Summer’s not over yet! (But it is almost. Drink it up.)

Summer may be almost over. But whether you’re headed abroad, road-tripping it stateside or staycationing locally, we’ve got the latest health tips to help you (safely) make the most of it.

Then, we move into an exciting healthcare advancement + two viruses to watch for as you pack into airports + school hallways.

Your Checkup: 

• Jazz it up w/ fiber-packed banana peppers
• AI + implants help a man with ALS speak! 
• How time in the sun literally tires your body
• Paris is shifting to start the Paralympics!
• How to help someone through a panic attack
• The 411 on iron + 12 signs of deficiency 
• Does cranberry juice really prevent UTIs?
• Speaking of: here’s how long a UTI can last
• Wanna run a marathon? Start training now
• Shake it off with a 10-min jazz/funk dance class!
• Make slightly sweet + crunchy-soft breakfast bars!

Primary Care

Got the vacay blues?

According to Yahoo News, relationship tension, kid chaos + overpacked schedules can overwhelm a vacation + trigger the blues.

A few tips to avoid disappointment:

• Stay in the moment (don’t let one issue ruin it).
• Be flexible to new experiences.
• Communicate your needs.
• Set boundaries with others and yourself.
• Sleep + eat well to protect your health.

And if you need help while traveling, Dr. B offers online consultations in all 50 states for UTIs, Covid-19, motion sickness, allergies + more!

Explore our $15 online care.

The 3 signs of drowning

Summer’s nearly over, but this info is timeless:

Most drowning people can’t yell for help. Instead, you’ll likely see their head is low + slightly tilted back. Their mouth is probably at the water line. And it’ll look like they’re trying to roll onto their back or climbing an invisible ladder.

Call for a lifeguard or 911 and throw a flotation device their way if possible. For more ways to prevent water-related deaths, head to Self.

Relax into better health

A vacation can be the perfect time to indulge in movement that feels good to you.

While in a new city, explore on foot to boost your step count while you discover unexpected gems. Lean into adventure + try a local sport or fitness class that’s outside your comfort zone. Or use the time to restore with stretching or low-impact yoga.

Get more vacation fitness tips at the New York Times.

When you get home, learn how Dr. B may be able to help you save up to 40% off your fitness fees with your HSA/FSA.

Explore HSA/FSA for fitness fees.

Healthcare 911

An alternative to the pap smear is here, no speculum required (NY Times). In the fall, people in the US can self-swab a sample from their vagina to test for HPV, a common cause of cervical cancer. Vaginal swabs have been successfully screening HPV in other countries for decades. For now, the samples must be self-collected at a provider’s office (like you give urine samples). But manufacturers aim for at-home collection in the future.

Late-summer travel plans? You might want to put on a mask. (NY Times). Wastewater samples show “very high” levels of Covid-19 nationwide + global cases rose 30% from June 24 to July 21st. Experts recommend masking while traveling on public transportation + while in transportation hubs. It substantially reduces your exposure risk, even if you’re the only one.

If you get Covid-19 while traveling, Dr. B offers online consultations for same-day Paxlovid in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Get $15 online Covid-19 care.

What to know about Parvovirus B19, a respiratory virus on the rise (Time). Lab data suggests that about 10% of the population recently had Parvovirus B19—a respiratory illness spread through droplets. The virus can cause fever, headache, cough and sore throat. High-risk people (like those who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems) can develop a red rash, a drop in iron + other complications.