Alexis Jones

Artificial intelligence continues to permeate our every day lives - from the way we search ("Hey Google, what's the weather for today?") to how we do our makeup. But what if I told you it could help detect breast cancer, too? AI has been integrated into healthcare since the 1950s, but took off in the early 2000s thanks to the emergence of deep learning, which teaches machines to think and learn like humans. Now take that ability and map it onto breast cancer detection and you have AI mammography - a newer technology being introduced into clinics around the country, offering radiologists an extra pair of eyes for breast imaging analysis. "Mammograms are imperfect. We know that we miss cancers," says Rachel Brem, MD, director of breast imaging and intervention and professor of radiology at George Washington University Medical Center. AI mammography can help eliminate some of the mistakes that lead to these misses, leading to earlier detection and treatment, she tells PS. The downsides? AI mammography is not covered by insurance. Plus, some experts, like Monique Gary, DO, a breast surgical oncologist in Bucks Country, PA, worry that the resource (like most AI) is capable of perpetuating bias. Ahead, both docs weigh in on the pros and cons of AI mammography, who it benefits, and whether it's worth the extra cost. How Does AI Mammography Work? AI mammography works in tandem with your standard mammogram process in which a machine, designed to analyze breast tissue, takes a x-ray images of your breast. After these images are captured, a radiologist will analyze them for any abnormalities, which is a naturally tricky process. "The reason why mammograms are challenging in general is because mammograms are a density-based study," says Dr. Gary. "Calcifications are dense, they show up white; tumors are dense, they show up white; young women who have dense breast tissue, that too shows up white," Dr. Gary tells PS. Both experts liken it to looking up at a cloudy sky, looking for certain clouds. "There's no contrast and you don't have that blue sky in between to pick out a specific cloud," Dr. Brem explains. AI mammography can offer a clearer picture. It is "trained or validated by looking at hundreds of 1000s of thousands of mammograms to detect patterns that could be concerning," Dr. Gary explains. And it can do so at a faster, and potentially more accurate, pace. Plus, the computer is learning from every single case. "So it's not like you write an algorithm, you know the formula, and it uses that formula. Every case it learns more and better," Dr Brem says. That said, "your AI is only as good as what it's trained on," Dr. Gary says. In other words, AI should be trained on a diverse population: candidates of different ages (especially considering the rising incidences of cancer among young adults); with different breast types (e.g. fatty breasts, dense breasts, and those with scar tissue); and of different races and ethnicities (Black women have a breast cancer mortality rate that is 40 percent higher than their white counterparts). "I think there's a deliberate effort to to make sure that AI will be beneficial for all women - I don't think we're there yet," Dr. Gary says. In particular, she says she has seen a concerted effort to recruit more Black candidates in the research and machine learning. But, she adds, "I think we're rolling out with it, despite the fact that most of it is still validated on on on white Americans and Europeans." Who Is AI Mammography Good For? AI mammography can be good for everyone, but particularly those at a disadvantage when it comes to care and diagnosis. For example, in all comers, standard mammography is about 85 to 90 percent accurate. But in women with dense breasts, that number can drop to as low as 30 percent, per Yale Medicine. Adding AI mammography to the mix can help bridge the gap, by offering a more discerning eye. Those who have microcalcifications - or calcium deposits that appear as small white specks, but could signal cancer - may also benefit from AI mammography. The resource can also make a difference in certain communities where the quality of mammography isn't as robust. This includes underserved communities, like the Black community, as well as the military or veterans affairs, where general radiologists are reading mammograms and not those who specialize in breast imaging, Dr. Brem says. "We know that if you have subspecialized radiologists reading [mammograms], we can find more cancers and earlier cancers. But if you give a general radiologist a mammogram with AI, they can function at the same level as a subspecialized radiologist," she tells PS. How Much Does AI Mammography Cost? Insurance does not cover AI assisted mammography. There are some clinics like GW that perform AI mammography on all mammograms free of charge, but for the most part, if you want an AI mammogram you'll have to come out of pocket. "An AI mammogram could cost anywhere from $40 to $100 more," says Dr. Gary, which she considers a health equity issue. Those who come from a large family or a low income may have trouble meeting those costs, and you run the risk of harming the same communities who could really use it. "I think that we have to be careful to democratize innovation and technology to help people who need it the most," Dr. Gary says. While there are potential upsides to AI mammograms, that's not to say that there's any reason to hold off on getting a standard mammogram. "It's much more important to get a mammogram without AI," Dr. Brem says, especially when the benefits of the AI mammography are just surfacing. "It's not the standard of care. And it's still very much experimental," Dr. Gary says. Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Just 10 minutes is all Class Fitsugar trainer Nikki Nie asks of you for this legs and booty burning workout. Presented by Allegra, this low-impact session will take you through a quick circuit of lunges and squat variations that will fire up your lower body. That's right, just because you're doing a low-impact workout doesn't mean you won't feel it. For the first round, you'll have five moves with 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds rest. The workout dives right in with squats. "So there's no warmup," Nie says. "Make sure you take care of yourself; listen to your body." After squats, you'll move on to lunge spilts on both sides, followed by lateral lunges with a knee drive on both sides, for a total of five moves. Nie leads you through each movement, offering form tips and motivation when it starts to feel tough. "You're doing a good job. Life is not easy and here you are showing up," she says. Then, in the second round, Nie kicks things up a notch. You'll do the same five moves, but this time incorporating 50 seconds of work and just 10 seconds rest. "Let that little voice in your head be positive," Nie says, as she heads into turbo drive, encouraging you to push through to the end. And when that doesn't work: "use your inner warrior," she suggests. Follow along and check out new workouts every week on the POPSUGAR Fitness YouTube channel.

Everyone needs fiber - possible more fiber than you might think. While it's best known for promoting regular bowel movements, fiber can also help control blood-sugar levels, and certain types of fiber can reduce levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, associated with heart disease. We often hear about the importance of adding high-fiber foods or fiber supplements to our diet. But when the different types of fiber get brought up, things can get more confusing. There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both offer unique benefits and value and can be found in everyday foods like oats (soluble fiber) and whole grains (insoluble fiber). But what's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, exactly, and which one should you focus on adding to your diet? We asked a dietitian that exact question, and she filled us in on what differentiates soluble from insoluble fiber, along with what foods are high in each, so you can incorporate these healthy nutrients into your diet. What Is Soluble Fiber? "Soluble fiber is a type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN. "This quality allows it to bind with fatty acids and prolong stomach emptying times, which may help to regulate sugar absorption and lower certain cholesterol." Soluble fiber is often found in a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains (more on that later!). "It feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing significantly to overall gut health and enhancing the body's immune function," Manaker tells PS. Plus, it can help prevent certain health conditions including heart disease and diabetes, as well as certain gastrointestinal disorders. What Is Insoluble Fiber? Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. "Instead, it adds bulk to the stool and helps to move food through the digestive system more quickly, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation," Manaker says. Foods that contain insoluble fiber include whole grains, wheat bran, nuts, seeds, and the skin of many fruits and vegetables. Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber "When comparing soluble and insoluble fiber, the main differences lie in their physical properties and benefits to digestive health," Manaker explains. Again: soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like material that plays a role in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, adding bulk to the diet which can help promote the passage of food through the digestive system. Both types of fiber affect the GI system. Soluble fiber slows the digestion of food, which is why it can benefit glucose levels; it reduces sudden spikes in glucose caused by foods digesting super quickly. That doesn't mean soluble fiber will constipate you, though. In fact, it can help make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Insoluble fiber, though, helps foods move more quickly through the digestive system, which also prevents constipation. Soluble Fiber Foods Want to incorporate more soluble fiber into your diet? Manaker suggests the following foods, all rich in soluble fiber: Oats Peas Beans Apples Citrus fruits Carrots Barley Psyllium Insoluble Fiber Foods If it's insoluble fiber you need more of, Manaker lists the following to stock up on: Whole grains Wheat bran Nuts Beans Cauliflower Green beans Potatoes Which Is Better?: Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber Soluble and insoluble fiber both offer unique benefits to the body, so you ideally want to get a healthy mix of both in your diet. You can talk to your doctor about whether one or the other may better serve your unique health needs, but "each serves important, complementary functions in maintaining overall health," Manaker says. Women should be getting about 25 grams of fiber daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. And while most experts suggest just aiming to hit this number without worrying too much about exactly how much of each type you're getting, UCSF Health notes that a good goal is to get about a quarter of your total intake from soluble fiber, and the rest from insoluble. Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Angel Reese is a star in every sense of the word. Despite Louisiana State's loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four of March Madness, Reese ended her collegiate career on a high, walking away with a host of awards and broken records, as well as an entry into the WNBA. On April 15, Reese, more affectionately known by fans as the "Bayou Barbie," will be selected by one of the league's 12 teams alongside some of her former NCAA competitors turned draftees, including Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Aliyah Edwards. PS caught up with the draft pick ahead of the big night, where Reese opened up about her collegiate legacy, as well as some of the goals she has for the W. A Look At Angel Reese's Legacy While at LSU, the forward became known for her bold gameplay on the court, which often includes unapologetic trash talk, fresh lashes, and edges laid to the gods. That likely won't change. It's how she earned the nickname "Bayou Barbie" and it's served as a representation that women athletes - and more specifically Black women athletes - can be exactly who they are in the world of sport. Reese's notorious crown, however, might not make it to the league. You've likely spotted the jeweled tiara placed on Reese's head during LSU's pregame ritual. Throughout her career, it's symbolized that Reese is "the queen," LSU's Amani Bartlett (bestower of the crown), told the Associated Press. But it appears the athlete is approaching her next move with a fresh start mindset, potentially leaving the crown behind. "I don't know if we'll see [the crown] in the WNBA," Reese tells PS while working a predraft shift at Raising Cane's in Manhattan. "That was something that I did at LSU and I want to just turn over a new page and start a new chapter." That said, there will always be a figurative crown on her head - and it's a heavy one, Reese admits. The 21-year-old has faced relentless attacks from the public throughout her collegiate career, often being pitted against Caitlin Clark and villanized for the same gameplay that's made her such a formidable player. "I've been through so much. I've seen so much. I've been attacked so many times. Death threats. I've been sexualized. I've been threatened," Reese said in a post-game interview after LSU's loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA tournament. What You Can Expect From Angel Reese in the WNBA As Reese enters the WNBA, she's hoping for a clean slate and to focus on growing women's sports alongside players like Clark. For context, the NCAA women's championship final raked in 18.7 million viewers, more than any college or professional basketball game since 2019, per ESPN. "It's crazy how the game's going right now and being able to surpass the men . . . it's exciting and I think our games are so much more interesting right now," Reese says. "So many people are tuning in and watching us and I love it." Now, Reese is eager to see how the enthusiasm translates to the WNBA. "Being able to take this to the W is where you want to do it at and I think they deserve it, especially the vets - they've done a great job and laid the ground for us." Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

As states across the country continue to revoke access to reproductive rights, the WNBA is taking a clear stand, announcing a new multi-year partnership with the OTC contraception, Opill. "At the WNBA, we've always said that women's health is society's health - and so for a long time, many of our players have been engaged with organizations who are doing work in this space. But for us, it's about bringing more attention, more awareness and more education to those who need it, and our partnership with a brand like Opill will allow us to do that," says Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer, who spoke to PS in an interview. The union between the two brands will create touch points across the country for access and education, starting with the WNBA Draft where Opill is an associate sponsor. Fans can expect to see Opill activations at the draft, says Edison, in addition to other tentpole events for the league. A college campus tour is also on the horizon where Opill and the WNBA will provide educational programs on contraception. "With the WNBA, we will highlight the progress being made toward creating a world where we no longer need to ask permission to make personal decisions." "We're so excited for this season as we're concentrating our social justice work around civic engagement, but also reproductive health advocacy," Edison tells PS. At a kickoff event for Opill x WNBA, New York Liberty's Betnijah Laney expressed just how much the partnership resonated with her. "It really means a lot because we want to help provide the access to everyone," Laney told PS in a press-conference-style interview. "I think that we're starting something very powerful, we're using both platforms together to hopefully make a change, to bring awareness, to bring education - all those things that are very important being a woman," Laney went on to say. The resource has been a long-time coming. "'The pill' has been used to manage sexual health for over half a century, but Opill is, for the first time, birth control on your own terms," Leila Bahbah, US Women's Health Brand Lead at Perrigo Company, said at the NYC kickoff event. Opill, which is intended for anyone who can get pregnant, doesn't require a prescription or a doctor's appointment, and can be purchased online or over the counter at major retailers like CVS and Walgreens for $20 for a one-month supply and $50 for a three-month supply. Bahbah hopes that in partnering with the WNBA, more people will recognize the kind of autonomy and access they're hoping to provide. "Opill is now the most effective OTC oral contraceptive option. This means it has enormous potential to reduce those unintended pregnancies," Bahbah said. "With the WNBA, we will highlight the progress being made toward creating a world where we no longer need to ask permission to make personal decisions." Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

