Skimm Well
Plus, welcome to "parasite season"
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Together with
Forkful

But first: meal delivery that’s actually healthy — and 50% off

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Finding My Way Back to the Real World

I'm in Colorado, where it's hot, sunny, and theoretically the perfect place to not be on my phone. Instead, my screen-time report tells a different story.

Lately, I've become convinced my devices have sapped my attention span. A recent report on Gen Z's "brain rot" fears didn't exactly help. Technically, I’m an elder millennial, so not part of that cohort, but, as new surveys show, none of us are great at clocking how much we actually scroll. So I've declared a small, petty war on my thumbs. Here's the arsenal so far:

— Anna “Don’t Text Me” Davies, writer 

well, well, well

What's Making the Rounds

Doctors say this simple hand trick may point to a heart condition many people miss. We tried it immediately.


Before you buy another tub of collagen, see what the biggest study on the supplement found — some major claims hold up while others don’t


Not to ruin summer, but “parasite season” is apparently a thing.


Think strength training is only about muscle? Research says your brain may disagree


This roundup of foods dietitians say can stimulate hair growth is basically our new grocery list. 


Normally, we only care about a banana's color when we make bread. Turns out, it affects the fruit's nutrition profile, not just taste. 

in our rotation

We’ve got the blackout shades, the magnesium, the bedtime tea. But financial stress is still keeping four in five women up at night. Here’s the fix.*


The best physical wellness products for stronger workouts and better recoveries, according to our editors.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

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Brush Up on Your Health

cat mouth

Here's a reason to keep that dentist appointment you've already rescheduled twice: Gum health isn't just about cavities and oral hygiene; it may influence your overall well-being in ways scientists only now understand, which makes it worth the floss guilt trip.

Studies have linked gum disease to everything from heart health to Alzheimer's to a newly identified fertility risk factor. The common thread? Chronic inflammation.

And while researchers still have plenty of questions, one thing seems clear: What happens in your mouth doesn't always stay there.

Scientists now see the oral microbiome as a potential key to chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. Some even hope "oral bacteria transplants" could one day treat diseases like diabetes or COVID-19 (yes, really), though the idea remains unproven

For Your Sanity:

the more you know

What chemical system do scientists now think plays the biggest role in a runner's high?

Running

in our rotation

A sun-protective hat with a spacious slot for your ponytail.


It's time for a sunscreen restock. Supergoop is offering a free gift on all orders over $60 and we're buying in bulk our favorite facial sunscreen of all time. Don't forget to use your FSA/HSA dollars at checkout.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Together With Forkful

Dinner Decoded

Forkful

Over 50%

That’s the percentage of Americans who have a dietary restriction — like lactose intolerance, gluten allergies, or vegan diets. Yep, one in two…which can make meal planning a real hassle. 

Lighten the mental load with Forkful, a meal delivery service that offers fresh options for a variety of diets, including gluten-free, low-carb, paleo, vegetarian, and more. 

Whether you’re craving a gluten-free chicken burrito bowl, vegetarian paella, or low-carb beef lasagna, all their dishes feature fresh (never frozen) ingredients. Plus, they arrive at your door pre-portioned and ready to eat in two minutes. 

Psst…here’s 50% off your first box. Dinner is served — however you want it.

Just One Thing

B Right There

There are eight essential B vitamins, and you get most of them straight from your plate. B12 is the exception. Many adults don't consume or absorb enough, and that matters because the nutrient plays a big role in brain health.

New research suggests even "normal" levels may not tell the whole story, particularly with age. Some experts now wonder whether B12 contributes to cognitive decline more often than we realize.

And before you book a vitamin drip, know that the science doesn't quite match the hype.

If you're curious where you stand, a simple blood test can offer answers. And if your levels fall short, the fix may prove far less glamorous than an IV bag.

Well Said

"I'm Determined It Will Be Different"

Headshot of Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates recently announced a new $215 million investment in women's health through Pivotal, her philanthropic organization. We spoke with her about menopause, midlife, and the work still ahead.

“I’ve gone through menopause, and many of my friends have, too, and I don’t think any of us had all the tools and knowledge we needed — even those of us with access to high-quality medical care. A lot of what I learned about menopause came not from doctors but from my friends. 

I’m determined it will be different for the next generation of women. But until then, I think about what an OB-GYN and pain specialist I met recently told me. She said, “Words give something importance.” We all have to speak up with our practitioners. It’s not a guarantee we’ll get a solution, but it gives us a far better chance.”

So if your doctor asks if you have any questions, this is your reminder that yes, you do. Read the whole interview here.

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Cool It

Seasonal fashion trends come and go. A bra that helps keep you from overheating when it's 90 degrees and humid? That's forever. Consider one of these a summer must have.