3 simple changes you can make for better health

One of the simplest ways to invite joy back into your life when things feel overwhelming (or stagnant) is by changing things up. You don’t have to go big—a small shift can produce a wondrous effect.

So this week, we offer a few suggestions shared in recent news. Then, close with health updates to keep your body strong. But first, click your way through…

Your Checkup: 

• When it’s safe (or not) to mouth tape at night
• Therapists share (awesome) top calming tips
• Which hair loss treatment best restores hair?
• Trouble decluttering? The poop rule may help!
• If under the weather, cozy up with fall flicks
• Need to level up your walk routine? Try rucking
• Ghost poops are a sign of excellent gut health!
• Which exercises most improve ED symptoms? 
• Welcome October with a flaky veggie pot pie

Primary Care

Changing air? Change your hair care!

The autumnal drop in humidity might feel good for the spirit. But it’s not great for the mane.

According to the experts in Well+Good, drier air draws moisture from the hair + scalp, making our heads itch + hair look less shiny or lustrous. It may also lose strength + break. Getting a trim can help reduce breakage + split ends. Otherwise, read the article for specific hair care tips.

And if you struggle with hair loss, get online hair loss treatment with Dr. B!

Savor it!

It seems simplistic: if we focus on positive things, our mood improves.

Yet, as reported in NPR, practices like savoring, self-compassion + mindfulness do improve our emotional well-being + encourage new connections in the brain.

Positive thinking won’t help us evade a natural disaster or cancer diagnosis. But those of us who practice such skills feel more positive and resilient during hard experiences.

Time to change your workout?

If your fitness routine no longer challenges your strength, speed or endurance, it’s time to switch things up. Otherwise, chances are your brain will get bored + you’ll stop working out.

But if you jump to a new exercise and hate it, you may stop, too! So try chunking, where you do your usual workout for less time + add a stimulating new workout for the remainder. (Like mixing Pilates with dance or running with rowing.) Get more tips at Time.

Wanna try a new gym, app or studio? Dr. B may be able to help you get a Letter of Medical Necessity online to unlock your HSA/FSA so you can save big on fees! Start a $15 fitness consult.

Healthcare 911

Getting the COVID vaccine during pregnancy protects newborns from hospitalization (NPR). Data taken from 2022-2044 revealed that almost 90% of babies hospitalized for Covid-19 were born from unvaccinated mothers. They also made up the highest Covid-19 hospitalization rate of any age group aside from people over 75.

When is the best time to get a flu shot? (Time). Flu season lasts from October to May + peaks from December to February. It takes two-ish weeks for the immune system to form a full vaccine response. So the CDC recommends getting your jab by the end of October. Flu can worsen inflammation—which contributes to heart disease. So vaccination offers protection against heart attack + stroke.

And if you do get the flu this season, get flu treatment online with a $15 medical consultation from Dr. B.

Think allergy season is over? Not so fast, a doctor says (CNN). Ragweed is most likely causing your fall allergies. It usually peaks in September, but longer warm seasons are extending its blossoming season. Allergies usually don’t cause a fever, cough or body aches (like respiratory viruses). Relief from allergy meds can also help you determine if they’re the cause of your symptoms.

Want to get prescription allergy medication online? Start a $15 allergy consultation.