MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine peso rallied back to the 56 level on Wednesday. This happened as the announcement of fresh US tariff deals with countries like Japan and the Philippines inspired optimism and diluted demand for safe havens like the dollar.
The local currency finished yesterday’s trading session at 56.881 against the greenback. It gained 16.9 centavos from its previous closing, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.
This was the peso’s strongest ending since July 15, 2025, when it closed at 56.73. Trading was brisk, with turnover rising to $1.5 billion yesterday from $1.3 billion previously.
A trader said the peso tracked a broader rally of Asian currencies. This was triggered by new tariff deals between US President Donald Trump and economies in the region like Japan and the Philippines.
Tariff onset draws near
“This can be seen as the effect of Trump’s tariff talks, as the US president has recently talked to both Japanese and Filipino presidents in order to negotiate,” the trader said. “Furthermore, the tariff’s deployment schedule draws nearer, being set in August,” they added.
After a bilateral meeting with Trump in Washington, President Marcos confirmed that the US will proceed with a 19-percent tariff on Philippine exports. This was higher than the 17 percent rate announced in April. But it is slightly below the 20 percent floated earlier this month.
In exchange, the Philippines agreed to scrap tariffs on American automobiles. It will boost imports of US soybeans, wheat and pharmaceutical products. The local currency is trading within the expectations of the Marcos administration. The latter sees the peso-dollar exchange rate hovering between 56 and 58 this year.
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For Thursday trading, the trader said the peso may “weaken somewhat as the dollar recovers.”
“However, the dollar-peso should ultimately play in the 56.8 to 57.2 range as it has for most of the week,” they added.
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Identifying key risk trends amid an increasingly complex risk landscape was a dominant theme throughout Triple-I’s 2025 Joint Industry Forum – particularly during the panel spotlighting some of the insurance industry’s C-suite leaders.
Moderated by CNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer, the panel consisted of:
J. Powell Brown, president and CEO of Brown & Brown Inc.;
John J. Marchioni, chairman, president, and CEO of Selective Insurance Group;
Susan Rivera, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC); and
Rohit Verma, president and CEO of Crawford & Co.
Their discussion provided insight into how insurers can transform these uncertainties into opportunities for business development and for cultivating deeper connections with consumers.
Recouping policyholder trust
Given the volatility of the current risk environment – exacerbated by various ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the rising frequency and severity of natural catastrophes – it is more imperative than ever to reaffirm the intrinsic human element of insurance, the panelists agreed.
“That’s one of the most underappreciated aspects of our industry,” Marchioni said. “We make communities safer and put people’s lives and businesses back together after an unexpected loss. Being the calming force when you have unsettling events like this happen around the world is a big part of what we do.”
Yet prevailing public perception continues to indicate otherwise, even as insurers report repeated losses or nominal profits compared to other industries.
“The insurance industry may be the only industry where record profits are a problem,” CNBC’s Brewer added, because consumers tend to “not care whether it’s coming from your investments, or whether it’s coming from your underwriting business or your reinsurance. They just hear that you’re making record profits.”
Brown noted that consumer mistrust derives, in part, from “a very active plaintiffs’ bar,” which the American Tort Reform Association estimates spent over $2.5 billion for nearly 27 million ads across the United States last year. He further discussed how, though the average homeowners’ insurance premium rate in Florida will increase this year, his home state has enjoyed far more stable rates after tort reforms eased litigation costs on insurers.
Previous research by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) – like Triple-I, an affiliate of the Institutes – showed that most consumers perceive the link between attorney advertising and higher insurance costs. Crawford’s Verma, however, emphasized that this awareness does not necessarily translate into consumers understanding their own agency.
“It’s easier for homeowners to understand how the weather impacts potential losses and the fact that weather patterns have changed,” Verma said. “But when it comes to [legal system abuse], I don’t think that connection is as well understood.”
Reflecting on a record high in nuclear verdicts last year, Rivera suggested insurers must reconfigure how they communicate legal system abuse to consumers.
