You have burning health questions. We all do. But if you’ve spent any time scouring the internet for answers to them, you’ve probably stumbled upon some dubious information.
There’s that one influencer who swears chugging green tea is just as good for weight loss as Ozempic, or that delaying your morning caffeine will prevent your afternoon energy slump. Your next question might be: Is that quite right?
Our health reporters are here to help. They take your questions straight to experts and scour scientific journals to answer them with authority. Here are the 10 most popular Ask Well columns from 2024, with evidence-based answers to help guide you into the new year and beyond.
1. What’s the best way to clean your ears?
If it takes all of your might to not twirl a Q-Tip around your ear after a shower, you’re not alone. But cleaning your ears with tiny cotton swabs can do more harm than good, and it may increase the risk of an eardrum injury, experts say. In fact, they add, the best way to care for your ears is to leave them alone.
If you absolutely must poke around in there, we have guidance on how to do it safely.
2. How much Advil is too much?
Raise your hand if you pop ibuprofen like it’s candy. Raise your hand if you also wonder if you’re overdoing it.