Fall is the perfect season to pause, reflect, and reboot your personal wellness routine—and this clever NPR guide makes it as easy as a stroll through the park. It walks you through a full-body scan, from skin and scalp (which may be reacting to drier air) to eyes, joints, lungs, and mood.
The tone is casual, but the message is meaningful: a little self-awareness now can prevent problems later. Have you adjusted your bedtime routine with the sun setting earlier? Checked your vitamin D levels? Gotten back into a stretching habit?
These simple prompts are like seasonal “tune-ups” for your physical and emotional health—minus the co-pay.

September is all about celebrating the power of plants, and leading the charge is the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) with their ongoing Have A Plant® movement. This year’s theme, “Food Rooted in a Better Mood,” shines a light on how fruits and veggies can boost more than just your nutrition—they also support emotional well-being.
Whether you're blending a smoothie, roasting root veggies, or sneaking spinach into your pasta, it all counts. PBH encourages everyone to start small and build simple, joyful habits around produce.
You don’t have to overhaul your diet. Just keep it colorful, fresh, and fun.

New research from Mayo Clinic has confirmed a strong link between excessive alcohol intake and the development of fatty liver disease. Individuals consuming more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week showed significantly higher rates of liver fat—even if they had no known liver conditions.
The risk? Fatty liver can progress silently into more serious diseases like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The takeaway isn’t necessarily abstinence—it’s awareness. Fall festivities often involve drinks, and this study invites a mindful reset. Consider reducing alcohol intake, embracing mocktails, or limiting consumption to social occasions.
Your liver might not speak up—but it’s paying attention.

Ever confidently told a story only to have someone (rudely) correct your “facts”? You’re not alone—and your brain isn’t broken. You’ve just met the misinformation effect: a fancy term for how our memories can be influenced (and even rewritten!) by post-event information.

The American Psychological Association (APA) explains this phenomenon through interactive content and a free online course that walks you through what misinformation is, the five major types (with real-world examples), and how our minds can be tricked—sometimes without us even knowing.

So why does this matter for wellness? Because memory, identity, and mental health are closely linked. Knowing your brain is susceptible to subtle influence helps you stay more grounded—and more compassionate with yourself and others. It’s also a good reminder to double-check your sources before believing everything you think you recall.

Perfect summer takeaway? Embrace mental flexibility, stay curious, and don’t let old (possibly warped) stories define your present self.

What does it really mean to flourish—and how can we get more of it in our lives?

A new international survey of over 200,000 people across 22 countries sought to answer that exact question. Researchers found that flourishing goes beyond the basics of happiness or health—it’s about thriving in multiple areas of life: strong relationships, a sense of purpose, financial security, character strengths, and feeling like you matter in society.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the recipe for flourishing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Cultural and regional differences shape how people define and experience well-being. For example, while financial security ranked high almost everywhere, the importance of character or social contribution varied widely by country.

So what does that mean for us? It’s a powerful reminder that wellness is personal and community-based. What helps one person thrive might not resonate for another—and that’s okay! Your version of flourishing might include hiking with friends, volunteering, growing tomatoes, or journaling under a tree (hey, we don’t judge your joy).

This summer, instead of chasing perfection, ask: What makes me feel most alive, connected, and fulfilled? That might be your first step toward flourishing.

Summer is in full swing, and while soaking up the sun can lift our spirits, it's crucial to protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. July marks UV Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder to shield ourselves from sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen:

• Broad-Spectrum: Shields against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays)

• SPF 30 or Higher: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays

• Water-Resistant: Ideal for swimming or sweating, but reapply regularly

• Mineral vs. Chemical: Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays; chemical types absorb them

Reading Labels Made Easy: Understanding sunscreen labels can be daunting. The American Academy of Dermatology offers a helpful guide to decode terms like "broad-spectrum," "SPF," and "water-resistant." Access guide here: Understand Sunscreen Labels – AAD

Free Resources: The American Academy of Dermatology provides free printable materials, including posters and flyers, to promote sun safety in your community or workplace. Access them here: AAD Free Printables

Remember, the best sunscreen is one you'll use consistently. Combine it with other protective measures like wearing hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Stay sun-safe and enjoy your summer!