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Most of us have a (healthy) fear of the dark rooted in survival instinct. But this week, let’s balance any dread the darkening nights may induce by celebrating what the creepy season has to offer. First, cozy down into…

Your Checkup: 

• How to train your body to wake when it’s so dark
• So… standing desks don’t reverse sitting risk
• Know the dangers of  unpasteurized apple cider
• Things people of color should know about eczema
• And the link between eczema + autoimmune illness
• How to make an emergency kit for any disaster
• Can this Apple feature deter motion sickness?
• If not, here’s how long it lasts w/o prescription meds
• CVS + Walgreens are ailing + shuttering stores
• This fall, how not to moisturize your face too much
• Enjoy these anti-inflammatory luscious desserts

Primary Care

Savor the sunset

Some of us get angsty watching the sun go down. And the angst can get worse this darkening time of year.

Productivity panic may trigger the overwhelm—we may worry we’ve wasted the day or won’t check things off our list in time. But a history of anxiety, circadian rhythms and other factors can be at play. Mindfulness practices + building anticipatory routines can help.

So if you feel extra anxious this time of year, get coping tips at Self.

Do a scary-good workout

If your motivation flags when it gets dark + cold outside, you’ll find major Halloween inspiration at Popsugar.

Only have 5 minutes? Drag your body into a Thriller dance routine. No weights? Grab a pumpkin, and you’re good to go. Wanna shake it like a Sanderson sister? A Hocus Pocus party awaits.

Once you’ve got the movement motivation back, learn how you may be able to save on fitness fees with your HSA/FSA.

Cozy down at home

A new study shows we spend 90 minutes more time at home today than our counterparts did 20 years ago. When it comes to our health, the effect can go both ways.

We’re getting more sleep. (Good!) We’re socializing + volunteering less. (Bad!) Some of us feel closer to family members. (Yay!) Others feel lonelier. (Boo.) And depending on our home life, stress levels can increase or decrease. Head to Real Simple for warnings + coping tips.

And remember, with Dr. B, you can get $15 care from your couch for 30+ common conditions!

Healthcare 911

Study: some popular acne treatments contain high levels of cancer-causing chemical (Health). Of 100+ over-the-counter acne and rosacea treatments studied, over 30% contained high levels of benzene (a carcinogen). Benzene is a byproduct of benzoyl peroxide treatments and can develop under certain storage conditions. So read the article to find out which brands passed the steps + how to store your treatments safely. Or get dermatologist support online with a $15 rosacea consultation.

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID (NPR). Pandemic distancing and masking depleted the B/Yamagata flu variant, with no cases reported since spring 2020. This makes it the first strain in recorded history to go extinct because of human behavior. The current flu vaccine contains three strains instead of four, which helped increase production! Flu still causes 20-50K deaths annually. So remember, Dr. B offers same-day antiviral treatment.

Hormonal IUDs increase risk of breast cancer nearly the same as hormonal pills, study finds (ABC). A study of people ages 15-49 revealed a 40% greater breast cancer risk in those who use hormonal intrauterine devices compared to those who don’t. That puts the risk almost on par with birth control pills—around 1.4 of 204 people. Experts warn the benefits outweigh this risk increase. If curious about your options, Dr. B offers the pill and ring online with a $15 consultation.