“Where are those hospital professional liability verdicts going to go?” he said. “They’re going to go back into the cost of health care at the end of the day.”
Leading the AI charge
Maintaining consumer centricity while implementing or experimenting with technological innovations – especially generative AI – was a unifying objective for all the panelists.
“We look at AI as an enabler,” Brown said, “so we can put teammates in a position to spend more time with customers, which is the most important thing.”
For Tokio Marine’s Rivera, AI “ultimately helps all of our insureds” by boosting operational efficiency while reducing operational costs, as well as facilitating more proactive risk management than ever before. A growing percentage of insurance executives appear to agree, as generative AI models continue to expedite data processing across the insurance value chain, reshaping underwriting, pricing, claims, and customer service.
Such efficiency, paired with the potential for improved decision-making, is crucial “in our dramatically changing environment,” Marchioni stressed.
“We have thousands of claims every day,” he said. “Thinking about lawsuit abuse as a backdrop – a claims adjuster, every day, has to make decisions regarding, ‘Do I settle this claim based on injuries or venue? What’s the value of the injury and of the claim? Who’s the plaintiffs’ attorney?’ These tools give more refined information so your knowledge workers can make better, more timely decisions.”
Generative AI fails, however, when base datasets are insufficient, outdated, or inaccurate, Brown pointed out. Training AI models uncritically can lead to outputs containing false and/or nonsensical information, commonly known as “hallucinations”.
At their current capacity, at least, AI models cannot draw the kinds of salient conclusions that adjustors and underwriters can, meaning AI could “change the way we work, but it’s not going to replace the jobs,” Verma said.
Though they do not currently exist in the United States at the federal level, AI regulations have already been introduced in some states, following a comprehensive AI Act enacted last year in Europe. With more legislation on the horizon, insurers must help lead these conversations to ensure that AI regulations suit the complex needs of insurance, without hindering the industry’s commitments to equity and security.
A 2024 report by Triple-I and SAS, a global leader in data and AI, centers the insurance industry’s role in guiding conversations around ethical AI implementation on a global, multi-sector scale, given insurers’ unique expertise in analyzing and preserving data integrity.
Confused about Groww Demat Mutual Funds? Know if you should switch or stay with SoA, understand costs, pros, cons, and safe alternatives in simple language.
One of India’s popular investment apps, Groww, recently announced that from June 2025 onwards, all new mutual fund investments through their platform will be held in demat form by default. Existing SIPs will continue in the traditional format, but you can choose to convert them too.
This sudden change has confused many investors — should you really move your mutual fund holdings to demat? Or stick with the simple Statement of Account (SoA) format? Let’s break this down in plain language.
Groww Demat Mutual Funds: Should You Switch or Stay?
First, what does this shift mean?
New investments on Groww are by default in demat form.
Existing SIPs will remain in SoA but can be moved to demat with your consent.
You can opt out of the demat format using an OTP process.
If you wish to revert your demat units to SoA, it’s possible but involves paperwork and time.
What you must watch out for
Limited Access: Units held in demat form cannot be accessed through MF Utility (MFU) or MF Central, which are free and robust platforms to manage multiple AMC folios at one place. SoA units are easily trackable and manageable using RTA websites like CAMS and KFintech, or the MFU portal.
Gifting & Transfer: Earlier, gifting or transferring mutual fund units in SoA form wasn’t easy. But now, with MF Central, this has become simple. So, this benefit exists even in SoA.
Speculative Use: When you hold mutual funds in demat, you can pledge them for margin and trade in the stock market. While this may look attractive, it encourages risky behaviour that mutual fund investing ideally avoids.
Having advised thousands of investors, I believe simplicity and flexibility matter most. SoA gives you that. You can directly transact through the AMC’s own website, CAMS, KFintech or MF Utility — all without any extra DP or brokerage charges. If your broker’s demat platform goes down or if you lose access, you’re not stuck because your units are directly with the AMC.
