Consumer News: Don't toss that old laptop — 3 clever ways to save money by giving it a second life

More than half of participants following a structured diet and exercise program achieved type 2 diabetes remission after six months.

The study compared an intensive lifestyle intervention with standard medical care and found a significant difference in outcomes.

Researchers say the approach shows promise, but longer-term studies are needed to determine whether remission and weight loss can be maintained.

Managing type 2 diabetes often involves a combination of medication, dietary changes, and physical activity. But new research suggests that a more structured approach to weight loss and exercise could help some younger adults achieve something even more significant: diabetes remission.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas, focused on adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 45. This group can face a particularly challenging course of the disease, including faster declines in blood sugar control and an increased risk of developing complications earlier in life.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

The American Medical Association (AMA) is launching a national campaign encouraging patients to discuss online health advice with their doctors before acting on it.

The campaign comes as medical claims spread across social media, search engines, and AI platforms, making it harder to distinguish reliable information from misleading advice.

The AMA wants patients to bring online health questions to their physicians, who can help determine whether the information applies to their individual health needs.

A quick internet search can turn up thousands of answers to just about any health question. Whether you're researching a new symptom, looking into a treatment, or asking an AI chatbot about a medical concern, there's no shortage of information available. But figuring out which advice is actually worth following can be another story.

That's the concern behind a new campaign from the American Medical Association (AMA). Launched Nov. 9, the national initiative encourages patients to ask their doctors before making health decisions based on something they've read or watched online.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Forty-four percent of consumers feel more financially stressed than last year, while one-third usually take on holiday debt or expect to this season.

Shoppers are setting budgets and reconsidering spending, but sales promotions and convenient financing can complicate those plans.

Buy now, pay later services can spread out purchases, but missed payments and overlapping repayment schedules can create additional financial pressure.

Holiday shoppers are heading into the 2026 season with tighter budgets and growing financial anxiety, making decisions about how to pay almost as consequential as what to buy.

The Electronic Transactions Association and payments consulting firm TSG found that 44% of consumers feel more financially stressed than last year, compared with 27% in 2025. One-third say they usually accumulate holiday debt or likely will this year, up from 19%.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

Federal officials have issued a public health alert for frozen meat and poultry products containing sesame that is missing from their labels; the beef product also contains undeclared fish.

The affected Bami Rolls, Sat Kroketten and Bitterballen were sold online nationwide through Lowlands House.

Consumers should discard the products or return them. No adverse reactions have been confirmed.

The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for several frozen meat and poultry products because their labels fail to disclose ingredients that could pose a risk to people with food allergies.

The products contain undeclared sesame. In addition, the beef product contains Worcestershire sauce made with anchovy, meaning fish is also missing from its allergen labeling, according to the agencys Nov. 6 alert.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs