Daily Skimm: Honey, where's my super suit?

Skimm'd with a new kind of accountability buddy

January 12, 2022 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd with a new kind of accountability buddy

Quote of the Day "An adequate and sound practice" — Norway, on making its military return used underwear, bras, and socks…for new recruits. Reduce, reuse, really gross.

Almost at Capacity Getty Images The Story The US has hit a record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations.  What's the status? Not good. Even as boosters got the green light, the US is averaging 700,000 new infections a day. Cases could reach their peak later this month with as many as  1 million new cases per day. And with rapid tests harder to access than basics at the grocery store, the true number of infections could be even higher. Especially since not everyone is reporting their positive test results. Now, hospitals are feeling overwhelmed.  How bad is it? About 146,000 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. For perspective, that's the highest ever during the pandemic. Nearly a quarter of 5,000 hospitals across the country are reportedly facing major staff shortages — despite the CDC's best efforts to put healthcare workers back to work, contagious or not. Hospitals could soon be overrun. And they might not have the capacity to care for non-COVID patients. In NY, 40 hospitals have been ordered to stop nonessential elective operations for at least two weeks. On Monday, states like Colorado, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, and Louisiana authorized crisis standards of care or declared a public health emergency.  What's the gov doing about it?  Starting Saturday, the White House says private insurers will be required to cover the cost of eight at-home tests per person per month. But there isn't a limit to the number of tests that have to be covered if they're ordered by health care providers. The CDC is also considering an update to its mask guidance* to recommend people swap to KN95s or N95s. Top health officials answered some questions from senators about their CD-C for confusing guidance and testing. Dr. Fauci is saying, "we're doing the best we possibly can."  theSkimm Omicron is stressing everyone out. That includes hospital workers, public health officials, and everyone else. As we all try to navigate this variant, remember to take care of yourself and loved ones, physically and mentally.

And Also...This What's got an update… Medicare.* Yesterday, the federal health insurance provider said it would cover costs for a controversial Alzheimer's drug called Aduhelm. Last year, the FDA approved Aduhelm — a treatment intended to slow cognitive decline in patients. Unlike past medications that have treated symptoms, Aduhelm was supposed to treat the illness itself. But the drug wasn't exactly a miracle. The drugmaker, Biogen, canceled trials after data said it might not work. There were also reports of intense side effects (think: brain swelling or bleeding). Now, Medicare is thinking about covering the cost of the treatment (read: about $28,000 a year). But only for people who are enrolled in approved clinical trials — limiting who has access to the drug. The agency said it'll give final word on the drug by April 11 as it accepts comments from the public for 30 days. What could be coming to the US…  Smart guns. Last week, a Pennsylvania-based gun company unveiled a smart handgun for shareholders. These guns, also known as "personalized" guns, use fingerprint matching and other tech to authenticate someone's ID before they can operate the gun. The goal: to reduce accidental gun tragedies, which can kill dozens of children each year. They also have the potential to reduce suicides and discourage gun theft. Now, after nearly two decades of workshopping it, gunmakers are moving ahead and hope to release them as early as this year. The pushback: Gun control supporters say hackers can interfere with the gun's safety setting and remotely jam the gun's radio signals. While gun rights advocates are worried this could lead to more restrictions on other guns. Who's celebrating… Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.* Yesterday, the Democrat and health care CEO won a special election to fill a vacant House seat in Florida. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), a civil rights activist who died last year, had served in Congress for nearly three decades. Now, Cherfilus-McCormick won almost 80% of the vote in the left-leaning district. And has given House Democrats' majority a slight boost. Who's making history again… Maya Angelou.* On Monday, the US Mint announced it's begun shipping quarters with Angelou's face on them. The new quarter is the first in its American Women Quarters Program. And mint will issue 20 quarters over the next four years to honor women who've shaped American history. Think: Sally Ride, Nina Otero-Warren, Anna May Wong. Now, this new quarter shows Angelou with arms uplifted and a rising sun and bird behind her — inspired by her poetry. While Bonnaroo is back… So are Girl Scout cookies. Who's 2 Fish 2 Furious… This goldfish.* *PS: Not a Washington Post subscriber? Check out their exclusive offer just for Skimm'rs.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge Hear that? It's the sound of your mood rising to the beat of your favorite song. One study found that dopamine levels rise up to 9% higher when you listen to music you enjoy. So today's challenge, presented by our friends at Athleta, is (drumroll, please): Play your favorite pump-up jam when you hit your midday slump. One challenge done. Now we challenge you to a dance-off. Psst...we can't help movin' and groovin' in these Athleta leggings. PS: Sign up here to get a text every time that beat err, challenge, drops. And to check out past challenges, tap here.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. A clean, can't-live-without-it highlighter that's gone viral. Start 2022 right with this multi-use illuminator. It's got natural ingredients like papaya and Vitamin C that'll give you the dewy look of your dreams. Plus it's so lightweight, you'll forget you have it on. Here's 15% off.* 2. ​​A simple way to try some wellness. Since everybody's talking about it these days. Enter: Noom. A program that uses behavior change psychology to guide you to better health. Take a free quiz to get started. Well, well, well.* 3. An online vet clinic for pet parents who hate long lines. This membership provides unlimited 24/7 access to vets. And you can protect up to six fur children at no extra cost. Sign up now to say 'bye' to unnecessary IRL visits and bills.* 4. Vintage-style swimwear for that vacay you're daydreaming about. It's so close you can almost smell the sunscreen. And now you can actually picture it, thanks to these adorable sets. They're comfy, sustainably made, and mix-and-match-friendly. Plus, Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase.* 5. Our fave handmade finds on Etsy you'll wanna shop ASAP. From adorable home goods to eco-friendly swaps to chic jewelry. Check out all our recs you'll immediately want to add to cart. 6. 25% off at Bed Bath & Beyond until January 17. It's time to freshen up your bath towels and upgrade your bed situation. While you're at it, browse bathroom accessories, bath mats, shower curtains, and so much more. Go go go. *PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community. Write on…Kat R (CA). After leaving her teaching job, Kat was unemployed for more than six months. Now, she has a job as a content manager and is chasing her dream of being a full-time writer.  A track star…Alexis R (KY). She is training for a marathon to raise money for the Parkinson's Foundation to support research and community programs. And her dad, who was diagnosed with the disease, will be cheering her on.  (Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Jodi Sherman (NY), Leanne Miller (NY), Aly Mazza (CO), Brandy Amini (MD), Becca LeCompte (VA), Starr Lederer (FL), Betsy Hoover (IA), Kylee Ward (TX), Julian Mu (MD), Victoria Fisher (MI), Stevie Lamb (CA), Christy Kruckeberg (OK), Kim Dee (AZ), Lindsey Clark (PA), Necessittee Lyday (OK) *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More ICYMI: theSkimm continues to spotlight paid family leave policies (or the lack thereof) in workplaces all around the US. Check out our resources page to learn more and #ShowUsYourLeave on social media. 'Cause working 9 to 5 shouldn't be all taking and no giving. And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time... Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. Tune in to our career podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and "Pop Cultured with theSkimm" for the latest in entertainment and culture. Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.  Download our app to get it all in one place. Check out our career openings to join our team.

Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, William Horn, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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