There are some things we never notice until they're gone. One of those things is the cartilage that pads our joints. You probably haven't given any thought to this cushion that keeps your bones from rubbing against each other — unless that cushion has disappeared. While cartilage can wear away over time, it's also possible for it to be damaged suddenly. And unlike many other parts of our bodies, cartilage can't repair itself. Once it's gone, it doesn't grow back.

People who are skeptical of spa treatments often use the mud bath as an example of a ridiculous extravagance that's a waste of time, money, and comfort. But new research has found that this might not be such an absurd practice after all. Humans have used mud and clay since the beginning of time, in the absence of modern medicine, to do everything from enhancing relaxation to staunching bleeding wounds. Now researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) are starting to understand just why this was such a good idea.

Once you find out you have cancer, the first thing you want to do is to get rid of it. That's only natural. Get it the heck out of my body. But is this really the smartest thing to do? In many cases, I don't think so. And now a new study is bearing me out on this.