Here at Last

A major win for contraception. [Sponsored by FIJI Water]( July 14, 2023 Good morning! A major hurdle for affordable contraception has been cleared — here’s [what’s next for over-the-counter birth control](. In other uplifting health news, we’re investigating [how much of your lifespan is controlled by your genes](. Then, we explore [how an ‘80s fitness sensation is making a comeback](. We’ll cool down with [my go-to sweet and salty salad]( and [the exciting thrillers that will keep you guessing](. Here we go!   In the News [birth control pills on rainbow background]( Getty Images Approved at Last Amid an increasingly fiery debate over reproductive rights, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever over-the-counter oral contraceptive. Here’s [what we know about the pill]( and what doctors have to say about it. The details: The move comes after two independent panels for the FDA voted unanimously to recommend the approval of Opill without a prescription in May. That means starting in 2024, you can find it at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even online. What we know: Also known as the “minipill,” Opill is a daily progestin-only oral contraception. According to the CDC, it’s about 93 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. What experts are saying: Medical groups like the American Medical Association and doctors alike have praised the FDA’s decision. “The biggest gain is for underserved women who can’t afford the cost of even a clinic visit,” Dr. Maria Sophocles told us. “And I’m hopeful that the cost will be able to provide affordable access, not just access.” Others in the medical community have raised concerns about how we got here. [Here’s what doctors told us]( about this development. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fotc-birth-control-opill%2F   On the Record [Fran Drescher annouces the SAG-AFTRA strike]( Getty Images You probably know Fran Drescher from her iconic work on The Nanny, but now we’re getting to see her in a new role: the president of the [actors’ union that’s now officially on strike](. Now that she’s a labor leader spearheading the union’s first stoppage in decades, Drescher has shown she’s more than ready to use her signature mix of fire, sass, and clarity for the good of the cause. “Employers make Wall Street and greed their priority and they forget about the essential contributors that make the machine run. Shame on them. They are on the wrong side of history,” Drescher said yesterday as she kicked off the strike.   More Stories [Lisa Marie Presley]( Getty Images Some clarity: Lisa Marie Presley died as a result of complications from previous weight-loss surgery, her autopsy report says. Specifically, she died of a “sequelae of a small bowel obstruction” — a blockage in the small intestine. This can lead to bowel tissue dying or perforating. Deputy medical examiner Dr. Juan M. Carrillo said Presley's obstruction resulted from scar tissue that "developed after bariatric surgery years ago.” He added that this is a known long-term complication of this procedure. [Here's more.]( Not so sweet: Aspartame, a popular sweetener often found in diet soda and low-sugar food could possibly cause cancer, the WHO's cancer research group says. The agency's food safety group says that the evidence is limited, and that people could still tolerate pretty high levels of consumption —12 cans of diet soda a day for a 150lb person could be considered safe. We've got more on all this, plus what the FDA has to say about the potential risk, here.]( Keep it off the feed: An Ohio plastic surgeon has had her state medical license permanently revoked after live-streaming patients' procedures on TikTok. Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe — aka, "Dr. Roxy" — will also be fined $4,500. Grawe said that she made the videos because she loved teaching, but can now "see how many of those videos appeared silly and unprofessional."   Taste Test [Glasses of water on seafoam green background]( Getty Images We’re diving into the fascinating world of H2O with a water sommelier (yes, they exist). TikTok star Martin Riese shares [how to stay hydrated this summer](, the myth of eight glasses a day, and what gives certain water brands a unique taste profile. If you thought all water tasted the same, prepare to have your taste buds challenged. [LEARN MORE]( [Sponsored by FIJI Water](   Must-Reads [woman holding 2 speech bubbles in either hand: one with DNA double helixes and one with fruits]( Fountain of Youth How much control do we have over our lifespan? Not to sound like one of those clickbaity ads, but the answer may surprise you. [Read More »]( [Pink and blue image of hand holding mushrooms]( It's a Trip Do “magic mushrooms” have health benefits? We break down the trend of microdosing and what people get wrong about it. [Read More »]( [Jazzercise]( Dancing Queen The ‘80s exercise craze is making a huge comeback — yes, jazzercise. We spoke with the woman who started it all about how it’s evolved. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Chop chop: We could all use a little lunch inspiration from time to time, so take it from the professionals here at KCM. [Our staff’s favorite summer salads]( offer a little something for everyone. With a twist: Not everyone’s idea of a beach read is a breezy romance. If you’d rather unwind with a thrilling suspense book, [these 6 page-turners]( will keep you guessing until the very end. An offer you can’t refuse: Everlane’s sale section is a treasure trove of summer essentials, like breezy dresses and [lightweight linen shirts]( — which you can snag for [up to 70% off](.   Major Markdowns The only thing better than a sale is a sale on the sale section. Get an [additional 40% off Anthropologie's markdowns](. That means major savings on [Farm Rio’s vibrant fashions]( and [elevated basics]( from Maeve. [Yellow tiered lace Maeve dress and blue and red Farm Rio top with puffed sleeves]( [SHOP THE SALE](   Final Words Antisemitism is “the oldest hatred,” and unfortunately, it’s all too present in 2023. I was joined by a panel of experts including Second Gentleman Doug Elmhoff, the first Jewish spouse to an American president or vice president, to discuss how they’ve personally been affected by antisemitism and [why it’s on all of us to stop the violence against Jewish people](.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.