Why You Should Go See Your Primary Care Doctor — Even If You’re Healthy

When you look at your calendar, you’re pretty sure that it’s about as packed as it can get. Between work commitments, bridal showers, family birthdays, workout classes, after-work networking events, and the occasional full night of sleep, it seems like you’d need to drop in footnotes in order to add anything else. And while you know that it’s important to prioritize your health, sometimes, it feels like making time for meal prep and attending your pelvic exams is all that you have the bandwidth for.

Caring mature female doctor shows test results to a young adult female patient. The doctor is smiling while talking with the patient.

Most of us go to parent-mandated checkups with our pediatricians annually growing up, but once we reach adulthood, we see specialists to manage our particular health concerns but rarely make the time for an appointment with a generalist. It’s time to change that! According to One Medical‘s Dr. Stephanie Long, people between the ages of 20 and 40 should plan for a physical every two to three years. (Way more manageable than the yearly visits you used to make to the pediatrician.) If your health insurance plan offers virtual consultations, Long also recommends taking advantage of them between appointments IRL.

“Physicals can be opportunities to engage in preventive health discussions with your primary care provider, but that conversation should go on throughout the year both virtually and in the office,” she says. “[A] physical can be the entrance into [being proactive and engaged with primary care], but thinking about wellness only once a year at a physical isn’t the right approach for a healthy life.”

In-person physical exams every two to three years are an important element of a healthy life. Here are five more reasons you should get them on the schedule:

1. It’s a good opportunity to discuss your habits. A physical exam doesn’t need to be awkward. Use the time to actually talk to your doctor about your habits and routines. They’ll know the right questions to ask to ensure that you’re on the right track with things like alcohol, exercise, diet, stress, anxiety, and more. “While this might seem more up the alley of your therapist — or your best friend — your doctor can apply his or her training to help change the elements of your life you’d like, fostering better long-term health habits,” Long says.

2. Make long-term plans for personal wellness. You’re likely harboring some health-related goals: Maybe you want to reduce the overall stress in your life, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, rehab an old injury, or improve your gut health. While specialists can be key in achieving these goals, meeting with a generalist is often a first step, and from there can ensure your specific goals are also supporting your overall health.

3. It’s a chance to check in about your reproductive health. Your gynecologist may be your first stop for chatting about matters of birth control or getting pregnant, but your primary care doctor should also be kept in the loop about your family planning. They can help you make sure that all of your wellness decisions are supporting your choices to get pregnant… or not.

4. You need to stay on top of your family history and genetic risk factors. “Family history can contribute to your cancer screening recommendations or additional health screenings,” Long says. “As we move into an era of more precision and genetic medicine, it’s helpful to understand what tests are available, how they apply to your health, and how to make sense of the information if you decide to pursue testing.” Your primary care provider is probably the best keeper of all of the details you have available about your family history. They can advise you to seek advice from other doctors accordingly and, most importantly, keep you ahead of potential risks.

5. Your doctor can also touch on your mental health. As part of an overall exam, your primary care doctor will likely inquire about your mental health, which is especially important for those who aren’t currently working with a therapist or counselor. A regular check-in with a physician offers a good excuse for you to take stock of how things are going with your stress and anxiety levels so you can seek additional support if necessary.

Are you feeling inspired to get a physical on the calendar? Tweet us your tips @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

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Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

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Spring is full of the absolute best flavors. From seasonal fruits and veggies like apricots and peas to herbaceous faves like dill, I’m already so excited to refresh my snack stash. Luckily, Whole Foods is packed with plenty of tasty options to choose from for springtime snacking. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, these unique finds are sure to liven up your snacking habits this season!

Scroll on for 11 delicious Whole Foods finds that are definitely worth adding to your cart for spring!

Whole Foods

Rubicon Bakers Chocolate Delights Cupcakes

You gotta love a nostalgic snack – especially once the season brightens up! These chocolate cupcakes will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth since they're filled with vanilla cream and covered in a thick coating of chocolatey goodness.

