When do you need reading glasses?

by Elizabeth

Everyone has that moment when they realize they might need reading glasses. Whether it was while reading your page-turner late into the night, or scanning the paper early in the morning, you couldn’t help but notice the words just weren’t as clear as they used to be.

While the need for reading glasses is a completely normal part of getting older, it can still come with mixed emotions. Changes in your vision are disheartening, even downright annoying sometimes. But you’re not alone. Nearly everyone experiences age-related vision changes by their early to mid-40s, and you have plenty of options to keep seeing clearly.

Read on for more information on how our eyes change as we get older and how to get your best fit when it comes to reading glasses.

How our eyes change as we age

Our bodies change as we get older, and our eyes are no exception.

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How to Get Free COVID-19 Tests Through Insurance

by Elizabeth

Planning to gather with loved ones over the holidays? Here’s a timely reminder that every member of your family enrolled in health insurance is eligible for eight free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests every month. That goes for whatever insurance you have—whether it’s through Medicare, the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicaid, or your employer—because rapid-test reimbursement is still required by the federal government.

There are two main ways to purchase these tests. The first is to pick them up at a pharmacy or store that your plan designates as “in-network.” If you’re on Medicare, there’s also a partial list of the pharmacies offering over-the-counter tests here. In many cases, the advantage is that you won’t have to pay for the tests; they’ll be immediately covered. Some pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, also offer online programs where you can locate tests, enter your insurance information, and then pick

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Theranos’ Holmes sentenced to more than 11 years in prison

by Elizabeth

Elizabeth Holmes, former CEO of the failed blood-testing startup Theranos, on Friday was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for defrauding investors. 

The sentence ends a years-long saga that raised questions about Silicon Valley’s “move fast and break things” culture, particularly as it relates to healthcare. 

Holmes, 38, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud investors and three counts of wire fraud in January. She faced up to 20 years in prison, and her defense team argued she should be given a maximum sentence of 18 months. Prosecutors aimed to sentence her to 15 years in prison.

Federal Judge Edward Davila said he will also determine how much money Holmes has to pay to investors, if any. 

Holmes gave birth to her first child in 2021, and she’s currently pregnant with her second. 

Theranos was launched in 2003 by a then 19-year-old Holmes, who dropped out of Stanford University.

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New and Noteworthy: What I Read This Week—Edition 201

by Elizabeth

Research of the Week

Time-restricted eating combined with low-carb dieting is more potent than either alone for reducing visceral fat and metabolic syndrome.

Creatine monohydrate is still the best form of creatine.

Worse air pollution, worse COVID.

How stress increases junk food consumption in the brain.

Athletes may sleep (and perform) better with nighttime protein and carbs.

New Primal Kitchen Podcasts

Primal Kitchen Podcast: The Link Between Dairy Intolerance and Dairy Genes with Alexandre Family Farm Founders Blake and Stephanie

Primal Health Coach Radio: The Ever Evolving Coach with Bryce Henson

Media, Schmedia

30-year waitlist for Japanese Kobe beef croquettes.

Octopuses grow their brains in much the same way as vertebrates do.

Interesting Blog Posts

There is growing commercial demand for unvaccinated blood banks.

Social Notes

On protein poisoning.

Does this break my fast?

Everything Else

The link between murder rate and state history.

Things I’m Up

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How to find health insurance for the self-employed

by Elizabeth

Navigating health insurance options can seem like a daunting task for self-employed workers. Since you don’t have an employer-sponsored plan, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need insurance? What are you looking for if you do decide to enroll? Here’s what you need to know, from insurance options to costs and even tax deductions.

Who is considered self-employed?

Over 15 million workers in the United States are self-employed. But what does that actually mean? If you earn taxable income and have neither an employer nor employees, you’re considered self-employed. This includes:

  • Freelancers
  • Consultants
  • Independent contractors
  • Entrepreneurs

Do I need health insurance if I’m self-employed?

The decision to self-pay or enroll in health insurance is up to you. You know your situation better than anyone else. However, it’s no secret that health care can get expensive – and needs are often unpredictable. A quality plan can help

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