Are You Okay?

Are You Okay? is a Substack centered on integrating mental and physical health through straight talk and evidence-based guidance. It emphasizes the role of self-compassion, conscious consumption, health awareness, and practical steps towards well-being, including managing anxiety, dietary advice, the impact of alcohol, and navigating healthcare.

Mental Health Physical Health and Nutrition Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance Healthcare Navigation Alcohol and Substance Use Chronic Illness Management Anxiety and Stress Management Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

The hottest Substack posts of Are You Okay?

And their main takeaways

Myth of the Day: BMI is the Bible

0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Exercise Weight Loss BMI
  1. BMI is not the sole indicator of health - it's like the SAT, just one data point. Context around weight, like genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle, is crucial.
  2. Health is more than just a number on the scale - healthy habits, genetic factors, and overall lifestyle play key roles in well-being.
  3. Focus on realistic goal-setting, healthy habits, and individual health goals, rather than solely relying on BMI for health and weight management.

Myth of the Day: You Must Eat Less to Weight

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Diet Mindfulness Nutrition
  1. Eating less alone is not the key to weight loss. Understanding individual relationships with food, nourishing the body properly, and recognizing emotional and habitual eating patterns are crucial.
  2. Weight is influenced by a complex mix of genetic, hormonal, emotional, and environmental factors, not just calorie intake. It's important to consider the holistic approach to health rather than just focusing on restricting calories.
  3. Sustainability, mindfulness, and satiety play key roles in successful weight management. Instead of extreme dieting, focusing on regular, balanced meals, intuitive eating, and being in tune with hunger and fullness cues can lead to better outcomes.

Consider your Mental Health

0 implied HN points • 10 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The post emphasizes the importance of considering mental health and highlights the collective trauma experienced during the pandemic
  2. The author shares practical tips for managing mental health and encourages listening to a video with insights on the topic
  3. Acknowledgment is given to a mental health center for their work in creating the video

Prep for the Holidays

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Health tips Immunity Vaccines Wellness Practices Medication
  1. Vaccination against COVID is essential to protect against severe disease, even with waning immunity from the primary vaccine series.
  2. Flu shots are recommended for managing the flu virus effectively and are a good match for the circulating strains this year.
  3. Boosting the immune system with sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, and other self-care practices can help protect against various viruses.
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Practice What You Preach

0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mental health Self-care
  1. The author acknowledges feeling burned out and the importance of self-care, even while enjoying their work.
  2. Taking time off, re-centering thoughts, and finding meaning are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
  3. It's essential to reflect on what matters most, find joy, peace, and calm amidst chaos, and make sustainable changes to improve daily life.

Paxlovid is not a Panacea

0 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication COVID-19 Treatment Vaccination Immunity
  1. Paxlovid is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its effectiveness varies depending on factors like age, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions.
  2. Using Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals is still being studied, but it has shown anecdotal improvement in symptoms for some high-risk patients.
  3. Some vaccinated patients have experienced a rebound of COVID symptoms after finishing a course of Paxlovid, prompting further research and caution in prescribing.

Adolescence Is No Picnic

0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Body Image Self-discovery Identity Mental health
  1. Amy Chua's success was influenced by her parents' strict 'tough love' parenting style, teaching her resilience and ethnic pride.
  2. Adolescence can be challenging, especially today with the pressure to belong and social media influence.
  3. Struggling with body image and identity during adolescence is common, but changing your body may not resolve underlying self-doubt.

Understand BA.5 & the COVID Vaccine for Kids

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Children's Health Medical Advice Public Health Immunity
  1. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is highly contagious but doesn't seem to be intrinsically more virulent than past variants. So far, the vaccine continues to offer protection against death and serious COVID outcomes against BA.5.
  2. Deciding on vaccinating children under 5 against COVID is nuanced and should be individualized. Although the risks of major vaccine side effects are extremely low, the long-term safety and efficacy for children are not yet fully understood.
  3. It's important to focus on vulnerable populations for vaccination and boosters to protect society as a whole. The data and understanding around COVID vaccination for young children are still evolving, requiring a nuanced approach towards decision-making.

Giddy-up for Fall

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Testing Antibodies Pandemic
  1. The state of the pandemic in the US is improving, with falling COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to widespread vaccination and population immunity.
  2. Vaccines and booster shots are crucial for preventing severe illness from COVID, especially for high-risk individuals, and studies show they are effective against death and hospitalization.
  3. The approval of vaccines for kids ages 5-11 is on the horizon, potentially offering relief to parents and helping pave the way for a return to normalcy for children.

