Hi there. You may have noticed every influencer, podcaster, and “carb-deprived white man” is suddenly a health expert. There’s a flood of information (and a rising tide of misinformation). To help you navigate it, we’re coming to your inbox weekly from now on.
Our promise: We’re not going to push a magic pill or powder, swear that hydration cures all (though, yes, drink water), or pretend "protein chic" is the answer to everything. We’re here to cut through the noise and keep you informed.
We know that health and wellness priorities look different for everyone –– but the future of women’s health matters to us all. And on the future front, here are some health stories that inspired us, excited us… and changed our relationship with salad.
The at-home pap smear just got approved. Goodbye, awkward scooching and cold speculum.
Can ChatGPT really replace your therapist? Answer: Not no.
Incoming: The “holy grail” of autoimmune disease treatments.
Creators have rediscovered the most practical way to eat your greens…
And AI’s not just coming for our jobs, it’s also here to tell us we look old.
— Anna “My Diet Coke Break is Part of My Wellness Routine” Davies, Writer
What Made the Rounds This Week
Louder for the influencers in the class: There will be consequences for filming your workout.
Put down the protein shake, because it must be asked: Is creatine worth the hype? Or is it a gym bro placebo?
Your phone isn't (completely) rotting your brain — here are five ways tech can actually improve your brain health.
A secret superfood in pasta and white rice? We’re listening…
With the CDC more MIA by the day, these trusted health information sources are worth bookmarking.
Botox at 25, facelift at… 40? The "millennial facelift" has arrived.
Do You Need a Full Body Scan?
During your Daily Doomscroll™, did you see one of many viral headlines about a new study that links CT scans to cancer risk... and panic? Let's take a beat.
What the study found: About 0.16% of people who got a CT scan in 2023 will likely develop cancer from the small amount of radiation they were exposed to during the test. But what the headlines zoomed in on was this stat: The authors estimate that cancer from CT scans could eventually make up 5% of all cases. It’s worth noting that the authors used at least one questionable assumption to get there.
What to keep in mind: Doctors order CT scans for many reasons, such as detecting types of cancer, diagnosing stroke, or assessing bone injuries. Like any medical test, there are costs and benefits to consider. Usually, the benefits win.
On the other end of the anxiety spectrum: More people (including lots. of. celebs.) are shelling out for radiation-free, full-body MRI scans with no clear medical reason –– and hyping them as the $2,500 crystal balls of modern wellness. 15-30% of these tests come back with some kind of 🚩 that’s almost never urgent, but that could be... some day. Or not. Some customers say they were able to get life-saving care after catching something with a full-body MRI. But doctors worry all this will lead to unnecessary follow-up scans (that do involve radiation) and invasive treatments.
For Your Sanity
Schedule a doctor’s appointment. One survey found seeing your doctor regularly could equal living up to two years longer. (Use this tool to schedule the checkups you need based on your age.)
Concerned about getting a CT scan? Let your doctor know. (Here’s your script for making sure you’re heard.)
Remember influencers ≠ doctors. Posts about full-body scans can be misleading.
Q: "I'm paranoid my husband will die whenever he uses mouth tape. Is this a possibility?"
FEATURED EXPERT:
“Mouth tape panic is real, and I totally get it. If your husband is otherwise healthy, mouth taping isn’t a death sentence, but it can be a red flag. Sometimes it’s a DIY fix for snoring or sleep apnea, which really deserve a deeper look. Think of it like slapping a sticker on your check engine light — it’s not a long-term solution, it’s just masking the problem. It’s better for him to go to the doctor and get a full workup. If he’s using [mouth tape] to optimize his sleep, he might get more benefit from dialing in the basics, like sticking to a regular bedtime, cutting screen time before bed, having a consistent exercise routine, and managing stress during the day.”
Sunscreen You'll Actually Be Excited to Apply
We don't have to tell you that sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days. But what if we stopped treating SPF like a kale salad (reliable, healthy, a little boring) and started thinking of it more like a scoop of gelato — cool, refreshing, and something you look forward to?
Here, the dermatologist-approved formulas that are glowy, sheer, and wearable for every skin tone.
Supergoop!
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is the best for every day
EltaMD
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is the best for acne-prone skin
Babo Botanicals
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is the best spray
Here’s the complete list of the 12 best sunscreens for all budgets, skin tones, and skin types, reviewed by a dermatologist.
You have to eat to live. You might as well make this.
The Dense Bean Salad is back — with a European rebrand, just in time for summer. Meet the Antipasto Dense Bean Salad: part meal prep hero, part lunchtime power move.
It’s a formula perfected by TikTok creator Violet Witchel, known for turning a humble can of beans into the star of the show. In this version, it’s like your favorite antipasto staples (hi, olives, salami, mozzarella, pepperoncini) had a fling with your pantry MVPs (chickpeas, reporting for duty). It shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. The result? A salad that tastes like happy hour and works like a meal.
Live Smarter
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