As a Midwesterner, I feel like I’m an expert when it comes to potatoes and all the amazing things you can do with them in the kitchen. From whipping boiled taters into a creamy mash with plenty of butter to frying shoestring fries in hot grease, this yummy starch is an essential element of my weekly dinner recipe rotation. 

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a potato recipe I’d never actually seen before. The end result of this viral TikTok recipe for “potato fireworks” is undeniably beautiful, but is the recipe itself genius or too over-the-top? We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth the hassle of preparing.

The short video provides a quick tutorial that begins with cutting one large potato into two cubes. The next step is to make a series of deep vertical cuts in each cube, then turn them 90 degrees to make another round of cuts, being sure to avoid completely slicing through the cubes. This slicing technique is key for perfecting the look of your “fireworks.”

Once you’ve sliced your cubes, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a bowl of room-temperature water and allow your potatoes to soak for 30 minutes before rinsing. Coat the cubes with cornstarch, then deep fry them at roughly 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden (the comments recommend air frying as a comparable alternative).

Finally, you’ll make your sauce with a teaspoon of ketchup, two teaspoons of soy sauce, three teaspoons of sugar, four teaspoons of black vinegar, and five teaspoons of “water from the Mississippi River” (that’s just a channel in-joke; any type of water will do). Cook on the stovetop until bubbling, then pour the sauce mixture evenly over the cooked potatoes, topping off with some white sesame seeds. “Done and dusted!”

The TikTok creator ends his video by telling viewers that these potato fireworks are “out of this world,” and I have to agree. This cooking method, while involved, is a fun new way to make potatoes that I didn’t know I needed. Honestly, it might just leave plain ol’ french fries and ketchup in the dust.

A hair mask is an intense conditioner that contains rich ingredients in much heavier concentrations than normal conditioners. To keep those locks as healthy as possible, the general advice is to use a hair mask once a week. However, those with dryer, color-treated, damaged, or aging hair might want to use a hair mask more often than that.

When choosing a hair mask, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. But the inclusion of a new ingredient, cupuaçu, makes this particular hair mask a cut above the rest—and it might just be the key to unlocking healthier hair.

The Low-Down On Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu is one of the most popular native fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The fruit’s pulp is used in a variety of food products, while the seeds are often utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Cupuaçu butter comes from the pulp and is considered a modern plant-based alternative to lanolin, an ingredient used in some skincare products that can be irritating for sensitive skin. 

According to a March 2014 study published by the Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, cupuaçu has the ability to quickly penetrate the skin and retain moisture. Researchers sang its praises, calling its water absorption properties far superior to that of lanolin and shea butter. 

“Cupuaçu could support 440% of its weight in water … allowing it to function much more effectively as a skin hydrator and plumper [than shea butter or lanolin],” the study explained. “[It] is an excellent emollient that restores elasticity to the skin while providing antioxidants and hydration.”

The study also referred to cupuaçu butter as a “super moisturizer” because it has “water-loving properties.”

Although this research was focused on the skin, skincare and haircare are often closely linked—and certain ingredients can benefit both. After all, your scalp is skin, and healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Klorane Harnesses The Power Of Cupuaçu

If you’d like to see what this powerhouse ingredient can do for your scalp and hair, the Klorane 3-in-1 Hair Mask with Organic Cupuaçu Butter is definitely worth a try.

This product fills in the gaps between keratin on individual hair strands to repair and prevent damaged hair. And just as the study above indicated, the cupuaçu butter in this restorative hair mask has been proven to be 1.5 times more nourishing than shea butter.

Klorane 3-in-1 Hair Mask with Organic Cupuaçu Butter

$28 Shop Now at Amazon

It’s the best option for dry, damaged hair, and it can be used in three different ways:

1. For a traditional in-shower treatment, apply the mask to the lengths and ends of your hair, leave on for five minutes, then rinse out.
2. For an overnight hair mask when you need that deep conditioning treatment, apply to dry or towel-dried hair in the evening and leave on until morning.
3. For a leave-in cream to be used on very dry hair, apply one or two pea-sized dollops on dry or towel-dried hair.

We’re not the only ones impressed with cupuaçu and just how well it can restore dry, damaged locks; the five-star reviews are rolling in for this product.

“I was very impressed with the way the Klorane mask affected my hair,” one reviewer shared. “The texture was better. It was easier to manage and it held body much better.”

Another wrote, “Been using it for a long time … keep trying other products but always return to the holy grail! With frizzy, curly hair, this is a must-try!”

We know a healthy lifestyle is important for warding off disease and having a better quality of life as we get older. But what if there was one easy diet change you could make to actually slow down the aging process? A study conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests that proper hydration may play a key role in doing just that.

A Look At The Study

The aim of the study, published in eBioMedicine in January 2023, was to find preventive measures that could slow the aging process. According to researchers, lifelong water restriction in mice actually decreases their lifespan and contributes to degenerative changes. So in this study, researchers tested the hypothesis that optimal hydration in humans could actually slow down the aging process.

“It is known that some people age faster than others, some people live into old age disease-free, while others develop age-related chronic diseases,” the study’s background reads. “With a rapidly aging population and an emerging chronic diseases epidemic, finding mechanisms and implementing preventive measures that could slow down the aging process has become a new challenge for biomedical research and public health.”

Researchers used data from an ongoing prospective cohort study titled Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC). From 1987 to 1989, 15,792 men and women between the ages of 45 and 66 from four different U.S. communities enrolled in the ARIC study and were followed up with for more than 25 years. 

Using serum sodium as a proxy for hydration habits, the researchers calculated participants’ biological ages. As opposed to chronological age, biological age is calculated using factors like eating habits, lifestyle, blood sugar levels, and other biomarkers to approximate of how much life one likely has left. In addition to this, researchers also assessed chronic disease and premature mortality risks to estimate the relative speed of aging.

Serum sodium levels are used to assess the amount of sodium in the blood. The less hydrated you are, the higher your levels, with a normal range being 135 to 145 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

However, after analyzing the data, the study found that middle-aged people with serum sodium levels above 142 have an increased risk of being biologically older, developing chronic diseases, and dying earlier. Consequently, staying hydrated and thereby maintaining lower serum sodium levels may help extend your life and keep you feeling younger for longer.

We should point out, though, that researchers also said “intervention studies are needed to confirm the link between hydration and aging.” Still, these initial findings could help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients and work on plans to address hydration.

Hydration Isn’t Just About Drinking More Water

As we’ve explained previously, although water consumption is obviously very important to one’s overall hydration levels, there’s a little more to it than that.

Your body’s hydration is maintained by electrolytes, which include potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride, which most water will contain in trace amounts. But if you drink too much water, you run the risk of completely flushing those vital minerals out of your system. If you aren’t eating a balanced diet filled with electrolyte-rich fruits and veggies, the more water you drink, the thirstier you’ll become. 

Ultimately, proper hydration levels are key. Electrolyte powders and mineral drops can boost those levels and help you feel more hydrated. You can also get your water intake from coffee, tea, the food you eat, and even low-alcohol beer.

If you’re not getting them from your diet alone, you can replenish essential minerals in your body by adding highly-concentrated drops like these to filtered drinking water. With more than 72 ionic trace minerals, these drops will help support vital functions in the body, restore pH balance, and regulate bowel function, sleep, and mood.

Trace Minerals recommends taking 10 drops daily for the first three days, then gradually increasing your serving to eventually take roughly ½ a teaspoon once or twice a day. All-natural with low sodium and no added preservatives or sweeteners, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.

Trace Minerals ConcenTrace Drops

$31.99 Shop Now at Amazon

Available in 12 different flavors (including Appletini and Coconut Piña Colada), this electrolyte powder from Ultima will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you hydrated. Just dissolve one scoop in 16 ounces of water to give your body the nutrients it needs with no calories, sugar, or carbs. This powder works especially well to make drinking water more appealing and to help you restore your body after working out.

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder

$44.99 Shop Now at Amazon

As most (if not all) of us are well aware, there’s been an urgent push to use less plastic and produce less waste to preserve the planet. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that many reusable products have grown in popularity—including (gasp!) reusable toilet paper. While it may sound disgusting or unsanitary, it may actually be a viable alternative.

The United States uses the most toilet paper of any country in the world (a fact that was made quite evident by the TP panic at the start of the pandemic). The estimated annual toilet paper consumption for Americans is 141 rolls, beating out second-place Germany (134 rolls) and third-place United Kingdom (127). Compared to countries like France (71), Italy (70), China (49), and Brazil (38), it’s not a very flattering look for the U.S.

According to Justin Thomas, editor of MetaEfficient, Americans use 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper each year, which represents the pulping of approximately 15 million trees. “This also involves 473,587,500,000 gallons of water to produce the paper and 253,000 tons of chlorine for bleaching,” he told The Scientific American.

Plus, manufacturing all that toilet paper requires 17.3 terawatts of electricity, not to mention the energy and materials used in packaging and transportation. On a more personal level, toilet paper can clog pipes and wreak havoc on city sewer systems and water treatment plants.

How are countries like Italy and Brazil getting by with so much less toilet paper? Well, it’s often because they don’t need to use nearly as much—and they have bidets to thank for that. Although Americans tend to have an aversion to using bidets, for much of the world, using toilet paper seems more disgusting.

What many non-Americans seem to know and understand is that cleaning your bum with a stream of water is actually more environmentally friendly than using toilet paper. You might think a bidet requires a lot of water every time you use it, but a typical bidet actually only uses about a ⅛ gallon of water to flush. By contrast, the average toilet uses about four gallons per flush.

So why are so many Americans against using water to clean themselves instead of dry paper? Think about it this way: If you stepped in dog poop with your bare feet, you’d probably use more than just sheets of paper to clean it off.

Thankfully, there’s a more sustainable alternative to using all that standard toilet paper: reusable toilet paper. If you think reusing toilet paper sounds gross (can’t say we blame you), consider pairing it with a bidet.

Once the bidet has gotten you good and clean, you’ll essentially just be wiping away water (much like toweling off after a shower). You can wrap the reusable “toilet paper” around a regular TP roll, and once you’ve run through them, simply pop them into the washer. The Marley’s Monsters Toilet UNpaper® Roll, handmade in Eugene, Oregon, is made of 100% cotton flannel that can be washed in hot water.

Marley’s Monsters Toilet UNpaper®, 24-Count

$39.99 Shop Now at Amazon

As for choosing a bidet, you can typically buy one that attaches to your traditional toilet for less than $50. The Luxe Bidet NEO 185, for example, features dual nozzles for rear and frontal wash, plus a feminine nozzle that keeps you clean during monthly cycles (and can help ward off UTIs!). Pair your bidet with planet-friendly reusable toilet paper, and you’ll never fall victim to a toilet paper shortage again.

LUXE Bidet NEO 185 Attachment

$43.49 Shop Now at Amazon

Hairspray has been the go-to product for hold, volume, and finishing styles for what feels like forever. But according to one of our Suggest editors, there’s a better product on the market that’s superior to hairspray for all hair types: texture spray. 

As someone with fine, thin hair, she swears by using texture spray over hairspray, claiming better hold and a boost in volume. So what makes texture spray the superior choice? There are actually a few reasons.

The Differences Between Texture Spray And Hairspray

Texture spray and hairspray have different purposes and thus are formulated differently. While hairspray is traditionally designed to “freeze” your style in place, texture spray’s goal is to well, add texture to your hair, which helps to create volume.

While hairspray can at times leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy, texture spray is more lightweight and typically leaves hair softer but still with some grit.

It is precisely for this reason that texture spray is a great choice for rocking waves or curls as it gives hair a more natural appearance and a bit of movement. It can definitely work for straight styles as well, giving a much-needed lift at the root.

While not quite the same as dry shampoo, texture spray can also absorb excess oil, create definition, and provide support for updos and braids.

Another benefit of texture spray is its safe to use before heat styling. Depending on which stylist you talk to, hairspray shouldn’t be used before a curling iron or flat iron because:

• It could cause damage to your hair if you don’t let the spray dry first.
• It could dry out your hair.
• It could leave a sticky residue on your curling rod or flat iron.

While hairspray can still be used as a finishing spray after texture spray, the latter can definitely smooth down flyaways and provide extra hold to help keep your style in place.

Some Of Our Favorite Texturizing Sprays

The Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray is scientifically engineered to deliver instant, long-lasting volume and texture while providing a soft hold for styling. It has a light, fruity scent, and works well on all hair types for that “imperfectly perfect, lived-in look and feel.” 

You can pump the volume on straight hair or give some piece-y definition to waves. This spray is all about “maximum impact, minimum effort, major results.”

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

$35 Shop Now at Amazon

Created with New York City stylists to achieve the “perfectly imperfect undone look”, SGX NYC’s The Do It All 3-In-1 Texturizing Spray is an innovative dry texture spray that gives your hair a refreshing pick-me-up and light hold while enhancing texture.

Formulated with sea botanical extracts for their texturizing properties, this lightweight formula also acts as a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil as well as a hairspray to help lock everything in place (without being frozen). The fruity-citrus-woods scent is just the cherry on top.

SGX NYC The-Do-It-All 3-In-1 Texturizing Spray

$12.57 Shop Now at Amazon

Instantly achieve sexy volume and texture without clouding your color by using the Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray. Your hair will never feel weighed down, dull, or sticky; instead, you’ll get “beachy waves on demand.”

There are actually four different ways to use this spray. You can use it before heat styling for protection, as well as after styling for some “extra sexy oomph.” It can also be used for second-day styling to zhuzh up slept-on hair and absorb oil. Or, you can use it to volumize and glam up your ponytail.

Color Wow Style On Steroids Texturizing Spray

$26 Shop Now at Amazon

No matter what texture spray you choose, the key to getting the best results is all about application. Like any hair product, oftentimes less is more. It is also advised to hold the can about 10 inches away from your hair, spraying from the root to the tip.

For extra volume, lift hair and add an extra spritz right at the root. You can also spray your fingers and work around your scalp for a more relaxed look.

According to Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence, the pursuit of happiness is an unalienable right. But what does that mean? Happiness is an incredibly difficult thing to describe and quantify—despite the research that’s been done on the subject.

Gallup conducts annual self-reported happiness surveys in which people anonymously rate their life satisfaction level. Every year, in more than 160 countries, they ask people this question:

“Please imagine a ladder, with steps numbered from 0 at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time?” 

Researchers in various studies try to find associations between happiness, behavior, and personal characteristics. They also use the data to compare the happiness levels of different countries—which is why we often hear that Denmark is the “happiest” place on the planet. That statistic comes from the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index, which uses Gallup’s data for the emotional well-being portion of its reporting.

Even though happiness is difficult to describe, we need to have some way of measuring it ourselves using something other than a Gallup poll or data gathered by other external sources. 

That’s the opinion of happiness researcher and author Arthur Brooks, who said, “In order to understand and manage your own happiness, you need more nuanced self-tests, of which there are many.”

Brooks wrote in The Atlantic that his favorite self-test is the PANAS, or the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. It measures “the intensity and frequency of positive and negative moods and feelings,” which he said clearly shows that positive and negative feelings aren’t incompatible.

Using PANAS, Brooks has outlined four categories people tend to fall into, each with its own fairly self-explanatory nickname:

1. Mad Scientists: high positive affect and high negative affect.
2. Sober Judgers: low positive affect and low negative affect.
3. Cheerleaders: high positive affect and low negative affect.
4. Poets: Low positive affect and high negative affect.

(“Affect” as it’s used here refers to the experience of feelings, emotions, and moods.)

The key, said Brooks, is to remember that self-reported happiness tests are simply a source of information we can use to understand ourselves better and to make positive changes. 

Brooks also noted that you shouldn’t feel down on yourself for, say, being a Sober Judge when you may want to be a Cheerleader. All four types of people are essential for creating balance in the world, and anyway, it’s important to remember that the enemy of happiness is social comparison.

Using PANAS to measure the frequency and intensity of your feelings and moods is a good way to identify the vital role you play in the world. Understanding that may better equip you to be gentle with yourself and improve your well-being.

And if you want to improve your happiness, cut out the comparisons. You can never go wrong by spending less time scrolling and more time focusing on yourself and the important people and relationships in your world.

I think it’s safe to say most Gen Xers remember mononucleosis (aka “mono”) as the “kissing disease” that some unfortunate souls were unlucky enough to catch as teenagers back in high school. Didn’t everyone have at least one person in their class who randomly disappeared for a week or two?

Women over 40 may think they don’t need to worry about mono again unless they’re actually raising teenagers, but that’s not necessarily the case. According to writer and editor Sari Botton, it’s possible to get mono even in your mid-50s—and she has a harrowing tale of her own experience with the disease to prove it.

Botton wrote an essay for Oldster about how in 2021, she was excited for a post-COVID summer and the thought of getting back out into the world again. But as she was busy making all those plans to travel, meet up with family and friends, and connect with new acquaintances, Botton started to get sick.

She said it all began with a terrible pain in her neck that yielded a “large lump—a visibly swollen lymph gland” nestled between her jaw and right ear. Within hours, she was experiencing the worst throat pain of her life and a fever that had spiked to 103 degrees.

Botton wrote that after a few days, she went to see the first of several doctors. Her quest resulted in being given multiple antibiotics and misdiagnoses before her true diagnosis was revealed: mononucleosis.

The author says she never would have received that diagnosis if she hadn’t convinced her doctors to give her the test. During one of her many appointments, when she asked if it could be mono, Botton said the doctor told her she was “too old” for that and didn’t take the idea seriously.

She begged them to do the test anyway and even explained why, telling the doctor she had a close friend her age who’d come down with mono the year before. The doctor responded, “Well, I’d like to see her labs. I bet it wasn’t actually mono.”

“I was 55,” Botton wrote. “I later learned that I was one of five 50-something women in my broader social circle to have contracted mono recently. Even later, I came to realize later-in-life mono was frustratingly like so many conditions affecting older women: largely unresearched.”

