Health Tips Line

Just the process of planning a getaway can boost your mood, from selecting a destination to mapping out what to do once you arrive. But one of the most important decisions is choosing where to stay. Yes, it can take a lot of time to sift through all those options, but doing a deep dive into what a hotel, Airbnb or other short-term rental offers is worth it since lodging can so often make or break a vacation. While most of us zero in on the comforts and perks we want—I always go for a place in the center of the action, and a recent stay at the boutique hotel Kadún in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, didn’t disappoint—many travelers overlook a key detail. And skipping it could literally be a matter of life and death. I spoke with three experts to find out that one thing every traveler should always check before booking a stay in any temporary home away from home—and again upon arrival. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when planning a trip. Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsle...

Quick: How old is your Wi-Fi router? If that question was immediately followed by silence as you tried to remember the last time you even thought about your router, let alone when you bought it, you might want to listen up. A recent FBI bulletin warns that certain Wi-Fi routers can pose serious security risks. These trusty little internet-connection devices are found in almost every home and office today, but they are super easy to ignore. Which makes sense: If it isn’t broken, why fix it? (Or think about it, or know what it does, or … ) But if your Wi-Fi router is a bit long in the tooth, read on. We spoke to cybersecurity expert Stephen Boyce, CEO of The Cyber Doctor, and IT security expert Erik Grewe, president and CEO of ForeverOn Technologies, to learn exactly how an old router can compromise your security. We also got the scoop on which routers the FBI specifically called out in its warning bulletin. Read on for all the details and tech tips to keep your home network safe. ...

Flying has a way of making me hyperaware of germs. I don’t know if it’s the recycled air, the slightly sticky tray table or the person across the aisle who’s been coughing since boarding, but ever since the pandemic, I’ve been super tuned in to germs while flying. Air travel squeezes hundreds of us into a single metal tube, and we’re all sharing a lot more than overhead bin space. So over the past few years, I’ve been pretty cautious on airplanes, diligently wiping down my armrest with the offered disinfectant wipe and wearing my mask to stave off airborne contaminants. But there’s one surface that I’ve never given a second thought to, even though I (of course!) instinctively touch it every time I fly. And according to microbiologists, it may be one of the germiest spots on the plane . “Anything that people touch a lot is prone to getting contaminated because we carry a lot of germs on our hands,” says Kelly Reynolds, a professor, environmental microbiologist and public health resear...

Last year, Miffy —the sweet, no-frills Dutch bunny—turned 70. And instead of slowing down, she’s having a full-on comeback moment. What started as a classic children’s book character has quietly become a favorite among young adults who love soft, nostalgic minimalism. Hello, clean lines, cozy vibes and a sprinkle of childhood comfort. Now, Miffy is hopping back into the spotlight again, and just in time to make her way into Easter baskets. From toys and pajamas to keychains and even lip stain, the little bunny is popping up everywhere. Call it nostalgia or cuteness overload, but there’s definitely a lot of Miffy love going around. Here’s a quick look at the backstory behind this beloved bunny, along with a few of our favorite Miffy finds. Who is Miffy? (And why is she trending?) Miffy was created in 1955 by Dutch artist Dick Bruna, who first sketched the little rabbit to entertain his young son while they were on vacation. After a few early changes, Miffy settled into her now-iconi...

We’ve all had those absurdly stressful days (and weeks and … well, you get the idea) when go-tos like deep breathing and downward dogging just aren’t doing the trick. I know I can’t be the only one who thinks, If only there were a way to actually clear my brain and feel less overwhelmed . As it turns out, there’s a research-backed habit that really does alleviate stress: decluttering. Want some more good news? Just a little streamlining makes a big difference. “We think we have to be perfect, but done is better than perfect ,” says Los Angeles–based professional organizer Tracy McCubbin, author of Make Space for Happiness: How to Stop Attracting Clutter and Start Magnetizing the Life You Want . And here’s the best news of all: You don’t have to spend all day doing it. Are you looking for an easy (I promise!) way to reduce your stress ? Ahead, I talked to McCubbin and Hollywood feng shui consultant Marie Diamond to find out why getting control of clutter is such a powerful calm-down...