Is walking better than HIIT training?

Circling back.

Anyone else getting more than a few emails "just following up" on those projects that you all agreed could wait until September? I see you.

This year, I'm skipping the "Great Lock In," and leaning into simple pleasures and hacks that help me feel just a liiittle bit savvier –– and saner –– while I'm facing down my to-do list.

Here's what I mean…

If your doctor says you need that test, but your insurance is saying "no," pull this up, put a meeting block on your calendar, and call them. You got this.
You've heard (ad nauseum) about the wonders of the Mediterranean Diet. But do you know these four easy tips to buying the best olive oil — without the insane price tag? Prego.
Download an audiobook without feeling guilty that you're not reading "the right way." Here's proof.
Skip the HIIT workout and take a walk. Because you're on the "zone zero" plan.
Honestly, this is a bit serial killer for my taste, but if you're looking for a time-saver… influencers are going viral for "meal prepping" their makeup the night before.

— Anna "Still Not Meal-Prepping My Mascara" Davies, Writer

What's Making the Rounds

Here are six (surprisingly common) food pairings that nutritionists want you to avoid. Warning: #5 is a heart-breaker.

If you just can't shake those UTI symptoms, read this.

The "Viagra of hair loss drugs" is in trials, and people are sharing pics of what Prince William would look like with hair.

The CDC just stopped tracking several kinds of food poisoning. Here's how you can protect yourself.

Erin Andrews caught her cervical cancer with this routine screening that too many of us skip.

Your butt is begging you: Please don't bring your phone into the bathroom.

Selena Gomez's mental health startup –– once valued at $100 million –– has reportedly been a nightmare for employees, and all we can say is yikes.

The Call Is Coming From Inside Your Hormone System

Scientists are still trying to determine how endocrine disruptors may be tied to short and long-term health problems — but the online panicking is in full force.

The 101: Your endocrine system regulates the flow of hormones throughout your body to manage core functions like growth, digestion, and sleep. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals in our lived environments that can mimic, block, or confuse your hormones until the whole system is out of sync.

The usual suspects: Here are the biggest offenders, and what we actually know about their connection to our health...

Bisphenol A, aka BPA and Bisphenol S (BPS): Used to make some plastics. Found in items like canned goods and paper receipts. Linked to fertility problems as well as potential increased cancer risk, among other things.
Phthalates: Make plastics flexible, and help scents and products last longer. Found in fragrances, shampoos, cosmetics, and packaging. Studies suggest exposure to phthalates affects fetal development during pregnancy.
PFAS, aka "forever chemicals." Used to make products resistant to heat and water. Found in cookware, fabrics, packaging, and furniture. Linked to certain cancers, immune issues, and thyroid disruption.

Parabens. Synthetic preservatives that prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Found in personal care products and some foods. Evidence shows parabens can mimic estrogen, linking them to reproductive health concerns.

What you can do: We're still not sure exactly how harmful these chemicals are –– but we know enough. Here's how to limit your exposure, without driving yourself nuts….

For Your Sanity:

Clear the air. Skip to #8 for easy ways to cut down on airborne chemicals in your home.
Rethink your food prep. Even "microwave-safe" materials leach chemicals into your food. Make these swaps.
Focus on labels. "Fragrance" and "parfum" are code for "made with chemicals that the manufacturer doesn't have to disclose." Look for these labels instead.
Think small. These five other low-lift changes can make a big difference.

The State of Shots

For decades, all US states have required schoolchildren to get certain vaccines before going into the classroom.

Florida just broke that streak, and plans to end vaccine mandates for students, with the state's surgeon general citing so-called bodily autonomy and parental rights among his reasons.

At the same time, the Senate is dialing up its scrutiny of HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for appointing vaccine skeptics to key positions and scaling back COVID vaccine access… just in time for the fall.

TL;DR: Cold and flu season is just around the corner. Here's a custom vaccine-planner tool to make sure you're getting the protection you need.

Q: I'm freaking out about flesh-eating bacteria. Should I be?

Featured Expert

Ehsan Ali, MD

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Founder and CEO, Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor

A: "Vibrio vulnificus is scary, but thankfully, it's extremely rare. The people who get seriously sick are usually those with underlying health issues, liver disease, weakened immune systems, or chronic illnesses like diabetes. For most healthy adults, the odds are low, but that doesn't mean you ignore it.

Even a tiny cut can be a doorway for bacteria. I've seen patients shrug off a small scratch only to develop serious infections.

My rule of thumb: any open skin, no swimming in natural water."

Are You Well Informed?

Q: What fruit has the most protein?

Spit, Rinse, Repeat

Great taste, whiter teeth, and formulas that go beyond the basics. These are the toothpastes your dentist will be proud you picked — whether you're chasing extra whitening power, fresher breath, or just a routine that earns gold-star status at your next checkup.

Colgate

Colgate Optic White Pro Series is the best whitening toothpaste.

Arm & Hammer

Arm & Hammer Plus TheraBreath Breath Fresheners is the best toothpaste for bad breath.

Bite

Bite Toothpaste Bits are the best toothpaste tablets.

Here's the full list of the best toothpastes, according to experts.

Today's Recs For a Life Well-Lived

If you're commuting to the office or in a job that has you on your feet all day, check out these shoes. They're comfortable, but won't ruin your office outfit.

A life hack we just figured out: The secret to staying hydrated is a nice water bottle. These are our favorites.

These are the only eye makeup remover pads that don't irritate our sensitive eyes, but they're effective enough to remove stubborn waterproof mascara. Plus, they actually feel refreshing, not greasy.

Feeling Extra Crispy? One Hour to a Calmer You

When life feels like one long to-do list, "calm down" doesn't cut it. That's because your nervous system actually needs practice to shift gears. In this live virtual workshop, Neuro-Calming Exercises to Rewire Stress and Reclaim Focus with Jessica Crow, a wellness pro + behavioral neuroscience teacher, you'll learn science-backed techniques to quickly de-stress: orientation reset, symptom mapping with neuro-calming breath, and interoceptive awareness. Because when you've trained your brain to chill out? You can conquer the world.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

11 a.m. PT • 2 p.m. ET with replays.

$22, use code SKIMMLIVE5to get $5 off for a limited time.

Learn more