Her doctors’ dismissiveness about the mono idea actually led to a cancer scare. Her doctor had a theory that she had a peritonsillar abscess, a “quinsy”, which would require an ENT doctor to lance it. But when she entered the specialist’s exam room for what she’d been told would likely be an “excruciating” procedure, Botton was told, “Whoa! That’s not an abscess! It’s a tumor! It’s cancer!”

For a moment, Botton foresaw a future in which she would need radiation, surgery, and possibly chemo. Luckily, her labs came back and confirmed it was actually mono after all, just as she’d thought. It took her months to recover.

When it comes to mono in older adults, the symptoms often develop slowly, around four to eight weeks after infection. When you’re in your 40s or older, the symptoms of mono can be easily mistaken for lymphoma, leukemia, or biliary obstruction. It could be classified as what’s called a “fever of unknown origin.”

The three most common mono symptoms in adults are fever (100.4 degrees or higher), a swollen liver, and body aches. Most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, antibiotics won’t do you any good when you have mono. The only treatment is lots of water, tons of rest, and over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen.

The “Kate Middleton effect”—the tendency for clothing worn by Kate Middleton to sell quickly sell out—is a well-known fashion phenomenon that happens just as frequently today as it did when she joined the royal family more than a decade ago. It’s not hard to see why that is.

The basics of Middleton’s seemingly effortless wardrobe can easily be adapted by just about anyone. She often turns to structured pieces—like shirtdresses and jackets—as well as chic monochromatic looks. And seriously, we’ll never get enough of her fantastic coat dresses.

Recently, the 41-year-old beamed like an absolute ray of sunshine when she visited the Foxcubs Nursery in Luton, England. Middleton stopped by for a visit with the staff, parents, and students as part of her work highlighting the importance of early childhood development.

The Princess of Wales once again showed off her signature style for this royal appearance, donning an orange knit turtleneck and matching skirt from designer Gabriela Hearst—a classic look that blends simplicity and comfort with style and that can be recreated with relatively minimal effort.

She paired the go-to, foolproof combo with a brown belt and suede boots and accessorized with Kiki McDonough citrine pear-shaped drop earrings and a Stuart Weitzman clutch.

Topping off the look was a gorgeous Massimo Dutti camel coat, which she wore last winter while making the rounds at Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire. For that appearance, Middleton wore the camel coat with another monochromatic look, a mocha-colored knit set and brown suede knee-high boots.

During her visit with the folks at Foxcubs—a free childcare and early education center that encourages family involvement—she spoke with educators and parents about the nursery and the work they do for kids in their earliest years. 

The mom of three was obviously in her element, goofing around with the kids in a sand pit. She also took part in an arts and crafts activity, prompting some giggles when she put on one of the handmade bunny masks.

In an Instagram post after the visit, the princess reiterated why early childhood care and education continue to be an important cause for her. 

Middleton’s love for children shines in visits like this—and so does her elegant style. We have yet to see her in a bad look!

Many of us prefer to get our daily dose of calcium from what we eat and drink—things like dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and salmon. But according to the Mayo Clinic, many Americans don’t actually get enough calcium in their normal diets. 

Our bodies need calcium for more than building and maintaining strong bones; your heart, muscles, and nerves need calcium in order to function properly. There have even been studies that suggest calcium—along with vitamin D—could possibly protect against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, the full health benefits of calcium have yet to be confirmed. 

Getting enough calcium is especially important for adults over 50, as low calcium levels can lead to osteoporosis. Regarding women in particular, bone loss increases dramatically during menopause due to depleting levels of estrogen.

It’s no wonder calcium multivitamins and stand-alone supplements are popular. If you don’t get enough calcium, you’re at a higher risk for health problems related to weak bones. But if you do take a calcium supplement, there are other health risks to be aware of.

The Potential Risks Of Calcium Supplements

We should start by saying that much more research is required on this topic. Still, it’s best to approach taking calcium supplements with caution because there are potentially serious risks involved. If you’re concerned about not getting enough calcium in your diet, the ideal course of action is to confer with your doctor.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

In a February 2021 study published in Nutrients, researchers at the National Cancer Center in Korea found that calcium supplements were “significantly associated with the increased risk of [cardiovascular disease] and [coronary heart disease] by 15%, specifically in postmenopausal women.” 

That’s not the first time research has linked calcium supplements to cardiovascular disease. A July 2010 study published in The BMJ found that more test subjects who took calcium supplements had heart attacks or strokes or even died than those who took the placebo.

“Calcium supplements (without co-administered vitamin D) are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction,” the study read. “As calcium supplements are widely used, these modest increases in risk of cardiovascular disease might translate into a large burden of disease in the population. A reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in the management of osteoporosis is warranted.”

The correlation here is plausible, but causation hasn’t been proven.

2. Dementia

A small 2016 study published in Neurology set out to determine whether calcium supplements could be associated with the development of dementia in women over a five-year period. 

The study observed 700 dementia-free women aged 70 to 92 years and concluded that calcium supplements “may increase the risk of developing dementia in elderly women with cerebrovascular disease.” Cerebrovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain.

Researchers noted that because the study was so small and observational, their findings needed to be confirmed with further research.

3. Side Effects And Drug Interactions

If you take or plan to take a calcium supplement, the good news is there are little to no side effects. The worst appear to be gas, constipation, and bloating. 

There is a possibility, though, that your calcium supplement could interact with any prescription medications you take. The Mayo Clinic indicates that you should consult your doctor if you take any of the following: “blood pressure medications, synthetic thyroid hormones, bisphosphonates, antibiotics, and calcium channel blockers.”

How Much Daily Calcium Do You Actually Need?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount of calcium for adult women under 50 is 1,000 mg. For women over 50, that number increases to 1,200 mg. The best sources of dietary calcium come from dairy products.

Dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale are also great sources of calcium, as are fish with edible soft bones (sardines and canned salmon), and calcium-fortified cereals, fruit juices, and soy products.

To absorb calcium, your body needs sufficient amounts of vitamin D. You can get that from sun exposure and vitamin D-fortified foods, like egg yolks and canned salmon (with bones).

In addition to a daily diet filled with the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D, exercise can go a long way toward keeping your bones healthy. The risk of osteoporosis is higher in those who aren’t physically active. Weight-bearing daily activities like walking, jogging, and climbing stairs help to build strong bones and slow bone loss.

Mink, chinchilla, fox, and other fur coats were once a sign of status and wealth. But over the past few decades, real fur has (thankfully) fallen out of favor with the rise of animal rights advocacy. 

As a result, manufacturers have tried to simulate the look of real fur, both to fool consumers and to help consumers fool their friends. The practice has been almost too successful because it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart. As a matter of fact, some manufacturers have begun presenting real fur as faux.

As many people steer clear of real fur for moral and ethical reasons, this deceitful practice is a real issue. How can you spot the difference?

The Humane Society’s Findings

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) ran tests on multiple brands and found that many were selling “faux fur” items that were actually made with raccoon dog pelts. This revelation came following a disturbing video that surfaced back in 2005 of the animal being skinned alive in a Chinese fur market. 

Every year, millions of raccoon dogs are raised and killed for their pelts, a fact that prompted the Humane Society to look into where these pelts were actually going and what they were being used for. That investigation led to the HSUS’s discovery that the pelts were sometimes turned into clothing items and sold under the guise of being faux fur, as well as pelts from other animals.

Faux fur comes with its own set of controversies. The fake fur material is made up of petroleum, the harmful environmental impacts of which have some environmentalists saying it’s not any better than real fur. And mislabeling is actually quite common when it comes to garments with fur trim, especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

How To Tell If It’s Real Or Fake

With faux fur being so realistic, it can be hard to tell which material you’re getting. But here are some ways to check. 

1. Burn It

This obviously isn’t an option while you’re shopping, but it’s a great technique to test a piece of clothing you already own. Simply trim a few hairs and set them on fire (as safely as possible, of course). 

Faux fur will melt in a sticky way and then cool to form hard plastic balls, which will probably also give off a plasticky smell. Real fur simply singes when you burn it.

2. Don’t Make Assumptions About Price

What might be most surprising of all is that the real-fur products being passed off as fake fur are actually sometimes sold at lower prices. Because most people expect real fur to be more expensive than the synthetic stuff, this has caused some confusion. 

Fur from farmed animals, like raccoon dogs, is sometimes cheaper than faux fur due to the declined demand for real pelts. In fact, the HSUS found real fur parading as faux in items as expensive as $1495 and from designer brands such as Michael Kors, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs.

3. Examine The Tips Of The Fur

Humane Society International spokesperson Wendy Higgins told The Guardian that another tip for telling the difference between real and faux fur is to simply examine the tips of the hair. In real fur, the tips will taper and have pointed ends, while faux fur hairs (which are cut by the manufacturer) will appear blunt.

4. Examine The Base

Another thing to look for is how the hair is attached, so you’ll first need to part the hair to conduct this inspection. Faux fur will have a material woven backing, while real animal fur will have a leathery backing since it’s attached to the animal’s skin. You should also keep an eye out for hair length. Faux fur tends to have a uniform length, while hairs on real fur will have varying lengths.

5. Avoid Buying Online

Because it renders you unable to inspect the piece in person first, avoid buying fur or fur-lined clothing online. European Union regulations state that clothing with fur should clearly state that the piece includes “non-textile parts of animal origin” on the label. However, keep in mind that this rule doesn’t apply to online product descriptions.

6. When In Doubt, Leave It On The Shelf

Even with all these tips, some faux fur sold today is so convincing it’s impossible to tell it isn’t real. There’s also the possibility that it actually is real. If you’re still in doubt about whether or not a fur is fake, it’s best to be safe than sorry and just leave it on the shelf.

Older homes are charming, but some nasty problems can be lurking behind that beautiful crown molding and those coffered ceilings. While it’s true that some older homes are more structurally sound than modern builds and can feature higher quality materials, there are some negatives you might not be aware of.

The federal government didn’t ban lead paint until 1978, and asbestos was allowed to be used in homes until the ’70s as well. Radon studies from that same decade showed the need for improved ventilation in many homes at the time. 

All of this means that if you’re considering buying a home built before 1978—or if you’re already living in one—there are some key things you need to check to verify the health of your family’s environment.

1. Plumbing

It’s possible that homes built between 1900 and 1990 will have plumbing issues that aren’t revealed in a general inspection. Antiquated plumbing can be expensive to fix, but time does a real number on pipes. Corrosion, rust, and decay are all possible issues. To avoid water damage, they need to be replaced. 

There are also possible safety issues at play. If an older home has lead pipes, they must be replaced immediately. It’s best to have a plumber take a look at your system so he can alert you to any changes or upgrades that need to be made.

2. Lead

Speaking of lead pipes, as we all know, the subject of lead is a major issue in older homes because of the lead-based paint used back in the day. Even the dust and paint chips can be extremely harmful to your health when the paint starts to crack and peel.

Sources of this toxic paint can include everything from your doors and windows to the cabinets and floors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 million American homes have lead-based paint hazards—and young children live in nearly 10% of those homes.

If you’re concerned about lead in your home, we recommend reaching out to a certified lead professional.

3. Asbestos

The mineral fibers known as asbestos are “perfectly safe” to be around in their normal state. Asbestos only becomes a hazard when broken and friable, meaning easily crumbled. Those broken fibers can stay in the air for days—and inhaling them can cause serious health issues.

Asbestos will likely be found in several places in homes built before 1975. If you’re planning on any kind of demolition, you should first consult a professional to identify asbestos.

4. Electrical Equipment

Just like with plumbing, an electrical inspection is another good idea for a home that’s more than 45 years old. Electrical systems and their standards have changed tremendously in the last four decades. Old electrical systems often aren’t up to code, and improper wiring can be a potential fire hazard.

There’s also the issue of insufficient electrical capacity for modern appliances and tech, as well as a lack of outlets. If you’re thinking about buying an older home, consult with an electrician and have them take a look to make sure it can handle your 21st-century needs.

5. Radon

Radon—a naturally-occurring radioactive gas—is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It accounts for 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, including 2,900 among people who’ve never smoked.

If the gas can dissipate, there’s no cause for concern. The real threat is when radon becomes trapped within a building. Homes built prior to the ’70s weren’t built with the need for air movement in mind, but they can be retrofitted. A simple test is available, and some states offer it for free.

6. Foundation Cracks

Not every old home has foundation issues, but it’s something to be aware of. If you have your eye on an older home, it’s imperative to have it evaluated by an inspector to look for signs of “differential settlement.” This can cause your doors and windows to be impossible to close. The inspector will also look for cracked chimneys and wet basements for signs of damage.

7. Pests And Insects

Homes wear down over time due to weather and natural degradation. Moisture damage, leaky basements, and wet crawl spaces can attract insects and pests, so you want to make sure water is being directed away from your home’s foundation. There are many options to fix moisture problems, so you should consult with a professional who can evaluate your specific issue.

8. Mold

Because building envelopes weren’t as well-sealed in older-style construction as they are today, mold can be a bigger issue in older homes. Signs that you have mold include condensation on walls and windows, bubbling or peeling paint, leaks and stains, and musty smells.

Get a professional to test for mold to avoid health problems like stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, and burning eyes. Mold can also cause more serious health problems like lung infections, so don’t let the issue go unaddressed.

You may have heard about couples sleeping in different bedrooms to improve their waking relationship, but could the same be said for living in a completely separate home?

According to data from the Census Bureau (as reported by the New York Times), the number of married couples “living apart together” (L.A.T.) increased in the year leading up to the pandemic. That number went down during the pandemic, but now that the pandemic has waned, it’s begun to rise again.

In 2022, there were 3.89 million Americans living separately from their spouses, which shakes out to 2.95% of all married adults in the country. The numbers don’t include those who are living apart because they’re contemplating divorce, but they do include those who are forced to live apart by their jobs (like military families).

As highlighted in the above-cited New York Times article, the decision to live apart from a spouse is often led by women who feel they need to find out who they are beyond being caretakers and who feel the need to have their own space.

One woman told the outlet that she moved into her own home away from her husband during the pandemic to be closer to a major city as life on their rural farm was a drain on her. As it turns out, she found that the distance worked for her relationship, saying it made her and her husband feel as though they were back in the dating phase of their relationship.

She added that having her own home helps her remember who she is by herself and what she likes doing by herself, which she called “a lovely gift.”

From October 2021 to June 2022, Sana Akhand lived 30 minutes away from her husband in New York City so she could create the life she’d dreamed of as a young girl, which included establishing a successful career.

Having been married since 2015, Akhand said she felt she was losing her “independent nature” as she fell into culturally-driven gender roles, like what it means to be a wife.

While living on her own, Akhand was able to redirect the time and energy spent worrying about her husband to her own priorities, which resulted in her first book deal. It also helped her realize what she needed in the relationship when they finally moved back in together, including a space of her own where she can meditate, work on fulfilling projects, and just blow off steam dancing.

It’s all too easy to fall into the notion of what a marriage should look like: dinner on the table by 6, trips to Home Depot on Saturday mornings, or binging the same new hot series on Netflix on Friday evenings. It appears that the couples profiled by the New York Times found the experience of living separately as an opportunity to take a step back and focus on what matters to them as individuals as well as challenging traditional concepts of what a marriage should be.

While most of the couples eventually moved back in together, the time apart let them figure out how to make their marriage stronger. Additionally, especially for the women, it allowed them to find their identity that was starting to fade with weekly chores, weekend soccer matches, and daily cooking.

So while financially living separately might not be feasible for many, perhaps a brief hiatus of spending every day together could be just what you need to find yourself again and bring a better version of yourself back to your marriage.

There are so many elements of getting older, most of which no one told me about. But I did hear a whole lot about skincare and makeup. For women, the aspect discussed the most—in the media, social media, and even among friends—is how we look as we age.

In a column for The Cut, Amil Niazi explored this social dilemma and she really got me thinking. Does our focus on the physical aging process prevent us from truly contending with the feeling and experience of middle age in an honest way?

Look Good, Feel Good?

The vast majority of aging tips online and in magazines focus on looking younger. And having a carefully-curated skincare routine to prevent lines and wrinkles is big business. 

Anti-aging products, along with cosmetic procedures like Botox and filler are wildly popular among Gen X, older Millennials—even Gen Zers are getting in on the act as a preventive tactic. 

Meanwhile, older women are told they’re too old for glittery eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, false eyelashes, and brightly-colored lipsticks. Don’t show too much skin, don’t wear anything form-fitting or too colorful or too black or too white.

Act your age but please don’t look your age.

The stunning lack of women over 50 in pop culture is no secret. We also know that’s not a reflection of real life. And the disconnect leaves older women feeling like there’s something wrong with their very existence. 

You Can’t Outrun Heartbreak

Despite some inroads when it comes to the representation of older women, youth worship is pervasive. The messages we receive from every corner of our lives often leads to spending a lot of time and money in attempts to remain as youthful-looking as possible. 

The thing is, as Niazi points out, by concentrating so much on looking good, we forgot to make sure we’re feeling good. Once you make it to your 40s and older, a whole new set of personal issues can emerge. What you can’t outrun, she says, is what it means to really age. And how time actually “reshapes” us.

Niazi hit the nail on the head when she wrote that “no amount of Botox, cryo baths, or epigenetic age-reversing can stop that heartbreaking moment when you have to decide how to care for an elderly parent.” That task is going to be daunting no matter how young you look. 

In addition to aging parents, you might see old friends popping up on your social media feed announcing a cancer diagnosis or going through a divorce.

Maybe you are going through a divorce and are suddenly all alone with three kids. Or, your career isn’t where you want it to be and you are thinking about making a change. Life in middle age is difficult, and it can also be beautiful if we pay attention to more than just looking beautiful.

One thing is for sure—not having wrinkles isn’t going to prevent you from going through the hardships that come with getting older.

