Consumer Reports on Health – March 2026

Summary

A 2025 systematic review found that 4-plus hours of daily sedentary behaviour raises neck pain risk by 60 percent, and the March 2026 Consumer Reports On Health (Volume 38, Issue 3) delivers strategies to fight back. The issue covers regularity secrets, supplement strength claims, tinnitus relief, safe OTC medication use, healthier salads, and better brushing habits for adults over 65.

The lead feature, "Top Secrets for Staying Regular," reviews the meds, foods, and movements that prevent constipation — a common complaint among older adults. It emphasises fibre from whole plant foods, adequate hydration, and physical activity before reaching for laxatives. A separate piece investigates whether supplements can actually make you stronger, with CR's lab analysis of popular protein powders and creatine products. The tinnitus trick offers a specific manoeuvre to stop ringing, while the OTC medication safety guide warns about acetaminophen dosing limits and NSAID risks for older adults.

Health Wire delivers quick, sourced research: a study on the veggie-sleep connection, how to cut cancer care costs with new Medicare Part D caps, and the surprising benefit of the shingles vaccine. CR's independent, ad-free model ensures every product mention — from fibre supplements to electric toothbrushes — is based on lab testing, not sponsorship.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Feature / Digestive Health

p.4 · Top Secrets for Staying Regular
CR reviews the meds, foods, and movements that prevent constipation. Key strategies: 25-30 grams of daily fibre from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains; adequate water intake (8-10 cups daily); and regular physical activity. The article warns that many over-the-counter laxatives can cause dependency and recommends trying dietary changes first. Prunes, kiwifruit, and ground flaxseed are singled out as evidence-backed natural options.

▸ Fitness / Supplements

p.6 · Can a Supplement Make You Stronger?
CR tests popular protein powders and creatine supplements for purity and effectiveness. The conclusion: whole food protein sources are preferable for most people, but whey protein isolate can be convenient post-workout. Creatine monohydrate shows the strongest evidence for muscle strength gains in older adults, at 3-5 grams daily. CR warns that many supplements contain heavy metals or proprietary blends with unproven amounts.

▸ Health / Hearing

p.7 · Tinnitus: Stop the Ringing With This Trick
CR describes a specific manoeuvre — pressing both palms firmly over the ears with fingers resting on the back of the skull, then tapping the skull with index fingers 30-40 times — that can provide temporary tinnitus relief. The article advises seeing an audiologist for persistent tinnitus and discusses sound therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy as longer-term solutions.

▸ Health / Medication Safety

p.8 · How to Use OTC Meds Safely
Older adults are at higher risk for OTC medication complications. CR warns that acetaminophen should not exceed 3,000 mg daily, NSAIDs like ibuprofen can worsen kidney function and blood pressure, and antihistamines carry fall risks. The article also covers drug-drug interactions with common prescription medications. Keep a current medication list and review it with your pharmacist annually.

▸ Nutrition / Salads

p.10 · 5 Easy Ideas for Healthier Salads
CR offers specific strategies to turn salads into complete meals: add a protein source (grilled chicken, chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs), include healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts), bulk up with vegetables beyond lettuce, use whole grain components (quinoa, farro), and make your own dressing to control sodium and sugar.

▸ Health / Dental

p.11 · Tips for Better Brushing
CR reviews electric toothbrush ratings and proper brushing technique: 2 minutes twice daily, soft-bristled brush, 45-degree angle at the gumline. The article also covers flossing alternatives for arthritic hands (floss picks, water flossers) and the importance of regular dental visits for overall health.

▸ Regulars / Health Wire
Quick research updates: new Medicare Part D cap cuts out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer drugs to $2,000 annually; the shingles vaccine is linked to lower dementia risk in a large observational study; and a recent trial found that eating 5 cups of produce daily improves sleep quality by 16 percent.

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Editor's Take

March 2026 is a serviceable but unremarkable issue. The regularity and OTC safety features address real, common problems for older readers with concrete advice. The tinnitus trick is the most interesting piece — unusual and specific enough that most readers will try it immediately. But the supplement article covers ground that CR has worked before, and the salad and brushing tips are filler-level briefs. At 11 editorial pages, it's another thin month.

Strengths
• Tinnitus relief manoeuvre is specific, testable, and rare in consumer health media
• OTC safety guide addresses a genuine risk in the 65+ population
• Regularity feature emphasises diet-first approach over laxatives

Weaknesses
• Supplement and salad articles recycle widely available information
• Issue feels light — several pieces are single-page briefs rather than features

Verdict: Selective read — Worth it for the tinnitus and OTC safety pages; the rest is basic enough to skip.