When it comes to working out at the gym, I typically have a "whatever makes you happy" stance. There's already enough to feel self-conscious about while you're there - from the gym bros commenting on your form to the ones taking an uncomfortable interest in what you're wearing. But Lenny Kravitz has me rethinking my mentality. The singer-songwriter and musician recently posted a video at Equinox donning a rather unconventional choice of workout clothing: leather pants and a fishnet top. I mean, the ensemble is peak Kravitz. The singer-songwriter can often be found in edgy prints, see-through shirts, and tight, flared pants. It's his style - and we love him for it. But as someone who edits health and fitness content for a living, I couldn't help but question the functionality (and comfort) of the outfit choice. For starters, his legs have to be drenched in sweat, right? And while breathable, that fishnet top can't be capable of wicking any sort of moisture, rendering it chafe city. Could I be wrong, though? Maybe leather is secretly a great workout apparel fabric, and I'm the one missing out. To help answer my burning questions, I tapped two trainers to weigh in on Kravitz's sweat set of choice. "My initial reaction was 'holy sweat,'" says Macy Pruett, AFPA-certified prenatal and postpartum fitness specialist and certified personal trainer. "I can't imagine how sweaty working out in leather would make you. I mean, the thigh rubbing alone seems not worth it to me." On top of that, leather pants can be restricting. "While I wouldn't say it's necessarily unsafe, I do think it would constrict our bodies from performing exercises to their full range of movement, therefore holding us back from having our best workout!," Pruett adds. (FWIW, Kravitz seemed to be pretty flexible while performing what can only be described as a weighted incline situp plus shoulder press - a move you should not attempt to recreate at home, according to The New York Times.) The fishnet top, on the other hand, wasn't as off-putting to our trainer experts. "Fishnet actually seems like it'd be breathable," Pruett tells PS. But it's primarily a vehicle for style, rather than functionality. "Definitely not ideal for catching sweat. And if your top isn't catching sweat, it's most likely dripping down to your very-hot-sticky leather pants. No thank you!" Pruett says. The better option? Opt for a Kravitz-inspired gym fit. "Shiny fabrics that give the appearance of a leather look are a great alternative and also super grippy," says Danielle Gray, NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of Train Like a Gymnast. The Carbon 38 Leggings in Takara Shine ($128) are a personal favorite of mine. If you're not into the shiny, leather look, that's OK too. The three primary aspects you want to focus on when shopping for effective workout tights are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking material. Gray recommends nylon and polyester, while Pruett offers up a more specific fabric percentage: 75% polyamide and 25% elastane. The Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight ($89) fit the bill - and if you want a fishnet-esque workout bra, the Alo Seamless Open Air Bra ($64), made from breathable performance fabric, is a great option. That said, what you wear to the gym is totally up to you. If you want to go full Kravitz, so be it. If you want a more functional fit, that works too. The gym should be a place where you can be 100 percent yourself and if leather pants and a fishnet top do it for you (as they clearly do Kravitz) - then, happy sweating. Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

The next time you're filled with rage over an ex that did you dirty or a coworker that grinds your gears, you may want to rethink your go-to method for blowing off steam, if it involves a high-energy boxing class or an angry run. According to new research out of Ohio State University, venting anger via activities that increase arousal is not an effective anger management technique. The review, based on 154 studies involving over 10,000 participants, analyzed the effectiveness of two types of anger management activities: those focused on decreasing arousal (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation) and those that increase arousal (e.g., hitting a bag, jogging, cycling). The research found that "turning down the heat" via activities that decrease arousal was more effective than those that increase arousal. In fact, some activities, like jogging were found to make anger worse. If you love to blow off steam by going out for a long run and listening to an angry playlist, you don't have to quit the habit. But it's probably a good idea to follow up that activity with a more chill activity that can actually manage anger. We've got a list of expert- and research-backed ideas for you here. How to Manage Anger When it comes to managing your anger, the key is to process, not vent. "Venting is not helpful in reducing rage, and can often cause a person to escalate," explains Natalie Jones, PsyD, licensed psychotherapist and advisory board member for PS's Condition Center. "What is helpful is processing what