Aging Is A Gift

As Niazi writes in her piece, “Aging is a privilege, a measure of fullness, a gift of time, even when it takes as much as it gives.” But all our conversations about this inevitable process seem to focus entirely on the physical.

Getting older might be much more enjoyable if we removed the emphasis on physical appearances and allowed people to just be. To experience our lives and focus on what really matters without constantly worrying about how we look.

Instead of worrying about makeup tips for looking younger or the latest trendy hairstyle, if women in middle age were fed at least as much information about their careers, making new friends, or the challenges of dating after 50, we might be a little better prepared for what’s to come.

I just bought a house and would love to know about paying off my mortgage as fast as possible and retiring debt free. I’d also like to have conversations about the weird feelings at this stage of my life about choosing to not get married and have kids. Being a strong, independent woman in her 40s isn’t as easy as it looks.

Honestly, the older I get, this focus on youth is starting to mess with my head. It’s time to change the middle-age narrative.

If you’re like me, you find intentionally carving out time in your day for something you don’t want to do—like exercise—to be extremely difficult.

But what if I told you just a few minutes of daily activity could lower your risk of death? A 2022 study published in Nature Medicine found that even short bursts of exercise in an otherwise sedentary lifestyle actually lowered the risk of “all-cause” mortality.

In other words, just a couple minutes of activity a few times each day can lower your risk of dying from any cause.

Over the course of seven years, Emmanuel Stamatakis, Ph.D., and his colleagues studied more than 25,000 older adults who didn’t exercise. Participants in the study cohort came from the U.K. Biobank and included 14,178 women and 11,063 men with an average age of 62.

The study was exclusive to participants who didn’t regularly exercise, meaning they didn’t have a regular fitness routine, didn’t participate in any sports, and walked recreationally no more than once a week.

Researchers found that those who engaged in what they labeled VILPA (vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity) three times a day (with each bout lasting one to two minutes each) “showed a 38%–40% reduction in all-cause and cancer mortality risk and a 48%–49% reduction in [cardiovascular disease] mortality risk” compared to those who engaged in no VILPA.

For reference, VILPA is defined as short, sporadic moments of “vigorous-intensity physical activity” that occur during daily life. This could be taking the stairs instead of the elevator or rushing to catch the train.  

Even more exciting, these results were in line with an analysis done with participants who regularly exercise, suggesting that whether you can’t (or simply don’t want to) hit the gym, you can still reap health benefits moving where you can during the day.

That seems to be quite the return on a very small investment. 

Dr. Stamatakis told MedPage Today that the research team was aware of the benefits of repeated and intermittent vigorous activity prior to the study, but that the outsized magnitude of the benefits for such little activity came as a surprise.

Time For Healthcare Professionals To Get Involved

The results of this study mean that doctors can now encourage patients to fit in small amounts of exercise throughout the day to make significant health gains. 

Dr. Stamatakis noted that physical inactivity is one of the main driving forces behind the “unending pandemic of lifestyle-related chronic disease” the world is currently experiencing. He said that as a trusted source of information, healthcare systems and professionals have a key role in spreading this good news.

Unfortunately, he added that most healthcare professionals are not trained or educated to offer physical activity advice. Dr. Stamatakis also pointed out that the bar for leisure-time exercise programs has been set incredibly high because they often demand high levels of motivation, time availability, and the capacity and willingness to travel to a gym, fitness center, or park. 

These study results suggest that those rigorous conditions don’t need to be met to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so healthcare professionals can take a different approach when they advocate for physical activity. They can identify opportunities that exist in their patients’ everyday life for short bursts of VILPA. 

These opportunities could include maximizing your walking pace for a minute, parking farther away from your destination, carrying your bags of groceries to your car instead of using a cart, or using the stairs instead of an elevator. If this kind of behavior becomes ingrained in your everyday life, it will almost certainly result in health benefits—including lowering your risk of death.

If you have a machine dishwasher, I’ve got some bad news for you: You’re probably choosing the most expensive time of day to run it.

Assuming you’re like me, you probably prefer cleaning up right after dinner so you don’t forget, thus avoiding a large pile of dirty dishes. Or if you do forget, you might turn on the dishwasher first thing in the morning before work so you have clean dishes ready at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, most of the population has the same philosophy when it comes to using their dishwashers. The moments immediately after dinner and first thing in the morning are peak hours in many locations, and that means energy usage is more expensive.

To circumvent those busy, high-priced times, consider taking advantage of the timer feature on your dishwasher to delay the start time until off-peak hours (generally during the late morning or early afternoon).

According to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)—one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States—peak pricing is either between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. or 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, depending on location. Weekends and holidays are off-peak hours, as are most weekday hours before 5 p.m. 

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Depending on the peak hours in your location, you could save yourself some moolah by reducing your energy usage during those higher-priced hours. 

PG&E suggests getting your dishes loaded and your clothes ready for the washer/dryer during those peak times, then waiting until lower-priced off-peak times to actually run your appliances. Those off-peak times, though, shouldn’t necessarily include overnight.

Scott Wolfson from the Consumer Product Safety Commission told The New York Times that running big appliances overnight isn’t a great idea because there’s a slight chance of fire. It’s common for appliances to feature fail-safe technology; in fact, your dishwasher probably has a cutoff switch to power down in case of overheating.

However, there’s always a slight risk with running appliances overnight. Wolfson warned that there may be times when fail-safes aren’t enough, and you may be required to personally intervene by unplugging the appliance or taking other direct measures.

The risk of fire may be rare, but it’s worth considering. For what it’s worth, PG&E offers conflicting advice, recommending that you run your dishwasher and washer/dryer overnight to save money. But our ultimate advice to save money and stay safe is to use your dishwasher’s timer feature.

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Some interesting pants trends have emerged in the past couple of years that go way beyond the skinny vs. boot cut or low rise vs. high rise debates. And though some might think of trends as a young person’s game, we’re here for the ones that speak to women in midlife—i.e., those that are comfortable, flattering, fashion-forward, and high-quality.

Take, for example, the return of cargo pants—a throwback to our youth. Then there was the super-elongating split hem, and the slightly weird but very fun double high-waisted jeans. 

We now submit horseshoe jeans, which might at first seem odd, but they’re selling out and we’re not that surprised. After all, they come from Citizens of Humanity, a brand beloved for pushing the envelope with edgy styles and always delivering premium quality. (Also: Yes they had a horseshoe on the pocket but remove those early aughts low-rise Rock and Republic [R.I.P.] jeans from your mind right now.)

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Citizens of Humanity horseshoe jeans come in a variety of washes including dark blue denim, black, and white. The cut provides an exaggerated, ultra-wide, curved leg silhouette via strategic seams, plus a raw-edge hem for a “perfectly worn look.”

Citizens Of Humanity Horseshoe Jeans In Magnolia

$278 Shop Now At Shopbop

They’re made with 100% cotton rigid denim and have a slightly cropped length, a button fly closure, and a five-pocket design.

The appeal of these jeans is that they’re fitted at the waist, narrower at the ankle, and extremely generous in the thigh, making them easy to move in despite not having any stretch.

You could style them any which way you choose: half-tuck a sweater, pair them with a cropped jacket, or dress them up with a silk blouse. Wear them with heels or heeled boots, or dress them down with sneakers for a day of running errands. However you choose to wear them, these jeans are not for the shrinking violet and will definitely get you noticed.

Citizen of Humanity Horseshoe Jeans In Sonnet

$288 Shop Now At Shopbop

Some sizes are sold out at various retailers (as of press time, Shopbop had the best selection). Some outlets have started a waitlist for some sizes, and the reviews explain why.

“These jeans are so unique and FABULOUSLY cool. Perfect for dressing up or down. High quality denim … I have a lot of fashion plans with these. Does not disappoint at all!!!!!” one reviewer shared.

Another wrote, “Y’all when I tell you these jeans are AMAZING, believe that. The fit, feel, length and comfort. A little pricey but definitely worth it!!”

A third shared, “I saw these on another person and couldn’t wait to get them for myself. I waited awhile because of the price but they are worth every penny.”

The jeans do run a bit large, so don’t be afraid to order a size smaller than normal if you’d like them to be more fitted at the waist. And even if you’re petite, you can roll them up—or even just cut them off.

As one fan noted, these jeans are worth a try because they are “so unique and different.”

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Fitting the proper amount of vegetables into our daily diet isn’t easy, even as an adult. As it turns out, being grown-up doesn’t automatically turn you into someone who loves veggies. If you’re like me, you find nutrient-rich, raw vegetables to be kinda gross—or bland, at best. 

I try my best to focus on the health benefits and ignore the less-than-satisfying flavor. But honestly, I’ve been known to absolutely douse carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing … and I’m pretty sure that’s defeating the purpose. 

RELATED: This One Simple Hack Can Help Make Your Roasted Veggies Even Crisper

Cooked veggies are a vast improvement, but being from the Midwest I learned to cook them in butter or bacon fat. I just can’t seem to get veggies right no matter what I do. If only there was a way to make veggies more flavorful while preserving all the health benefits … *wink wink*.

Green Tea And Vegetables?

Green tea apparently has an incredible PR team, because it’s widely touted as one of the healthiest beverages on planet Earth. It’s loaded with antioxidants, and its nutritional compounds have been linked to numerous health benefits like improved brain function and fat loss. It’s also been proven to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer and protect the brain from aging.

RELATED: This Type Of Tea Has More Antioxidants Than Green Tea, And Is Great For Keeping Blood Sugar In Check

Because of its earthy, floral taste, green tea has a flavor profile that pairs extremely well with steamed or roasted vegetables. What’s more, when you pair it with red, orange, or yellow veggies—which get their bright colors and anti-inflammatory properties from plant pigments known as carotenoids—they make for an especially nutrient-rich combination.

Methods To Incorporate Green Tea In Your Cooking

To infuse some much-needed flavor into your everyday veggies, you can use green tea bags or matcha powder. The flavors work particularly well in Asian-inspired dishes mixed with ingredients like ginger and soy sauce.

• Steep veggies with a tea bag: Place a tea bag into the water while your veggies are boiling. If you prefer to steam your veggies, you can still add the tea bag to the water—the green tea flavor just won’t be quite as rich.
• Make a green tea infusion: Steep a green tea bag in water for 10 minutes, then mix it with ginger, soy sauce, and other ingredients. This can be used as a base for green tea-infused stir-fry with both frozen veggies and garlic.
• Make a sauce: For a different green tea stir-fry method, combine a teaspoon of matcha powder with soy sauce and sesame oil and cook the mixture with your veggies.
• Make a soup: You can do this by using pre-made green tea noodles, or read on to learn how to infuse your noodles with green tea on your own.

Recipe For Cold Tea Noodles

The book Cooking With Tea: Techniques and Recipes for Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts, and More by Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen features this delicious yet amazingly simple recipe for cold tea noodles.

Things You’ll Need:

• A quart of water
• 2 tsp green tea leaves
• 8 oz dried udon noodles (can substitute linguine)
• 6 oz firm tofu (can substitute bits of chicken or dark turkey meat, roasted mushrooms, fresh soybeans, or lima beans)
• 2 oz enoki mushrooms
• 4 scallions, chopped
• Light soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Freshly-chopped cilantro leaves
• Freshly-ground black pepper

You’ll start by brewing your green tea and then using it to cook the udon noodles or linguine. Once your noodles are cooked, the work is almost done (when we said simple, we meant it!).

Simply place the cooked noodles into two bowls, then scatter the tofu cubes (or your substitution protein), mushrooms, and scallions over the noodles. Finally, dress it to taste with the soy sauce, sesame oil, cilantro leaves, and black pepper before serving.

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Food hacks are the best because they can save you time and make life easier overall—especially when you’re in a hurry. Thanks to the internet, amazing food hacks are popping up everywhere all the time, but some stand out from the crowd. These are the best cooking and baking hacks we found this year.

1. A Boxed Cake Mix Hack That Can Make It Taste Homemade

A common boxed cake recipe calls for vegetable oil, but substituting melted refined coconut oil will make the cake’s texture fluffier, lighter, and more moist. This isn’t a calorie-friendly substitution, but it tastes so good you’ll never want to make another cake mix without it.

2. One Simple Ingredient That Takes Mac And Cheese To The Next Level

Your standard mac and cheese recipe includes milk, cheese, and butter. But if you want to elevate the flavor and avoid a one-note dish, add a little fresh nutmeg. It only takes a tiny amount—just an eighth of a teaspoon—to add warmth and complexity to this ultimate comfort food.

3. Extra-Crispy Roasted Veggies Without Overcooking

Avoid limp, soggy vegetables and roast them perfectly and uniformly every time by setting your roasting pan on the oven floor. The direct, constant heat will leave your veggies ultra-crispy, yet nice and caramelized without overcooking them

4. A Genius Method For Poaching Multiple Eggs At Once

Professional chef Adrienne Cheatham is a master of poaching dozens of eggs a day for brunch service, and she shared her method for making foolproof poached eggs. This method will poach multiple eggs at once, without wasting time or product—and it never fails.

5. Martha Stewart’s Simple Method For Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Culinary queen Martha Stewart told us the key to preparing fluffy, scrambled eggs is to cook them over low heat while constantly moving the eggs in the pan. To prevent them from sticking, add a little bit of butter.

6. An Ina Garten-Approved Ingredient To Transform Bland Chicken

Ina Garten took chicken to the next level in her latest cookbook: Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. Her recipe for “chicken in a pot with orzo” has a bit of luxurious flair with the addition of saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices.

7. The Necessary Ingredient For ‘The Greatest Steak Of All Time’

Brandi Carlile gave Courteney Cox a recipe that included the secret to making “the greatest steak of all time.” In an Instagram video, the Friends alum shared that secret with her followers—adding freshly-ground coffee to your steak seasoning mixture.

8. Adding Soy Sauce To Scrambled Eggs

Rather than adding salt to your scrambled eggs, consider using soy sauce instead to amp up the taste. The flavor of soy sauce surpasses that of ordinary salt by adding a touch of sweetness and umami.

9. The Key To Perfectly Roasted Potatoes

Chef Samin Nosrat shared a trick that will make your potatoes flavorful with an even crispier exterior. All you have to do is boil your potatoes whole in extra-salty water. Instead of using a pinch of salt, throw a handful into the water.

10. A Low-Carb Chicken Pizza Crust

Turn a can of chicken into a low-carb, high-protein pizza crust by mixing it with one egg and parmesan cheese. Season with basil and oregano, bake for 20 minutes, then add your sauce and toppings before giving it a final bake.

11. Pan-Frying Bacon In Water

Christopher Wallace, owner of seasoning brand FlavorGod, posted a TikTok video showing why pan-frying bacon in water is a must. Not only does it keep your bacon from splattering, but it makes the bacon turn out perfectly crisp and tender.

12. Rachael Ray’s Smashed Potatoes

The ultimate potato recipe comes from Rachael Ray, thanks to her smashing technique and a secret ingredient: charred lemon. She douses her potatoes in it along with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

13. Create Stunning Meals With Canned Campbell’s Soup

Dan Giusti, founder of Brigaid’s and former head chef of Noma’s, demonstrated how to make stunning meals with a can of Campbell’s Soup. Turn a can of tomato bisque into eggplant Croque madame, cream of mushroom soup into portobello mushroom soup, and bean and bacon soup into roasted chicken thighs with beans and kale.

14. The Ultimate Garlic Hack

Love the convenience of jarred minced garlic but prefer the flavor of fresh? Create bite-sized garlic blocks that are ready to cook with this unique method from Bou Family Kitchen on TikTok.

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The Food and Drug Administration has not updated its guidelines for what constitutes “healthy” food for 30 years, and it’s safe to say that food science has come a long way in those three decades. A much-needed update could finally happen next year thanks to some proposed changes.

The Biggest Changes

The FDA recently proposed an update that would redefine healthy to be “consistent with current nutrition science and federal dietary guidance.” The update would be consistent with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the upgraded nutrition facts label that debuted about a year ago when the FDA began listing added sugars, vitamin D, potassium, and more on the nutrition label.

The focus of this new categorization would be on food groups rather than individual nutrients, and foods will need certain qualifications to be labeled healthy.

This new definition would line up with what healthcare professionals already tell their patients when it comes to focusing on overall health: eat good fats, avoid saturated fats, and limit added sugars.

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Specifically, the FDA’s proposed change would require the following qualifications to be met for a food product to get a healthy label. 

1. It must “contain a certain meaningful amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups (e.g., fruit, vegetable, dairy, etc.) recommended by the Dietary Guidelines.”

2. It must contain a limited amount of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. “The threshold for the limits is based on a percent of the daily value (DV) for the nutrient and varies depending on the food and food group. The limit for sodium is 10% of the DV per serving (230 milligrams per serving).”

The change will no longer account for a food’s total fat. Research has shown that low overall fat shouldn’t be the goal of a healthy diet—it’s about eating enough healthy fats and less unhealthy (saturated) fats.  

Under the current guidelines, fatty fish and avocados don’t qualify as healthy, but they will with the new guidelines. Other foods that will be considered healthy include nuts, seeds, eggs, tuna, anchovies, and olive oil. Nutritionists say it’s all a huge step forward and a long-overdue correction

RELATED: Do You Skip Breakfast? New Research Suggests A Link Between Delayed Eating And An Increased Risk Of Obesity

“Under the proposed definition, raw whole fruits and vegetables would automatically qualify for the ‘healthy’ claim because of their nutrient profile and positive contribution to an overall healthy diet,” the FDA explained in a press release.

On the flip side, foods like white bread, cereals, and yogurts that are high in sugar currently qualify as “healthy,” but with these changes, they no longer will.

Making Healthy Eating Easier

The FDA’s goal is to make healthy eating less complicated by educating and empowering consumers. 

“The proposed rule is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to helping consumers improve nutrition and dietary patterns to help reduce the burden of chronic disease and advance health equity,” according to the FDA press release.

