It’s cold season…

…Do You Know Where Your Vaccines Are?

Skimm’d by: Kate Preziosi and Samantha Darby

What's going on: A child has died of measles in New York for the first time in over three decades. This news comes just weeks after Governor Kathy Hochul (D) declared a state disaster emergency in response to New York’s measles outbreak, which has ticked up to 178 cases. In neighboring Pennsylvania, which has become the epicenter of the national outbreak, there are now 1,433 confirmed cases and five confirmed measles-associated deaths so far this year. Hochul tied the child’s death to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to undermine vaccine science. She called it “a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses.”

It’s not just the measles: Flu season kicked off earlier than usual this year. In New York State, thousands of flu cases have already been reported across nearly every county. Hospitals race to stand up their data-tracking operations, and vaccination rates are lagging behind previous years –– thanks in part to misinformation coming from HHS. Older adults face barriers, too. People over 50 who want to get the new FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine are having a hard time finding appointments, and some report they’re getting charged $40 co-pays at registration. And it might be years before it’s fully covered. RFK Jr. fired the federal panel that guides national vaccine policy and picked his own panelists, who were then blocked by a federal judge. So… is anyone calling the shots?

Related: SCOTUS Declines To Hear Case From Mother Trying To Send Her Unvaccinated Child to Public Kindergarten (The Hill)

Man Character Energy 

Around the World in 28 Years

Skimm’d by: Aryanna Prasad Bhullar and Maria Corpus

What’s going on: Odysseus spent 20 years away from home, but Karl Bushby? He spent the past 28 years walking around the globe on his Goliath Expedition, which culminated in a triumphant return to his hometown of Hull, England on Monday. Bushby began his decades-long journey at the age of 29 from Punta Arenas, Chile. What he thought would take at least 12 years reportedly turned into the longest unbroken foot journey on record. The stats: an estimated 75 million steps spanning more than 30,000 miles and about 30 countries. While the 57-year-old says walking itself is “boring as hell,” he’s got quite the tales: passport problems in Russia, armed gangs in Central America, and even a polar bear encounter. 

Inspiring?: Maybe, but not exactly family-friendly. Bushby’s uncompromising commitment also meant he kept himself from returning home — that meant missing much of his son’s childhood and being prepared to miss his parents’ funerals. Before this week, Bushby had never met his 12-year-old granddaughter. When The Guardian asked last month if love comes before his journey, he said “mission first.” In a press conference, he said he thought being known as a famous explorer would actually let him be there for his son (but for some, it brought this trope to mind). Ultimately, it’s the path Bushby decided to walk — though historians have noted that it’s usually men, not women, who are able to do so (and they often leave women caregivers behind). 

Related: How Adam Bushby Sees His Father, in His Own Words (British GQ)

MAHA’s Latest Obsession 

The FDA vs. Peptides  

Skimm’d by: Katherine Shen and Maria Corpus

What’s going on: A new draft policy on peptides has put MAHA under the microscope again. Late last month, the US Department of Health and Human Services said it would ease the restrictions on six injectable peptides that the wellness industry says can help build muscle, heal injuries, and boost energy. However, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved the safety or efficacy of any of “the buzzy peptides” in the draft. The policy is not in effect yet, but The Associated Press called it the “latest example” of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. molding American health policy in accordance with the MAHA movement. Kennedy, who has used peptides, says he is a “big fan.” Podcaster Joe Rogan and social media influencers also tout the benefits, even as evidence of peptides’ benefits is largely anecdotal.  

Scientists are concerned: This news doesn’t add any pep to health experts' steps, and it has set off alarms for medical professionals. One physician put it this way: “to classify this as safe would just be irresponsible.” Even while the peptide industry booms, some people currently use them without consulting a physician first and get them online or at med spas. FDA scientists explained that it’s hard to tell what’s in the peptides because of inconsistent labeling and manufacturing. One policy expert said, “it is possible to advance both patient safety and access to legitimate medicines, but this is not it.” 

Related: Trump Praised US Healthcare Even Though it “Doesn’t Cover Everybody” (People)

The Best Gifts for Guys

Whether the men in your life insist they don’t need anything or are kinda basic (respectfully), these gifts take the guesswork out of shopping for them:

• A nice, soft tee (get him a few colors — they’re affordable) 

• A fragrance-free cleanser to support him on his skincare journey  

• A spacious tote bag he can bring to the gym, the office, or while traveling

*PS: Skip the gifting stress this year with QVC’s one-stop holiday shop. Happy holidays indeed. 

Quick Hits

💒 A group of widows in Key West, FL, get together at hotel bars to “wedding watch.” This might be the most wholesome girls’ night activity we’ve ever heard of?

🍜 A food safety expert shared how long you should let your leftovers cool off before popping them into the fridge. (Hint: room temperature is not the goal.)

💔 Could the rise of GLP-1s be affecting more than just weight loss? Some couples say taking the medication has led to divorce.

🪨 Years ago, an elderly woman used a stone she found in a stream as her doorstop. Turns out, it’s the largest known piece of amber, and it's worth over $1 million. Time to leave no stone unturned. 

😴 Dietitians say it’s actually OK to have a bedtime snack, but it looks less like an ice cream sundae and more like peanut butter with a banana. Sweet dreams aren’t made of these.

🏀 It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. LeBron James sipped wine from a fan’s cup after crashing into him courtside.