I don’t listen to music while I work. I’ve tried. It lasts five minutes before I’m deep into my 2009 playlist and a “Single Ladies” solo dance party.
But a recent article about star ballerina Sara Mearn’s hearing loss made me pause and rethink how much we take hearing for granted. We track our steps, optimize our sleep, obsess over gut health… and yet, our ears? Mostly ignored until something feels off.
Then there are the scientists digging deeper into how sound affects the brain. For example, one recent study found that specific “sound stimulation” helped clear plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease in monkeys. Researchers are hopeful the approach could eventually translate to humans.
Since what we hear matters, here’s what I’m tuning in to:
It feels like everyone (including us) says “talk to your doctor” before making changes to your health and wellness routine. But… how, exactly?
Do you block off an afternoon to wander a phone-tree maze? Send a message through a patient portal that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1996 and hope for the best?
Then there’s the timing problem. If something is clearly wrong, you might get squeezed in. But if not, a lot of people — including women dealing with things like perimenopause — get stuck in limbo, feeling off but not “urgent” enough to be seen. So, what do you do?
For Your Sanity:
Do your research. Don’t just look for doctors who are accepting new patients — these additional green flags are just as important when searching for a GP.
Beware of “medical gaslighting.” It can be a huge risk to patients. Read reviews and ask for recommendations so you know you’re getting a doctor who’ll listen to you.
Consider telehealth. It can be a great fit for ongoing check-ins, hormone conversations, medication questions, and appointments that don’t require an exam.
Advocate for yourself. Bring notes. (Here’s a cheat sheet of questions to ask.) And make sure you're clear on next steps — including locking in the next appointment.
People feel hungrier in winter. Which of the following is NOT a reason why?
I’m the first to admit that when I find something I like — a takeout order, TV show, or workout — I can get stuck on repeat, like a toddler who insists on wearing their firefighter costume everywhere.
But when it comes to fitness, doing the same workout over and over only does your body so many favors. Just like your gut is happier and healthier when you eat a variety of foods, your body might benefit from a broader range of workouts. Switching things up can help prevent overuse injuries — and new research links consistent cross-training to longevity.
That’s why, when I’m programming workouts for myself or a client, I pull from a few different buckets — cardio, resistance training, balance work, and mobility — to build fitness from multiple angles.
Here's what a week of workouts might look like, straight from Well+Good's YouTube channel:
The goal is to think about your workouts like you would a playlist — it’s all about the mix.
—Jordan “Repeating Outfits, Not Workouts” Galloway, editor
The Kitchen Prescription
Home remedies are rooted in actual help. Warm liquids (hi, chicken soup) can loosen congestion. Spicy ingredients can help unblock sinuses. And staying hydrated is non-negotiable. Here, some recipes that can make you feel better, fast.
Nigella Lawson’s “cold cure” soup. Whether it’s negative degrees outside or your sinuses are as blocked as the internet at work, this is the soup you make when productivity is canceled. It’s hearty, soothing, and best served in pajamas with zero plans.
A flu-fighting tonic. One of the key ingredients, turmeric, has a reputation for helping manage cold symptoms. Warm, earthy, and easy to sip, this tonic feels like doing something for yourself, which honestly counts for a lot when you’re sick.
A spicy tea to finally get unstuffy. The secret ingredient is peppers. Lots of them. This tea brings the heat when you need your voice to stop sounding like a broken kazoo on a call.
PS: Skip the “fire cider.” This viral drink has healthy ingredients (garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar). But steeped together for a month? Hard pass. You’re already sick — no need to add a science experiment to your plate.
A Strong Start
Protein powder can turn your morning beverage into a power move. These do the job and taste good, so you’re hitting your protein goals, not fighting your gag reflex.