you're angry about, and thinking about what triggered it, why you feel the need to be angry in this situation, and what other emotions your anger could be masking." To do this, you might try the following strategies: Practice Mindfulness Sit with yourself and evaluate what's causing you to be angry and what symptoms and you're experiencing because of anger, Dr. Jones says. Maybe it's an increased heart rate, tense muscle, tightness in the chest. Try to relax as you process your symptoms and emotions. This might look like meditation, deep breathing and counting to 10, a yoga flow, repeating calming words and phrases to yourself, or visualizing an experience or memory that brings you peace. Take a Break Literally, take a time out, says Dr. Jones. Stepping away from the person that triggered you or the space in which you were triggered can be crucial in managing anger. That might look like going for a walk to put some space between you and your roommate or stepping outside the office for a coffee break to decompress and process. "Then you can revisit the person or situation that caused you to be angry and effectively communicate your concerns and/or needs," Dr. Jones says. Restructure Your Thinking "Your anger or rage has gotten the best of you when it's your primary emotion," Dr. Jones says. If you notice signs that the anger has taken over - you're totally preoccupied by reliving what happened; you're cursing or using dramatic language; you're exaggerating what happened or speaking or speaking in "universal language" ("no one ever" or "everyone always), try this technique from the American Psychological Association (APA), called cognitive restructuring. Intentionally replace negative, exaggerated thoughts with expressive, yet rational ones. An example of this would be switching your internal narrative from "oh, it's awful, it's terrible, everything's ruined," to "it's frustrating, and it's understandable that I'm upset about it, but it's not the end of the world and getting angry is not going to fix it anyhow," per the APA. The switch helps you tap into your logical, rational brain, which calms you down. Problem Solve This step may naturally follow one of the earlier techniques. Once you're feeling calmer, what can really help bring you out of your anger spiral is thinking to the future and problem solving. For instance, if what raised your temper was your spouse coming at you with a to-do list the instant you walked in the door, talk to them about giving you 15 minutes of low-stress personal time when you get home in the future. Or if you became frustrated with a problem at work, consider who you can ask for help. Give yourself grace - there may be no easy solve. But trying to think through next steps can help you feel proactive, in control, and calmer. Seek Professional Help While anger is a common emotion, for some people it's more intense than others. When you see red all the time, when the people in your life have to walk on eggshells to prevent you from going off or they are afraid of you, or your anger causes you to get into altercations or trouble with law enforcement, those are all signs that anger has gotten the best of you, says Dr. Jones. "You should seek help for your anger as soon as you realize that it is affecting your quality of life," she tells PS. If anger impacts your relationship with yourself, your relationship with other people, your ability to do your job, or if it causes you to become self-destructive or engage in self-harm; those are all signs to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. They may recommend therapy, anger management classes, or in some cases, medication management. Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Image Source: Alexis Jones As a health editor, I get heaps of wellness pitches each day - most of which claim to offer the latest and greatest methods for a better, healthier you. Some of it works (like walking backwards) and some of it's iffy (looking at you, sexy water). Over the last few years, the theme I can't seem to escape, however, is Scandinavian wellness. From trends like hygge and the Scandi sleep method to the ever-popular Nordic trend of cold plunging, Scandinavian wellness trends continue to be touted as elixirs for overall health and wellbeing. When I got the opportunity to try a few out for myself in Sweden alongside Volvo, I jumped at the opportunity. The car brand is headquartered in Gothenburg and invited a few editors to test out some of the most popular Nordic health trends, as well as their first fully electric vehicle, the EX30, which is inspired by Scandinavian lifestyle and wellness. Scandinavian culture prioritizes simplicity, alongside deep and meaningful connection to nature. It promotes several feel-good philosophies and rituals, all of which center on being slower, more mindful human beings. I spent four days in Sweden putting a few of them to the test and shared my honest thoughts below. Gökotta Prior to this trip, I thought my morning ritual was pretty decent: wake up, check my phone for 10 minutes, turn on "Good Morning America" in the living room, and then work out alongside the 8 to 9 a.m. segment before showering, eating breakfast, and starting my day. Then, I tried gökotta. Gökotta is a Swedish wake-up ritual that centers on the act of rising at dawn to hear the birds sing and appreciate nature. Unlike common U.S.