And the FDA hopes the new guidelines will “help foster a healthier food supply” and encourage manufacturers to develop more nutritional products.

The agency is also working on a new healthy symbol to appear on foods that meet their criteria. Here again, the aim is to help shoppers easily identify nutritious choices.

For many of us, these changes will confirm what many of us already know—that nutrient-rich foods are good for us. But these new guidelines and symbols will add the government’s stamp of approval, plus a visual cue.

In the future, the FDA also hopes to develop a front-of-package labeling system to make nutritional information even more obvious both at the supermarket and online.

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• Too Much Of This Common Supplement Can Cause Fatigue, Joint Pain, And Even Hair Loss

Gen X women are all too familiar with hairspray (insert Aqua Net joke here). Obviously, it’s a great tool for keeping your hair in place while adding some shine and volume.

But like we learned this year with items like dryer sheets and even old mayonnaise, some common everyday items can have unexpected uses around the home, with hairspray being no exception.

Many of us are probably aware of hairspray’s ability to help stop a run in pantyhose, but we’re betting you didn’t know hairspray could do any of these 12 things.

1. Get Rid Of Price Tag Residue

Those price tags on things like dishes and serving platters can leave behind a sticky residue, but that’s not a problem when you have a little bit of hairspray. Coat the problem area with a layer of hairspray and let it sit. The remaining adhesive will be broken down by the alcohol in the spray, so you can simply wipe it off with a wet cloth after about 10 minutes.

2. Keep Flowers Fresh

A beautiful bunch of fresh flowers has a limited life span, but you can use hairspray to extend it. To help the blooms last as long as possible, use this beauty staple to seal in the freshness and prevent the colors from fading. Simply hold a bottle of hairspray about a foot away from your flowers and spray the undersides of the petals and leaves.

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3. Take Care Of Loose Screws

If you have a screw that has a habit of loosening up no matter how much you tighten it, hairspray can help. Tighten that screw the best you can and coat it with the spray. When it dries, it will create a polymer seal to stop the screw from loosening.

4. Tackle Unwanted Pet Hair

We all love our pets, but some of them have a habit of leaving their fur behind after a nap on the couch. To remove that unwanted hair, you don’t need a lint brush or some other fancy tool. Simply spray a generous amount of hairspray onto a washcloth and start dabbing, and the loose hair will immediately cling to the cloth.

5. Thread A Needle With Ease

The struggle is real when it comes to threading needles, but it doesn’t have to be. Spritz some hairspray onto the tip of the thread to stiffen it, and it will easily pass through the eye of the needle without fraying.

6. Preserve Your Children’s Artwork

If your child produces pencil-drawn masterpieces that you’d like to add to the family scrapbook or memory box, you can preserve that artwork with a light mist of hairspray to prevent smudging. This method also works for chalk art.

RELATED: Clever Uses For Your Expired Spices (Because You Know You Have At Least One)

7. Make Slippery Shoes Less Slippery

If you have a new (or old) pair of shoes with slick bottoms, avoid falls by spraying the bottoms with a layer of hairspray. Give it a minute to dry, and it will create traction and stop your soles from sliding.

8. Accelerate Nail Drying

Fingernail polish can take forever to dry, but you can accelerate that process by spritzing your nails with hairspray. The aerosol will not only speed things up, but will also create a chip-proof coating to protect your manicure. Win-win!

9. Get Rid Of Static Cling

Avoid a static cling-induced wardrobe malfunction with a little bit of hairspray. Tame a dress or skirt by spritzing some on your hands and rubbing it on your clothing or tights to reduce the static cling without damaging the fabric.

10. Prevent Pollen Stains

Pollen grains from fresh flowers, like lilies and tulips, can fall off and cause some serious stains on fabric and carpet. They can be extremely difficult to remove, so avoid that problem from the get-go by spritzing some hairspray on the stamens when you bring fresh flowers into your home.

11. Preserve Leaves

Wreaths are a fabulous year-round decor item. If you’re a crafter who wants to create your own using real leaves, you can preserve them with some hairspray. 

Start by patting the leaves dry with a cloth until any moisture is gone, then cover both sides with hairspray so they don’t turn brown. This will make the leaves easy to incorporate into crafting projects while preventing them from wilting.

12. Hold Those Eyebrows In Place

Okay, this one is beauty routine-adjacent, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. If you have unruly, stubborn eyebrows, hairspray can help. Spritz some on your finger (or a spoolie), then wipe that finger over each brow—starting on the inside and moving outward—to keep those crazy hairs right where you want them.

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Social media is full of ways to make home organization and cleaning easier, and we came across some super-useful tips in 2022. From tackling the challenges of spreading cold, hard butter without destroying our toast to creative uses for dryer sheets (even used ones), we’ve rounded up some of the most useful home hacks we discovered this year.

1. Spreading Butter Like A Dream

A viral TikTok video posted by a Norwegian food blogger and viewed well over a million times proved there is an easy way to get cold butter to spread on toast like a dream. How exactly? By simply using a grater. 

In just a matter of seconds, you can get the best spreadability by using a grater directly over your warm toast. It will soften your butter flakes instantly and they will become smooth and spreadable. As the TikToker pointed out, grating butter also works well for baking. It’s “a technique used by home cooks and professionals to make food preparation tasks easier, faster, or more efficient.”

2. Never Buy Refills Again With The Swiffer Wet Jet Hack

You’ll never have to buy Swiffer solution refills again thanks to this Wet Jet hack. The one annoying design feature of the WetJet is the fact that you can’t open the cleaning solution bottle to refill it. But it can be done using a mug of hot water.

Simply put the bottle lid-side down into the mug, let it sit for about a minute, remove it from the water, and the lid will easily unscrew.

3. A Revolutionary Dishwasher Hack

We all have our own opinions about how to properly load a dishwasher. But did you know that putting aluminum foil in your machine can make your dishes cleaner? 

RELATED: Don’t Rinse’ Why You’re Probably Loading Your Dishwasher Incorrectly

As Chef Erin Morley explained on TikTok, “The foil has a reaction with the detergent to literally get all the grime, grease [off]. It gets your silverware and glassware shinier than you’ve ever seen it.” And she said it eliminates the need for a rinsing solution.

4. Tight On Counter Space? Try This Amazon Kitchen Hack

If you never have enough space for all the chopping and prepping in your kitchen—and don’t have the time or money to add a kitchen cart or buffet—you can get much needed workspace from this Amazon kitchen hack.

Influencer Julianna Claire shared a quick video on Instagram showing off a bamboo work surface designed with a lip. It can easily give you more kitchen counter space by simply placing it over your sink or stove.

5. A Snow Shoveling Hack A La Clark Griswold

Clearing fresh snow off of sidewalks, steps, and driveways can be time-consuming and back-breaking work. But just like Clark Griswold and his sled in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you can grease up your shovel with WD-40 or Pam cooking spray to save time and your lower back. This hack will keep the snow chunks from sticking to your shovel and weighing it down.

RELATED: 6 Common Laundry Mistakes You’re Probably Making & How To Fix Them

6. Using Dryer Sheets Outside Of The Dryer

Dryer sheets can be used for so much more than getting rid of static cling. We came up with seven ways to make the most out of those sheets around your home, and some you can use even after the dryer sheet has been used in a load of laundry. Dryer sheets are useful for repelling bugs, sharpening scissors, and cleaning your baseboards, among many other tasks.

7. Clever Uses For Expired Spices

If you’ve ever bought a spice that you only needed for one dish and never used again, this hack is for you. You can use expired spices to do things like tie-dye shirts, give a mineral boost to your plants, freshen up your carpet, and so much more.

8. Unexpected Uses For Honey

We all know honey can add sweetness to dozens of recipes, but there are other ways to use this liquid gold. Combine a teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of brown sugar to make a lip scrub. Or, make your own hair mask with raw honey, coconut oil, and an egg. Check the link for lots more uses—this condiment is a jack-of-all-trades!

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Menopause can include a lot of symptoms we expect (e.g., night sweats) and some we don’t (genitourinary syndrome, burning mouth syndrome, and perimenopause rage). As menopause and its symptoms have historically been a taboo subject, so have the products and treatments to deal with these symptoms.

Luckily, many women have started speaking out about them, and thanks to them we’ve made a number of truly innovative discoveries this year.

1. A Genius Cooling Mist For Hot Flashes

Hot flashes have a habit of showing up at the absolute worst times—like right in the middle of a busy workday. But honestly, is there ever really a good time for a hot flash (maybe if you happen to be outside during a blizzard when one strikes)? 

This common menopause symptom can affect your whole body and your mood, and it can be detrimental to your work performance. To get some relief when you start to feel that heat creeping up your neck, try the Kindra Cool Down Mist. 

It will instantly reduce the intensity of your hot flash, and within 20 minutes you’ll feel its therapeutic effects. A total game-changer.

2. The Perfect Snack For Mitigating Menopause Symptoms

Entrepreneur, author, and business coach Julie Gordon White spent the pandemic baking sweet treats for her sons, which she of course also helped herself to. Combining that with her menopause-related hormone changes, White soon found herself gaining weight.

RELATED: Dandruff Caused By Menopause Needs A Different Solution Than Your Standard Bottle Of Heads & Shoulders

She started experimenting to find the perfect sweet-and-salty snack with natural ingredients that could also help with menopause symptoms. This is the Bossa Bars origin story, and it’s also how White discovered maca, a root that helps balance hormones and blood sugar.

Bossa Bars

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• Amazon: 12-pack Toasted Vanilla Almond.
• Bossa Bars: 4-pack, 12-pack, or 24-pack Double Decadent Chocolate or Toasted Vanilla Almond.
• Use Promo Code SUGGEST10 at bossabars.com to receive 10% off your order.

3. A Line Of Cooling PJs For Night Sweats

According to Laura Musall, no one understands just how serious night sweats are until you experience them yourself. She’s the 50-something founder of Cool Revolution, a line of cooling PJs for night sweats—or, as Musall calls it, “next-level sweat.”

She looked everywhere for cooling PJs made for women but couldn’t find anything that was comfortable or flattering. So Musall enlisted her friend Mindy Ford, and they contacted women’s health experts, designers, and developers before developing the perfect fabric.

“This is going to sound really gross, but I wore them multiple times to see how many days in a row I could sweat in them,” Musall laughed. “I just wanted to know.”

Cooling Pajama Tank And Shorts Set

$87 Shop Now at CoolRevolution

And these PJs aren’t just for bedtime. Musall’s clothing line includes pieces that are perfect for daytime too, just in case those frustrating hot flashes show up unannounced as they’re wont to do.

4. A Menopause Brand Created By Naomi Watts 

The Watcher star Naomi Watts was blindsided when she started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms in her 30s. Watts was surprised to discover a lack of community and wondered why no one was discussing the issue of transitioning into menopause.

RELATED: No, You Won’t Be Sweaty Forever: Debunking 10 Common Menopause Myths

That’s why the 54-year-old recently launched the brand Stripes, which provides menopause-related products, education, resources, and a community for women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

5. Scientifically-Backed Foot Massages

Sleep disturbances are a common menopause symptom. They affect our mood, concentration, immunity, and stress tolerance. But as we found out this year, the non-hormonal solution to poor sleep could be a foot massage.

The body tends to produce less serotonin during menopause, which means it can’t produce as much melatonin to prepare the body for sleep. Massage therapy restores those serotonin levels, which in turn increases melatonin production, thus allowing you a better night’s sleep.

6. Skincare That Caters To The Unique Needs of Mature Skin

As we transition into menopause and our estrogen levels plummet, most of us will see significant changes in our skin. Mature skin has unique needs and requires beauty products that specifically cater to those needs. That’s why No7’s new line of five skincare products for menopausal skin should be part of your daily skincare routine.

No7 Menopause Skincare Instant Radiance Serum

$17.99 Shop Now At Amazon

This collection is a must, as it addresses six key menopausal skin concerns: dryness, dullness, sensitivity, lack of firmness, uneven skin tone, and lines and wrinkles.

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As we age, shifting hormones cause our skin to change. A decline in estrogen levels—which alters collagen and elastin production—cause dramatic shifts in skin texture and reduce hydration levels.

That means your smokey eye might not give the same smoldering look you once achieved. Makeup might settle into lines, breaking up the color. Blush doesn’t have that same livening effect it once did. And powders don’t play nice with drier skin.

But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on makeup. It’s easier than you might think to adapt your beauty products and makeup application techniques to work with your changing skin. Luckily we found some amazing experts and content creators this year who helped us do just that.

1. Place Blush Higher For A Facelift Effect

Instead of applying blush on the apples of the cheeks (as you’ve been advised to do probably since you started wearing blush), Christen Dominique, founder of Dominique Cosmetics, showed us that applying blush higher on the face can transform your appearance.

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She followed up recently with a clever hack for nailing that higher placement: place your thumb and forefinger in an L shape, with your thumb lining up under your cheekbone. Use the L shape as a border to create the perfect, lifted look.

2. SPF Makeup May Not Provide Enough Protection

SPF-infused makeup promises cosmetic benefits plus UVA/UVB protection. But experts say these products don’t always deliver on their promises, and they don’t really protect your skin the way you might think. Instead of relying on SPF-infused makeup to protect your skin from harmful sun rays, it’s best to use actual sunblock.

“You would need six to seven times the amount of makeup to make it as effective as standard sunscreen,” said Kim Harris of Prescott Medical Aesthetics.

3. Avoid Cakey Foundation With This Trick

Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi revealed that if your foundation looks cakey, the makeup might not be the problem. To avoid the cakey look, first mist your skin with thermal spring water and apply hyaluronic acid to your dampened skin. Then apply your foundation, and blot the excess with a tissue-covered beauty blender.

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Soothing Facial Mist

$18.50 Shop Now at Amazon

• Helps reduce sensitivity, restore skin balance & doesn’t dry out skin.
• Softens & calms sensitive skin; helps reduce visible redness & burning sensations.

4. Tweak Your Makeup Application After 40

Updating the products we use as we age can make a big difference, but application methods are just as important. Erica Taylor created a reel about the “dos and don’ts” of makeup application for those over 40, covering contouring, blush application, and lip liner.

Her tips included placing contour higher than you’ve probably been taught—essentially on top of your cheekbones—for a lifted look, using cream blush instead of powder, and not lining your lips all the way around for a “happier, more youthful look.”

5. Define Your Eyes After 40 Without Using Eyeliner

Courtney Spencer—whose Instagram brand is all about hair and makeup over 40—showed us how to do a super versatile, mess-free eyeliner method that delivers a soft, smokey look using zero eyeliner. All you need are the right tools—a nice matte eyeshadow color and the fluffy end of an eyeshadow brush.

6. Apply Bronzer Under Your Eyes

Makeup artist Gucci Westman is a genius when it comes to natural-looking makeup for women over 40. The former Global Artistic Director for Revlon has worked with celebrity clients including Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman, and Halle Berry, and her industry career dates back to the ’90s—so she knows her stuff.

RELATED: Julia Roberts Is A Fan Of This Serum Foundation With Hyaluronic Acid That’s Perfect For Mature Skin

Westman told her Instagram followers that her favorite trick for looking “naturally sun-kissed” is to apply bronzer horizontally across her forehead, underneath her eyes, on her eyelids, on the bridge of her nose, and around the eyes at the temples to connect to the cheeks. We were surprised, too, but it looks amazing.

7. ‘Drape’ Your Blush For A Fresh Look

Gen Z Instagram makeup influencers have been applying blush in unexpected ways. It’s a technique known as blush draping, and it actually harkens back to the ’70s.

Essentially, you use blush instead of contour and bronzer to sculpt your face. Blush draping brings more color and life to the skin, adding a “lit-from-within glow,” and it’s flattering on all ages and skin types. As an added bonus, it gives your face a lift—or at least the appearance of one. 

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For the longest time, all anyone talked about when it came to menopause were hot flashes and weight gain. Now we know there are so many more symptoms, side effects, and challenges women should know about before they enter “The Big Change.” Here we’ve rounded up 10 of the most surprising menopause discoveries we made in 2022.

1. It’s Harder Than Starting A Family

A 2022 survey found that working with menopause symptoms was considered more difficult than starting a family. Employers are at risk of losing high-level talent—and women are being forced to make difficult midlife career choices—because offices typically aren’t very accommodating when it comes to menopause. Some employers, though, are starting to take note and make changes.

2. Burning Mouth What?

Most women entering menopause will experience a constellation of symptoms that range from mood swings to sexual dysfunction. One of the lesser-known symptoms is burning mouth, which often presents as a burning sensation on the tongue, roof of the mouth, or lips. It can also affect the throat.

3. It Even Brought Oprah Down

It doesn’t matter how successful or how strong you are—menopause will likely throw you for a serious loop. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has done it all over the course of her career, but even she wasn’t prepared for the life-altering transition into menopause. In her late 40s, Winfrey started experiencing some concerning symptoms like sleeplessness and heart palpitations. Her doctor suspected heart disease, but she would soon discover (on her own) that the physical and mental changes she was experiencing were due to menopause. This helped her chart the course to taking her life back, as well as encouraging other women to speak up about their own experiences.

4. Your Pre-Menopause Menstrual Cycles May Help Determine Your Heart Disease Risk

A new study found that women who saw an increase in their cycle length two years before their final menstrual period had better measures of vascular health than those who experienced stable cycle lengths during this time. This means that differences in cycle length could help predict which menopausal women are at greater or lesser risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. Genitourinary Syndrome Is A (Big) Thing

Half of all menopausal women have genitourinary syndrome caused by estrogen loss, which is associated with vaginal dryness and burning, painful sex, painful or difficult urination, discharge, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Despite the overwhelming evidence that this condition affects a large percentage of menopausal women, it’s still underdiagnosed.

6. Foot Massages Are A Great Treatment For Insomnia

Foot massages could serve as a non-hormonal alternative for combatting menopause-induced insomnia. A recent study found that a daily 20-minute foot massage can lead to less fatigue and stress as well as better sleep.