Whole Foods

Ithaca Lemon Dill Hummus

This oh-so creamy hummus makes the perfect dipping destination for chips and veggies alike. The combo of lemon and dill are simply perfect for springtime eating, too!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Thai Curry Cashews

For a kick of spice, pick up these Thai-inspired cashews. They're zingy and super filling if you're seeking a unique way to get a bit of protein in during long spring days!

Whole Foods

Duverger Raspberry French Macarons

Want to elevate your spring snack rotation or have a fun party to attend? These beautiful macarons tinged with the flavors (and colors!) of raspberries are made for sharing and spreading the springtime spirit.

Whole Foods

Smart Sweets Gummy Worms

With just 3 grams of sugar for serving, these gummy worms make a great healthy snack to reach for when you just need something sweet.

Whole Foods

Cava Crazy Spicy Feta Dip

OMG – with this dip, you can finally have Cava at home! It has that cheesy, spicy kick you'd expect from a regular scoop from the restaurant, so you can easily use it for grain bowls or dips, too.

Whole Foods

Clio Snacks Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bar

This delicious chocolate-dipped bar makes getting your Greek yogurt fix on-the-go extremely easy, since you can eat it with your hands. It delivers 8 grams of protein, all in a tasty dessert format that feels like a total treat!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Mini Quiche Trio

Ideal for snack time or setting out as an appetizer, this frozen box of pre-made, bite-sized quiches comes prepared with three different flavors to satisfy eaters of all kinds. With tastes of cheese, spinach, and mushroom, there's a spring vibe in every bite!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Organic Pea Crisps

Peas are one of springtimes best veggies, and these crispy chips make snackin' on em super convenient. Dip each lightly-salted piece into some hummus, and you're set!

Whole Foods

Wella Organic Cashew Matcha Protein Bar

Matcha protein bar?! Okay Whole Foods, you officially have our full attention. This baby packs in 7 grams of protein to get your morning started or keep your energy sustained during the day!

Whole Foods

GoodPop Orange N' Cream Bars

Creamsicles are the epitome of spring and summer sweets – grab these dairy- and gluten-free bars that are only 90 calories a pop to get your fix with a healthy twist!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing snacks + stay updated on the latest food news!

So, you've stopped asking "does makeup expire" and have become a pro at spotting unhealthy particles churning in your foundation. We're proud of you, but this TikTok video suggests there's two more things you're likely overlooking: your face wash and the mold that could be growing in it *insert music from Psycho.* If anything should be considered icky, it's this.

Usually we like to make a funny joke, but we've been telling our trusted cleanser we're not pleased with its sneaky potential to betray us. It's a good thing cosmetic dermatologist Courtney Allen, FNP-C is here to ease our fears! She's the founder of Canvas Skin (recently named Nashville’s top skincare center) who has over 10 years of skincare experience so her advice is one we can rely on!

Learn about why mold develops and what you can do before it makes your skin go haywire

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Tiger Lily/Pexels

We can agree face wash is meant to tackle skincare concerns like acne, dark spots, and extreme oiliness, right? Great, because it means we're confused about how mold can destroy the thing designed to help our skin. Thankfully, Allen has the answer to our burning question!
She says, "Mold can develop in face wash due to exposure to moisture, improper storage, expired preservatives, or contamination from dirty hands or water." If this made you question how you're currently storing your face wash, you're not alone!

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

Cora Pursley/Dupe Photos

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Imagine you think you've hit the jackpot because you found face wash that was hidden behind other beauty products under your skin. Without checking the expiration date, you eagerly start using it only to experience confusion when you have an allergic reaction.
The reason your skin's unhappy is because "using a mold-contaminated face wash can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, or worsening of conditions like eczema, according to Allen. Why? It's all "due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi," she adds. Oh and if you have sensitive skin? She feels you're "especially at risk."

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

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Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty tips!

We're quickly approaching the Severance season 2 finale, and even if the season's coming to a close, we get to spend a little extra time at Lumon this week, because executive producer Ben Stiller confirmed the Severance season 2 finale is going to be an extra-long episode! So there's a good chance we'll have plenty of questions answered — and have them replaced with some brand new q's as we approach a potential season 3.

