Author: Richard C. Trotter

For many of us, the act of making coffee in the morning is something of a ritual. It can be as simple as popping a pod in a machine or as fine-tuned as grinding beans to the just-right consistency (pun intended) and so on—however you choose to brew, there’s sacredly soothing about the process. Speaking of comfort factor. For me, coffee simply tastes better when it’s in my favorite mug: An old, chipped ceramic mug that has a thick, sturdy handle and a navy blue drawing of a dog from a local coffee shop with the same name as my own…

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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to attend your own funeral—to be fully conscious as your loved ones express their affection and share their cherished memories of you? It’s not just a daydream for those who choose to have a living funeral, or a unique death ritual where the person of honor is still very much alive and present to experience their own farewell. While the idea of the living funeral entered the American pop-culture lexicon in 1997, thanks to the bestselling memoir Tuesdays with Morrie—in which writer Mitch Albom shares how his former college professor and…

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Once you sign up for your very first half marathon and share the good news, you might be inundated with race tips and tricks from well-meaning friends, family members, and random “fitness pros” on social media. Suddenly, you’re questioning every training decision you’ve made. But this doesn’t have to be the case. To get straightforward, expert-backed advice and clear up any confusion, follow this in-depth beginner’s guide to half marathon training.  Below, you’ll find run coach-approved beginner half marathon tips on how to structure your training program—including runs and other fitness modalities—how to properly fuel and hydrate, and how to…

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You’re back home after a night out with friends where you indulged in a few drinks. As you lie down in bed to go to sleep, you notice your chest starts to hurt. Um, what’s going on? Should you be worried? Chest pain after drinking alcohol may feel alarming, but the reason behind it isn’t likely a serious problem (though you should never ignore it). Here’s a closer look at what might be causing it, plus remedies for alcohol-related chest pain, and red flags to watch out for that may indicate an underlying heart issue. What causes chest pain after drinking…

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With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP Welcome to the era of fitness at your fingertips. Finding the best workout apps has never been easier, making it a breeze to break a sweat from the comfort of your home. Thanks to advances in technology, you can bid farewell to crowded gyms and dirty equipment…

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With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP At 33 years old, I’m proud to say that I’ve developed a pretty solid understanding of my skin and how best to maintain it. I’ve always had a very expressive face (thanks for passing that trait down, dad) so baby Botox on my forehead, seriously hydrating moisturizers,…

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“In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ’til death do us part.” We often hear this phrase right before couples say “I do” on their wedding day, and it serves as a symbol for their emotional bond. Let’s face it: It feels pretty great to have someone to share life with, no matter the type of romantic partnership. Turns out, it’s not just emotional benefit you can gain from a relationship. There’s also evidence that stable long-term partnerships have health benefits, including a lowered risk of depression and longer lifespan. Happy couples even tend to reap heart-specific…

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Statistically speaking, there’s a good chance you or someone you know has experienced back pain. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor or miss work, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. While severe back pain can certainly keep you homebound—or at least horizontal for a bit—there’s a wide spectrum of back pain that can crop up as anything from nagging aches and pains to more serious chronic conditions that can take a toll on your body and mind. But there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic…

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If it’s felt nearly impossible to get out of bed since the clocks turned an hour back in November, you’re definitely not alone. It’s natural to feel a bit sluggish and sad when the days are dark and cold. (They call it the winter blues for a reason, you know.) But that doesn’t mean you just have to wait it out for spring. Practicing behavioral activation, a therapist-approved technique for mitigating symptoms of depression, can help you lift your own spirits this winter. To be sure, the winter blues aren’t the same thing as seasonal depression aka seasonal affective disorder…

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Think back: When’s the last time you had a roundtable about, um, vaginal dryness? Okay, it’s probably not the go-to topic blowing up your group text—but (PSA) it’s officially time to talk about it. Why? Because vaginal dryness is seriously common in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond (like, if you’re taking oral contraceptives or breastfeeding or experiencing stress)—and there’s a major knowledge gap around the condition. That’s why board-certified OB-GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD, wants to shed light on the issue—from the causes to the most commonly occurring symptoms—and encourage some vagina dialogues. Once you’ve eased into the idea that vaginal dryness…

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