RELATED: Dandruff Caused By Menopause Needs A Different Solution Than Your Standard Bottle Of Heads & Shoulders

This therapeutic activity can be an effective substitute for melatonin supplements, hormone medications, or just staring at your ceiling and counting sheep.

7. The Reason Why ‘Frozen Shoulder’ Is A Pretty Common Symptom

The loss of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can lead to a common symptom known as “frozen shoulder.” Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a prolific and popular doctor who uses social media to focus on menopause, explained in a TikTok video that estrogen is an anti-inflammatory hormone. Gradually losing estrogen during midlife causes inflammation that can lead to pain and stiffness in the shoulders. Even Jenny McCarthy chimed in on the post with how she found a remedy to her case of “frozen shoulder.”

8. Menopause Can Make Us Really Mad

One of the lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause is rage. If you’re in your 40s and experiencing bouts of anger, lashing out, and making enemies out of lifelong friends and family members, perimenopausal rage could be to blame.

Mood changes are much more common in perimenopause compared to menopause, which is reached one year after your last normal period. Hormone fluctuation makes perimenopause a time of vulnerability for women. The overwhelming rage some experience may be related to the body’s changes in estrogen levels combined with other stressors.

9. One Particular Type of Menopause-Related Fat Is Worth Worrying About

Visceral fat is the type of menopause-related fat you should worry about, and there’s an easy trick to find out if you’re at risk. Visceral fat is located deep within the abdomen, so it’s not the kind you can pinch with your fingers on your arms, tummy, hips, or butt. Rather, ensuring your waist-to-hip ratio is .85 or less is the way to go.

RELATED: Hair Thinning Or Falling Out? It Could Be A Side Effect Of Menopause

Scientists believe visceral fat is the culprit behind a variety of diseases and chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease, dementia, asthma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.

10. Those ‘Weird’ Emotional Symptoms Are Actually Pretty Normal

Perimenopause and menopause have a wide range of mental and emotional side effects. When you’re experiencing it, it can feel like you’re crazy, overreacting, or both. Thousands of women on the r/Menopause subreddit have been discussing the emotional toll menopause can take.

Seeking the support of other women can help you feel less lonely during this unfamiliar time in your life.

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A good sense of balance is essential in our daily lives for basic activities like walking or climbing stairs, and it plays a key role in dynamic exercises and movements like playing sports. It’s easy to take good balance for granted in our younger years, and as we age, it can be difficult to notice our balance declining.

While a lack of balance can increase the risks of falling as we get older, studies have also tied poor balance with serious health issues.

The good news is, with some simple self-tests you can determine whether or not your level of balance is something to be concerned about. And there are things you can do to improve your balance even after you’ve started to get wobbly.

What Is Balance?

Balance can be a bit tricky to define. It’s maintained by multiple systems in the body coordinating and working together. From nerves, muscles, and movement receptors within your joints to eyesight, the inner ear, and the sensory system—all of these things work together to maintain balance. And it’s not something we’re born with; it’s an ability we gain early in life and slowly lose over time.

Technically, balance is the body’s ability to maintain its center of mass and distribute body weight over the base of support, especially during movement. And according to The American Heart Association, balance is one of the four types of exercise that should be incorporated into everyday activity, along with strength, endurance, and flexibility.

RELATED: Researchers Have Discovered A Way To Predict Mortality Rate Simply By The Way You Walk

Studies have shown that a lack of balance can be associated with serious health problems and an increased risk of falls as we age. Earlier this year, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a decade-long study involving more than 1,700 middle-aged participants. The study found that an inability to balance nearly doubled the risk of impending death.

The researchers asked volunteers to stand on one leg with their other leg pressed against it, arms by their sides, eyes fixed straight ahead. Subjects were allowed three attempts to hold the position for 10 seconds. The inability to do so was found to be associated with an 84% increase in the risk of death from any cause within the next 10 years.

With numbers like that, focusing on prevention is crucial. Luckily, there are (literally) steps you can take to prevent serious problems.

What Causes Lack Of Balance?

Balance issues are often blamed on a lack of activity. But aging, slowing nerve signals, impaired vision, dips in blood pressure, and declines in other systems can also contribute to a decline in balance.

Whatever the cause, once balance starts to fail, it tends to accelerate into a downward spiral. If you’re unable to easily walk around your home—or if you’re afraid to—you’re unlikely to try more strenuous activity to keep your muscles robust. Further imbalances can develop as your muscles atrophy, which, in turn, increases the risk of falls. 

As Benjamin Franklin famously said centuries ago, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And that couldn’t be more apropos when it comes to balance. 

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George Locker, author of Falling Is Not An Option and a long-term tai chi practitioner told The Guardian that the loss of balance very clearly begins at 45 and is difficult to reverse later in life. Prevention starting in midlife, he said, is imperative.

What You Can Do Now

Locker recommends taking up what he called “bent knee and ankle sports” such as ice skating, skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, or inline skating during your middle years to prevent balance problems.

If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. Tai chi is an extremely low-impact exercise that can bolster balance. You could even try something as simple as standing on one leg while brushing your teeth—but Locker recommends doing it with a bent leg to get your postural muscles firing.

As little as 15 minutes of balance exercise a day can be extremely beneficial. Start out with something easy, like the toothbrushing balance challenge. From there, try incorporating stationary or walking lunges. Once you’re feeling stronger, try using a box or step to do step-ups by pushing through your heels.

The important thing is to get started with some type of exercise to improve balance before symptoms become too debilitating. Your life could depend on it.

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Almost all home sellers—around 90%—use a real estate agent, according to the National Association of Realtors. But new research looking into the major real estate markets of Minneapolis, Houston, and Charlotte found that sellers can actually get a better price when they sell their home on their own. 

Three economists for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta built a huge database compiling more than 2.3 million real estate transactions between 2000 and 2019. That’s two decades of data from the pre-crazy pandemic real estate era. 

They found that owners consistently beat agents on sales price, earning 1% to 4% more than agents for similar properties (depending on the market)—and that’s not even including the owner’s savings of up to 6% by not paying a commission to the listing agent. Additionally, the buying agent’s commission (around 3%) is also typically paid from the final sales price. With home values on the rise, that all can add up quickly for a seller.

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While the researchers did note that sellers who did not use an agent typically had their homes on the market for longer and were also more likely to not complete a sale, their final conclusion was that the quickness of the agent ultimately resulted in a lower selling price.

To give an example, researchers noted that for a home sale of $286,000, assuming the seller pays a 3% commission to the buyer’s agent, a $400 flat fee to list the property on MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and earned a 4.3% premium on the home without using a selling agent, the resulting savings would be $19,740.

The Usefulness (Or Not) Of Selling Agents

In the opening of the paper, the researchers noted that despite the rise in technology that has made it easier than ever for people to buy and sell homes, agents’ commission rates haven’t declined over the years. Moreover, they noted the low barriers to entry into the field, as most agents simply need a license obtained by an exam and background check.

For the study, the three economists—Chris Cunningham and Kristopher Gerardi of the Atlanta Fed, and Lily Shen of Clemson University—focused on the performance of 16,000 individual real estate agents in the three markets earlier defined.

They figured out who were full-service realtors in each market, like ReMax and Century 21, and which companies were “flat free” brokers, who pretty much just list the property on MLS and that’s it. 

When breaking down the numbers, the researchers found that your choice of real estate agent has tremendous consequences when it comes to selling your home. The numbers are actually quite shocking. Switching from one of the worst agents in the market, a listing agent in the bottom fifth percentile, to one of the best in the 95th percentile, would increase the sales price of a home by 15% to 20%.

They also found that only the very best agents in the market could actually beat an owner who was selling their own property. As we noted, the first financial win for a seller who chooses For Sale By Owner (FSBO) instead of using an agent is the 3% to 6% commission savings. The second win is that an owner will likely get a higher price from the buyer.

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The study also found that it’s challenging to identify the “super agents” in your real estate market who can actually get you a higher price for your home than you could on your own. Seniority isn’t predictive of performance, and neither is the size of the real estate firm they work for.

According to this research, experienced listing agents actually get slightly lower prices for their clients because they are selling homes as fast as possible to get their commission and they are spreading their efforts over a large client database.

Is There Any Benefit To Using A Selling Agent?

This data seems to contradict figures provided in 2021 by the National Association of Realtors. In their November highlights report, they indicated FSBO sellers sold at a median of $260,000 in 2020 compared to the median sales price of $318,000 for agent-listed homes.

Of course, the single year of analysis in 2020 when the market was taking a drastic turn in a seller’s favor could account for this difference, as well as accounting for more than three markets in their analysis. Additionally, the median sales price still doesn’t factor in the cost of the selling agent’s commission that is paid from that figure. A 3% commission on $318,000 would be $9,540, while 6% is $19,080.

As the economists pointed out, there are highly skilled selling agents out there that truly can negotiate a higher selling point for your home that would offset the commission paid to them.

Beyond finances, a good selling agent can be a valuable resource when it comes to determining a sales price, providing market knowledge, and saving the seller time.

When it comes time to sell your home, there are many factors to consider, but you may want to take a more serious look at selling your home on your own. If you do decide to use an agent, always be sure to shop around. Reading agent reviews, looking at previous sales, and ensuring good synergy is essential to make this stressful time as easy as possible.

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In 2017, textile marketer Louise Nicholson founded Fifty One Apparel, aptly named for the average age of menopause. Her clothing collection is designed to mitigate your menopause symptoms, and she uses spacesuit technology to do it.

Nicholson created a specially-insulated fabric made with technology once researched by NASA to help regulate astronauts’ temperatures when wearing a spacesuit—specifically, their gloves.

Back in the 1980s, research into space gloves resulted in NASA developing Certified Space Technology®. It was never actually used, but it did inform the creation of future space gear. That technology eventually evolved to become Outlast®, which is what Fifty One uses to make their menopause-friendly clothing.

From NASA To Nightwear

As Fifty One Apparel explains on its website, the cutting-edge Outlast® technology is a “phase change material that is continuously working to absorb and release excess heat.” So no matter what you’re doing, the material is consistently working to regulate your temperature.

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Instead of wicking away sweat, Fifty One Apparel’s fabric controls the production of moisture before it starts, which in turn keeps your body temperature stable to allow you the ultimate comfort.

Independent studies show that Outlast®’s thermo-material significantly reduces the amount of sweat by up to 48%. But what really makes this material impressive is that if your body temperature falls again due to something like decreased activity, the natural wax releases the stored heat so you can continue enjoying a wonderfully balanced climate.

According to Fifty One Apparel’s site, “The fabric we use is made up of Thermocules™, which are tiny polymer shells in which the Outlast® phase change materials are enclosed. This encapsulation process makes the Thermocules™ durable and allows our clothing to regulate your skin’s microclimate.”

Think of this material as ice cubes in a drink. As those cubes melt, they absorb heat and cool the drink to keep it at a preferable temperature for longer. Wearing clothing made of this Outlast® material helps to “put the freeze” on hot flashes and night sweats.

With a variety of day, lounge, and nightwear available, their clothing can be worn anywhere: at home, the office, the gym, and in bed.

Casual, Cooling Comfort

Fifty One Apparel’s breathable tops are “created for stylish women with cooling in mind.” The temperature-regulating technology is featured in all their designs to keep you comfortable in any situation. 

One such design, the Clara Relaxed V-Neck, has a three-quarter length sleeve that flatters the arms. The classic style combined with the fabric’s soft drape makes it super versatile. It’s available in three colors and sizes small to x-large.

“Keeps you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Great relaxed fit with the perfect length, flattering sleeves. Very happy customer, thank you,” one reviewer shared.

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Fifty One Apparel’s collection of bottoms ranges from lounge pants to shorts, and each one will keep you cool and effortlessly stylish. All the designs are relaxed, and the body-regulating tech is ideal for mitigating your menopause symptoms so you can lounge in comfort.

The Georgie Cropped Pants are new to the Fifty One Apparel line, and they feature a flattering cropped wide-leg style that looks equally good with sneakers or flats. They have an elasticated waist with a drawstring cord, and the fabric is made from cellulosic yarns to give the pants a beautiful drape and luxurious feel. These pants are available in grey marl and black and in sizes 8 to 18.

During menopause, it’s perhaps most important to have a way of keeping cool and comfortable at night, and that’s exactly what Fifty One Apparel’s nightwear provides. Featuring a material that absorbs, stores, and releases heat for optimum comfort, this menopause-friendly line of PJs is still stylish and trendy. 

This nightwear combination is made up of the brand’s Rachel Lounge Pants and Charlie Vest, which can also be purchased separately. This set, which is available in two colors and in sizes 8 to 20, can just as easily be worn to the gym as it can be in bed.

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If you’re aiming to make 2023 the year you take charge of your physical health, here’s a super manageable way to start. Dr. Jill Zimmerman, a physical therapist based in Charleston, South Carolina, is the creator of the “Treat Yo’ Self” DIY at-home exercise program, which provides basic tools to help you move better.

In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Zimmerman showed an 84-year-old woman named June getting on and off the floor from the kneeling position. She can get off the ground better now than she was able to 20 years ago, Dr. Zimmerman wrote.

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If you have time for only one exercise, this is it.

“Get on and off the floor several times a day, every single day,” she wrote. “I don’t care how much help you use to start. But as time goes on I want you to use less and less support. It’s one of the biggest bang for your buck movements you can do.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Jill Zimmerman, DPT, CPT (@jillzimmermanpt)

This single movement addresses balance, stability, mobility, strength, coordination, and function. 

Balance is crucial when it comes to prolonging your life, and movements like this one are perfect for improving yours. As the doctor points out, “If longevity is your goal, this is how.”

The movement of getting on and off the floor from the kneeling position sounds deceptively easy, but it requires some technique and awareness. Always place padding under your knees, and start off by using support if necessary. For example, place your hands on your knees, or lean on a table or chair. 

If the movement is too much for you even with support, Dr. Zimmerman suggests starting small by getting in and out of a chair without using your hands. Whatever method you try, over time try to decrease how much support you use.

And do it every day. It only takes a minute or two, and this simple movement could add valuable months and years to your life. Then when you do make it to the age of 84, you won’t actually feel like you’re 84.

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Finding the perfect partner and working together on financial goals, like buying your dream home, is a goal many of us have. But when you finally meet the right person and the time comes to go house hunting and get that mortgage preapproval letter, many of us assume that both names should go on the loan application.

But according to UMB Bank’s national mortgage sales manager Matthew Locke (speaking with GoBankingRates), there are a number of scenarios where it makes more sense for someone to exclude their partner from a mortgage loan application.

Reasons Not To Take On A Joint Mortgage

While some may assume that leaving a partner off a mortgage might be indicative of a troubled relationship, that is definitely not always the case. There are four solid reasons that Locke touched on.

1. One Of You Has A History Of Bad Credit

The credit history of both applicants is factored into your mortgage interest rate. If one of you has a significant history of not making payments on time, this could lead to a much higher monthly payment due to a higher interest rate.

2. One Of You Has A Large Amount Of Debt

Your front-end and back-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratios are crucial to getting approved for a mortgage. The front-end ratio shows what percentage of your income would go toward your housing expenses (mortgage, insurance, property taxes). The back-end ratio shows how much of your income is needed to cover all of your monthly debt obligations.

Ideal front-end ratios are around 28% or less, although some lenders will approve an application with a ratio as high as 45%. On the back end, the ideal ratio is 36% or less.

If one of you is carrying a large debt load, that could make your debt-to-income ratio too high to secure a mortgage. That debt load could also put your DTI too close to the limits and trigger a higher interest rate.

3. One Of You Has A Lower Credit Score

A history of bad credit and/or a large amount of debt will likely cause a low credit score. Including a partner with a low credit score on a mortgage application is a bad idea, because the interest rate for which mortgage applicants qualify defaults to that lower score. That higher interest rate could end up costing you thousands over the life of the loan.

4. One Of You Has Little Or No Income

Excluding a partner who has little or no income from a mortgage application can also be advantageous. This strategy makes it easier to qualify for a down payment assistance program and could end up saving you some money. 

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Also, if one of the partners is self-employed, you may want to leave them off the application because self-employed individuals require more complicated documentation. Just another thing to keep in mind.

Even If You’re Not On The Mortgage, You Can Still Own The House

The thought of not being listed as a borrower on your home’s mortgage can definitely cause an emotional reaction, but it doesn’t mean you don’t own your home just as much as your partner. 

Suggest’s managing editor Kristen Philipkoski bought a house with her husband in 2021. She was self-employed at the time, and their mortgage broker recommended that only her husband be listed on the mortgage.

She’s still on the title along with him, so she owns the home regardless of who technically owes money to the bank. 

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“I did feel slighted initially, but then I realized that I kind of have the best of both worlds. I’m not responsible for the mortgage, but I still own the house,” she said.

We should note that the ability to do this varies from state to state, so it won’t always be an option.

When It’s A Good Idea To Put Both People On The Mortgage

In a perfect world, both partners would be on the mortgage. It’s the way to go if you both have high incomes and good credit.

That way you’ll likely get approved for a higher mortgage amount with a decent interest rate since your combined income and assets will be considered. It’s a more straightforward, better way to make buying your dream home a reality.

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Selenium is an essential mineral that facilitates normal cellular function, helps make our DNA, and protects us against infections, cell damage, and other health problems. 

It’s also vital for thyroid health. Getting healthy amounts of the mineral has been associated with a reduced risk of Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and thyroid cancer.

Clearly, selenium is essential. But that doesn’t mean you need a ton of it. In fact, our bodies only require a tiny amount of selenium—you can get plenty by eating a single Brazil nut per day.

On the flip side, eating too much selenium-rich foods or taking too much via supplements can cause some pretty serious health issues.

Selenium deficiency is extremely rare in the United States because our soil is rich in the mineral. Most Americans get plenty of it in our food, and a supplement could easily put you well over the daily limit.