Give Thanks

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Risk Assessment Immunity Family Health
  1. Don't attend events if you have symptoms. Call a doctor and get tested to be sure.
  2. Vaccination and boosting significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission.
  3. Consider safety measures indoors like rapid testing, ventilation, limited guests, and mask-wearing to reduce COVID-19 spread.

Take a Break

0 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Digital detox Screen Time Mental health
  1. It's important to take breaks from screens and social media to prevent burnout and be more present with loved ones.
  2. Understanding and moderating our screen time is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.
  3. A digital detox can help us be more intentional about how we spend our time and improve our overall well-being.

Find a Middle Ground

0 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Technology Podcasts
  1. Food and screen time, while important, can negatively impact our health if not moderated.
  2. Both food and technology are means of social connection but can contribute to emotional distress.
  3. To maintain a healthy balance, it's crucial to be intentional about what we consume, whether it's food for the body or technology for the mind.

Be Kind to Yourself

0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Body Image Parenting Self-care
  1. Eating healthfully has become more difficult during the pandemic due to changes in routines, structures, and access to resources like gyms.
  2. Anxiety often influences people's relationship with food, leading to behaviors like restrictions, chaotic eating, and using food for self-soothing during stressful times.
  3. Practicing intuitive eating and mindfulness can promote a healthier relationship with food by prioritizing balance, consistency, and being kind to oneself.

Follow the Facts (Even if it Feels Like an Uphill Battle)

0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medical Mental health Wellness Quarantine
  1. It's important to follow the facts, even if it feels challenging. The battle against COVID is tough, but we're becoming stronger by staying informed.
  2. COVID-19 protocols are crucial to follow: isolate if sick and monitor symptoms closely. Testing, quarantining, and seeking medical advice are key steps.
  3. Being cautious with COVID-19 is necessary: follow symptom guidelines, understand quarantine protocols, and be aware of potential false positives and transmission risks.

Prep for Winter

0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Health Mental health Winter
  1. The post shares insights on preparing for winter and the holidays, including a fresh medical perspective from Dr. Clay Ackerly.
  2. Dr. Clay Ackerly, a trusted colleague, offers valuable advice based on his training and experience in internal medicine.
  3. The article emphasizes the importance of planning ahead for the coming months and finding support during challenging times.

Take Stock of Where we are

0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemic Vaccines Well-being Mental health Recovery
  1. All Americans ages 16 and up are eligible for the vaccine, allowing many to reclaim their lives and enjoy socializing.
  2. Vaccine data continues to show high effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots, boosting confidence in their safety and ability to combat variants.
  3. As the pandemic eases, it's important to focus on meeting basic needs, rebuilding health, and showing kindness and patience towards ourselves and others.

Get Your Rest

0 implied HN points • 11 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Stress Anxiety Mental health Behavior
  1. Good sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, impacting mood, cognition, stress management, and more.
  2. Create an optimal sleep environment by keeping the room dark, quiet, and cool, and addressing factors like co-sleeping with pets.
  3. Improve sleep habits by incorporating physical activity, avoiding caffeine late in the day, setting electronic curfews, and managing stress through techniques like journaling and meditation.

Friendly reminder: Our Zoom Hangout is Tonight!

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Health is not just about physical measurements but encompasses awareness, acceptance, and agency in our lives.
  2. The Four "I"s framework offers a new perspective on viewing health as a continuous process rather than a final outcome.
  3. Participating in discussions and exploring new frameworks can help individuals rethink and apply concepts of health to their own well-being.

Replace Fear With Facts

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medical Advice
  1. Replace fear with facts for a clearer perspective on the situation.
  2. It's normal to feel nervous before a big moment, but positive feedback can boost your confidence.
  3. Engage with medical colleagues to stay informed and share knowledge across different locations.

Find Inspiration During Hard Times

0 implied HN points • 25 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. COVID-19 is not just a physical health crisis, but also a mental health crisis affecting all of us.
  2. During hard times, it's important to find inspiration to cope with fear, worry, and tension.
  3. Seeking sources of inspiration can help navigate difficult times like the coronavirus pandemic.

