(CNN) — We hate to ruin your festive cheer, but it turns out that ordering a pint of caramel-flavored hot chocolate topped with whipped cream may not actually be that good for you.

That’s the fairly unsurprising finding of a British survey that warns of the high sugar content of festive hot drinks offered by chains including Starbucks  …

(Ana Sandoiu/ Medical News Today) — The bacteria in our mouths may hold the key to many facets of our health.

Researchers have found intriguing clues about pancreatic and esophageal cancer risk in mouth bacteria, and some studies have linked poor oral hygiene with respiratory problems.

Mounting evidence is also strengthening the link  …

(NBC News) — The trend of buying real Christmas trees is still increasing amongst millennials. The National Christmas Tree Association said there was a 20% increase in real tree sales between 2017 and 2018 and only a 4% increase in artificial tree sales.

CNN reported that Christmas tree sellers are expecting another wave of new customers  …

(Rachel Feltman/ Popular Science) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, known for giving “magic mushrooms” their mind-altering powers, a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for the second time in just over a year.

This designation, which is designed to expedite the development  …

(Langis Michaud/ The Conversation) — Monique is 77 years old. I met her when she came to the eye clinic at the University of Montréal, where I am a professor. A retired teacher, Monique has enjoyed an active and full life with her students and family and considers herself lucky to be in good health.

She is concerned, however, about   …

(Anicka Slachta/ Cardiovascular Business) — A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia this November found that heart patients who practiced routine intermittent fasting over a period of four and a half years were ultimately healthier than those who didn’t.

Benjamin Horne, PhD, the  …

(Catharine Paddock/ Medical News Today) — Scientists have found a link between the use of oral antibiotics and the risk of Parkinson’s disease. They suggest that the connection could be due to the drugs’ impact on gut microbes.

The findings also suggest that up to 15 years can elapse between antibiotic exposure and the emergence  …

(Kalina Laframboise/ Global News) — The Quebec government is pledging new regulations aimed at addressing vaping after at least three confirmed cases of severe lung illness have occurred in the province.

Health Minister Danielle McCann announced Monday she will put in place a plan to fight smoking and vaping by next spring.

Dr. Horacio  …

(Canadian Press) — Canadian health officials are warning consumers to avoid romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, Calif., because of another food poisoning outbreak.

The notice comes almost exactly one year after a similar outbreak led to a blanket warning about romaine, ranging from whole heads to pre-cut salad mixes.

The Public Health  …