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Mental Wellness

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In Wellness

Youth Is a Whole Mood

In Wellness 4 Mins Read

I feel 30 years younger.
Here’s why…


Youth is a whole mood. I feel 30 years younger. Here’s why… There comes a moment when you wake up, stretch, and your body says, “Oh, we are doing amazing today.” Not “my knees sound like a percussion section.” Not “I need five minutes and a prayer to get out of bed.” No. Amazing.

Real Talk. Real People. I literally feel 30 years younger. And listen… that did not happen because I stumbled on a sale for magic supplements on Instagram. It happened because I finally did the one thing that changes everything.

I chose me!

For decades, I poured into everyone else’s cup, my family, my work, my community. If someone needed something, I was there faster than overnight delivery. Meanwhile, I was surviving on caffeine, stress, and a “maybe I’ll sleep next month” mentality.

Youth is not an age. Youth is a vibe.

Then one day, I woke up with a whole new energy. Not today. Not anymore. And when a woman chooses herself? The glow is undeniable.

My body started responding like: Oh! You love us now? Say less. I slept. I moved my body. I nourished myself like someone I care about. I set boundaries that were not up for negotiation. I healed, not the cute social-media kind, the real, tear-streaked, deep kind.

Suddenly… energy. Strength. Joy. Feeling young again is not shallow; it is survival. It is honoring your body before it quits on you. It is saying yes to life again. It is reclaiming every part of you that got lost while you were busy holding everyone else together.

I stopped abandoning myself — and my body thanked me.

Healing is hot. Mental peace is juicy. Self-respect is the facelift you do not need to finance. The more I chase joy, the more joy chases me right back. I wake up excited. I move like I have somewhere fabulous to be, even if it’s just the kitchen. My heart beats with possibility.

Aging isn’t the enemy. Abandoning yourself is. I spent years putting everyone first. Now I’m leading my own parade, and trust me, the band is playing loudly.

What I know for sure: you cannot bloom if you keep watering everyone else’s garden but your own. Self-care is not selfish. It is survival. And if this is what survival looks like? Honey, I’m ready to thrive.

Thirty years younger? Let’s upgrade it to timeless.

Real Talk. Real People. Youth is a whole mood — and I am living it loudly.

Want the “Younger Every Year” checklist?

🛌 Sleep Rituals

  • ☐ Power down screens 60 minutes before bed
  • ☐ Bedroom = dark, cool, quiet (sleep sanctuary vibes)
  • ☐ Same sleep + wake time every day (yes, even weekends)
  • ☐ Sip something soothing: chamomile, magnesium, tart cherry
  • ☐ Gratitude brain dump: 3 things → peace of mind → better REM

🏃 Movement Habits

  • ☐ 30–45 min movement most days (walk, dance, bike, live your life)
  • ☐ Strength training 2–3x weekly (muscle = youth insurance)
  • ☐ Stretch or mobility work daily (hips and joints don’t lie)
  • ☐ Sneaky NEAT: stairs, parking far, house grooves
  • ☐ Track steps to stay honest — aim for progress not perfection

🛑 Boundary Scripts

Say these with your whole chest:

  • ☐ “That won’t work for me.”
  • ☐ “I’m not available for that.”
  • ☐ “No — and thank you for understanding.”
  • ☐ “Let me get back to you once I check my priorities.”
  • ☐ “I don’t explain my no.”
    Boundaries = energy Botox.

💛 Joy Prompts

  • ☐ Laugh every day. Extra points for snort laughs.
  • ☐ Schedule delight: 1 tiny joy before noon
  • ☐ Nature time (trees are cheaper than therapy)
  • ☐ Music that makes you feel 25 again
  • ☐ Hug people who fuel you, not drain you

⭐ Bonus Glow-Up Rules

  • ☐ Hydrate like it’s your full-time job
  • ☐ Stay curious — learn something new weekly
  • ☐ Wear sunscreen (yes, winter too)
  • ☐ Release the drama, increase the peace
  • ☐ Celebrate EVERYTHING (even small wins)

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In Consumer Information

Nationwide Statin Recall: What to know

In Consumer Information 3 Mins Read

Real talk: If you or someone you love takes medication for high cholesterol, this one deserves your attention. A nationwide recall has just been issued for a generic version of Lipitor, Atorvastatin Calcium, one of the most commonly prescribed cholesterol medications in the country and it affects more than 140,000 bottles.

The medication in question is Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. and distributed by Ascend Laboratories, LLC. To be clear; and take a deep breath here brand-name Lipitor is not part of this recall.

What Happened

Here’s the deal: the recall was triggered after certain batches failed dissolution testing.

Translation? The pills might not dissolve properly once swallowed, meaning your body may not absorb the medicine the way it’s supposed to.

If the drug isn’t absorbed correctly, it may not effectively lower your cholesterol — and that’s a big issue for anyone relying on it to keep their heart healthy.

