No pain. No gain. (That’s a good thing.)

Not all of us can be Olympic superheroes. For the rest of us, this week’s newsletter covers how small choices can help level up our ambitions, nutrition, fitness + sense of self.

Then, we review promising and worrying healthcare updates about IUDs, allergies + Covid-19 infections.

Your Checkup: 

• ‘Older’ Olympians (again) prove age is just a number
• Wanna train like Wolverine? Eat 6,000 calories/day
• Dementia risk may increase with poor oral health!
• Cat ladies, surveys show your cat may grieve pets
• Colin Farrell explains his son’s Angelman syndrome
• An updated answer: is it ok to exercise with Covid?
• Zucchini is good for blood sugar, eyes, heart + more! 
• Science on why you get ideas post-workout shower
• Feeling tight? These 5 moves will stretch you out

Primary Care

OMG, OW IUD

Patients rate the pain of getting an IUD contraceptive device inserted at 65 on a scale of 100. Physicians claim it's 35.

The process rarely includes pain relief and patients report feeling routinely under-informed + dismissed.

That’s why the CDC updated recommendations, officially urging physicians to level up patient care—pain relief included. Learn more at The Cut.

Want online access to the pill or patch with a $15 consultation?

Get birth control online.

Want free preventative care? Go for gold!

At the Olympic Village, providers are treating Olympians not just for injuries. 24-year-old rugby bronze medalist Ariana Ramsey got a Pap smear, had a dentist appointment and got an eye exam and glasses—all for free.

To learn why Paris organizers intentionally offered preventative care to foreign athletes and how the US health system stacks up against our Olympic competitors, head to Self.

Are compounded weight loss drugs safe?

With popular GLP-1 medications in short supply, many patients are concerned about their compounded counterparts.

We offer compounded Semaglutide in Shed It, our new prescription weight loss program. So we wanted to address common questions with science-backed answers.

How are these drugs made? Are they FDA-approved? How can you trust they're safe and effective?

Read the answers at Dr. B

Healthcare 911

FDA approves first nasal spray to treat dangerous allergic reactions (ABC). A nasal medication for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis is now available. The single-spray dose provides the first alternative to the EpiPen, which can be expensive for those at high risk (and painful). If you need regular allergy relief, check out Dr. B’s online allergy treatments!

Get $15 allergy care online.

Third death is tied to listeria, health officials say (NY Times). The nationwide listeria outbreak continues, with at least 40 people hospitalized since May. This outbreak stems from Boar’s Head brand deli meats, which have been recalled. So check your fridge + read the article for details.

Covid-19 falls to no. 10 cause of death in the US (HuffPost). Covid-19 made 2021 the deadliest year in US history, but the virus dropped from 4th to 10th place in mortality. Still, a new report shows chronic Covid symptoms affect 400 million people globally—only 7-10% recover.

The best way to protect yourself is not to get Covid-19. And if you’re at high risk, get Paxlovid online ASAP with a $15 consultation.

Get same-day Covid care.