'Tis the Season ... To Catch Absolutely Everything
This past weekend, my 10-year-old was at a dance competition where multiple kids threw up immediately after performing. Nerves? Nope. The “winter vomiting disease,” aka norovirus. (It’s making the rounds like it’s on tour.) And today? I woke up with a stuffy nose and a pounding headache.
In other words: It’s beginning to look a lot like sickness. Cold weather + small spaces + holiday travel = the perfect viral cocktail. And just when you start to feel human again, holiday round two shows up. So consider this your cheat sheet for surviving the next few weeks without catching everything that moves:
A new study says 60 seconds of all-out exercise can be up to six times better for your heart than walking. Which is great news for anyone whose schedule (or spirit) cannot handle a whole workout right now.
Let’s keep it simple: three 60-second HIIT sessions you can do literally anywhere. Each move is Tabata-style — 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off — then repeat so you get two rounds per move.
They’re fast. They’re spicy. They’re over before you can start complaining…
• Mountain Climbers: For when you want something that’s easy on your joints (no jumping required) but still hardcore — emphasis on core.
• Burpees: Love or hate ‘em, there’s no denying that this is the fastest way to engage every muscle group without adding weights.
• Kettlebell or Dumbbell Swings: Loaded dynamic movements like this not only build a stronger heart… but a stronger everything else.
Am AI Okay?
AI can help you plan a vacation, write an anti-ghost text, and remind you to buy cat food. But lately, people aren’t just relying on chatbots to tackle their to-do lists — they’re leaning on them for emotional support: People are forming full-on bonds with their bots, naming them, messaging them all day, and basically redefining what constitutes a relationship.
The problem? AI isn’t neutral. Chatbots mirror users’ moods and worldviews, and unlike licensed clinicians, they aren’t required to follow ethics codes. That means they can reinforce risky thinking, co-sign decisions a trained therapist never would, and miss — or even validate — red flags. They also have fewer, or less clear legal obligation to act if someone shares thoughts of harming themselves or others, or to report concerns like possible child abuse.
So, given the risks, why are so many people putting their mental health into artificial hands? Accessibility, affordability, and anonymity are all factors leading people to seek advice from bots — despite research showing them to be less effective than traditional therapists and also capable of perpetuating harmful biases to dangerous ends.
Until lawmakers catch up with large language models, like ChatGPT, here are some clear boundaries you can set yourself.
Your Toolkit:
Keep a human in the loop. AI can give perspective, but it shouldn’t be the only voice you rely on. Bring a therapist, doctor, or trusted person into the bigger conversations.
Watch your dependence. Asking a chatbot for perspective on a sticky situation? Totally fine. But if you notice you’re consulting AI for every emotional decision, relying on it before doing anything in the real world, or hiding the extent of your usage, that may be a sign to bring in a professional.
Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, and that could mean sticker-shock premiums for anyone who buys their own insurance through the marketplace. Lawmakers are scrambling for a fix, but consumers are facing a real possibility: monthly costs that could double — or even triple.
To make things trickier, the ACA enrollment deadline is December 15 for January coverage, which means many people need to lock in coverage now, before they know what Congress will do. While most people technically have until Jan. 15 to select or change a plan, that coverage won’t go into effect until Feb. 1 if they push past the December deadline.
Make a plan. A catastrophic-only plan isn’t anyone’s dream, but it can protect you from financial ruin in a worst-case scenario. Some people pair a catastrophic plan with cash-paying for a few routine visits, but only do this if you fully understand the risks and have a small cushion for out-of-pocket costs.
Look into a high-deductible plan + HSA. If you’re self-employed or buying your own insurance, a high-deductible plan may feel like the only affordable option. Pairing it with a health savings account (HSA) can soften the blow, because you can use pretax money to pay for certain health and medical expenses.
And if you truly have no money to spare…
A few options are worth checking before an emergency occurs:
See if you now qualify for Medicaid. Many people underestimate this. If your income dropped, you might now meet the threshold. Eligibility varies by state.
Check if your state offers a basic health plan or state-funded coverage. Some states have their own subsidized exchanges.
Ask your providers about sliding-scale clinics, community health centers, or charity care programs. These exist because many people are in your situation.
Commit to It: Miso
You know that tub of miso you only call when you’re making ramen?
As a boost… Does your soup or sauce need some main character energy? Add a small spoonful of miso to shake things up
Shine Bright
Yes, they look like a horror movie prop. But, used correctly, they can boost collagen production, tame inflammation, and maybe even make it look like you got eight hours of sleep. Here are the ones worth the scare:
Omnilux
Omnilux Contour Face is the best red light therapy device for facial brightening.
