Bad posture 🤝 "King Charles" walk

The internet thinks it just invented soup, so it’s no surprise there's a hot new exercise trend called… walking.

And listen, walking is great. Even a few minutes (just this much) can mean better sleep, lower cancer risk, a stronger immune system, and serious mental health benefits.

So yes, we love that the humble walk hired a PR team and unleashed some viral trends (“fart walk” anyone?). Now, we're seeing it in a new light…

• I know, I know, the “retro walk” looks ridiculous. But the benefits are insane… 

• … just make sure you check the "wet bulb temperature" first. 

• Dealing with lower back pain? Forget counting steps, and try hitting this goal instead. 

• Your “second heart” wants you to finally ditch the standing desk.

• If you want a quick posture fix, try the “King Charles walk.” God save the spine.

— Anna “Walking’s Pro Bono PR Rep” Davies, writer

We thought boob sweat was bad… and then we met “summer long balls.” We're sorry in advance.

On top of that, your popular drugstore deodorant may have just been recalled.

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A 2019 study rocked the medical world when it claimed that nearly half of people suffer severe withdrawal symptoms when going off of long-term antidepressants. 

It was the medical community’s version of a mic drop (a stethoscope drop?) that changed how many doctors prescribe these meds and, crucially, how slowly they tell patients to taper off.

Now: New research says the 2019 report had some serious methodology flaws, and that withdrawal symptoms are rare. The 2019 authors beg to differ.

Meanwhile: The internet’s flooded with horror stories of people saying they’re experiencing antidepressant withdrawal — anxiety, dizziness, "brain zaps" — feeding a booming interest in "alternative" mental health fixes like psychedelics, microdosing, supplements, and (if HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gets his way) “wellness farms.”

Here’s what to keep in mind… 

• You know your body. If you’re trying a new medication and something’s off, advocate for yourself. We keep this bookmarked for every high-stakes doctor's appointment.

• Ask about pharmacogenetic testing. If you’re considering antidepressants, genetic testing can help predict how your body would respond to certain meds.

• Don’t forget about your hormones. Hormonal shifts can affect how you tolerate medication. 

• Don’t DIY. Early research on psychedelics is promising. Just explore it with someone that has “MD” in their title. 

• If you’re expecting... A recent FDA panel on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy featured psychiatrists who cited highly questionable information as truth.

On a scale of one to vagina candle, how woo-woo are things getting in the comments?

PSA: Mercury and Saturn are both in retrograde — meaning they look like they’re moving backward in the sky.

(Read more: Explain retrograde to me like I’m 5.)

In astrology, Mercury rules communication, travel, and tech. It hits retrograde a few times a year and is the scapegoat for everything from plane delays to text misfires. Saturn rules responsibility, structure, and life questions. It hits retrograde once a year, and may be why you find yourself suddenly wondering whether you’re in the right career.

Now, they’re both in retrograde… at once. (Dun, dun, dun.) Astrologers say this means we’re in for weeks of weird tech fails with a side of existential crises.

(Read more: Tell me more about the crisis part.)

So… is this legit? Psychologists think not. They say linking random events to things like retrograde is called “illusory correlation.”

THEN AGAIN… A dating app survey found that ghosting spikes during Mercury retrograde, even among people who didn’t necessarily know about the planetary timing. Coincidence?!

Woo-Woo Rating: 💫 out of 💫💫💫💫💫 shooting stars

Astrology’s in the eye of the beholder. If it helps you make sense of the chaos, do you. 

FEATURED EXPERT:

Michelle Henry, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery in Manhattan

"If it makes you feel more comfortable, go for it. These deodorants don’t block sweat like antiperspirants; they simply reduce the smell and sometimes improve moisture control. But if whole-body deo isn’t enough or you still feel uncomfortable, see a dermatologist, because you may need a prescription product.”

PS: Member of Team Sweat? Here’s your playbook. 

Compression socks are the hug you didn’t know you needed, especially when you’re planning to be on your feet a lot or are pregnant. Here are the ones that can give you the squeeze you deserve — whatever your choice in footwear. 

Here’s the full list of the best compression socks, according to a vascular surgeon.