In demat form, if your broker or DP has issues, you may find it harder to transact. Also, not all brokers fully support features like SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) in demat yet. For retirees, this is a major drawback.
What should you do now?
Before switching blindly, think about why you invest in mutual funds. For most, the goal is long-term wealth creation, not frequent trading. SoA keeps it simple, cost-effective and transparent. Demat makes sense if you’re already using it for shares and ETFs and want to consolidate everything in one place — but for purely mutual funds, SoA is still the cleanest choice.
Personally, I never trust these brokers or third-party websites. Because we don’t know when they change their colour 🙂
Choose wisely and invest smartly!
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Summer is not the time for heavy, complicated meals especially when you’re trying to feel your best. Whether you’re powering through the Summer Shape Up Challenge or just want to fuel your body without feeling weighed down, these meals deliver everything you need: high protein, low sugar, and delicious flavor that actually fits your daily schedule.
Here are three high protein summer recipes you’ll look forward to eating on repeat.
Zucchini & Egg White Skillet
Why you’ll love it: Light, savory, and ready in 10 minutes. This one pan breakfast feels cozy and clean, with just the right balance of protein and fresh summer flavor.
Ingredients:
Directions: 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add zucchini and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Pour in egg whites and whole egg.
4. Gently scramble.
3. Top with feta, basil, and a pinch of salt + pepper.
Protein: About 25g
Grilled Peach & Chicken Power Salad
Why you’ll love it: This salad is basically summer in a bowl: sweet, savory, and packed with lean protein. Grilled peaches add caramelized flavor that takes it next-level.
Ingredients:
6 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
1 ripe peach, halved and grilled
2 cups arugula or mixed greens
¼ cup goat cheese or dairy-free crumble
2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt + pepper to taste
Directions: 1. Grill peach halves cut-side down for 2–3 minutes until caramelized. 2. Slice and toss with greens, chicken, cheese, and nuts. 3. Whisk olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a quick dressing. 4. Drizzle over the salad and season with salt + pepper.
Protein: About 37g
Strawberry Coconut Smoothie
Why you’ll love it: Refreshing, creamy, and naturally sweet, this smoothie is packed with summer vibes and a big hit of protein to keep you full. Check out the recipe video here!
Directions: 1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. 2. Pour into a glass and top with extra coconut or sliced strawberries if you’re feeling fancy.
Protein: 35g
Healthy eating should feel good, especially in summer. These meals are simple, satisfying, and designed to help you feel strong, energized, and totally bloat free.
If you’re over 60, chances are you’ve become a target for fraudsters looking to exploit your hard-earned savings. As retirees settle into what should be their golden years, retirement scams are becoming increasingly aggressive and sophisticated. These schemes aren’t just annoying—they can be financially devastating and emotionally scarring. The scammers know retirees are more likely to have a nest egg, rely on fixed income, and be unfamiliar with evolving digital threats. Here are 10 of the most common scams targeting older Americans right now and how you can protect yourself or your loved ones.
1. Social Security Impersonation Calls
One of the most persistent retirement scams involves fake calls from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration. They may say your number has been “suspended” due to fraud or illegal activity. The caller might demand immediate payment or ask you to verify your Social Security number. This is always a scam—Social Security will never call and ask for payment or personal info over the phone. If you get one of these calls, hang up and report it.
2. Fake IRS Debt Collectors
Scammers pretending to be IRS agents are still going strong, even though the real IRS mails official notices before any action is taken. These fraudsters claim you owe back taxes and will be arrested or have your Social Security cut off if you don’t pay immediately. They often demand payment through gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS will never threaten or demand payment over the phone. Knowing this is key to avoiding this classic retirement scam.
