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Ashleigh Gleeson

National Health Editor

Two journalists put their self-esteem on the line this week to expose a concerning ‘looksmaxxing’ trend which has psychologists worried. Looksmaxxing is a toxic online phenomenon predominantly targeting teen boys. They are being told to optimise their appearance by any means necessary. Now a special report examines how young people are downloading ‘looksmaxxing’ apps that rate their attractiveness and point out their flaws. The apps then suggest skin and hair products for purchase. Taylor Penny and Aris Schuler-Shah tested out one popular app – and the video of what happened is definitely worth a watch. You can see it here.

Meanwhile have you ever wanted to try pilates but felt too scared? Ruby Kraner-Tucci spoke to 52 parents who explained the different ways the popular, low-impact exercise helped them with their fitness, back pain or post-partum recoveries. It’s a really motivating piece. I know in winter I need all the help I can get, so I hope it inspires you to attend a class like it did for me!

Lastly, the outpouring of support for the family of Poppy Reynolds, a young suicide advocate who died four years after her brother took his own life, has been significant. Poppy, only 22, was a beautiful soul who had been masking her own pain since the death of brother, Harry. “One day last week, her tough resilience just couldn’t show up one more time,” her grief-stricken mother Natalie Vizer told mourners at her funeral. You can read the beautiful memories about Poppy’s kindness and selflessness here.

Until next week.

Four stories to read today

Do you eat bacon or chorizo? Best and worst deli meats ranked

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Ever wondered if you are buying the healthiest bacon, ham or salami? Plus this simple swap could cut your risk of bowel cancer.

If you feel short of breath doing these 3 things it may be a concern

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If you only get breathless during strenuous exercise you don’t need to worry. But if you are feeling out of breath in these three circumstances it may be a concern.

We spoke to 52 parents who do this exercise – it helped them in this major way

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We spoke to 52 Australian mums and dads who said regularly practising this low-impact exercise helped them in four key ways. See the full list of what each parent had to say.

‘Darling girl’ dies four years after brother took his own life

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The heartbroken Queensland parents of a young suicide prevention advocate have paid tribute to their “darling, golden-heart girl,” four years after losing their son.

#1 Banned anti-vaxxer brazenly promotes potato remedy at $195 event Disgraced wellness guru Barbara O’Neill has addressed a sold out event with dubious health claims, prompting an urgent review.

#2 Scientists make crucial discovery about ageing Monash University scientists have made a discovery that could help older mums.

#3 AFL star’s shock: ‘Finding out was devastating … but it helped our baby’ An AFL star has revealed the details behind the life-changing genetic discovery that helped his daughter.