Health Tips Line

You bring that stained silk blouse or rumpled blazer into the dry cleaner, drop it off with the attendant at the front desk, then come back a few days later (or more if, like me, you forget) to pick up your cleaned, pressed items, hanging neatly on a hanger and wrapped in plastic. It’s a ritual that has been going on for decades, but what happens once your clothing or linens leave your hands? Do they go on a whimsical ride through dry-cleaning land, where industrious elves work their magic? Sort of! Just replace elves with launderers and finishers, and you’re close. To get the full picture, we spoke with Mike Astorino, who has more than 34 years of experience in the business and is the owner of Fabricare, a luxury dry cleaner in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Read on to find out exactly what happens to your clothes at the dry cleaner. Get Reader’s Digest ’s Read Up newsletter for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long. Why is dry cleanin...

Viola Davis has never been one to shy away from a powerful role—or a difficult conversation. From her Oscar-winning performance in Fences to her riveting turn as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder , the EGOT-winning actress has spent decades bringing unforgettable characters to life. But behind all those larger-than-life characters is a woman whose own story of overcoming adversity is just as compelling. In an exclusive interview with Reader’s Digest , Davis revealed the experiences that have shaped her, including how a battle with shingles changed the way she thinks about health and vulnerability. She also got personal about the role family plays in keeping her grounded and why there’s more to being strong than simply pushing through. Of course, we couldn’t talk to Davis without asking a few Hollywood questions too. Which character changed her life forever? And what’s one surprising thing fans would never guess about her from watching her on...