Here's everything you need to know about the Severance season 2 finale, airing on Apple TV+ this week.

When can I watch the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

This season's Severance finale will air this week on AppleTV+ Thursday March 20 at 9 PM EST. Episodes 1-9 are available to watch on the streamer now.

How long is the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller confirmed Severance season 2 episode 10 is going to be 76 minutes long. Wowza!

How many episodes are in Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 will have 10 episodes total, with the Severance season 2 finale coming in as episode 10. That's one extra episode compared to season 1, which had 9 episodes total.

Is season 2 of Severance the final season?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller has been vocal about his hopes for a Severance season 3 (including his confirmation that there's a writer's room already) but we haven't gotten official confirmation from Apple TV on a junior season just yet.

“Everything changed a lot after the strike, for everyone, in terms of the way people are looking at budgets and spending,” Ben told The Hollywood Reporter. “To Apple’s credit, they stayed on track with what the show was, and they’ve supported it.” He also mentions he hopes we won't have to wait another 3 years for season 3 — and I have to agree! Stay tuned for the latest Severance season 3 news.

What happens in the finale of Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Well the episode hasn't aired so we can't share exactly what happens at the end of Severance season 2. But stay tuned for the Severance season 2 ending explainer, coming later this week!

Actress Jen Tullock (who plays Mark's sister Devon) did reveal to The Hollywood Reporter that Devon's journey into Lumon really begins with "her fear for mark."

"As Ricken has acquiesced to Lumon’s pitch for his book, she’s so activated that by the time she discovers what they’ve done to Gemma, she’s ready for blood," Jen continues. We'll have to tune into the Severance season 2 finale to see exactly what Devon has up her sleeve.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the employees at Lumon, whose consciousnesses are split between their Innie (their work conscious) and their Outie (their personal conscious). Lumon promises the mysterious work they're doing is important, but the more questions Mark (Adam Scott) and the rest of his team ask, the more suspicious — and dangerous — the company appears.

Check out Where You Can Watch The Severance Cast After Season 2 Ends to see Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and the rest of the cast onscreen again!

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo & Stitch is headed to the big screen. While filming on this spring movie was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Here's everything we know about the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming in May 2025!

The 'Lilo & Stitch' trailer reminds us that "Ohana means family."

Walt Disney Studios

If there's one line in a Disney movie that impacted me, it's "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." Hearing that in the live-action Lilo & Stitch trailer makes me a little weepy! There are so many moments from the OG movie that made it into the new film, and I can't wait to see the full movie. You can watch the trailer here.

And considering the video got 158 million views in 24 hours, making it Disney's second most-viewed live-action trailer behind The Lion King, I'm not the only one who's excited. "Doesn't even look like modern day Disney slop. It actually looks faithful to the og. Incredible," one YouTube user commented, while another added, "This is the first Disney live-action remake I’m actually excited for, Stitch and the other alien characters look great and it’s really nostalgic to see all the scenes recreated."

And whoever decided to make the iconic Disney castle a sandcastle in the first movie teaser? Genius. Stitch has always been one of my favorite Disney characters and this new live-action version definitely has just as much chaos as the OG.

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo & Stitch Cast

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo & Stitch cast?

Walt Disney Studios

The Lilo & Stitch cast is definitely one to remember. The lineup includes:

  • Maia Kealoha as Lilo, a lively and fiery young girl.
  • Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, a blue alien who changes Lilo's life.
  • Sydney Agudong as Nani, Lilo's big sister.
  • Billy Magnussen as the alien Pleakley.
  • Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, another alien.
  • Amy Hill as Tūtū.
  • Kaipo Dudoit as David.
  • Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.
  • Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa.

When is the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Lilo & Stitch Release Date

Lilo & Stitch is coming to theaters on May 23, 2025. It's the PERFECT early summer flick.

Where was the live-action Lilo & Stitch filmed?

Walt Disney Studios

The new Lilo & Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there a live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo and check out the latest news on Disney's Snow White.

This post has been updated.