Dump out my tote and, between the protein-bar wrappers and hand sanitizer, you'll find four pairs of headphones, a Kindle, a laptop, a heart-rate monitor — and, of course, my phone.
An "analog bag" it is not. And while my shoulders have thoughts about lugging all this tech around, so does my brain.
That complexity was on display this summer when singer Jessie J, who announced last year that she had breast cancer, postponed treatment in order to perform. The debate that followed underscored a reality that's often missed: Living with cancer involves ongoing trade-offs, and there isn't one "right" way to navigate them.
The reality is that much about cancer — from diagnosis to prognosis — is out of our hands. But what we can control is how we think, speak, and prepare for the possibility that it becomes part of our life or the life of someone we love.
For Your Sanity:
Get screened. Screening guidelines change with age and risk. Double-check what's recommended, especially if you've got a birthday ending in 0 or 5 coming up, and don't ignore symptoms just because you feel "too young."
Learn how to talk about it. Well-intentioned phrases can land badly with someone who's newly diagnosed. Having a short playbook of what to say — and what to skip — can make you a much better friend. (PS: We created a full support guide over at Skimm+.)
Look at your benefits. Cancer care at work matters — understand what's available, what can adapt, and, if need be, advocate for more, even before a diagnosis.
Track your baseline. Know what's normal for your body. It'll make it easier to spot changes early — and raise concerns without second-guessing.
Q: How are we supposed to get vitamin D during winter without sacrificing our skin health?
A: "Easy answer: I always take a vitamin D supplement, specifically, a vitamin D3 (not D2) supplement because it gives us exactly the vitamin D that we make.
It's important to always take it with food. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it needs a little fat to be absorbed properly."
What's new: Last month, the CDC updated its childhood vaccine schedule, removing routine recommendations for several illnesses, including rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, flu, COVID, and RSV. Now, recommendations for these vaccines are, for the most part, no longer universal and will vary by child.
Why the change? Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pointed to vaccine schedules in some European countries, like Denmark, which recommend fewer childhood vaccines. Public health experts say those comparisons fall short: Denmark's population is far smaller and utilizes a completely different care system, which affects disease spread and public-health risk.
Will insurance still pay? For now, vaccines remain covered by insurance. And some families may not have so much of a choice. School vaccine requirements are set at the state level, and some private schools, day cares, and camps may have their own rules.
Sometimes the hardest part of working out is showing up. Whether you're getting back into the fitness game after taking some time off or you're looking for fresh fitness inspo, Apple Fitness+ has personalized recommendations and custom plans to get you moving. They've got 12 workout types from Strength to HIIT to Yoga, with episodes as short as five minutes so you can get a workout in, no matter your schedule. Plus, they're available on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, meaning you can access them anywhere.
Rosy cheeks are cute. Raw, red skin? Not so much. When winter strips your skin of moisture, the right cleanser can make all the difference — and keep things clean, calm, and hydrated without irritation.
A protein-packed nutrition shake that doesn't taste like chalk? We're sat.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Have a question, comment, or just want to be friends? Reach out to us at well@theskimm.com
Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway and Kylie McConville.Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Photos by DupePhotos.com, Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images (Lawrence), brand partners
Design by theSkimm
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Apple Fitness+ requires iPhone 8 or later or Apple Watch Series 3 or later paired with iPhone 6s or later required. New subscribers only. $9.99/month after trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply
