streaming services.

A beloved motorcycle company has announced bad news as sales plunge amid economic uncertainty.

On May 1, 2025, Harley-Davidson reported that global motorcycle retail sales were “down 21 percent year-over-year, driven by a volatile macroeconomic environment and overall consumer uncertainty.”

The company noted that Harley-Davidson Motor Company revenue was “down 27 percent year-over-year, primarily due to a planned decrease in motorcycle shipments.”

As a result, Harley-Davidson wrote, “Due to the uncertain global tariff situation and macroeconomic conditions, we are withdrawing our full year 2025 financial outlook from February 5, 2025.”

Despite the bad news, the company cited some positives.

“Our first quarter results were ahead of our expectations in many areas, while retail sales in the U.S. came in softer than anticipated,” Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson, wrote in a press release.

“We remain focused on navigating the challenging economic and tariff environment, through diligent execution of our cost productivity measures, supply chain mitigation, tight operating expense control and reducing dealer inventory,” he wrote. “In addition, we remain committed to driving retail sales through increased marketing initiatives as we enter the riding season.”

According to Harley-Davidson’s press release, numerous areas were down.

“First quarter global motorcycle shipments decreased 33 percent, which was mostly expected but also reflects the softer than expected demand environment,” the company reported. 

“Revenue was down 27 percent driven primarily by the planned decrease in wholesale shipments and unfavorable foreign currency, partially offset by favorable mix and favorable global pricing and net incentives. Parts & Accessories revenue was down 14 percent and apparel revenue was down 11 percent, due to lower customer traffic at dealer stores,” the company noted.

Related: Beloved Clothing Store Is Closing All 354 Locations in the U.S.

Walgreens is retracting its retail footprint, with the trusted retail chain closing 500 stores across the U.S. this fiscal year alone.

According to Yahoo Finance, the 500 stores are among 1,200 locations that Walgreens plans to shutter overall. According to Newsweek, Walgreens still runs about 8,500 stores throughout the United States.

The 500 closures started in September 2024 and are expected to take place by August 2025, which is the end of the company’s fiscal year, according to the Coloradoan. Walgreens closed 11 locations in Colorado, the Coloradoan reported, including three stores in April.

Already, reports of Walgreens’ closures are coming in throughout various states, which many occurring in March, April, and May. The chain has not provided a master list of closings.

Walgreens is closing seven Connecticut locations in April and May. Nine locations closed in Massachusetts, mostly in March and April.

A Kansas Walgreens closed in March.

In December 2024, Walgreens closed two locations in Milwaukee, WI.

According to a May 1, 2025, report by ABC 7, long lines were forming at the last remaining Walgreens in San Francisco’s Mission District after the chain closed two dozen stores in the city, although some of those closures dated to 2000. Multiple stores are closing in California, including in Fresno, The Fresno Bee reported.

Walgreens’ website posted a list of suggestions for customers who are dealing with their local store’s closing.

When Walgreens first announced the closures in October 2024, a number of trends were blamed. According to The Associated Press, they include “shrinking prescription reimbursement, persistent theft, rising costs,” and competition from online retailers.

According to AP, the 500 closures span the company’s fiscal year, which started in September 2024. Although Walgreens didn’t provide a list, the company said it was closing “poor-performing stores where the property is owned by the company, or where leases are expiring,” AP noted.

CVS Health and Rite-Aid, which are two Walgreens’ competitors, have been closing locations, too, according to AP.

Related: Beloved Toothpaste Company Delivers Bad News

Apple is warning that tariffs could cost the company $900 million in this quarter alone.

In an earnings call on May 1, the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, estimated that tariffs could cost Apple about $900 million in extra costs “in the current quarter” unless something changes, according to Business Insider.

Cook also told investors that the “majority” of Apple iPhones sold in the United States will soon be made in India, not China, according to the publication.

It wasn’t all bad news for the company. According to Business Insider, the company’s revenue of $95.36 billion was above the “consensus analyst estimate,” although service revenue was slightly under the forecasted amount.

However, TechCrunch reported that some investors were relieved by the $900 million estimate, as they think it’s manageable.

In March, the tariff wars had only a “limited” impact on Apple, Cook said in the call, according to TechCrunch.

Still, Apple’s shares fell by about 4% after the earnings call, CNBC reported.

According to CNBC, Cook limited his comments on tariff expectations to the current quarter because he said it was difficult to predict their impact after June.

That’s because he said he was “not sure what will happen with tariffs,” CNBC reported.

“We will manage the company the way we always have with thoughtful and deliberate decisions, with a focus on investing for the long term and with dedication to innovation and the possibilities it creates,” Cook said on the call, according to CNBC. “As we look ahead, we remain confident.”

“With an iPhone, you really have to go a step lower and look at the individual parts and where they come from,” Cook added, according to CNBC, indicating that Apple buys chips for iPhone from the United States already and makes other products in Vietnam.