Settle In

0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. The US became the center of COVID-19 with its rapid increase in sickness.
  2. Understanding how America became so sick so quickly is important.
  3. The news is moving quickly, tensions are high, but it's crucial to keep up with the information and stay informed.

Listen to your Body

0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mindfulness Well-being
  1. Listening to your body is important for overall well-being and health.
  2. Taking in information and asking follow-up questions help in understanding and reducing anxiety.
  3. Helping others and writing can be effective ways to reduce stress and soothe the mind.

Talk about Sex

0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Sexual Health Mental health Physical health
  1. Issues like weak erections and vaginal dryness can be signs of underlying serious health problems, not just age-related conditions.
  2. Embrace sex technology to enhance your bedroom experience and explore new possibilities beyond traditional methods.
  3. Biological factors play a significant role in low libido, and seeking medical advice can lead to effective solutions like hormone treatments and sex therapy.

Your Mind Matters

0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Stress management Medical conditions Well-being
  1. Key preventive measures for COVID-19 continue to be aggressive hand-washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing in public spaces.
  2. Mental health significantly impacts physical health and medical outcomes, affecting conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
  3. Addressing mental and physical health together can lead to improved overall health and well-being in the long term.

Know Where you’ve Been

0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Contact Tracing Mental health Technology Public Health
  1. Contact tracing is crucial for controlling the spread of contagious diseases like COVID-19 by identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed.
  2. Implementing effective contact tracing faces challenges like technological coordination, privacy concerns, and the need for large numbers of trained personnel.
  3. Technology, like apps being developed by Apple and Google, could play a key role in contact tracing efforts by facilitating anonymous tracking of potential exposures.

Fuel Up

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Self-care
  1. Quarantine fatigue is normal and affects everyone to some extent. It's important to find ways to take a break from the mental stress and pressure.
  2. Rest, exercise, connect with friends, and find sources of laughter to help manage adrenaline and release tension during quarantine.
  3. Stay vigilant with quarantine measures, practice self-care, and mark upcoming events for mental and physical well-being during the pandemic.

Learn Together

0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Information
  1. The author plans to cover essential information about the coronavirus throughout the week in a virtual class.
  2. The author's patients and readers are seeking answers and information about the unfolding situation with the virus.
  3. The post suggests that learning together and sharing knowledge is important during this challenging time.

Do your Math

0 implied HN points • 23 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Emotions Parenting
  1. Following facts and data helps us make better decisions during a crisis.
  2. Measuring death rates for a pandemic is challenging due to inadequate testing and varying counting methods.
  3. Despite the uncertainties, testing is improving, and most COVID-19 patients are recovering well.

Hope

0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medical Updates Anxiety Management
  1. COVID-19 can affect people of all ages and has various impacts on different organ systems.
  2. Media coverage about COVID-19 can cause anxiety, it's important to put things into context and consult with a doctor for personalized information.
  3. Antibody tests can help determine past COVID-19 infections, but more research is needed to understand what a positive result actually means.

Stop the Spread

0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Viruses and bacteria are different. Bacteria is living, while viruses are not.
  2. Take steps to populate your brain with facts about coronavirus to reduce fear.
  3. Create a panic-free zone in your mind by expanding your knowledge about the spread of coronavirus.

(Virtually) Hug a Teacher

0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 20
🚌 Education Health Schools Teachers Children
  1. Kids, parents, and educators are eager for schools to reopen due to challenges like screen time fatigue, multi-role balancing, and new teaching methods.
  2. Plans for school reopenings should prioritize strict social distancing until widespread testing, contact tracing, and vaccine availability improve.
  3. Flexibility and preparedness are key for schools to navigate potential reopening challenges, like altering schedules, increasing cleaning, and being ready to close if infection rates rise.

Make Your Move, Don’t Wait

0 implied HN points • 07 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Loneliness Self-care Therapy Pets
  1. Connection is essential for our emotional and physical well-being, especially during times of loneliness.
  2. Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with others, whether it's through dating, calling friends, or seeking therapy for support.
  3. Taking the initiative to make positive changes in our lives, like adopting a pet or practicing self-love, can have a significant impact on our mental health.

Fact-Check Your Thoughts

0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Anxiety Well-being
  1. COVID-19 reality check: U.S. death toll over 11,000; world leader in ICU; cities restricting outdoor activities.
  2. Get fact-based information to manage COVID-19 anxiety.
  3. Consider subscribing to 'Are You Okay?' for more informative posts and a free trial.