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One childhood checkup could predict your risk of dying young

Today we share how an easy childhood test might warn of real danger in later life, we discuss the revolutionary tech that burned bright before burning out (sometimes literally), and we discuss a bold move for the balding.

Author

Greg Sullivan
September 16, 2025 • Est. Reading Time: 7 minutes

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“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.”
 ― Carl Sagan

In this issue...

Turns out your third-grade physical might have held the key to your future.

In a study of more than 37,000 kids, researchers found that seven-year-olds with high blood pressure were far more likely to die of heart disease decades later. Most of us don’t have medical records from childhood, but if you’ve got kids of your own, this one matters.

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"High blood pressure in children can have serious consequences throughout their lives."

Alexa Freedman, Northwestern University

The data tracked children from the 1950s and ’60s into middle age, and the results were staggering: kids in the top blood pressure range faced up to 50% higher rates of early death.

But as Amy Lamare reports, fate isn’t fixed. The upside? Knowing the risks means families can take action now, and we’ve got the heart-healthy tips to do it.

Image of the day

This stunning image of the night sky over Australia is by photographer Jose Luis Cantabrana Garcia, who notes that views like this are threatened by light pollution. 

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From "coping" to confident.

For men suffering from male pattern baldness, Elsa might have had the best advice. 🎶Let it go! Let it GOOOO! 🎶It’s a tough move to make for many. Not every balding guy can be Larry David-level zen about hair loss, but in the r/bald subreddit, you’ll find story after story of men going from, and I’m quoting here, “middle-aged accountant to smokeshow.”

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“I think you'll feel lighter, freer, and more in control. I wish my husband did it much sooner!"

Kayla Crane, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

As Ryan Reed reports, this story isn’t just about hair, it’s about letting go of insecurity, one buzz at a time.

Who’s the ultimate bald icon?

There are more options than you might think. If yours isn't here, drop it in the box.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

And what did we learn?

Yesterday, we told you about the robo-taxis debuting on the Vegas strip and asked you how you rank among your fellow drivers. Looks like GOOD readers are a humble bunch!

  • I can't believe they let me drive at all. I'm terrible! (6.5%)

  • Easy, Mr. Los Angeles, some of us have mass transit where we live. (6.5%)

  • I'm an excellent driver and no robot will ever chauffeur me around. (34.8%)

  • I'm OK, nothing to brag about, not many fender benders. (52.2%)

Reader AngelCircleNW isn’t on board with robots taking the wheel. “I have been transit operator for over 40 years. […] I have never had a traffic ticket or accident in my personal vehicle. I am now 71 years old.“ That’s GOOD driving!

They disappeared, but some left a, ahem, mark.

Remember 3D TVs? For a hot minute, they were the darlings of the Best Buy back wall (remember those?). You squinted through plastic glasses, watched ten minutes of Avatar, and quietly wandered off. It was not meant to be.

Every few years, we meet a new tech darling that’s “the future.” Media buzz. VC money. A cool demo video. And then... crickets. In this roundup by Mark Wales, we revisit five futuristic ideas that sparked major hype, and flamed out just as fast.

Oh, and fair warning: the phrase “anal leakage” is in here. (If you know, you know.)

Do you have something GOOD to share?

We’re always on the lookout for uplifting, enlightening, and engaging content to share with readers like you. If you have something you think should be featured in the Daily GOOD, let me know!

💬 From the group text…

I can easily imagine this entire conversation taking place in my house. “You spent $150 on a rock?!?”

Until tomorrow, may you have a great hair day, even sans-hair.