Nevertheless, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, nearly one-fifth of the US population takes a daily supplement that contains selenium. The recommended dietary allowance for adults over the age of 19 is 55 micrograms every day. The only exception is women who are pregnant and lactating—they require approximately 60 and 70 micrograms daily, respectively.

That’s a pretty easy range to hit with most regular diets—and it means if you take a supplement that contains selenium, you could get too much without realizing it.

In one study that investigated an outbreak of selenium toxicity, researchers found that the source was a liquid dietary supplement that contained 200 times the labeled concentration of selenium. 

Partly because the supplement industry isn’t regulated like the pharmaceutical industry is, this mislabeled product made it onto store shelves.

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Any amount of more than 400 micrograms daily for adults (including pregnant and lactating women) can cause health problems including muscle tremors, upset stomach, lightheadedness, hair loss, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, chronically high intakes of selenium can cause a heart attack or kidney failure.

If you’re a fan of Brazil nuts, be especially careful that your supplements don’t contain extra selenium. Brazil nuts contain the highest amount of selenium of any food, and eating just one (a single nut has 96 micrograms) will put you over the recommended daily amount.

That can be a good thing if you’re concerned about thyroid health, but eating too many Brazil nuts on a regular basis can cause your body to reach toxic levels. 

Other foods high in selenium include seafood and organ meats. Protein foods from animals are also good sources of selenium, as are breads, cereals, poultry, red meat, and eggs.

Bottom line: it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplement, and to read the ingredients list carefully.

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We’ve generally been taught that relationships should always be about balance. Each partner should put in a certain amount of effort and receive that same amount of effort back—50/50 partnerships are touted as the golden standard.

But according to former First Lady Michelle Obama—who’s been happily married to former President Barack Obama for 30 years—the healthiest relationships actually aren’t 50/50 at all. We loved hearing her refreshing take on relationships that allows both partners room to grow, nurture, and be nurtured in return.

The former FLOTUS shared a lengthy post on Instagram that featured four candid black-and-white pics of her and her husband and a caption explaining the dynamics of their relationship.

“As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is my family. My home is Barack,” wrote the author of The Light We Carry.

She explained that a “perfectly 50/50” marriage actually shouldn’t be considered the ideal because “one of us is always needing more or giving more.” Mrs. Obama then shared with her 51 million Instagram followers the secret to a successful marriage.

She explained that when you’re in a relationship, both people must be willing to listen to each other honestly and without defensiveness. Only then, the mom of two said, can they “evolve together.”

Mrs. Obama noted that over the years, many young people have asked her about marriage, and her response has always been pretty much the same. She said you have to “prepare yourself for long stretches of discord and discomfort.” You also have to learn to make real compromises compared to the way you lived when you were single.

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“Glamorizing a relationship while you’re dating will lead you straight to difficulty once you’re married. You can’t paper over problems when you’re living with someone day in and day out,” she wrote.

She finished her post by challenging her followers to ask themselves what they’re trying to get out of their relationship and if they’d truly thought things through. There’s a big difference, she pointed out, between wanting a wedding and wanting a lifelong partnership. 

In a society where nearly half of all marriages end in divorce—and women initiate more than 70% of those splits—we think this marriage and relationship advice from Michelle Obama is some of the best we’ve heard.

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Infertility is a common problem for many women. In fact, according to the CDC, about one in five heterosexual women between the 15 and 49 are unable to conceive after trying for a year.

Stress and depression are common when a woman is struggling to get pregnant. And now, researchers are discovering that infertility can also have a negative impact on mental health later in life.

In a study presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s annual meeting (as reported by MedPage Today), the results showed that middle-aged women who had experienced infertility had increased risks for depression and anxiety.

Infertility And Its Link To Mental Health

In essence, researchers found that women who had reported infertility issues were more likely to develop depressive symptoms before menopause. Women who were “involuntarily childless” and unable to have children at all were at an even higher risk. Additionally, both groups of women had an increased risk of anxiety during the menopausal transition phase.

Researchers relied on data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)—a long-term research project examining the health of women in their middle years.

The 3,061 study participants were aged 42 to 52, were not pregnant or receiving hormone therapy, and had had at least one menstrual period in the previous 90 days. Out of the entire study population, 600 participants had reportedly experienced fertility issues and 127 were involuntarily childless.

After a baseline visit, each patient returned for 16 follow-up visits to assess their physical and mental condition. Researchers also documented where participants were in their menopausal stage. Findings were then adjusted based on variables including the use of oral contraceptives, insurance, education, race, marital status, and ethnicity.

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The most significant finding was the increased risk for depression and anxiety in midlife women who had infertility issues. When it came to increased risks for physical issues before or during menopause, such as hot flashes or vaginal symptoms, the differences among all women assessed were not significant.

Key Takeaways Of The Study

One of the study authors, Dr. Victoria Fitz, told MedPage Today that these findings indicate that OB/GYN providers and primary care physicians should consider screening midlife patients who have experienced infertility for depression.

“I don’t think I’ve thought of infertility as signaling a reason to give someone a full depression screening,” Fitz noted. “It could be viewed as a risk factor if it is confirmed in more studies.”

Fitz did note a few limitations of the study. For starters, the classification as infertile or involuntarily childless was based solely on self-reported data from study participants. Additionally, researchers did not have access to more information on what may have caused infertility in those patients.

For future research, Fitz was interested in looking into women who had tried reproductive technologies, such as IVF, as well as more closely examining the causes of infertility to get a clear picture of how that might play into increased risks for anxiety and depression.

And while not noted, with the current political atmosphere around reproductive health, issues surrounding anxiety and depression are sure to get even more complicated.

Dealing with infertility issues is never easy, even after the decision to stop trying. Being aware of the possible mental health risks and reaching out for professional advice can hopefully help mitigate future mental health issues as we deal with all the other changes midlife brings.

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Most of us are familiar with Botox as an injectable that smooths wrinkles, but you may be surprised to learn that Botox can be injected into your jaw.

Botox, the brand name for Allergan’s formulation of botulinum toxin, wasn’t even invented with a cosmetic purpose in mind. In 1978, ophthalmologist Alan Scott first used a mild version of the toxin to treat strabismus, more commonly known as crossed eyes. Given that the neurotoxic protein causes minor paralysis in the injection site, it made sense for the condition.

In 1989, the FDA approved Allergan’s Botox as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. Since then, Botox has been prescribed for migraines, sweaty palms, and even heart troubles, to name a few.

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Recently, Botox has been increasingly used for another common condition: clenched jaw and teeth grinding. It’s sometimes referred to as “teeth Botox,” and this simple procedure could be a lesser-known solution for those who suffer from bruxism.

A Quick Overview Of Bruxism

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching of the jaw or excessive grinding of the teeth. It can happen while awake or during sleep and can lead to not only a sore jaw and headaches, but dental issues including worn enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and even broken teeth. Our teeth can clench with up to 250 pounds of force, so in the most severe cases, bruxism can result in jaw dislocation.

Awake bruxism, which is unconscious jaw clenching or teeth grinding during the day, could be a reaction to stress, anger, or anxiety. Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, is classified as a sleep disorder and is less understood.

Botox For Bruxism 

Studies in recent years have found that injecting Botox shots into the masseter or chewing muscles can prevent the grinding, clenching, and pain associated with bruxism. Botox is not FDA-approved to treat bruxism, but doctors are free to use it as an “off-label” treatment (because the FDA regulates drugs, not physicians, doctors can prescribe approved drugs for any safe indication).

Doctors say that while Botox tends to work well, it’s not a panacea. It can be expensive—around $1,000 per procedure—and usually lasts a maximum of four months. Depending on the reason for masseter muscle botox, it might be covered by insurance in some cases.

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Botox in the masseter muscle can also cause side effects. A small number of patients have experienced lopsided smiles that lasted a few days. Other risks for using Botox in any location include bruising, allergic reactions, or changing your face shape.

The latter can be a pro or a con—some people choose Botox injections in the masseter muscle specifically to slim their jawline.

Jaws Of The Pandemic

The American Dental Association believes pandemic stress maybe be to blame for recent increases in teeth grinding and similar issues. In a survey performed by the ADA Health Policy Institute in February of 2021, 70% of dentists reported an increase of patients experiencing teeth grinding and clenching—a more than 10% increase from the fall of 2020. They also reported a 63% increase in chipped teeth as well as cracked teeth, and a 62% increase in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) symptoms, which include headaches and jaw pain.

Other treatments for bruxism that don’t involve needles exist, including mouthguards, stress management, muscle relaxants, and biofeedback. But “teeth Botox” can be an excellent, low-effort option for many.

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It’s no secret that online shopping has started to become the new normal for many of us, a trend that only accelerated during the pandemic. Just about anything you could think of can be delivered to your door these days. And that privilege of extreme convenience has not only changed our shopping habits and rapidly increased online sales, but it’s also led to an increase in returns. 

In recent years, retailers have been losing millions on free returns. According to Insider, about 60% of shoppers really like ordering multiple sizes and colors of a product and then returning the ones that don’t work for them, a practice known as “bracketing.” This has created a significant expense and a “logistical nightmare” for retailers. 

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Per the National Retail Federation, shoppers sent back about $100 billion worth of merchandise purchased online in 2020. The following year, that number more than doubled, jumping to about $218 billion. Free returns might be great for the customer, but they create new costs for both shipping and labor—and retailers have to eat them. 

Needless to say, this increase in free returns is cutting into already slim profit margins. Paying for ground shipping and the labor that has to process, sort, and prepare those goods for resale is hurting the bottom lines of many businesses. According to one estimate from reverse logistics firm Optoro, it costs a company 66% of a product’s price to process a return.

This past year has been insanely challenging for retailers overall, from supply chain issues to increased labor and transportation costs, and the outlook for next year doesn’t look any better.

Some Retailers Are Starting To Charge Return Fees

While Amazon definitely has had an influence on the online shopping community thanks to its Prime memberships that offer free returns on most items, Zappos was actually the first retailer to offer the service. This changed user expectations, and many retailers felt pressured to follow suit in order to compete. Now some companies have decided that they’ve had enough and are bringing the era of free returns to an end. If you want to send something back that you’ve purchased online, chances are it’s gonna cost you. 

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CNN Business reported this September that fashion retailer H&M will be starting to test a return fee to see customer reactions. Zara skipped that testing phase and has already added a $3.95 return fee. Meanwhile, J.Crew, JCPenney, and Abercrombie & Fitch have all begun charging around $7.50 to $8.00 for returns, which has quickly become the average rate.

How To Avoid Return Fees

It makes perfect sense that retailers would want to curb the return rate and recoup some of those increased costs, so this trend of charging fees will likely become more and more common. The good news is, there are still ways to avoid those fees if you don’t want to pay them.

• VIP memberships: Some companies like DSW use a two-pronged approach to deal with the issue of returns. They charge a fee of $8.50 per return unless you’re a loyal customer. Free returns are included with their higher-tier VIP rewards program, which requires you to spend at least $200 annually.
• Visit a brick-and-mortar location: If you order an item from an online retailer but live near one of their physical locations, you can avoid fees if you return the item to the actual store instead of sending it back through the mail. The reason retailers don’t charge for in-store returns is that the process gets you back into their store, and that’s an opportunity that could lead to another sale. 
• Take the return to a designated location: Some online retailers who don’t have a brick-and-mortar store near you do have a free return option as long as you drop the item off at a designated location, like Walgreens. Alternatively, they might give you a QR code to scan so you can leave the item at your local post office.
• Happy Returns: E-commerce returns have become such an issue that companies have popped up to accommodate them. Happy Returns by PayPal is a reverse logistics company that’s placed “return bars” in high-traffic areas throughout the country that accept returns from a number of brands. Once dropped off, Happy Returns will consolidate your returned items and send them back to the retailer for you.

If you’re feeling less than enthused about the introduction of return fees, here’s something to consider. As Erin Halka, a senior director at supply chain management firm Blue Yonder, pointed out to Insider the alternative to return fees would be raising prices. So incentivizing customers to do their part in the returns process might just help keep prices down. 

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A recent post in the subreddit r/TwoXChromosomes claimed there’s a “new brand of misogyny in young men” that the original poster found to be quite scary. Judging by the thousands of upvotes and comments, it appears that numerous Redditors agree.

The author of the post, a female teenager in her senior year of high school, explained that she could handle traditional misogyny in older men even though it was “extremely harmful.” However, she had a problem with this “newer wave of incels and Andrew Tate fans.” 

“At least old misogynistic men have some sort of internal reasoning born out of tradition for their terrible views,” she wrote. “The newer wave of incels and Andrew Tate fans, though? [They] scare me more because their misogyny isn’t born out of something like tradition or even just a want for control; it’s sheer hatred and bitterness.”

Incels, aka “involuntary celibate,” are an alarming group of insecure men that are redirecting their perceived rejection and sexual frustrations into hatred against women. This attitude can manifest into verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and even acts of violence.

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“Wow. Yes!,” one person responded. “Grandpa portrays women as inferior in the ‘they are weak and must be protected therefore give them less rights and smack your wife around a little to keep her in line’ kind of way. My generational peers are a ‘you don’t want to f*ck me because you are a stupid wh*re who should be killed for being useless’ kind of way.”

So, where is this hatred and violence stemming from? Some women joined the conversation with their thoughts.

Some Believe It’s A Response To The Success Of Modern Feminism

A woman in her 50s posited that this could be “[pushback] due to the success of feminism.” She noted that independent women who have high standards for the men they date mean that a man has to do “so much more to get [her].”

“That represents a huge shift in the power dynamic,” she went on. “Those [who] can’t up their game have weaponized that failure into a movement. That movement’s sole aim is to counteract those gains made by women. But all it’s doing is making those men even less desirable.”

Others agreed with this sentiment.

“This hits the nail on the head for me. They’re weaponizing their own inability to be better to women,” another person added. “The very idea that they have to do more than the bare minimum to be considered worthy of a woman fuels them.”

Social Media Has Helped Indoctrinate Young Men

As we know all too well, algorithms on social media often can help promote controversy, misinformation, and hate. There were many comments about the notable people who profited by creating and distributing incel content, including Andrew Tate.

Many were worried that young boys, who are very much impressionable to the content they consume, have been hearing and internalizing this new more violent form of misogyny.

“My ex-husband is a Tater-Tot (my lil word for Andrew Tate fans) and he’s turning our 7yo son into one,” one woman wrote. “The stuff I hear my son saying that I know his dad instilled through Tate videos is really scary stuff.”

Others linked the rise of violent incel content to the radicalization we have been seeing as a whole.

“Political radicalization (we know which side) is happily coinciding with radicalization of every shItty aspect of that side,” another person added. “Misogyny, racism, treatment of the poor, conspiracy theory, anti-intellectualism…” 

Could Porn Be The Cause?

Instead of Andrew Tate, many commenters believed violence in porn was the cause of massive damage to the younger generation of men. But, everyone is afraid to talk about it.

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“Porn is some kind of sacred f*cking cow, and if you criticize it you often get reductive nonsense in reply about what an insecure prude you are,” one user wrote. “The racism and the violent misogyny in porn is not okay.”

Another user expanded on why this violent porn might exist in the first place.

“The porn business model is built on fewer than 10% of users, but those users are special because they pay for 90% (ish) of the porn that is directly paid for (as opposed to watch for free / ads stuff), and they watch a TON of it,” they wrote. “Those users are also special because they’re into the most extreme, violent and illegal stuff … so the porn business caters to them more than the other 90% of users.”

Not Every Young Man Is A Misogynist

Tate may be popular with young men, but that doesn’t mean all of them are buying into this new brand of misogyny, said one Redditor in a more hopeful comment.

“I’m really glad my son is both social and a kind and generous young man,” she said. “He was briefly exposed to Andrew Tate and found him disgusting.”

By recognizing where this hatred is stemming from, we have more power to stop it. Hopefully, there will be enough men joining the fight against incel ideology to squash this minority bulls*t.

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If you’re like me, you have absolutely zero tolerance for bugs and household pests. When I see a critter in my house, I immediately squish it—no questions asked. Cockroaches? No. Spiders? Absolutely not! I don’t want any of these creatures living rent-free in my space.

It turns out, though, that I might be too overzealous in my bug-killing mission. Yes, some of those unwanted creatures are nothing but a nuisance, but the following five bugs can actually be helpful to have around your home. So next time, think before you squash.

1. Daddy-Longlegs

Whatever you call them (the species’ official name is Pholcus phalangioides), this bug actually does serve a purpose. I know they look creepy, but hear me out.

These leggy bugs are actually carnivores and love to dine on other spiders, including redback spiders and black widows, which can be dangerous to humans. They even eat spider eggs! They also eat insects like mosquitoes (which love to feed on your blood), and aphids (which love to feed on your plants).

And because they also like to feed on dead insects and bird poop, they can help keep your patios and outdoor spaces clean. While they sometimes congregate in clusters during the fall, this only happens for a short period of time and doesn’t cause any structural damage.

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2. Centipedes

These little arthropods are found all over the world, especially in places with high levels of moisture. So you’ll likely find them in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and damp basements. With a name that means “100 legs,” it’s no surprise that these creatures look like something out of a horror movie.

While they’ll probably always give you the heebie jeebies, centipedes don’t pose any significant threat to either your health or any type of property damage.

In fact, you should refrain from killing them because they offer free pest control by hunting small insects and other arthropods that are hiding out in your house. If you start to see an increase in centipedes, that might be because there’s been an increase in their food source. In other words, this could be indicative of a bigger pest problem in your home.

3. Ladybugs

Ladybugs, with their hard-shelled red bodies, black spots, short legs, wings, and antennae, are definitely cuter than most bugs on this list. Their adorable looks and the fact that they’re a sign of good luck in many cultures are reason enough not to kill them, but that’s not all.

