There’s nothing pretty about the current economic slump, including statistics coming out of plastic surgeons’ offices. Cosmetic procedures are way down, suggesting that the effects of the recession may not only far-reaching but also skin deep.

Like your tea piping hot? Beware: served too hot, tea or other beverages may raise your risk of thoat and esophageal cancer.

Okay, so life isn’t always fair. This week, our home team, the Ms.Fits, outdid themselves, racking up 61 hours and 10 minutes of activity–more than six hours per team member. Bravo! Unfortunately, the team also gained seven pounds. Ouch. A couple of things worth noting. Exercise builds muscle. So even when weight remains the same (or edges up) the ratio of muscle to fat may be improving. You may not weigh less, but you look and feel better. What’s more, exercise has big health benefits whether or not your lose weight. Okay, so that’s scant consolation to people determined to slim down. We encourage them to remember: weight loss is a slow, unsteady process. There are ups and downs along the way. Continue making healthy food choices and being as active as you can be, and chances are you’ll start to see progress again. Good luck!

You’re hungry, you’ve only got a limited amount of time, and the only option in sight is a fast-food joint. Sure it’s convenient. But a new study shows that having a fast food outlet nearby could also increase your risk of getting fat.