3. Medicare Card Renewal Scams
Each year, thousands of seniors fall for phone calls offering to “renew” or “update” their Medicare cards. These scammers use fear and urgency to extract personal details like Medicare ID numbers, birthdates, and banking info. In reality, Medicare will never call you unsolicited for this information. Once they have your data, scammers can bill Medicare fraudulently or access your bank account. Be wary of anyone offering to “fix” your Medicare benefits over the phone.
4. Investment Fraud and Ponzi Schemes
Scammers love to lure retirees with promises of high returns and “guaranteed” low-risk investments. These offers might come through mailers, phone calls, or even in-person seminars. They often sound legitimate, but many are fronts for Ponzi schemes or unregulated investments. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research thoroughly and check with the SEC or FINRA before investing your retirement funds.
5. Romance Scams
Online romance scams have skyrocketed, especially among widowed or divorced retirees looking for companionship. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media and build emotional connections over time. Eventually, they ask for money—often claiming emergencies, travel expenses, or medical bills. These scams can drain both finances and trust. Be cautious when new online connections ask for money, especially if you haven’t met in person.
6. Grandparent Emergency Scams
This emotional scam involves a phone call where the fraudster pretends to be your grandchild in distress. They’ll say they’ve been arrested, had a car accident, or need money urgently. The caller often begs you not to tell their parents. With just a few details found online or through hacked accounts, scammers make their stories believable. Always verify through another family member before sending any money.
7. Fake Tech Support Pop-Ups
A sudden pop-up on your computer warning of a virus and urging you to call a toll-free number is almost certainly a scam. These fake tech support schemes target retirees who may not be tech-savvy. Once you call, they’ll ask for remote access to your computer and may steal personal information or install malware. Some even demand payment to “fix” nonexistent problems. Never trust unsolicited pop-ups or cold tech support calls.
8. Charity Donation Scams
After natural disasters or around the holidays, fake charities ramp up their efforts to steal donations. These scammers often call or email pretending to represent well-known organizations. They may pressure you to donate immediately via gift cards or wire transfer. Always research the charity through trusted databases like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. A little homework goes a long way in avoiding this type of retirement scam.
9. Reverse Mortgage Cons
While reverse mortgages are legal and sometimes helpful, scammers often pose as lenders to steal equity or trick seniors into signing over ownership. They target older homeowners by offering “help” with bills or home improvements. Then, hidden clauses in contracts can lead to foreclosure or loss of property. Before considering a reverse mortgage, consult a certified housing counselor or trusted financial advisor.
10. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
This common scam involves a phone call or letter telling you you’ve won a prize—but you must pay fees or taxes to claim it. Retirees are frequently targeted with fake sweepstakes from organizations that sound real. These scams thrive on excitement and urgency. Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payments to claim winnings. If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win.
Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
As technology advances, so do the tactics used in retirement scams—but being aware is your best defense. Scammers often prey on fear, urgency, and loneliness to manipulate retirees into giving up their money or personal details. Learning the red flags and talking openly with loved ones about potential threats can stop fraud in its tracks. Protect your finances the same way you protected your family: with vigilance, skepticism, and a strong network.
Have you or someone you know been targeted by one of these scams? Share your story in the comments to help others stay protected!
Sharing some of my favorite products for a healthy sleep stack. As always, talk with a doctor before making any changes to your health or wellness routine. This post is not medical advice.
Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a wonderful morning. I have a podcast interview today and am looking forward to taking a yoga class with Liv later.
For today’s post, let’s chat about one of my all-time favorite topics: sleep!!
(It’s one of Mazer’s favorite topics, as well)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own wellness journey, and after helping hundreds of women rebalance their bodies, it’s this: you can’t out-supplement poor sleep. Also, what you do in the morning and during the day will impact your sleep quality!
We all know how terrible it feels to toss and turn all night… and how hard it is to feel like yourself the next day. Mood swings, cravings, sluggish workouts, hormone imbalances, and even gut issues can stem from poor quality sleep. When I don’t sleep, I feel like my whole world has come crashing to the ground. Take away my sleep, you take away everything. (I think this is one of the biggest reasons why postpartum was such a struggle for me.)