How the Recall Rolled Out

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• September 19, 2025: Ascend Laboratories voluntarily launched the recall after routine quality testing showed the problem. Pharmacies and wholesalers were notified, and the FDA added the notice to its Enforcement Report.

• October 10, 2025: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially classified this as a Class II recall — meaning it may cause temporary or reversible health effects, but the risk of serious harm is low.

• Mid–Late October: Once news outlets picked up the story, the recall reached the public so patients could check their bottles and talk to their doctors.

If You Take Atorvastatin, Here’s What To Do

  • Don’t Panic — and Don’t Stop Suddenly.
    • Even if you think your medication might be part of the recall, don’t stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. Suddenly discontinuing a statin can increase your risk of heart problems.
  • Check Your Bottle.
  • Look for Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets on your prescription label. If you see Alkem Laboratories listed as the manufacturer and Ascend Laboratories as the distributor, you could be affected.
  • You can view all the affected lot numbers and expiration dates directly in the official recall notice here: 🔗Ascend Laboratories Recall Notice – Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets
  • Talk to Your Pharmacist or Doctor.
  • They can confirm if your prescription is impacted and guide you on the next steps — whether that’s a replacement, refund, or switching to a different medication.

Stay Informed

For ongoing updates, you can follow both:

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Real talk, real people: Medication recalls can sound alarming, but knowledge is power. Take a few minutes to check your bottle, talk to your doctor, and make sure you’re protected. Your health and peace of mind are what matter most.

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In Health

Know Yourself. Check Yourself. Live.

In Health 3 Mins Read

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time when pink ribbons fill the streets, and we’re reminded to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves. But this month isn’t just symbolic it’s a wake-up call.

Because breast cancer doesn’t just happen to “someone else.” It affects women, men, and young women. It affects families. It changes lives.

🩷 Real Talk: Awareness Is Power

Thirty-two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember that time vividly — the fear, the uncertainty, and the courage she showed every day. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, back when people didn’t talk about breast cancer openly.

She survived and lived cancer-free for many years. Her strength was extraordinary.

But what many didn’t know then is that older radiation treatments sometimes caused heart complications years later. My mom developed heart issues and passed away in 2017 from congestive heart failure.

Her journey reminds me that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about surviving — it’s about long-term care, early detection, and paying attention to every part of your health.

📊 The Facts You Should Know

According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.

About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage — before cancer has spread outside the breast — when treatments tend to work best.

Those numbers matter, because they remind us that early detection truly saves lives.

💕 What You Can Do

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org, and it’s simple, actionable, and life-saving:

  • Self-examination is important — Know your body and your normal.
  • If you feel something, say something — Don’t wait or second-guess yourself.
  • Schedule your yearly mammogram — Talk to your doctor about your family history.
  • Women with dense breasts: Ask about additional screening options.

Early detection saves lives. Be proactive. Don’t be scared. You’re not alone.

If you need support, Ellen Hermanson Foundation is an incredible local resource right here in the Hamptons.

How to Do a Self-Exam

Once a month:

  • Look in the mirror for dimpling, redness, or swelling.
  • Raise your arms and check for changes in shape or size.
  • Feel while standing or lying down — use small circular motions.
  • If something feels off — call your doctor.

Prevention Matters

Your lifestyle choices can lower your risk:

  • Eat real food — more plants, less processed.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
  • Exercise daily — even a walk counts.
  • Get enough rest and manage stress.
  • Stay consistent with screenings.

💕 Local Hamptons Resources

We’re fortunate to have incredible organizations right here in our community:

  • Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – Screenings, diagnostics & survivor support (ellenhermanson.org)
  • Coalition for Women’s Cancers (CWC) – Education, outreach & peer support (cwcshh.org)
  • Fighting Chance (Sag Harbor) – Free counseling for cancer patients & caregivers (fightingchance.org)

These organizations are helping our East End neighbors every day — bringing compassion, resources, and hope.

🩷 Real Talk, Real People Breast cancer awareness isn’t just a month — it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your body, checking yourself, and living fully.

So take a moment today: feel, look, schedule that mammogram, remind a friend, and remember that awareness saves lives — maybe even your own.

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In Wellness

The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts and Women’s Health

In Wellness 3 Mins Read

*The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts & Women’s Health

I’ve been blessed not to personally experience the pain of fibroids or ovarian cysts—but I’ve watched women I love suffer for years in silence. Friends, family, sisters in my community—carrying the weight of heavy bleeding, unbearable cramps, and the fear of not knowing what’s going on in their own bodies. They pushed through workdays, family obligations, and life, while privately battling pain that should have been taken seriously from the start.

For many women—especially Black women—this is not a rare story.

• Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, but they can cause heavy periods, intense cramping, pelvic pressure, and even infertility. Black women are more likely to develop them, and they often show up earlier, grow larger, and cause more severe symptoms.