-based wake-up rituals that focus on achieving a packed to-do list (aka the 5-to-9 before my 9-to-5), gökotta isn't about productivity, but about prioritizing stillness and peace before the day begins. Given that our stays were in nature, first at the Tree Hotel and then at the Arctic Bath, I tested out gökotta each morning, taking time to prioritize nature. I woke up around 5:45 a.m., got outside, and literally listened to the birds. At the Tree Hotel I did so while hiking a nearby path in the woods, and at the Arctic Bath House I meditated on the back porch of my floating home. I found something extremely peaceful about taking in fresh air and pausing for dedicated moments of stillness before the world around me seemed awake. It brought about a sense of mental clarity and accomplishment to my day. Before I was overwhelmed with notifications, to-do lists, and other obligations, I was able to take my morning in stride - something that I haven't allowed myself the pleasure of in years. Image Source: Alexis Jones Cold Bathing In recent years, cold plunging has become popular across the US as a means to help reduce inflammation, boost immune function, decrease levels of pain, and increase alertness and energy. However, it has roots in Scandinavian culture dating back centuries. Prior to this trip, I'd been cold plunging only once at a local spa in Brooklyn. I lasted milliseconds. This time, I had the opportunity at the Arctic Bath House to cold plunge outdoors, miles south of the Arctic Circle. I geared up beforehand, wrapping my hair in a bun and tucking it in under the fleece-lined hat. Prior to jumping in we heated up in the sauna, mentally and physically preparing for the challenge ahead. When it was my turn, I shuffled out of the sauna and quickly backed myself down the ladder and into the outdoor ice bath, taking deep breaths to regulate. I lasted about 10 seconds in the water, set to a cool 39 degrees Fahrenheit. While this isn't record time by any means, my body did quickly feel the effects afterward: a warm tingling sensation followed by an increase in energy and a great night's sleep. Slow Travel When it comes to traveling in Sweden, less is more and slow is better. The concept of slow travel emphasizes the notion of taking time to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings rather than rushing to see everything. During our stay we were able to slow travel through Harads and Lulea, in Volvo's EX30, which has a panoramic roof and helped me feel a little closer to nature while driving. Rather than sticking to the highways to get from point A to point B, we hit the backroads. The trip itinerary also included stops at landmarks and scenic overlooks along the way, with the intention of allowing us to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination. At one such stop, I was able to take in one of Sweden's most enjoyable traditions, fika (aka the Swedish coffee break) while overlooking the scenic mountain views of Boden. We also visited the Gammelstad Church Town, one of the biggest and best-preserved church towns in the world. Admittedly, my driving partner and I got lost once, a risk you take when it comes to slow travel. But even in a place we'd never been before, it didn't feel overwhelming. We found ourselves surrounded by soaring spruce trees, pointing out the tiny homes we'd live in if we never left. Sure, the landscape may have been making us feel extra zen. But because we weren't trying to stick to a strict time table, it also didn't matter if we took a slightly longer-than-planned detour. Image Source: Volvo Cars The Bottom Line Scandinavian wellness is onto something. There's a reason Nordic countries are ranked some of the happiest on earth. The calm and introspection I felt while there was refreshing and a welcomed change from the concrete jungle. While I'm not sure I'll be able to fully re-create that energy in New York (I can see the pigeons already messing up my gökotta), that won't stop me from trying. Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Volvo for the purpose of writing this story. Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. LeBron James vs. Steph Curry. Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant. When it comes to the NBA, fierce competition and a slight undertone of cockiness are part of what fuel the game. But for women basketball players, a bold attitude and aggressive gameplay equate to beef, apparently - and somehow, it's unbecoming. Just take Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, for example. The LSU forward and Iowa point guard have been pitted against each other since the players went head to head at last year's March Madness tournament. Clark has been criticized for being arrogant and too cocky, while Reese has been downright vilified for her use of trash talk - having been called a "classless piece of sh*t," among other things following her now infamous "you can't see me" wave toward Clark during the 2023 March Madness championship. This year, even as viewers approached the much-anticipated Elite 8 game between LSU and Iowa, there was plenty of talk around a rivalry rehashed. And as Iowa cinched the Final Four slot on April 1, viewers took to social media to add fuel to the fire. "Caitlin Clark could have taunted Angel Reese and LSU in revenge for what they did to her last year. She didn't. Clark simply celebrated the moment with her team. Complete class act. Iowa onto the Final Four," tweeted David Hookstead, a media personality for Outkick. "We can officially quit putting Angel Reese on Caitlin Clark's level. Stop it. One is an all-time great player. The other got famous for taunting. The rivalry is dead," tweeted sports podcaster David Whitlock. Statements like these highlight both the emotional policing of Black women athletes and misogyny at play when it comes to sport and who is allowed to be passionate. I hate to break it