Get me to the sea.
You know it’s summer when everyone’s channeling their inner Victorian woman with “hysteria” and seeking the healing powers of “ocean therapy.”
That includes me, writing this from our annual Cape Cod getaway, where my daughter and I are hitting the mini-golf links and avoiding the influencers luring sharks to shore.
And I’ll be keeping the “sea cure” vibes going even after I RTO. The plan:
Swapping out pensive beach walks for the (apparently hugely beneficial) float tank.
Leaning into just enough workouts, and these other science-based tips for liking exercise again.
Getting over "sunshine guilt" and curling up in the AC with my TBR list.
And finally, reciting Ilona Maher’s viral “beach body” response to strangers on the sidewalk.
— Anna “Shark Girl Summer, Anyone?” Davies, writer
What's Making the Rounds
Did you get influenced to buy an Alo Yoga set? *TV lawyer voice* You may be entitled to compensation.
People are freaking out over a new MIT study that showed the brain on ChatGPT. But don’t fire your digital assistant just yet.
More people in their 20s and 30s are getting colon cancer. Insurers don’t usually cover colonoscopies until 45. Ask your doctor about this new screen instead.
Recently started paying attention to microplastics? Glass might not be the safer swap you hoped for.
Before you raise a glass to rosé season, assess which alcohol is the least-bad option for you.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced the team that recommends vaccines –– and your pediatrician bills could look a lot different going forward.
If you’re among the GLP-1 patients seeing your prescription costs spike, here are other options that won’t set you back thousands.
Your friend on an elimination diet swears that wheat and dairy are just better in Europe… Is she right?
The one where we talk about birth control ...
In the three years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, conservative groups have pushed to restrict access to abortion — and mifepristone, and Plan B, and birth control pills — often through smaller, strategic roadblocks rather than sweeping bans.
Meanwhile, scroll social media and you’ll find women (including celebs like Lorde and Alex Cooper) sharing why they’re rejecting hormonal birth control altogether, citing things like weight gain, mood changes, and wanting a more “natural” method like cycle tracking.
There are plenty of health and personal reasons why someone would switch to another BC method (or none at all). But these political and social trends have created the perfect environment for misinformation to spread. TikTok recently took down videos of people promoting false anti-Pill claims… after they’d racked up millions of views.
Here are some things you may have seen — and what you really need to know…
The Claim: The Pill causes cancer.The truth: Hormonal birth control may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer — but it may also lower the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. It’s nuanced.
The Claim: Hormonal birth control causes infertility.The truth: It doesn’t. But it can mask symptoms of underlying conditions like PCOS or irregular ovulation. If you're thinking of trying for a baby soon, check in with your doc about how and when to phase out your BC.
The Claim: Fertility tracking apps are just as effective as the Pill.The truth: They’re not. Some are FDA approved, but even the best ones can have a fail rate close to 8%, vs. < 1% for the Pill. Even if you know your cycle down to the day, your body isn't a Google Calendar. Stress, illness, travel, and age can all shift your ovulation window.
For Your Sanity:
Find a doctor who listens to you. It’s true that women (especially women of color) have good reasons to distrust the medical establishment –– so it’s worth jumping through hoops to find someone you feel good about.
Revisit your options. Have you been on the same birth control since college? Your needs may have changed.
Keep your data close. A new University of Cambridge report warns that women using period-tracking apps face “real and frightening privacy risks.” These companies make money by selling your sensitive health info to third parties.
Q: I’ve seen a lot of people at the gym wearing nasal strips. Would that actually improve my workout?
FEATURED EXPERT:
“The short answer is: yes! This is especially true for anyone who notices difficulty breathing through the nose during strenuous activity. In people with nasal breathing issues, many studies have shown significant improvement in performance parameters. Your nose warms and humidifies air, which helps optimize it for oxygen exchange in the lungs. A performance nasal strip widens your airway."
On a scale of 1 to jade yoni egg, how woo-woo are things getting in the comments?
“Divine Feminine”
When your yoga teacher says she’s been tapping into her divine feminine, she could mean she’s trying to be more creative, or trust her intuition more, or feel more present in her body. It's a moving target.
Generally, the “divine feminine” = your creative and emotional side, and the “divine masculine” = your action-oriented and logical side. You can see how this could get reductive real quick… especially on the internet.
These terms have filtered from religious teachings and psychological frameworks into everyday speech –– right along with New Age concepts like manifestation and astrology. And people are using them to guide who they date and what they want in a long-term partner.
On social media, it’s a short ride from videos about slowing down and reconnecting with your body… to #tradwife and #stayathomegirlfriend content about being grateful to do the dishes.
Woo Factor: 💎💎💎 out of 💎💎💎💎💎
We give it three healing crystals. We’re all for finding inspiration and tools for self discovery on your FYP. Just not for using spiritual language to reinforce rigid gender roles.
These Mosquito Repellants Can Save Your Backyard Hangouts
Dodging mosquitos is not the vibe this summer. These picks belong on your patio and in your purse, so dusk doesn’t spell “dinnertime” for the six-legged set.
OFF!
Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Spray is the best overall.
Ben's
Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent is the best spray.
Sawyer
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent is the best lotion.
Click here for more go-to mosquito repellents, approved by a board-certified dermatologist.
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.