• Ovarian cysts can quietly exist without symptoms—but when they cause pain, it’s not subtle. Bloating, sharp pelvic aches, and even hospital trips are part of the reality.

• Dermoid cysts are a different type altogether—benign growths that come from undeveloped cells you’re born with. They can contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth (yes, really) and often go unnoticed for years. Because their symptoms—pelvic pain, pressure, bloating—can mimic fibroids, they’re sometimes misdiagnosed. The only way to confirm their presence is through imaging, like a sonogram, which can lead to surgery if they’re large or causing complications.

And then there’s dysmenorrhea—painful periods—that so many women dismiss as “normal,” even when it’s a sign of something deeper.

The heartbreaking part? Too many suffer in silence because they’ve been told, directly or indirectly, that women’s pain is something to “tough out.” Add in the racial disparities in healthcare—where Black women’s symptoms are often dismissed or downplayed—and it’s a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the women who’ve shared their stories with me:

1. Listen to your body. Pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue are not things you should just “get used to.”

2. Push for answers. If a doctor brushes you off, find another one. You deserve to be heard.

3. Break the silence. Talking about your experience can help another woman recognize she’s not alone.

Fibroids, cysts, and other reproductive health conditions are not just “women’s problems”—they’re human problems. They affect our families, our work, our emotional well-being. The more we share, the less anyone has to suffer alone.

Real talk, real people—your health matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

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In Video

Beyond Botox: A Sit-Down with Dr. Sobel in Southampton

In Video 4 Mins Read

Botox by the Bay…and Beyond: A Skin-Deep Sit-Down with Dr. Howard Sobel in Southampton.

You know the name. You’ve probably heard it whispered over brunch at Tutto il Giorno or casually dropped during a Pilates class. “He’s the one—Botox by the Bay.” But Dr. Howard Sobel is no one-trick pony. This board-certified dermatologic surgeon, with over 30 years of experience in Manhattan also has a practice in Southampton, is also a laser wizard—offering treatments like Fraxel and Helix that are rewriting the rules of skincare in the Hamptons.

We sat down with Dr. Sobel for a conversation that went beyond Botox. From skin cycling to laser resurfacing to caring for melanin-rich skin, this was no fluff facial. This was real talk, the kind we love at Hamptons Mouthpiece.

So, what’s the difference between Fraxel and Helix—and who needs what?

“Lasers aren’t just lasers,” Dr. Sobel says, immediately clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. “They’re built for specific issues.”

Fraxel, he explains, is a fractional laser that targets pigmentation, sunspots, and even pre-malignant lesions. Translation? It’s doing double duty: helping your skin look better and stay healthier. It’s ideal for folks in their 20s to 50s—basically anyone whose skin has seen a little too much sun or who’s ready to get ahead of aging.

Helix, on the other hand, is a CO2 laser that’s like sandpaper in light form (sounds scary, but stick with us). It removes fine etched lines by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen. “With age, we lose volume, collagen, and elasticity. Helix helps bring that bounce back,” Dr. Sobel explains. “It can take your skin back 10, 15—even 20 years.”

Heads up: Helix has a longer recovery (5–7 days), while Fraxel has a shorter downtime (3–5 days).

Retinol, Skin Cycling & Not Peeling Like a Croissant

Retinol may be trending, but Dr. Sobel wants you to respect the retinol. Whether it’s over-the-counter (retinol) or prescription-strength (Retin-A), this vitamin A derivative is one of the only ingredients proven to boost collagen production.

So how do you add it into your routine without turning into a flake fest?

“Start slow,” he says. “Pea-sized amount. Rub it in. Every other day. Then move to daily only if your skin can handle it.” Also? Don’t forget the sunscreen. Retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so protection is non-negotiable.

The earlier you start, the better. “Start in your 20s if you can,” he advises. “Because after 20, you lose 1% of collagen every year. That adds up.”

Let’s Talk Lasers and Melanin-Rich Skin

Here’s where Dr. Sobel’s honesty and experience really shine. “In the past, we were more hesitant with lasers on darker skin tones because of the risk of hyperpigmentation or light spots,” he says. “Now, with newer technology, we can safely treat Black, Brown, and Asian skin—but we go more conservatively.”

The key is customization, not a one-size-fits-all laser blast. “The goal is glow, not damage.”

The Takeaway? It’s Not Just About Skin

“It’s about health care, not just skin care,” Dr. Sobel reminds us. These treatments aren’t just about looking good (although, yes please)—they’re about taking care of your skin in a real, science-backed way.

And with his signature mix of Manhattan expertise and Hamptons approachability, Dr. Sobel is bridging the gap between high-end treatments and beach-town vibes.

✨ Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Sobel—coming soon to Hamptons Mouthpiece. We’ll be diving even deeper into skincare myths, his go-to products, and the real deal on glow-ups.

Take a listen to the full conversation, dropping soon. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably book an appointment.

Follow Dr. Sobel on Instagram

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