Related: Trusted Soda Company Makes Troubling Announcement

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Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start building your dream outdoor space. The good news is that retailers like Walmart have everything you need to create an atmosphere you can enjoy all season long. Items like furniture sets, pergolas, and fire pits are currently on sale, giving you everything you need to entertain in the yard. But if you really want to impress guests, there’s also a great deal on this inflatable hot tub, which is over $300 off and sure to help round out your new favorite lounge area.

The SaluSpa Hollywood AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub is on sale for just $398, a 43% discount from its original price of $700. This inflatable hot tub is the perfect addition for anyone looking to enhance a small space or rental unit, without the hassle of installing a traditional hot tub. With over 100 five-star ratings, those who have tried it claim it can “relax your whole body.”

Saluspa Hollywood AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub, $398 (was $700) at Walmart

This 77-by-26-inch six-person inflatable hot tub is ready to melt your stress away with its 240 gallons of water, calming airjets, and four adjustable pillows. It’s made of a three-layer polyester mesh material that’s puncture-resistant and built to last. It can reach temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and can be adjusted with its easy-to-use control panel. There’s an integrated water filtration system on board, and even a dispenser that evenly distributes chlorine. On the days you don’t use it, the tub includes a durable cover that keeps dirt out and locks in heat for your next use. The hot tub’s automatic heating function protects the pump and liner during chilly nights, ensuring the tub is protected from cold-weather damage.

Despite its low price, shoppers say this hot tub still has similar features to the more expensive models on the market. Many compared its quality to that of “$6,000 jacuzzis,” and said it’s “perfect for your money.” One even called it the “best investment ever!”

Related: Wayfair Is Selling a $2,617 Infrared Sauna for $1,369 Right Now, and Shoppers Say It’s Simply ‘Amazing’

It’s easy to use and set up, so users of all ages can enjoy the hot tub, including a 71-year-old shopper who raved about the hot tub’s LED lights and installation: “This is the third one I’ve owned.” Just make sure to plug it into a grounded socket to be safe.

Whether it’s for entertaining or relaxing, the Saluspa Hollywood AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub is a great choice for just $398. Make sure to scoop yours up ASAP, because the low price could disappear any time.

Starting on May 7, 2025, air travelers will need a REAL ID to fly, but there are acceptable alternatives.

“Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver’s license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports,” TSA wrote on its website.

“Passengers traveling after this enforcement deadline should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices,” TSA adds.

Passengers “who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers,” TSA added.

“If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles,” TSA advises. “A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.”

As of May 1, 2025, TSA’s list includes the following acceptable alternatives to having a REAL ID:

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).

U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).

U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.

Permanent resident card.

Border crossing card.

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).

HSPD-12 PIV card.

Foreign government-issued passport.

Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.

Transportation worker identification credential.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

TSA notes, “The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.”

TSA “currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification,” the agency wrote, adding, “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.”

Related: Southwest Airlines Announces ‘Unprecedented’ Change Amid Free Bag Outrage

Summer is on the way, and fast food restaurant chains are changing up their menus for the new season. Let’s face it, having a pumpkin spice “whatever” in the summer just doesn’t hit as right as it does in the fall.

Now, a popular fast food and coffee chain is changing up its menu for the summer, and it’s offering new, seasonal items.

Dunkin’ has announced three new menu items for their early summertime menu: a refresher, latte and bakery item. Customers don’t have to wait until summer to try these, either, because the new offerings are part of Dunkin’s early summertime menu, which is available now at participating locations.

On April 30, Dunkin unveiled the new items. The first is a Tropical Guava Dunkin’ Refresher, which is a guava-flavored drink offering B vitamins. It’s available with green tea, lemonade or sparkling water. That sounds like a refreshing post-workout drink. The second is the Pistachio Signature Latte, a drink with an espresso, pistachio flavor swirl, whipped creme, caramel drizzle and waffle cone pieces. The Pistachio Signature Latte is available hot or cold. The final is the Iced Strawberry Lemon Loaf, offering a lemon-strawberry swirl cake with strawberry-flavored icing.

Customers who are part of Dunkin’ Rewards get some specials this month. From May 1 to 15, Rewards members get $2 10-count Munchkins doughnut holes. From May 10 through 11, members get three times the points on a half dozen, full dozen, 25-count and 50-count doughnuts. Finally, from May 16 to 31, members get $3 pretzel sliders with the purchase of a beverage. Also, each Monday in May, Rewards members get 100 bonus points when ordering ahead through the Dunkin’ mobile app.

In addition, Dunkin’ announced that its Dunkalatte and $6 Meal Deal are still available, and the chain has tapped some stars to promote it, such as James Marsden, Charles Melton, Tramell Tillman, Gavin Casalegno, Dylan Efron and Zarna Garg.

Related: Wendy’s Announces Big Menu Change