to these two men, but Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are both phenomenally talented, yet extremely confident (read: occasionally cocky) players. And why shouldn't they be? You'd be hard-pressed to find a NBA player who isn't. To directly address some of the remarks circulating on social media: Yes, Clark could have taunted Reese - and she's done so in the past to other players. Her choosing not to be as theatrical last night had nothing to do with her having more class. She is in no way a victim, either. Clark is a consistently record-breaking athlete who's more than capable of handling a little trash talk. And while it should go without saying, Reese is a star in her own right, having led the LSU women's basketball team to a 102-point NCAA Championship game record last year and set the single-season record in double-doubles and the SEC single-season record in rebounds. These two women are real athletes, with the stats to back it up. Reducing their relationship to trash talk and a petty personal rivalry that doesn't exist undersells their talent, especially that of Reese, and the years of hard work it took to get here. What they do on the court is play hard. The athletes have said it best themselves: "Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It's just a super competitive game and I just wish people realized that," Reese said in an interview before the Elite 8 match up. "Once I get between those lines, there's no friends . . . I'm going to talk trash to you. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it." Clark made a similar statement, praising Reese for her competitive spirt. "Me and Angel have always been great competitors. There's definitely that competitive fire. Both of us want to win more than anything, and that's how it should be when you're a competitor and you get into a situation like this, whether it was the national championship, whether it's the Elite 8," Clark told reporters ahead of the Elite 8 game. "We both grew up loving this game, and we're going to do anything we can to help our teams win," she went on to say. Translation: there was never any beef, just a fierce competition between athletes - and last time I checked the viewership numbers and ticket sales, it's been quite entertaining too. Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Niecy Nash-Betts is hot. Yes, her career is on fire (did you see her iconic Emmy's speech last year?). But she also quite literally feels hot, she tells me during our conversation at the Pendry Hotel in New York at the end of March. Donning a blazing red suit, the "Dahmer" actor admits that she is in her menopause era and owning it. But while the hot flashes weren't a surprise, just about everything else about menopause was. Growing up, Nash-Betts didn't understand what menopause was or how it impacted the body. "My mama failed me without giving all the information," she tells PS. "But you don't know what you don't know." In her 50s, Nash-Betts would become more familiar with the other life changes tied to menopause, including hair thinning, skin dryness, and fatigue - although she didn't immediately realize that last symptom was related to menopause. "I'm a hard-working Black woman, I'm always tired," Nash-Betts tells PS. Her first-hand experience with a lack of knowledge about the life stage is why she's partnered with Versalie, a digital-first platform offering support and resources for all things menopause. One key aspect of getting educated about the realities of menopause is breaking apart misconceptions - like that there's no fun after menopause. Nash-Betts is living proof that that's not true. When asked about how she likes to stay healthy these days, she tells PS, "My health routine these days looks like skinny-dipping." It's something that she and wife Jessica Betts love doing together, and often. "Right after I won my my Emmy...[we went] skinny-dipping. We went straight to the pool, trophy and all," she says. Not only does it feel good - "you're swimming back and forth, kiss a little bit in the middle, and then you swim a little bit more" - skinny-dipping also a total-body workout, Nash-Betts says. In terms of other fitness trends, she tries to stay away from the ones that don't quite make sense to her. "I don't understand people working out with goats, and lambs, and baby pigs. I don't know what they're doing in there," Nash-Betts tells PS. As far as she's concerned, if she wanted to go to the farm she would - and the same goes for yoga. "When you put the two of them together, it's just a lot going on," she says. She'd rather invest her time in something that she knows will yield benefits: therapy. "We live there," she tells PS, admitting it's a non-negotiable of being in a relationship with her. "My better half and I go separate and together - it's a necessary evil." That said, finding the right therapist hasn't been without its hurdles. But she encourages everyone to stick it out, likening the journey to dating. "You have to try [therapists] on for size," she tells PS. And just like finding a potential partner, "a referral from a friend is usually the best way to go," she adds. Which brings her back to the menopause conversation. When it comes to navigating the life stage, Nash-Betts hopes to be a kind of referral for other women - and particular Black women, who often aren't privy to the conversation and may find themselves silenced in their own health journeys. "I hope that people see themselves," Nash-Betts says of her partnership with Versalie. "Let me let me be a part of the conversation and the solution." Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.