Over the years, I’ve tried many approaches to improve my sleep, from meditation to blackout curtains. While those all help, I’ve found that a few key tools consistently make the biggest difference. This is my current go-to healthy sleep stack that I use as part of my nighttime routine.
As always, please check with your doctor before starting any new supplements or products, especially if you’re on medications or managing a health condition. This is simply what works for me and many of my clients.
My Healthy Sleep Stack: What I Use for Deep, Restorative Rest
Chronic stress is one of the most common sleep disruptors, and most women over 35 are dealing with some degree of it, whether they realize it or not. Adrenal Soothe is a blend of targeted adaptogens including ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine that can help reduce nighttime cortisol levels. This can lead to deeper rest and more consistent energy during the day. I take 2 capsules after dinner or with my evening magnesium. This product is especially helpful for women who feel wired but tired at night and have trouble falling asleep despite feeling exhausted.
2. Magnesium (Glycinate or L-Threonate) + topical spray
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle relaxation, nervous system function, and sleep regulation. Unfortunately, many people are deficient due to stress, soil depletion, and poor absorption. I prefer this full-spectrum magnesium because it is calming and well-absorbed. It helps calm both the body and mind, and I’ll also double up by using a topical magnesium (like this one).
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It signals to the body that it’s time to wind down. I occasionally use a low-dose melatonin supplement (0.5mg to 3mg) to support my circadian rhythm, especially during travel or after a night of poor sleep. The key is to use it as a short-term tool and not rely on it nightly unless directed by a healthcare provider. I avoid higher doses, which can lead to grogginess the next day. A little bit helps me get deep sleep when I need it, and I feel like a million bucks the next day.
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries to support detoxification and calm the nervous system. I use a reusable, no-mess pack over my abdomen in the evenings while I wind down. It can promote circulation, liver detoxification, and stimulate the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” mode. This simple practice can make a huge difference in helping the body shift into sleep mode. This is my favorite castor oil pack– use FITNESSISTA for a discount. I love the NOW Foods brand castor oil the most (FITNESSISTA for 20% off); you can also pair this with an inexpensive castor oil pack from Amazon.
(I just put a dark baggy t-shirt on top)
How to Incorporate These into a Routine
You don’t need to use everything every night and it’s important to adjust it based on your needs and life.
If you’re doing all the right things and still not sleeping well, it may be time to look at the root cause. Hormone imbalances, high nighttime cortisol, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metals can all impact sleep. Functional lab tests like the Stress, Mood & Metabolism test, Minerals & Metals test, and the HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) can give you a clear picture of what’s going on and where to begin.
Understanding your body’s unique imbalances is the first step to sustainable sleep, and it’s often the missing link when nothing else seems to work.
If you’re curious about testing or want to explore a personalized plan, email me [email protected] subject TESTING. I would love to help you uncover what’s holding your sleep back and create a path forward that works with your real life. It can be so helpful to have someone assess your daily routine and help you make simple fixes to transform your sleep!
So, be honest, friends: how’s your sleep? Do you toss and turn or are you able to get a solid night’s rest?
I’ve been enjoying at least nine solid hours every night this summer, and living it up until we’re back into the school craziness.
You already know the stakes: a misrouted file, a missed transfer, or a permissions slip-up can create compliance headaches or worse. Even when there’s no breach, human error in file transfers can quietly derail operations or damage client trust. (more…)
Co-authored by Antonio A. Conde, Innovation and Digitization Country Leader at Cisco
As Cisco celebrates ten years of Country Digital Acceleration, Spain stands out as a vibrant example of what’s possible when vision, partnership, and innovation come together. Country Digital Acceleration has been the driving force behind Spain’s digital journey, setting the pace for transformation that touches every sector and community.
Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) is Cisco’s global initiative to co-invest with national governments, industry, and academia to accelerate digital growth, inclusion, and competitiveness. In Spain, this program is known as Cisco Digitaliza—and since 2018, it has become a catalyst for progress, aligning with the national Spain Digital Agenda 2026 and the goals of the Next Generation EU recovery funds.
Driving impact: Seven years of progress in Spain
When we look at Spain’s digital landscape today, the numbers tell a story of rapid evolution.
Behind these numbers is the work of CDA, driving over 114 projects across key sectors to build digital skills, modernize services, and secure critical infrastructure.
The program’s success can be attributed to its strategic focus on clearly defined impact areas:
Developing digital talent A cornerstone of the program’s impact has been the growth of the Cisco Networking Academy. More than 470K people in Spain have been trained in networking, cybersecurity, IoT, and programming, opening new doors for youth, women, and professionals seeking to upskill in a fast-changing economy. These efforts don’t just build resumes—they build confidence, create opportunities, and empower communities. Many a long and successful career in tech has started at the Cisco Networking Academy.
Modernizing public services CDA has helped bring digital innovation to classrooms, clinics, and government offices across Spain. From secure, connected classrooms and telemedicine solutions to AI-assisted diagnostics and IoT-based emergency management, these projects have helped improve the quality and efficiency of services that touch millions of lives. The projects have focused on using technology to drive productivity and improve patient outcomes. When public services are modern and resilient, everyone benefits.
Securing critical infrastructure Digital transformation demands trust. Working with government agencies and industry leaders, CDA has brought advanced cybersecurity technologies and training to protect Spain’s essential services—energy, healthcare, transportation, and more. These efforts mean that as Spain becomes more connected, it also becomes more resilient to cyber threats.
Innovation Milestones
Semiconductor design center in Barcelona In 2023, CDA helped launch a state-of-the-art semiconductor design center in Barcelona. This facility is developing advanced chips for connectivity, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing, positioning at the heart of Europe’s semiconductor value chain and supporting technological sovereignty across the continent. With the launch of CDA 3, this design center will become even more relevant and strategic to the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Pioneering quantum-safe cryptography Recognizing the security challenges posed by quantum computing, Cisco’s CDA program has spearheaded quantum-safe cryptography projects in Spain. These projects bring together public institutions and leading universities to develop and pilot cryptographic protocols that are resilient to quantum algorithms—helping safeguard critical data for years to come. The teams have also begun assessing existing systems for compliance with emerging global security standards, supporting Spain’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national cyber resilience. By investing early in quantum-safe technologies, CDA ensures Spain stays ahead of future threats and helps set benchmarks for other countries
AI and Giga Factories Spain’s commitment to next-generation industrial development is evident in the rise of AI Factories and Giga Factories—large-scale, data-driven manufacturing and research hubs. Through CDA, Cisco provides the secure, intelligent digital infrastructure needed to power these factories, from high-speed connectivity and advanced networking to automation and energy-efficient operations. CDA has fostered collaborations between government, industry, and academia to create innovative ecosystems that support scalable artificial intelligence applications, optimize manufacturing processes, and boost Spain’s global competitiveness. These projects are helping to establish Spain as a leader in smart manufacturing and AI-enabled industry at scale.
Why it matters: Spain as a model for digital transformation
In just seven years, Cisco Digitaliza has helped Spain build a digital ecosystem that is more skilled, more innovative, and more secure. The program’s collaborative model—uniting public, private, and academic partners—shows what’s possible when we invest in technology for impact.
Looking Ahead
The story doesn’t end here. Cisco has renewed its commitment to the CDA program in Spain three more years—reflecting our belief in Spain’s potential to lead in artificial intelligence, quantum research, advanced manufacturing, and beyond. We’re excited to keep building a more inclusive, connected, and secure future.Explore more about Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration journey and join us as we shape what comes next for Spain and beyond.
The best division in football might be the NFC North this season. After getting three teams into the NFC playoffs last year, each team comes back loaded with a chance to be great, and for one team, a chance to be great for the first time in a long time. The Lions are the reigning champs, but can’t seem to shake an injury bug that’s plagued them for over a season now. Can the Packers win the division once again? Will the Vikings take another step with a new QB? What in the hell are the Bears doing?
Let’s dig deep into the division and find some breakout players for each team.
The Bears’ offense last season was more of a collection of errors than a functioning NFL offense, but despite that I think WR Rome Odunze showed his ability to get open and focus when the ball is in the air. His 734 receiving yards were meager for a first round receiver of his stature, but he led all of the Bears’ high volume targets in first down rate when targeted and finished second among all Bears receivers in total EPA. Ben Johnson now comes over to call the plays and design the new offense, and I think the focal point could be around Odunze. Keenan Allen is a free agent, and DJ Moore’s skill set is sorta similar to rookie wideout Luther Burden III, but Odunze’s smooth skills on the outside could see a big increase in production.
The Lions’ offensive line is getting a lot younger this season, but new full time starter Christian Mahogany could be in a position to breakout. I thought he was a bit of a sleeper entering the 2024 NFL Draft and now he gets the chance to be a full time starter next to Penei Sewell, one of the best offensive linemen in the game. Even with Ben Johnson being gone, offensive line coach Hank Fraley stays around to keep the strongest unit on the Lions together, and Mahogany could be the next guy up.
If you ask many casual NFL fans if they know Rasheed Walker and they might not be able to tell you, but Walker has constantly grown and is entering a contract year for Green Bay. He’s a smooth pass protector with the athleticism to frustrate a lot of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. The Packers will often leave him on islands as a pass protector, but he holds up really well in that area too:
If his athleticism can start to show up in the run game, he could find himself in line for a big extension in Green Bay.
Last year, QB Sam Darnold took the starting job in Minnesota and simply had a career year en route to a big money deal with the Seahawks. With the offensive infrastructure in Minnesota, it’s hard to say anyone but JJ McCarthy is going to breakout for the Vikings. Before his season-ending knee injury, I thought he showed some really nice traits in the preseason action that he saw. His willingness to attack the middle of the field and smooth moves in the pocket give him some different flavors of QB’ing than Darnold, even if some of the efficiency might go down (he’s a rookie so expect that). However, throwing to WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, then TE TJ Hockenson is the best way to ease a transition into the NFL. I’m excited to see what McCarthy does.
If you ask Google, you’ll find all sorts of resources saying yes—yoga is an effective method for building bone density and preventing osteoporotic fractures, like hip or femur breaks from falls.
A search for “Yoga for Osteoporosis” pulls up thousands of hits for books, programs, and videos promising to help you build better bones with a low-impact yoga practice. Even Yoga with Adriene has a “Yoga for Bone Health” video on her channel, which reaches over 12 million subscribers.
But most of those links trace back to one main source: the work of Dr. Loren Fishman, author of several books including Yoga for Osteoporosis. He’s also the co-author of a 2015 study that suggests yoga can increase bone mineral density (BMD) in the spine and femoral neck—potentially reducing the risk of life-threatening fractures in older adults. The study was titled, “12-Minute Daily Yoga Regimen Reverses Osteoporotic Bone Loss.”
The Study That Made Waves in the Yoga World
I remember when the news of Dr. Fishman’s study came out. It was a big deal in the yoga world and sent ripples through the broader wellness space.
Instead of just being known for relaxation, yoga could now be seen as a one-stop-shop for all your fitness needs.
It was great news for yoga practitioners—and great for business, too. Studios and teachers now had scientific backing for what they were already promoting. The study also helped bring yoga further into the mainstream and validated what many longtime yogis already believed about their beloved practice.
But the bigger question remained: Are the study’s findings legit?
What the LIFTMOR Trial Tells Us About Bone Growth
Interestingly, the same year Dr. Fishman’s study was published, so was the LIFTMOR trial.