The biggest reason not to kill ladybugs is that they’re absolute gladiators when it comes to fighting off aphids in your garden, mealybugs on your houseplants, and mites in your carpet and upholstery.

There’s just one caveat with ladybugs—don’t let their numbers grow too large. That’s when they can become a problem, and they’ll also emit a foul odor when bothered. Gross.

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4. Praying Mantis

Praying mantises—instantly recognizable by their narrow green body, small triangular head, large eyes, and oversized front legs that make them look like they’re deep in prayer—actually make quite obliging companions.

The upside to having a praying mantis in your house is that it will hunt, trap, and feed on pests. They tend to go after flies, moths, mosquitoes, and roaches. The downside is that they sometimes like to lay eggs indoors. To avoid that, gently catch these little guys in your hands and put them outside to help combat any mosquitoes.

5. Spiders

For those of you who hate spiders as much as I do, this is probably the last thing you want to hear. But having spiders indoors can be a good thing. Spiders are natural predators, meaning they will actively be targeting and eating other pests, including insects that can carry diseases. Plus, out of thousands of species of spiders, only 30 are known to be venomous to humans, equating to roughly 1/20 of 1% of all spiders.

Of course, many of us are still opposed to having spiders in the house. If you can, capture the spider in your home and set it free outside where it can continue to do its thing in farther proximity from where you sleep.

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We often focus the bulk of our daily skincare routines on our faces. But as we age, the delicate skin of our neck and décolleté deserve some love too.

The skin on these areas is actually finer than the skin on the face and is usually the first part of our bodies to show signs of aging. The neck and its 26 muscles are responsible for performing numerous everyday functions—breathing, chewing, stabilizing the head, and, of course, tilting the head down so we can look at our texts.

All that constant movement does a number on the neck and upper chest. With time, wrinkles and sagginess will start to develop. There’s also the issue of the neck having fewer sebaceous glands than the face, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s natural hydration by secreting sebum.

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Without an abundance of this natural emollient, the skin dries out more quickly and is more vulnerable to sun rays, wind, cold, and other elements. As a result, your neck and décolleté will likely be the first place that lines, wrinkles, welts, and pigment spots appear on your aging skin.

The good news is there are multiple products on the market that address this universal sign of aging. One to consider is StriVectin’s TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream, made specifically for your neck and décolleté.

This best-selling luxury cream is a wrinkle and brightening treatment made with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and a ceramide blend that features StriVectin’s “breakthrough Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex.” The formula claims to improve skin elasticity, provide visible lift, correct the look of uneven tone and texture, and smooth the appearance of neck lines and sagging.

StriVectin TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus

$76 Shop Now at Amazon

In clinical testing reported by StriVectin, 90% of participants showed tighter, more lifted skin and improvement in horizontal lines and crepiness, while 92% showed more even skin tone on the neck and décolleté after using the TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus for eight weeks.

Many shoppers seem to agree.

“I’m about to be 45 and noticed some weird [crepey] skin in the middle of my neck—it was super noticeable when I ate or drank—so I became really embarrassed to meet people for lunch,” one reviewer wrote. “I ordered this cream 30 days ago and the results are astonishing.”

“I’ve been using this neck cream for a few years now. When I first started using it I thought it was just like any other neck cream. Little did I know how effective it would be,” another reviewer noted. “My neck had become dark with rings around it. After [a] few weeks of use, I looked in the mirror and the darkness was gone and the rings were reduced. I will not be without this neck cream.”

To incorporate the TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus into your skincare routine, StriVectin recommends applying a thin layer twice a day to clean skin. Gently massage in an upward motion around the jawline and on the neck, and in a circular motion into the décolleté.

While the cream does come with a hefty price tag, it is important to note StriVectin is an award-winning skincare brand that prides itself on science-backed solutions for changing and aging skin.

In particular, StriVectin’s prized achievement is its patented NIA-114™ technology, which is an optimized form of niacin. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is a key compound the body uses to keep the skin healthy. The brand also pledges to use independent clinical testing for all its finished formulas.

It is precisely this research and dedication to proven products that have propelled the brand into one many shoppers know and trust. And with their TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus, it just might be the part of your skincare routine you’ve been missing.

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Most of us are probably familiar with salicylic acid from our youth as a common acne-fighting ingredient. In your 40s, salicylic acid might not be as prominent in your daily skincare routines as it used to be—even though hormonal acne is very much a thing in midlife.

But salicylic acid does much more than fight acne. Here’s why you should make sure it’s listed in your arsenal of products in midlife.

A Look At Salicylic Acid’s Anti-Aging Benefits

Salicylic acid is a colorless, organic compound that is a common ingredient in face washes, gels, and creams because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also known as a powerful acne-fighting ingredient for its ability to break down oils, like sebum, and bonds between dead skin cells that lead to clogged pores and eventually breakouts.

It is precisely this ability to break the bonds between dead skin cells that makes salicylic acid a powerful exfoliant. In fact, many chemical peels performed by dermatologists can contain a salicylic acid concentration of up to 50%. And as is well documented, exfoliation is an important step for helping to increase cell turnover and resurface the skin. The result, if done correctly, is a fading of dark spots as well as softening of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, salicylic acid is part of the Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) family. Similar to Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), multiple studies have shown BHAs can aid in collagen synthesis as well as the firming of the skin. BHAs have also been shown to be less irritating to the skin than AHAs.

How To Incorporate Salicylic Acid Into Your Mature Skincare Routine

No skincare product is one-size-fits-all. We all have different skin types, and salicylic acid is known for working best on oily or combination skin. It’s also effective on normal skin that has the occasional breakout.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should avoid salicylic acid because it could agitate your pores. If you’re allergic to aspirin, you should also keep salicylic acid out of your skincare routine because it’s in the same family as the pain reliever. And you should never use it on irritated or sunburned skin.

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If you have a breakout of hormonal acne, using salicylic acid spot treatments before you go to bed can help—and possibly eliminate the pimples—by the time you wake up, depending on the severity of the breakout.

Skincare products with salicylic acid should be used cautiously, especially at first. The ingredient can cause rashes, skin irritation, and peeling. In extremely rare cases, it can cause serious allergic reactions. So it’s best to start using it every other day and work your way up to daily or twice per day. 

Finally, use just one salicylic acid product at a time. Everything else in your daily routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen—should be gentle and soothing.

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

$34 Shop Now At Amazon

This gentle, non-abrasive leave-on exfoliator will dramatically improve your skin’s texture to give you that radiant, youthful, even-toned skin we all want. It goes deep into the pores to remove dirt, oil, and debris. It also sheds dead skin cells and soothes redness, revealing a healthier complexion.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

$54 Shop Now At Amazon

This anti-aging clay face mask will help clear breakouts while minimizing the premature signs of aging. It will detoxify your skin and clear up any pore congestion, soothe aggravation that breakouts can bring, and even out the skin tone.

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

$39.99 Shop Now At Amazon

Get rid of age spots and uneven skin tone with this anti-aging face serum made with salicylic acid, pure vitamin C, and a soothing peptide known as neurosensine. Just three or four drops each morning on the face and neck will visibly boost the skin’s radiance while reducing the look of wrinkles and refining skin texture.

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Last fall we were obsessed with the versatile shacket—a crossover between a shirt and a jacket, and it turned out to be a must-have in the colder seasons. The shacket looks like an oversized shirt made from heavier material that distinguishes it from a basic button-down—but it definitely isn’t strictly a jacket either. Instead, it’s an extra layer best used over tanks, tees, and thin long-sleeved shirts.

This season’s version of the shacket is “the overshirt,” which is very similar. But instead of being considered outerwear like its predecessor, the overshirt is considered to be equally suitable for indoor or outdoor wear. 

Heavily influenced by men’s workwear and ’90s grunge fashion, the overshirt is a must-have, super on-trend piece that’s perfect for work and play this winter—especially if you’re someone who’s always shivering, like me.

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Sweaters and hoodies are great, but they shouldn’t be your only fashion choices when you need an extra layer of warmth. Overshirts, which can be incorporated into any outfit, are much more versatile. They’re also available in a wide variety of fabrics and prints, so there’s definitely an option for everyone.

There are solid versions for a crisp and chic look, and plaid versions for the aforementioned grunge style. The options really are endless, plus they’re warm and cozy—a much better layering option than an itchy sweater.

Overshirts are the perfect way to stay warm this holiday season, both in the office and at home. They’re light enough that you won’t get too hot while sitting by the fire and eating all the holiday goodies, but they’re heavy enough to keep you warm while walking outdoors.

KIRUNDO Women’s Flannel Overshirt

$46.99 Shop Now at Amazon

A nod to ’90s grunge, this plaid overshirt comes in a variety of color combinations, lengths, and patterns. There are options that hit just below the hip, some that hit at the lower thigh, and some that hit below the knee.

• Available in sizes Small to XX-Large.
• Each style available in multiple colors.

Women’s 1912 Overshirt

$89 Shop Now at L.L.Bean

This overshirt has a worn/vintage look that we love. It’s available in a variety of color options, including Rangeley blue and washed orchid—don’t those sound gorgeous?

• Available in sizes XS to XL with petite and plus options.
• Multiple colors and patterns to choose from.
• Made from comfortable, super soft twill fabric.

Micro Sherpa Envy Overshirt

$158 Shop Now at Alo

This collared overshirt is made with plush microfleece and a comfy jersey lining. It has a longer-length fit, snap buttons at the cuffs, darted sleeves, and welt pockets with a design uniquely fit to flatter every size.

• Available in sizes XS to L.
• Black and ivory color options.
• Hits just below the hip.

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Most of us assume that scrubbing dishes by hand with soap and water is just as effective as using a dishwasher. Some may even prefer this method over using a machine.

Yes, those sparkling dishes on the drying rack might look squeaky clean, but are they actually disinfected? We were surprised to find out that many dishwashing soaps are not antibacterial. So if you’re washing by hand, your dishes could be secretly harboring bacteria.

To be honest, this isn’t really that big of a deal most of the time. However, if you have someone in your house who’s been sick or if you prepare raw meat on your dishes or cookware, then sanitizing your hand-washed dishes should be a priority.

Dishwashers might not get rid of all those stuck-on food particles, but they do disinfect your dishes. That’s because water temperature needs to be above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill off bacteria. This is a given with machines, but your hands can’t handle that kind of heat.

If you want to thoroughly disinfect your dishes when washing by hand, you’ll need to start with the proper dish soap. Dawn Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid and Palmolive Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid are two good store-bought options.

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You could also try mixing your own solution using one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water. When using this method, you’ll want to soak your dishes in the solution for a full minute before rinsing thoroughly.

Also, a silicone sponge—like this one from GreenLife—is a much safer bet than using a traditional sponge that’s probably teeming with germs. These innovative dishwashing net cloths could do the trick as well. If you refuse to part with your traditional sponges, it’s best to replace them often and be sure to disinfect them after cleaning sessions.

Speaking of dishcloths and cleaning towels, using a dirty one after drying your dishes could be counteracting your sanitation efforts. Be sure to wash them regularly using the hottest possible water and your washing machine’s “sanitize” cycle if it has one.

Our final tip when washing dishes by hand is to get the water as hot as possible and use a pair of heat-resistant gloves to protect your skin.

But remember, unless you use dishes to prepare raw meat or your someone in your household has been sick, it’s not necessary to go through this song and dance every time you hand-wash your dishes. Happy cleaning!

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Macaroni and cheese is one of those comfort dishes that just never gets old. Whether it comes from a box or is made from scratch, that creamy, cheesy goodness is one of life’s greatest joys for many of us. But did you know that adding one simple ingredient could take your mac and cheese to the next level?

Your standard mac and cheese recipe includes milk, cheese, and butter, but adding in a little fresh nutmeg will seriously elevate the flavor. And it only takes a tiny amount—just an eighth of a teaspoon. 

Freshly-grated whole nutmeg (not jarred) will transform any version of mac and cheese into a decadent dining experience. Nutmeg is used as a seasoning base for béchamel sauce. That’s the thick, creamy white sauce that’s used as a base for numerous other sauces—including the traditional mac and cheese sauce.

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Nutmeg will add warmth and complexity to your average one-note sauce, making this ultimate comfort food even cozier to tuck into. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Gather your ingredients for a classic béchamel sauce: butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a saucepan, make a paste known as a roux by whisking together equal parts butter and flour. This is what gives your béchamel sauce its creamy goodness.
3. Gradually whisk whole milk into your roux. Don’t pour the milk in all at once, though, because that will make your sauce lumpy. Instead, add the milk slowly and whisk as you do so. Allow this mixture to sit on low heat for about 20 minutes, then mix in salt and nutmeg to add flavor.
4. Add in some shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese to turn that béchamel into a Mornay sauce (the fancy term for mac and cheese sauce).
5. Mix in some freshly ground black pepper, fold in your cooked pasta, and top your creation off with breadcrumbs.

If you’re starting off with boxed mac and cheese, simply add your grated nutmeg when adding your powdered cheese, butter, and milk, then stir to blend. 

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If you have fine hair, you’re likely well-acquainted with the struggle of trying anything to achieve the illusion of thicker strands. From serums to shampoos to texture sprays, there are countless products that tout their ability to give the appearance of full, voluminous hair. 

But what if a specific haircut could do much of the heavy lifting for you? Stylists now say that the secret to faking the appearance of maximum volume is asking for a U-shaped haircut.

As the name suggests, a U-shaped haircut is when the back and sides of the hair are cut in a softer, more rounded fashion such that the back of your hair looks like a “U.” This is quite the departure from other popular trends that feature extreme angles and sharper points like modern mullets and V-cuts.

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But it seems as though soft silhouettes and natural textures are starting to trend again, which is great news for those with fine hair. This subtle difference in hairstyle can have a big impact on making hair appear fuller.

When you go to the salon, you should ask your stylist for a U-shaped haircut in the back (lightly cut layers with a slight curve) and shorter sides to frame your face. The layers should be subtle, not chunky, and they should blend seamlessly into your hair. This textured cut with its soft layers will add movement, which creates the appearance of thicker hair while reducing weight.

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If you think this haircut is only for long hair, you’re mistaken! It’s actually fantastic for shorter hair too, because it will bring more attention to your jawline. So if you’re going for a short bob, you can still get the U-shape. For additional face framing, you can opt for some bottleneck or curtain bangs.

We should warn you not to try this at home. Though it might look easy enough, this is a very technical cut that requires a professional. This is also a cut that will need to be maintained with more frequent salon visits to keep the shape intact. 

When styling at home, use a blow-dryer and round brush to create extra volume. For even more oomph, add some density serum or use a texture spray.

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The generational divide seems to be a common thread in just about every subject you can think of these days. From the word “Boomer” becoming an insult to the relentless demonization of millennials as “lazy,” these intergenerational conflicts can be seen everywhere.

Emojis are the latest battleground in the generational wars. Specifically, there are some differing views on the thumbs-up emoji. Some love it, while others think it’s one emoji that should never be touched if you want to maintain your relationships. So, what’s the deal?

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A recent Reddit thread started by a member of Gen Z asked, “Am I not adult enough to be comfortable with the ‘thumbs up’ emoji reaction?”

It garnered dozens of comments, with teens and 20-somethings sharing their beliefs that using this emoji is “super rude,” “passive aggressive,” or even “hostile.”

“I don’t know why but it [seems] a little bit hostile to me, like an acknowledgment but kind of saying ‘I don’t really care/am not interested,’” one Redditor shared.

This is an interesting take, and is reminiscent of how many feel when someone responds to a carefully crafted text message with “k.” Why not a simple “sounds good?” How about a nice “thanks for letting me know!” Why even bother responding?!

Scrolling through this thread, I started to realize that the use of the thumbs-up emoji deems you “old” in the eyes of Gen Z. But that’s not all.

According to The Economic Times, there’s a whole list of emojis that make you look old when you use them. This list was the result of a poll of roughly 2,000 people between the ages of 16 and 29, so it didn’t just emerge out of thin air. And if you’re anything like me, you use several of these on a daily basis.

• ❤️
• 👌
• ✅
• 😂
• 🙈
• 👏
• 💋
• 😬

The communication differences among generations are apparently more vast than ever. But personally, I find the thumbs-up emoji the most efficient way of letting people know I’ve received their message without making a big deal out of it. I may look old (and apparently passive-aggressive), but you can pry this emoji from my cold, dead hands.

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We use a variety of euphemisms to refer to menopause: The Change, The Switch, etc. But surely we can get more creative than that, right? The r/Menopause subreddit recently weighed in on this topic and brainstormed some other terms that can be used in place of “menopause.” They had us cracking up, so here are some of our favorites.

1. The F*ckoning 

One user suggested using all caps for this term to add emphasis. Another shared, “I laughed way too hard at this which, of course, made me pee a little. For me, THIS is the answer.”

“Remember the movie trailer voice-over guy?” one woman asked. “They f*cked around and now they will find out. See what happens when you dare to disturb …THE F*CKONING!”

2. Murderpause 

This was another popular option that users insisted should be in all caps, because “if said out loud, it needs to be angrily shouted.”

“We should really have a Netflix series titled Murderpause,” one user noted. “We’re here. We’re hot. We won’t be ignored.”

3. Second Spring 

This term is apparently popular in Japan, and some Redditors really liked it because of the positive tone. It makes menopause sound like a beautiful thing, doesn’t it?

“I love this, it’s like getting a second chance. Very optimistic perspective,” one user shared.

4. Victoria’s Secret 

We dare you to find us a Gen X woman who hasn’t spent hundreds of dollars on bras and panties at Victoria’s Secret in her lifetime.

As one user explained, “We could also just call it Victoria’s Secret [because] I am pretty sure this is what she was keeping from us.”

5. Hellapause 

This was another popular suggestion, but, as one user pointed out, “might as well just shorten it to “Hell.”

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6. Gland Finale

A personal favorite of mine, I think this is a clever and kind of elegant way to refer to this stage of life.

