Well + Good

pulse check

Now See Here

Last week, during our conversation with Naomi Watts, she said something that stuck with me: “Eyesight is my identity because I’m a creative person, so visuals are so powerful to me.”

The timing was uncanny. My daughter had just begged me to take my contacts out before showering, thanks to a TikTok about a rare but serious eye infection linked to tap water and lenses that made the rounds in her sixth-grade group chat.

As if that weren't enough, The Wall Street Journal announced that millennials have entered our “reader years.” Rude, but noted.

So, a few ways to take care of those peepers:

Dry eyes deserve attention. They can affect your vision, but they're also straight-up uncomfortable. Here's what doctors recommend.
What's on your plate matters, too. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, may help protect your sight as you age. Another point for olive oil.
Sunglasses are always in season. UV protection matters year-round, even in the colder months. Your future self (and retinas) will thank you.
Take screen breaks. It’s a good habit at any age, especially since a large review found that more time on digital devices was linked to higher odds of nearsightedness in kids.

— Anna “Putting on My Glasses” Davies, writer

Well, well, well

Even after 21 years with type 1 diabetes, Nick Jonas says there's still one part of the disease he hasn't made peace with.

Pomegranate season comes with a possible health perk. The fall favorite may help support healthy blood pressure.

The viral 12-3-30 treadmill workout can be an effective full-body routine, but make sure your knees and back are up for the challenge.

People with hypermobility disorders are known for their party tricks. But online communities are helping them prove their symptoms are no joke.

If you do anything to avoid a trip to the grocery store, you may have “supermarket syndrome” — a real cluster of symptoms beyond “I don’t feel like it.”

A little daylight could go a long way for your brain. A recent analysis found that about 45 minutes of bright light a day was linked to a 17% lower dementia risk in older adults.

Big-meeting nerves? Legendary Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s trick to stay calm under pressure starts with Adele.

in our rotation

The mini crossword book our editor has been adding to her daily "brain stack."

A 12-day Advent calendar for tea lovers.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

well aware

The Thing About “Ferretin Face”

The latest beauty mystery on TikTok can’t be solved with a Sephora haul. The idea behind “ferritin face” is that dark circles or unusually pale skin could signal low iron. There’s some truth to it. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause paleness, but genetics and allergies may also explain those under-eye shadows. Exhaustion, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat are other symptoms to watch for. If any sound familiar, check in with your doctor.

Why does it matter? You need iron to make hemoglobin, the protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen. If your body can't produce enough, you could develop anemia, which can leave you lightheaded, weak, or short of breath.

What's ferritin, exactly? It's a protein that stores iron inside your cells. Your reserves may drop before a routine blood count reveals a problem, which is where a ferritin test comes in. It's not always included in standard lab work, so ask if you need one.

For Your Sanity:

That ice-chewing habit could be a clue. A persistent urge to crunch it is called pagophagia and can show up before anemia does. One theory is that it briefly boosts blood flow to the brain.
Get specific. Ask whether your labs included ferritin, and mention if your periods are heavy. Month after month, that blood loss can drain your iron stores.
Figure out a plan. Over-the-counter supplements are usually the first step, but some people need IV iron. Your doctor can also help pinpoint what depleted your levels in the first place.

the more you know

If you have dandruff, which of these habits could actually make it worse?

A. Washing your hair less

B. Washing your hair more

C. Letting dandruff shampoo sit for a few minutes

Well Reviewed

Feeling Touchy

These hand creams can help protect against crack and chafe, so your hands feel human, no matter how low the temps drop.

CeraVe

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the best derm-approved option.

Eucerin

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion is the best option for very dry skin.

Aveeno

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion is the best option for irritated skin.

LXMI

LXMI Pure Nilotica Melt is the best multipurpose option.

Here’s the full list of the best hand treatments, according to experts.

Well said

Jess McClain Hits Her Stride

The NYC Marathon runner-up, 34, returned to racing for fun and podiumed in the process. Now, she has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics. The secret to her comeback? A few unexpected words from her coach.

In Our Rotation

The razor that provides such a close armpit shave her friends were asking if she got a wax.

A Princess Di-esque, fleece-lined windbreaker under $70.

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

just one thing

What to Know About Rhabdo

Most of us expect sore muscles after a hard workout. But there's a difference between ordinary soreness and a serious health risk. After Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed about two miles from the finish of her first NYC Marathon and later died, her family says doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo. They plan to start a nonprofit to raise awareness.

What's rhabdo? It's a pretty rare but serious condition in which damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into your bloodstream that can harm your kidneys. A marathon may seem like an extreme example, but you don't have to run 26.2 miles to be at risk. Cases have also occurred after intense group fitness classes.

What should you watch for? Muscle pain that's far more severe than you'd expect, unusual weakness, or urine the color of tea or cola. Symptoms can appear hours or even days after exercise, so don't assume you're in the clear once your workout ends. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical advice right away.

Well Fed

Soup's On

There's a chill in the air, which means soup season has arrived. A good bowl can pack vegetables, protein, and fiber into one cozy meal, often with minimal prep and cleanup. Plus, tomorrow's lunch is practically taken care of.

Make it hearty. This turkey-and-chickpea stew packs 32 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, thanks to a mix of legumes, vegetables, and lean meat. Not bad for a weeknight dinner.
Rethink pasta night. Broken lasagna soup with spinach combines Italian sausage, tender noodles, and greens for all the comfort of a casserole, minus the oven.
Put fall produce to work. Summer-into-fall vegetable and lentil soup pairs seasonal ingredients with earthy lentils for a simple and satisfying plant-based dinner.

🛒 Do you have “supermarket syndrome”?