We want to make sure Skimm Well stays truly useful for you. Our goal is to help you separate the health from the hype and deliver the wellness news and tips you actually care about.
Your mom told you not to talk about poop. Now, it’s the main character of the wellness world.
“Gut health” is shorthand for taking care of your microbiome — the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that break down food and deliver nutrients to your body.
Your diet, environment, and lifestyle all shape how well this system works. And that matters: Gut health is linked to your immunity, mood, sleep, skin, and more.
Scientists are racing to learn more. (You’re about to hear a lot about your “virome.”) In the meantime, here's some food for thought…
Are we in a “sperm crisis”? HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wellness influencers, and healthtech leaders say YES. Their followers cite falling birth rates and two widely shared studies that found male sperm count is way down compared to older generations.
Other research says no, the swimmers are alright. Some experts think people are just having fewer babies later in life, and PS: healthy sperm is tied to things like diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions.
What’s definitely true: More guys are talking about their sperm. While we’d love some of them to say less (ahem, Bryan Johnson), the increased attention is changing the fertility conversation, which has long centered –– and stigmatized –– women trying to conceive.
What this means: We’re seeing more innovation (likeAI that can spot “hidden sperm”), more fertility options (there’s a startup boom around “sperm freezing”), and more men talking openly about their struggles to conceive.
If you’re thinking of adding a plus-one to your fam at some point, here are a few things to keep in mind…
22.3 million. The number of families that could lose some or all of their SNAP benefits.
The catch: Many of these changes won’t go into effect until 2026. Until then, it’s a good idea to review your benefits, consider getting procedures done sooner rather than later, and prepare for policy whiplash. Here’s a flowchart of how this bill may affect your wallet, including your healthcare coverage.
Q: How often do I actually need to swap out my shower loofah?
“A natural loofah should be changed monthly, whereas plastic synthetic materials can last up to two months. However, if you notice a funky odor, slime, or mold, get rid of it! Sometimes there is so much moisture in the shower (and it stays there!) that everything is more susceptible to growth of bacteria and mold.”
Who runs the world? In this case, you.
Whether it’s a jogging workout or all-out sprint to get to day camp on time, these podiatrist-approved running shoes will get you where you want to be, without pain.
Support your body, strengthen your future. This DailyOM course gives you tips to increase your balance, flexibility, and strength as you age. Learn more here.
If you're not shopping at Martie, you're missing out. You can get groceries, household items, and beauty products at up to 70% less than other retailers. Genius.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