The LIFTMOR trial also studied osteoporosis—specifically in postmenopausal women with no significant history of exercise and low bone mineral density. Participants were split into two groups: one did low-impact movement at home, while the other did supervised high-intensity progressive resistance training (HiPRT). Each group exercised twice a week for 30 minutes over an eight-month period.
The results? There was a significant difference in bone growth between the low-intensity home group and the supervised strength training group. And those results were replicated in multiple similar trials that followed.
Even better? The resistance training group had no injuries reported.
So, if low-impact movement had minimal impact on BMD, but the Fishman study claimed yoga (also low impact) increased BMD—what gives?
Why Dr. Fishman’s Study Falls Short
There are several flaws in Dr. Fishman’s study that make the results less scientifically valid.
1. No control group. This means they’re not comparing the results of people doing yoga to people not doing yoga. They were simply doing 12 poses and tracking their progress—sometimes qualitatively (“how do you feel?”), sometimes quantitatively (via bone scans). Without a control group to compare the results to, it’s hard to draw reliable conclusions from the findings in this study.
2. The study hasn’t been independently replicated. It lacks enough detail for others to reproduce it and validate the findings.
3. Potential for bias. Dr. Fishman funded the study himself. That doesn’t automatically disqualify the work, but it does raise red flags—especially given that he profits from yoga books, programs, and trainings if the findings support the use of his products and services.
4. It’s not a blind or double blind study.
Every person who participated was already a yoga practitioner when they started. It wasn’t a new practice for them, but familiar. Something they probably enjoyed. This would have also likely impacted how they responded to the yoga poses or were simply more inclined to stay committed to doing the poses consistently.
Together, these factors limit the study’s validity and scientific rigor.
The Real Science Behind Building Bone Density
Here’s what we do know: to build bone, you have to stress bone.
That means applying a certain amount of pressure to bones to stimulate growth.
And as your body adapts, you must increase that pressure over time. This is what progressive overload is all about—increasing the weight or impact to keep your bones responding and getting stronger.
Put simply, yoga doesn’t apply enough force to significantly increase bone density.
Let’s Get Practical: What Yoga Can (and Can’t) Do
Many of the poses in Dr. Fishman’s study were standing, but some were seated. One was supine and inactive—savasana, pose #12.
If seated and supine positions built stronger bones, we’d all be increasing BMD while driving or sleeping.
In the study, Dr. Fishman argued that yoga pits opposing muscle groups against each other in a way that stimulates bone growth. He wrote:
“By pitting one group of muscles against another, yoga exposes bones to greater forces and, therefore, might enhance bone mineral density (BMD) more than other means.”
Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true.
At best, yoga involves bodyweight-only force—about the same as walking your dog. And studies repeatedly show that bones need significant load or impact to grow: things like lifting heavy weights or jumping.
So, Can Yoga Help You Build Strength?
Yes—to a point. But for most people—no.
Yoga is a fantastic foundation for strength, particularly if you’re new to movement, recovering from injury or illness, or working on reconnecting with your body.
Because it uses bodyweight only (plus gravity), you’ll eventually plateau in how much strength you can gain. But it’s great for building endurance if you hold poses for longer than a few breaths.
One Practice Can’t Do Everything
Let’s be real: no single practice checks every fitness box.
Strength training builds muscle and bone, but it’s not cardio. Cycling is great for cardiovascular health, but it won’t improve bone density. Dance is fun and expressive and offers impact and cardio, but not strength.
Every type of movement has its strengths and limitations—and that’s okay.
The point is simply to say that our bodies need variety and one style of movement cannot do everything our bodies need to be healthy.
Do Yoga for the Right Reasons
Do yoga because:
It feels good in your body.
It strengthens your mind-body connection.
It helps you feel grounded and less stressed.
It improves your flexibility and balance.
Do it for all those beautiful reasons and more.
But don’t do yoga expecting it to increase your bone density. It won’t.—Naomi
When we look at Spain’s digital landscape today, the numbers tell a story of rapid evolution. 
