Has life expectancy peaked?

Well, Well, Well...

Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.

The world’s first ovarian cancer prevention vaccine is officially in the works. Once it’s in development, they’re hoping to focus on these women first. 

A new study shows how PFAS could mess with your sleep — and another might have you rethinking using black plastic spatulas and spoons. Toxins take no days off.

This is what that cortisol spike you get from watching horror movies might do to your body. Trick or treat — it’s your call. 

Thanks to crucial lifestyle and medical advances, Americans are getting healthier in big ways. So what’s this about life expectancy?

Food for thought: Eating this daily could help prevent dementia. And here’s a very compelling case for thinking twice before you drink your vegetables.

PS: Doctors successfully used a placenta to help a burn victim. The power of a woman's body = unmatched.

We Have to Talk About…

The Mental Health Paradox for Kids of Immigrants

At some point, you’ve probably felt the struggle of not fitting in — especially if you grew up in a culture different from your parents. About 26% of US kids have at least one immigrant parent, and if you’re one of them, you may know what it’s like to manage opposing expectations of being “American” enough for your friends and culturally connected enough for your family. I'm a daughter of immigrants and an immigrant myself, and for Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to explore the mental health paradox many of us experience.

Ni de aquí ni de allá*

That’s what straddling two cultures can feel like — you’re not from here or there. “When we feel like … there isn't a source of belonging, it's very easy to internalize it as a personal problem,” says Sahaj Kohli, therapist and founder of Brown Girl Therapy. The result? Lower self-esteem and more guilt, leading to higher levels of perfectionism, anxiety, and depression, she explains. 

Many also take on adult-like responsibilities at a young age, and with that, immense pressure. That includes translating for parents, mediating conflict, raising siblings, or feeling like they need to provide their families with a better life, even though there’s limited (or no) societal support. Just like “eldest daughter syndrome,” they feel responsible for the stability and emotional well-being of the entire family. That’s…a lot. 

Contra viento y marea**

Despite these challenges, kids of immigrants still succeed and sometimes outperform their non-immigrant peers. One analysis shows they’re more likely to get ahead financially. Another study found they had better attendance and grades in school. 

So why does this paradox exist? Immigrant families may have more social and cognitive flexibility, which means they can better adapt to challenges. Research also shows that bicultural people often have advanced reasoning skills. I believe another factor is that some of us have a support system that extends beyond the nuclear family: A tight-knit network of tías, tíos, and primos — all there to back us up and help us navigate adversity.

Your move

This paradox affects so many — even those who may not be children of immigrants. If you’re feeling stuck, remember Kohli’s advice: “Measuring yourself against other people's metrics of what it means to be enough, … [is] always going to feel like you're failing to some degree because you have to remember that that kind of enoughness needs to come from within.” It’s OK to follow your own path without guilt. 

We know, easier said than done. Consider getting expert help if it feels impossible to do alone. You can sign up for Kohli’s Boldy Bicultural community program. Need help finding a provider that fits your cultural background? Start here. 

Written by Claudia Rupcich

Ask An Expert

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How often should I swap bathroom towels to stay sanitary?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Dr. Leah Ansell, MD

Board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates

When it comes to bath towels, Ansell says after every two to four uses. If they are visibly dirty, stay wet between uses, or smell bad, they should be swapped out more frequently.

You may be surprised to read how often you should swap your face and hand towels.

Together with Noom

Thing to Know

Even people who use GLP-1 medications to lose weight tend to regain some of it after they stop taking them, according to recent research. That’s why Noom offers one-on-one coaching, behavioral psychology-based lessons, interactive challenges, and optional tracking tools all in one place. Their programs can help you build healthy habits — and actually stick to them. Noom also offers high-quality GLP-1 meds if you qualify. Did we mention Skimm’rs get a free 14-day trial? Take this quiz to get started. 

Smart Follow

Follow: Meditation Minis Podcast

Why we listen: It’s stressful out there, and hypnotherapist and host Chel Hamilton knows it. She also knows what it’s like to want the benefits of meditation without spending more than five or 10 minutes at a time on it. That’s why she created these short — and free — meditations. A woman after our own anxious mind. 

Some of our fave eps: This, this, and this.

Quote of the Week

“Protein Diet Coke” 

— Your favorite soda + a vanilla protein shake = this now-viral drink. But is it worth a sip?