You need a “skincare sandwich”

I’ve never been a “write it down” to-do list person. My brain’s always been more of a filing cabinet — and I’ve bragged (a little too much) about my memory.

However: Back-to-school, multiple weekend trips, plus caring for aging parents has left me feeling off my game lately. So while I can tell you my exact ninth grade class schedule, I regularly forget to prep for my noon pitch meeting. (And there’s science behind why we hold onto those forever-ago memories.) So I’m finally making friends with the Notes app — because why flex when you don’t have to? And here’s what else is on my radar:

• Taking my Duolingo Spanish streak to the next level with the 2-7-30 method for memory retention. 

• Pairing my brand new to-do list with a “not-to-do” list.

• Considering not giving my nephew his Nintendo Switch back now that I’ve gotten into “cozy gaming.”

• Blaming my occasional forgetfulness on my stress snacks.

• Shaking up my supplement routine and adding this one to the mix.

— Anna “The Notes App is Superior to My Brain” Davies

“Proffee” is the new protein trend, which is good news for anyone (turns out, a lot of folks) trying to start their day off strong.

PSA: Not all prenatal vitamins are made the same — doctors caution some buzzy brands are missing key nutrients needed to prevent birth defects.

Is your skin flakier than that “let’s get drinks sometime!” friend?  It might be time for a “skincare sandwich.”

If you’re addicted to bubbles… Here's a reason to bypass the soda in favor of seltzer.

Some people swear the fix for feeling mentally healthier isn’t solo “me time” … it’s this unexpected group boost (BYO bathing suit).

It’s year five of side-eyeing every cough… but a new study finds this common OTC med might offer an extra layer of protection against COVID. 

Ten expert-backed benefits of morning sex — quickies count, too. (Will skip the snooze for #4 alone.)

What if booking a flight could cut your medical bill in half? With health care costs ballooning at home — next year, marketplace premiums could double without subsidies caught up in the latest government shutdown fight, and employer plans are forecasted to rise nearly 10%, too— more people are exploring treatment abroad. 

From IVF to dental work, “medical vacations” are no longer fringe; they’re becoming a pragmatic, if imperfect, option for patients looking to stretch their care dollars further. FYI: A procedure abroad can cost less than your monthly premium in some places.

What sort of procedures? It ranges. People travel for the aforementioned fertility services and fillings, but also cosmetic surgeries, and even cancer treatment. One hotspot, Los Algodones, Mexico (it’s been dubbed “Molar City” for good reason) welcomes thousands of Americans annually for affordable dental work. 

Not all medical travel involves a passport, and sometimes, it isn’t a choice so much as a necessity. With reproductive restrictions tightening in some states, women are increasingly forced to leave home for care. A friend of mine was advised by her doctor to consider  “ovarian rejuvenation” — an experimental procedure that aims to restart egg production — with a specialist across the country. But whether you’re crossing state lines or international borders, seeking care away from home comes with its own set of challenges.

The fine print: There are definitely risks to consider. For one thing, “fit to fly” rules at some airlines mean if you’re ill after treatment, it may take longer than expected to get back home. And follow-up care could be complicated once you return. 

Also ... There's the fact that procedures gone wrong have become such a problem that the UK Government has partnered with TikTokers to share tips to make medical trips as safe as possible.

For Your Sanity:

• Talk with your doc. They might have referrals (be able to confirm accreditations at potential treatment sites), or at minimum share thoughts on what’s safe and what’s not treatment-wise. 

• Get all the coverage. Travel insurance is a must. You also need to read the fine print and make sure it covers medical evacuation back to the United States. 

• Men aren’t immune, either. Procedures like “leg lengthening” or “unbalding” aren’t just plot twists in rom-coms, your IRL partner may be thinking about them, too.

Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH

Why we love her: She’s a dual-degree doctor and neurogastroenterologist, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the columnist behind the Ask the Doctor column at The Washington Post. Three reasons to add her to your feed:

1. She answers burning questions we wouldn’t ask our doctors. See: Why do people fart so much on airplanes?

2. She explains how to fibermaxx… without it taking over your life.

3. And her dad is hilarious too. See her argue with him (also a GI doc) about how long is too long to sit on the toilet.

Don’t let the sniffles hold you back. We tested the best OTC cold remedies, so you can go back to your regularly-scheduled pumpkin spice season.

Here’s the full list of the best over-the-counter cold medicines, according to experts.

The part of your self-care routine that often gets skipped? Financial wellness. We get it: There’s so much on our plates — family, work, trying to actually hit those impossible protein goals — that it’s easy to delay the money moves you’ve been meaning to make. And with so much noise out there, jumping in can feel overwhelming.

Not anymore. In this Skimm+ event, So Money host and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi will break down investing, how to shift your money mindset, and what you can do — today — to reach your goals.

✨She’ll be answering all your investing questions, so you get clear, actionable answers. No judgement, just facts. 

If you’re joining us from Livestrong, now’s a good time to shout out Livestrong.org where the Livestrong Foundation is doing important work to ensure everyone affected by cancer has the resources they need to thrive. You'll find resources if you're a patient, family member, or caregiver. There are also plenty of ways to get involved, including the 29th Annual Livestrong Challenge on November 2nd. Participate live in Austin or join virtually from anywhere. We hope you’ll check it out and share.