7. OVERies

Admittedly, this one would really only work in writing, but we still appreciate the wordplay.

8. Evolutionary Mayhem 

We think this is a fitting term to encapsulate the chaos that ensues (physically and emotionally) when you find yourself smack dab in the middle of menopause.

9. Hyper Puberty

Finally, we really loved the term “Hyper Puberty,” which is a suggestion that came from a daughter who’s currently witnessing her mom go through perimenopause. 

“As far as I’ve observed, I guess it could be called Hyper Puberty,” she wrote. “Apart from her hot flashes, I feel like I’m witnessing what I went through [in] puberty with her, but on a much grander scale.” 

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Gen Z seems determined to never age, as evidenced by the multitudes of skincare trends and tips that members of the youthful generation spread on TikTok. One of the most recent is face taping to prevent wrinkles—which at first blush seems like a good idea that produces fast results.

Doctors are less enthusiastic and say the long-term impacts of face taping could outweigh the potential benefits. So, should you try it?

What Is Face Taping?

Face taping is an anti-aging skincare trend that’s been popular on social media in recent months with Gen Z, but Gen X has actually been doing it for quite a while. If you’re Gen Z, you apply pieces of medical or Kinesio tape to strategic areas of your face without stretching it. If you’re Gen X, you use a product like Smoothies or Frownies, which are products created specifically for this purpose.

Wearing the tape overnight seems to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The most popular areas of the face to apply the tape are the forehead and around the eyes where “crows’ feet” typically appear.

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TikToker The Aussie Rapunzel recorded her progress over an entire week of face taping every night, and she saw clear results by day four. She applied the tape to her forehead, and the fine lines were gone by the end of the week. But, she found it more difficult to lift her eyebrows after trying the technique because she said her forehead felt “paralyzed.”

What Do Experts Say?

Some doctors say that the practice of face taping can cause skin irritation and result in more visible signs of aging in the long term. The technique is more appropriate for instant results that will last a day or two, but it shouldn’t be a part of your daily skincare routine, Dr. Michael Horn, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Illinois, told Shape.

He claims the tape adds resistance to your facial muscles, which in turn is training them to work harder and become stronger. That, he said, can make lines and wrinkles appear even faster.

That said, it could be argued that dermatologists and plastic surgeons who are often interviewed as expert sources have a conflict of interest—perhaps they’d rather you pay for their services than use a cheap, over-the-counter hack.

And while they may not have M.D.s, many influencers swear by face tape products. Gen X influencer Samantha from Stung By Samantha makes a pretty compelling case for Frownies, which she told us she’s been using nightly for about a decade.

She doesn’t use botox, and she said her 11s (the vertical lines that tend to appear between your eyebrows as you get older) have disappeared thanks to Frownies.

The choice is yours: try face taping like Gen Z, use a product like Frownies like Gen X, or go another route altogether and use sunscreen and retinol to smooth your skin.

Frownies Forehead and Between Eyes Wrinkle Patches

$23.95 Shop Now At Amazon

Frownies are Stung By Samantha’s go-to, and while some reviewers found them uncomfortable, others said they work. But they do require continued use—no magic bullets here.

Facial Smoothies Triangle Wrinkle Remover Strips

$17.95 Shop Now At Amazon

Our lifestyle managing editor swears by Smoothies for her 11s. They’re clear and a little more pliable than Frownies. They also come in various shapes.

CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum

$18.79 Shop Now At Amazon

If you’d rather forego the taping, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles with CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum. This lightweight serum will improve the skin’s texture and make it more radiant while retaining its natural moisture.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen

$41 Shop Now At Amazon

During the day, try EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 for your go-to sunscreen. It’s a sensitive skin sunscreen that is unscented, lightweight, silky, and sheer—leaving no white cast. It will give your face a healthy glow and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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Weighted blankets have become very popular in recent years, particularly among those who have anxiety disorders. Many have touted their benefits in relieving stress and improving sleep quality, but there has been very little scientific research to back up these anecdotal claims.

Now, there’s more evidence that may support their value, thanks to a new study from the Swedish Brain Research Foundation.

The study—published in The Journal of Sleep Research—is the first to actually suggest that using a weighted blanket at bedtime may result in a greater release of melatonin.

Researchers examined the saliva that 26 “young and healthy” participants produced during sleep using either a weighted blanket or a normal-weight blanket. In particular, they were looking for increased levels of oxytocin and melatonin, which have been theorized to increase with the use of a weighted blanket.

Measuring concentration levels one hour after “lights out,” researchers noted an increase in melatonin of around 32%. While this is significant, it is important to note a few caveats of the study.

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Beyond the limited sample size of participants, the study was conducted in a laboratory, so the setting as well as the duration of analysis could have been a limiting factor. Researchers noted the need for future studies on the matter, particularly how melatonin production is affected by the frequent use of a weighted blanket.

That said, the current research on the use of weighted blankets looks promising, coupled with the many positive first-hand accounts from people who use them regularly. Suggest’s CEO Kasey Grelle is among the fans of these trendy covers, which she admits wasn’t always the case.

“At first I thought it was kind of bogus, but I find that when I watch TV or read with [a weighted blanket], I am instantly sleepier and calm,” Grelle said. The impact is so noticeable that she also noted the instant she takes the blanket off to head to bed, she starts to feel more awake.

Bearaby Cotton Napper

$199 Shop Now at Bearaby

• Available in 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 25 lbs.
• Six color options: dark gray, light gray, navy blue, white, rose pink, and burnt orange.
• Made of breathable organic Fairtrade cotton.

In particular, Grelle was gifted this buttery soft chunky-knit weighted blanket from Bearaby. She loves it so much, it’s now her go-to gift to loved ones, especially anyone experiencing a health issue.

Quility Weighted Blanket

$57.15 Shop Now at Amazon

• Available in 5 lbs, 7 lbs, 10 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, and 30 lbs.
• Six color options: aqua, light gray, navy blue, bubblegum pink, cream, and white and dark gray pattern.  
• 100% cotton removable cover for easy cleaning.

For a more affordable option, this soft cotton weighted blanket from Quility is a best seller on Amazon. Available in a number of sizes ranging from 36 inches x 48 inches to 86 inches x 92 inches, we like that there are also more weight options so you can get one optimized for your exact needs.

Another affordable option is this no-fills weighted comforter from L’AGRATY. The cozy microfiber is great for seasonal use, and we love that it ranges in sizes perfect for everything from a twin to a king-size bed.

Cottonblue Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket

$56.83 Shop Now at Amazon

• Available in 12 lbs, 15 lbs, and 20 lbs.
• 11 color and pattern options: dark gray, pink, light gray, slate blue, white, navy blue, morocco gray, morocco blue, red reindeer, and wreath print.
• Made with plush sherpa fleece and ceramic beads.

If you prefer something a little plusher, this sherpa fleece weighted blanket from Cottonblue is a great contender. Available in two sizes, this dual-sided blanket is ideal for smaller beds or use as a throw blanket for relaxing evenings on the sofa.

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Remember when low-rise jeans were all the rage? I know this is a trend most of us never want to see again for a variety of reasons. But for me, the number-one sin of wearing low-rise jeans was the thong exposure. You know what I’m talking about—the dreaded whale tail. 

This controversial look made its debut on the runway during Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 1997 show, which included models wearing exposed thongs and briefs. And since Y2K styles are once again dominating fashion trends, this horrific trend has made its way back again!

Why Won’t The Whale Tail Go Away?

Writer Eliza Huber at Refinery 29 tried to warn Gen Zers about reviving this trend when she wrote a piece about the reality of wearing a whale tail while out and about. She was curious what it was like to wear a visible thong in public, so she tried it out for a week.

At first, she wore different “whale-tail-style garments”—everything from pants with a thong-shaped cut-out in the back to midi skirts with strings attached to the waist—that gave the appearance of exposed underwear. Her conclusion that these items were “surprisingly comfortable” honestly shocked me.

But all that changed when she actually tried to style the look with real thong underwear and vintage parachute pants worn low enough on her hips so her underwear peeked over. When Huber attempted this authentic version of the whale tail trend, she realized she’d made a mistake.

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“Almost immediately upon stepping outside my front door, I felt uncomfortable,” she wrote. “As I walked to Trader Joe’s, I noticed that people were looking—no, staring—at me. Within five minutes, I turned around … heading back to my sartorial safety net of baggy jeans and a hoodie. Every last piece of photo evidence was, in turn, deleted from my phone.”

Huber eventually realized what all Gen Xers have known for years—there’s a good reason that whale tails came to an end back in 2006. The style might look good on the red carpet or on Instagram, but wearing a thong with low-rise pants in your everyday life is one trend that doesn’t deserve a reboot.

The exact reason why whale tails continue to be popular with influencers and celebs will likely remain a mystery. It could just be that they like to be provocative, but most of us know that the whale tail should stay in the ’90s where it belongs.

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Memory is a powerful thing. It can make us laugh, cry, and often cringe. Our memory is also malleable. Even though you may not realize it, when you recall memories like your high school graduation, your first kiss, or your wedding day, your brain changes that memory just slightly. Information can be updated or lost, details can be filled in or changed.

“We’re inadvertently applying filters to our past experiences,” Boston University neuroscientist Steve Ramirez told The Brink. “Memory is less of a video recording of the past, and more reconstructive.”

Our memory’s malleable nature has its share of pros and cons. Remembering false details is obviously less than ideal. But having the ability to take the sting off scary or traumatic memories is a blessing. With that in mind, scientists at Boston University want to use this memory malleability to our advantage.

In a recent study, BU researchers explored the malleable nature of memories and how activating certain “positive” memories in the brain could lessen the emotional, mental, and physical effects of “negative” ones.

If we could use our positive emotional memories to overpower negative ones, this could potentially lead to new treatment methods for individuals with mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Our million-dollar idea is, what if a solution for some of these mental disorders already exists in the brain? And what if memory is one way of getting there?” Ramirez posited in The Brink.

Where Do Positive And Negative Thoughts Take Place?

For years, Ramirez and his team have been studying memory in mice, and they’ve discovered where the brain stores positive and negative memories. Understanding where these memories exist—and being able to distinguish between the two—is an important step in treating memory-related disorders.

RELATED: Positive Mantras Might Be Causing More Damage Than Negative Self-Talk–What To Do Instead

Individual memories exist as networks of cells called engrams, and we store those memories in different areas across the brain. Ramirez’s lab focused particularly on those stored in the hippocampus, which as The Brink explains is “a cashew-shaped structure that stores sensory and emotional information important for forming and retrieving memories.”

In a new paper published in Communications Biology, Ramirez and his team of BU neuroscientists addressed the power of emotional memories. Their research found that our experiences—as well as the way we process those experiences—actually leave different physical footprints on the brain.

They mapped out all the genetic and molecular differences between positive and negative memory cells, finding that they’re mostly stored in different regions of the hippocampus. They also found that the two types of memories were quite distinct from each other and that they communicate with each other using different types of pathways.

“That’s pretty wild, because it suggests that these positive and negative memories have their own separate real estate in the brain,” Ramirez explained to The Brink. “So, there’s [potentially] a molecular basis for differentiating between positive and negative memories in the brain. We now have a bunch of markers that we know differentiate positive from negative in the hippocampus.”

How Do Scientists Activate These Memories?

The BU researchers used an advanced neuroscience tool called optogenetics, which is a method for tricking the brain cell receptors to respond to light. The first step was to make a memory by exposing the rodents to universally positive and negative experiences.

Once the mice formed new memories from those experiences, the researchers found the network of cells that held onto that experience and made that engram glow a certain color. Positive memory cell networks were green, while negatives were red or blue.

When they could see the memory, they used laser light to activate the cells. The amazing thing is that Ramirez’s team discovered they could also rewrite the negative memories by doing so.

RELATED: No, You’re Not ‘Too Sensitive’—How Being A Highly Sensitive Person Can Be A Gift

The researchers found that activating a positive memory, though not the only way to update a negative one, proved to be the most powerful. It also worked when they activated a neutral memory or the entire hippocampus.

“If you stimulate a lot of cells not necessarily tied to any type of memory, that can cause enough interference to disrupt the fear memory,” said the study’s lead author Stephanie Grella in The Brink.

What This Means For Mental Health Moving Forward

Artificially activating memories in humans isn’t possible, but that doesn’t mean this study isn’t beneficial. Grella said that the findings could translate to humans because you can ask people to recall something positive or negative, something you can’t do with mice.

Future research into stimulation of the human hippocampus—including experimental treatments involving psychedelic drugs like MDMA to rewrite traumatic memories—could lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of severe depression or PTSD.

“The theme here is using some aspects of reward and positivity to rewrite the negative components of our past,” Ramirez told The Brink.

The research will continue on the benefits of memory manipulation, and Ramirez and his team are working to push boundaries even further. He said they’re seeking game-changing ideas that can transform medicine, with the ultimate goal of finding solutions “way more effective” than the treatment options currently available to us.

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Jennifer Chatman, a tenured professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, noticed something weird happening with her student after she turned 40. Despite feeling like she was at the top of her teaching career with more expertise than ever, her student class evaluations were getting worse.

“If anything, my teaching was getting even better, but students were harder on me,” she told Mirage News.

When she brought it up to her middle-aged female colleagues, they described the same experiences—but her male colleagues did not.

Intrigued, she wanted to gather more than just anecdotal evidence, so she designed a three-part study, which was published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes in November 2022.

Empirical Evidence Of A Niceness Bias

Chatman and her co-authors concluded that both men and women are perceived as capable as they age. But women are seen as “less warm” when they get older, resulting in them being judged more harshly in the workplace.

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How did she come to this conclusion? In her first study, participants were given headshots of hypothetical supervisors at a tech company and given identical information about each one. Then, they were asked to rate “Steve” and “Sue”  on various adjectives like “forceful” and “gentle” in middle age, compared to when they were younger.

Both were rated higher on characteristics of “agency” as they aged, but Sue was rated lower on characteristics related to “warmth.”

“It’s just stunning,” Chatman told Mirage News. “These stereotypes are so hard-wired and deeply entrenched that they come out even when absolutely identical information is provided about a man and a woman.”

For Chatman’s second study her team asked 500 executives in leadership roles to have their real-life colleagues perform an assessment that measured different attributes, including assertiveness and agreeableness

RELATED: NASA Scientists Found Women Would Be Better Astronauts, But Their Findings Were Never Published

The results showed that women’s warmth was perceived consistently as they aged, but men were considered to be warmer as they got older. These results were less dramatic, but they could put women at a disadvantage when directly compared to men in their same age group.

The third study analyzed a large dataset of university professor evaluations over time. While the male professors’ evaluations remained consistent, evaluations of female professors peaked in their 30s then quickly declined, bottoming out at around age 47.

Surprisingly, after that, the evaluations became more favorable again, and by their early 60s, their reviews were similar to their male colleagues. That seems to indicate that midlife, in particular, is a time when women experience discrimination.

What Does This Mean For Working Women?

The research shows that even as a woman gains experience and capability on the job, a lack of perceived “niceness” can hold her back. Clearly, the solution is not for women to try to be nicer in midlife.

Rather, the authors concluded that awareness and education about these stereotypes could help remove some of the boundaries that prevent women from reaching their full professional potential.

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Using technology to track our health has become a common part of our lives in recent years. From wearable devices to apps on our phones, many of us are monitoring and tracking everything in our lives with a smart device.

But what if this technology could predict when you’re at risk of dying? It turns out, scientists believe they have found a way.

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducted a study titled Population Analysis of Mortality Risk: Predictive Models From Passive Monitors Using Motion Sensors that was published in the journal PLOS Digital Health.

That’s an extremely scientific and fancy way of saying that they were trying to find out if they could predict mortality rates using the measures of physical activity from wrist-worn accelerometers.

RELATED: This Wearable Device Doesn’t Track Your Health, It Actively Helps Improve It By Reducing Stress Signals In The Body

While this specific study used a wearable device, the researchers wanted to simulate as closely as possible the data that could be provided passively by just carrying a smartphone.

As the study notes, smartphones are very prevalent in high-income countries and on the rise in low-income countries. If they could find a way to use smartphone-collected data for population-level analysis, this could open doors for improved public health across the globe.

A Look At The Study

Using data from 100,000 participants that came from one week of wearing a wrist sensor, researchers designed a model that pared an individual’s acceleration and distance down into six-minute chunks. This mimics the popular six-minute walk test that doctors use as a simple measure of aerobic exercise capacity to monitor lung and heart health.  

Based on this analysis, the researchers developed a model aimed at predicting mortality risk, and the results were surprisingly accurate. In predicting death after one year, they were correct 76% of the time. Predictions of death after five years stood at 73%. These results were similar to a study published last year in the Journals of Gerontology, which used hours of data instead of minutes.

According to study author Bruce Schatz, a computer science researcher at the University of Illinois, the latest research is potentially more beneficial to public health since it demonstrated the capabilities of passive monitoring technology. Not only does this open up greater analysis potential as detailed earlier, but it requires less effort on the part of the user.

Imagine, a world where your doctor can receive vital data on your health and potentially identify health risks such as a heart condition, all without the need to schedule an in-office visit.

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Of course, there are possible ethical implications when using technology that can passively monitor the user. In terms of sending information to health care providers, there are issues of continuous informed consent and lack of technological literacy, among other concerns.

There are also privacy concerns when it comes to the potential large-scale health analysis that researchers were very excited about. “If you record all of the data, it’s true that people have characteristic walks and you can tell who the individual is,” Schatz told The Daily Beast. “But it’s totally possible to take part of the signal, which is good enough to do the vitals but completely disguises who the person is.”

Overall, Schatz remarked that these ethical issues are still speculative but will be considered as the research moves forward. His team has already studied sensors that are used in cell phones and smartphones. In the future, they will be working on phones that are carried in pockets instead of technology worn on the wrist.

“If you want to raise the general health of the entire population, this kind of project is really important,” Schatz concluded.

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