Health Tips Line

Here at  Reader’s Digest , we believe in the power of play—and not just for kids. In fact, the popularity of “kidult” brands like Jellycat and Warmies proves that if there’s one thing both Millennials and Gen Z can agree on, it’s that toys no longer have an age limit. For folks proudly collecting and enjoying these little pieces of fun, nothing is more alluring than the joy of cracking open a blind box. However, these sweet surprises aren’t cheap. Take the cuddly cult phenomenon Labubu, for instance, which can cost upwards of $40 based on rarity. Even something like Sonny Angel—a cherub-like character available in cute poses and outfits, for those out of the loop—is priced at $30 or more, depending on the series. I like adorable little treats just as much as the next person. Sometimes splurging on a fun little toy is all it takes to flip my mood. But I also have a mortgage to pay, and these purchases add up fast. That’s why, when I get the itch to indulge, I opt for the detaile...

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times—Costco is the modern-day Shangri-La. Despite the hordes of shoppers and lengthy checkout lines , the place has everything. And as soon as you step through those giant doors, you’re greeted with the opportunity to purchase a $1.50 hot dog combo. What’s not to love? (Not much!) But as much as we adore Costco, there are a couple of things that would make it even better. For starters, they should bring back Kirkland Chocolate Chips (it’s been a year, and I’m still bitter). And, second, how about getting out of the Stone Age and making certain aspects of shopping ahead of time a little easier? Well, Costco may just be moving in the right direction. That’s right, Costco fans: The warehouse giant finally listened to us. They just announced an exciting new change that will definitely make your next Costco run even better. No more fighting the crowds! Easy pre-ordering! Keep reading to see what’s coming soon to your local Costco. Get ...

When it comes to the weather, there are two types of people: those who routinely check their weather app and tune into TV forecasts, and those who wing it. And most of the time, skipping the weather report doesn’t come with major consequences. Sure, you might leave your umbrella at home on a day with afternoon rain, or wear a heavy jacket on a warm spring day, but usually only your comfort is at stake. Sometimes, however, things take a more serious turn, and there’s the potential for severe weather . To alert the public to possible threats, meteorologists use specific phrases that are designed to perk up your ears and demand your attention. But cutting through the technical jargon and media hype can be difficult, and it’s not always clear what action you should take. In fact, the lingo can be so confusing that you may find yourself tuning it out altogether. Don’t. The terms meteorologists and other public safety experts use are part of a critical system designed to let the public—ev...

As a parent, I dread the dead of winter. Noses are dripping, humidifiers are running nonstop and cabin fever is setting in with a vengeance. I’m a big believer that crisp air is good for my family, but it can be hard to convince my kids to run around outside when the temps are below freezing. All that inside time can add up to a house that feels stale, though. So when I came across the viral idea of “house burping” to combat that stuffiness, I was intrigued. Could this be a simple solution to feeling stuck? I spent a week—and this is a sentence I never expected to write—burping my house. From the history of the trend to the benefits and drawbacks, I’m covering it all ahead. So read on for my honest opinion. Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more home tips, cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long. What in the world is house burping? House burping is a social media spin on a German habit called lüften , which translates to “air out.” In Ge...

Borrowers, it’s about to be “pencils down” for federal student loans as we know them. In 2026, the Trump administration is making big moves to upend a system that’s been a political and financial point of contention for years, and beginning on July 1, if you have student loans or are planning to borrow for college , your repayment options will look much different. At the heart of the upheaval is the Department of Education (DOE) settlement to end President Joe Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan. If adopted by the court, it would end years of litigation from several states, which argue the Biden administration exceeded its authority, and effectively shutter the program. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), other popular repayment plans will be phased out as well. That’s big news for the nearly 43 million Americans who collectively owe about $1.6 trillion in federal student loans. The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid (F SA) data center r...