Tracy Swartz

About the Author

Tracy Swartz is an associate editor and writer of entertainment news and features. Prior to joining The Post in 2022, she wrote for the Chicago Tribune and its commuter edition, RedEye, for 15 years. She broke stories about Lollapalooza; the HGTV show "Windy City Rehab," which was the subject of more than a dozen lawsuits; and MLB player Michael Kopech's split from his actress wife, Vanessa Morgan. She has a master's degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. She is also working toward a master's degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University. A longtime Floridian, she moved to Chicago in 2007 for the extraordinary winters and the thrilling opportunity to learn how to parallel park.

The Archive

Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a Mississippi dermatologist, is sharing four things she would never do in the summer — walk barefoot by the pool, use citrus in the sun, shave over warts and sleep with wet hair.

I'm a dermatologist — here are 4 things I would never do in the summer

June 27, 2024 | 3:54pm

Don't be all, like, uncool this summer.

Researchers say pemvidutide — a medication similar to Ozempic — leads to an average weight loss of 15.6% after 48 weeks — with less muscle lost.

New weight loss drug may be better than Ozempic — here's how

June 27, 2024 | 10:15am

The promising results of a phase 2 trial of pemvidutide were shared this week at the American Diabetes Association's annual science conference in Orlando.

More than a quarter of "healthy" adults over 60 have undiagnosed heart valve disease, a new study from the University of East Anglia in England finds.

Many 'healthy' adults may have a troubling heart condition — and not even know it, study warns

June 26, 2024 | 6:17pm

Take this news to heart.

"Rice-Zempic" — a concoction of rice, water and lime juice that's become popular on TikTok — has "zero scientific backing" and any weight loss you get from drinking it will be temporary, experts say.

What is 'Rice-Zempic'? Experts say trendy, bizarre drink has 'zero scientific backing'

June 26, 2024 | 2:08pm

Go against the grain.

A new study finds that millions of Americans are taking multivitamins to prevent disease even though "there is little health rationale" for them.

Millions of Americans take multivitamins to prevent disease — but here's why they shouldn’t

June 26, 2024 | 11:00am

"We did not find evidence to support improved longevity among healthy adults who regularly take multivitamins," the National Cancer Institute researchers wrote.

Dr. Karan Rangarajan recommends wrapping cheese in cheese storage paper, parchment paper or wax paper and not placing it on its own in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Cheese gets gross — here's a doctor's trick to storing it properly

June 25, 2024 | 2:37pm

This is a Gouda tip.

Researchers say that taking the obesity medication liraglutide and exercising regularly can lead to weight loss — and bone health is still maintained.

Here's how to lose weight — and keep your bones strong: study

June 25, 2024 | 11:33am

Talk about a leg up.

Women's weight loss coach Jenna Rizzo says her 2-2-2 method involves drinking two big bottles of water, eating two servings each of fruits and vegetables, and taking two walks every day.

What's the 2-2-2 method for weight loss? 'Your body's gonna feel so good'

June 25, 2024 | 9:21am

"Your skin's gonna be clear, you're gonna have more energy, you're gonna be sleeping better, and you'll probably already be down a few pounds," women's weight loss coach Jenna Rizzo...

Older adults who experience chronic loneliness face a 56% higher risk of stroke than those who are not lonely, according to a new Harvard study.

Feeling lonely? Here's how those emotions could increase your stroke risk

June 24, 2024 | 7:40pm

Loneliness and social isolation are not the same.

Millions of older Americans are taking a daily dose of aspirin to lower their risk of having a heart attack or stroke for the first time -- even though they shouldn't, a new study finds.

Many older adults are taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack — despite the risks

June 24, 2024 | 5:17pm

Aspirin has been hailed for its ability to keep platelets from sticking together and forming a blood clot that can spur a heart attack or stroke.

Blackout drinking at a young age can have lasting effects on learning, memory and our ability to recognize faces, new research finds.

Party too hard in your 20s? How it can affect your brain in the long term

June 24, 2024 | 9:02am

Though alcohol affects everyone differently, blackouts often start when a person's blood alcohol concentration reaches about 0.16% — twice the legal driving limit.

Going to bed by 1 a.m. can lower your risk of developing mental and behavioral problems such as depression and anxiety, according to a study published last month.

Going to bed after this hour can cause mental health problems

June 17, 2024 | 9:40am

Owl be damned!

Neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch is sharing an important step to take when checking into an Airbnb — be sure to identify all the stairways in the vacation home to prevent falls.

I'm a neurosurgeon — here's one easy way to prevent injuries on vacation

June 17, 2024 | 6:40am

"It seems like common sense, and it seems a little silly," admitted Dr. Betsy Grunch, a spine specialist in Georgia.

People who are inappropriately obtaining Ozempic and Wegovy are ending up in the emergency room with serious complications, a top UK doctor warns.

Dangers of taking Ozempic to get 'beach body ready' revealed by top doc

June 16, 2024 | 5:57pm

"Drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy should only be used by people prescribed them for obesity or diabetes," said Stephen Powis, the national medical director of NHS England.

To build strength for long-term health, personal trainer JJ Virgin advises simulating your daily activities in the gym, performing workouts that engage fast-twitch muscles and prioritizing protein in your diet.

I'm a personal trainer — here are 3 simple ways to stay strong as you age

June 16, 2024 | 4:13pm

"Aging is a privilege but aging powerfully is a choice," celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin declared.

Women who eat small fish whole — from the head to the bones — may face a lower risk of dying from cancer and other causes, a new study out of Japan finds.

'Easy' addition to your diet can help you live longer: new study

June 16, 2024 | 1:52pm

Researchers credited the "anti-tumor effects of vitamins A and D" as well as the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and support...

Kristen Carli, an Arizona-based registered dietitian, claims she has found the best Taco Bell order for weight loss: a Chicken Burrito Supreme Fresco and a Mad Tasty Grapefruit Sparkling Water.

I'm a dietitian — this is the best Taco Bell order for weight loss

June 13, 2024 | 2:41pm

"This meal provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, which can help maintain energy levels and support muscle mass," Kristen Carli wrote Thursday.

A British content creator on vacation in Bali thought she had come down with the flu — but she had actually contracted dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.

I thought I had come down with the flu on vacation — it was dengue fever

June 13, 2024 | 9:57am

"It was so strange, I felt fine within myself," said Emma Cox, 27. "But I’d woken up with bumps all over my body — I’d never seen anything like it."

With more than 7,000 registered farmers markets across the country, nutrition experts are sharing with The Post how to avoid food poisoning while you grab groceries.

How to avoid food poisoning from shopping at the farmers market

June 13, 2024 | 9:26am

Nothing beets the farmers market — unless you get sick from shopping there.

Experiencing depressive symptoms as a young adult and beyond may lead to worse thinking and memory skills in middle age, a study published Wednesday finds.

How depression as a young adult can lead to memory problems later on

June 12, 2024 | 4:02pm

In the study, 3,117 participants were evaluated for depressive symptoms every five years for 20 years.