#HealthAdvice

A new wave of fitness trends has taken social media by storm, with a viral sound bite declaring that every woman should be able to do 11 push-ups—a claim sparking debate among experts and everyday people alike. The prescription, delivered by a well-known orthopedic surgeon on a prominent self-help podcast, has led thousands to post their attempts online and question the implications of adopting such “one-size-fits-all” health guidance. In a fitness culture increasingly shaped by social media and so-called “wellness bros,” the debate points to larger questions about evidence-based exercise targets, inclusivity, and the real meaning of health and performance.

A viral push-up challenge has reignited debate over universal fitness advice as health influencers and social media personalities continue to promote “one-size-fits-all” approaches that oversimplify individual needs. The latest flashpoint centers on an 11 push-ups benchmark for women—an arbitrary fitness goal that has gained traction across platforms like TikTok but is raising concerns among exercise scientists and registered dietitians.

Recently, an orthopedic surgeon and prominent health influencer appeared on a well-known self-help podcast, declaring that every woman should be able to perform 11 standard push-ups (not the so-called “girl push-ups” on knees). The pronouncement sparked a wave of online responses, with women documenting either their success in completing the challenge or their struggles to meet the standard. The viral moment highlights society’s fascination with clear, quantifiable measures of health—even when such goals lack personal nuance or scientific flexibility (Vox).

A long-standing debate among health-conscious Thais may finally have an answer: coffee does count toward your daily water intake, according to a new synthesis of research and leading expert opinions. As millions start their day with a hot cup of coffee in Bangkok or iced café yen in Chiang Mai, questions about whether those popular caffeinated beverages actually help hydrate—or dehydrate—continue to linger. Recent analysis clarifies that, for most people, drinking coffee can be part of staying well-hydrated, though moderation and individual sensitivity must be considered.

Protein has become the star macronutrient of the decade, with consumers in the United States and beyond embracing protein-rich diets at record rates. According to Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, in the US, a staggering 61% of consumers report actively increasing their protein intake in 2024, a substantial jump from just 48% in 2019 (Cargill, 2025). Supermarkets now brim with protein-enriched snack bars, cookies, even sodas and ice creams, while food manufacturers and social media influencers stoke the frenzy with bold claims about the benefits of high-protein diets. But as this “protein obsession” becomes a global consumer trend—advanced by viral dieting advice and evolving food industry strategies—nutrition experts are raising the alarm, warning of misunderstandings and potential health risks surrounding excessive protein consumption (San Diego Union-Tribune, 2025).

At one time or another, many of us have opened our refrigerator to face a carton of eggs lingering beyond its expiration date and wondered, “Are these safe to eat?” According to recent insights from food safety experts, eggs might be safe well beyond their stamped expiration dates. As explained by Elisa Maloberti, manager of special projects and food safety at the American Egg Board, eggs, when stored properly, can last more than a month past their expiration.