Can a color walk cure overstimulation?

On Our Minds...

Just over two months ago, an expert panel called on the NIH to make significant new investments in women’s health research to close the gaps in what we know about diseases that either disproportionately or exclusively affect women.

Now, the Trump administration is looking to make large cuts to NIH research funding. RFK Jr. –– who has signaled his willingness to support antiabortion policies –– is the head of HHS. Even before he was confirmed, at least two government health agencies began scrubbing critical info about reproductive health and contraception from some of their websites.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for what you need to know. That starts with republishing the deleted health info, here and here.

Well, Well, Well...

Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.

When you text “Be there in 10!” while stepping into the shower…blame time blindness.

Here are seven things personal trainers wish you would stop doing. (Guiltily steps away from the Peloton.)

Do you have “aspirational fomo” or “herd fomo”? Know which one before you RSVP “yes” to that polar-bear plunge.

Microplastics are turning up everywhere — including in the brain. One researcher estimates that, if combined, the total amount would equal the weight of a crayon. Here’s what you can do to reduce your exposure.

You can now find “protein soda” and “protein beer” at the supermarket. But are these actually helping you meet your health goals?

Everything's Fine

You’ve probably seen a headline or two with the words “bird” and “flu” right next to each other. Not only is this virus one of the reasons for sky-high egg prices at the grocery store, but it’s also ringing the pandemic alarm for some scientists. Earlier this month, the CDC appeared to publish, and then quickly delete, data suggesting the H5N1 avian flu can spread from house cats to people. 

What you should know: The possibility of getting bird flu from your cat  –– or any animal –– is low. While there have been confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans in the US, the vast majority have happened in people directly exposed to sick animals. Plus, there is a vaccine in the works for poultry. 

What you can do: As always, experts suggest avoiding raw eggs and unpasteurized milk. If you have pets, steer them clear of dead birds, and don’t feed them any raw meat. And, above all, keep calm and carry on.

We Have To Talk About…

Overstimulation

Your sweater is so itchy you want to rip it off in the middle of a Zoom, you can’t stand your partner’s chewing, and if your phone dings, pings, or buzzes one more time, you’re ready to throw it out the window.

Hello, “overstimulation,” the internet’s new buzzword. You may know it as  sensory overload, when bright lights, loud noises, and the way your dog breathes can make your brain feel ready to power down. 

It’s a “know it when you feel it” sensation that experts refer to as a “stress symphony,” a cascade of reactions that may include anger, irritability, or physical tells, like a tight chest, dizziness, or sweating.

Not to be confused with being overwhelmed, which feels similar, but is more about having too much to do — work deadlines piling up, endless emails, and a task list that never shrinks. While overstimulation is about your environment, feeling overwhelmed is about being stretched to capacity. Either way, the physical symptoms are your cue to slow down.

So here’s what to do when your body says, enough. (Step one: Take off that sweater.) 

Your Sensory Tool Kit: 

🛏️ Apply some pressure. “Deep pressure therapy” –– hugging it out, sleeping under a pile of blankets, cuddling with your kid’s stuffy –– can go a long way toward curbing anxiety. If you haven’t invested in a weighted blanket yet, this is your sign.

🔢 Count. Experts like the 5-4-3-2-1 method: Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. 

🧘‍♀️Meditate. We know that meditation is good for us. Now, thanks to new deep-brain research, we also know a little bit more about why that is: It may positively affect the areas of the brain associated with memory and emotional regulation. Not sure where to start? Here you go.

💦Planks. Turns out, there may be a connection between core muscles and stress response. The science is complicated, but one reason may be psychological: Standing up straight.

📱Put. The. Phone. Away. If you, like us, chronically ignore this advice and still love a good “revenge scroll” in bed after a chaotic day, let’s all hold hands, step away from the screens together, and consider an analog alarm clock. 

TOGETHER WITH VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS

Pain Points

Nearly 6 in 10

That’s how many women surveyed reported they only visit a doctor for acute pain when it becomes unbearable.^† A higher proportion of surveyed women with moderate-to-severe acute pain reported having trouble sleeping, being emotionally drained, and experiencing difficulty performing routine physical activities. And while there are options for pain relief, many reported that they stopped taking treatment early due to fear of their risks — including addiction and side effects. Check out all the survey results to learn more about what life with acute pain can be like.*

Stay Informed Every Day

We don’t ever want you to lose access to critical information about your health. That includes guidance on contraception. Subscribe to the Daily Skimm, and share with your friends so you always have access to the information you need to make the best choices for you and your body.

Sign me up.

No Notes