Changing Your Mind

Surprising claims about a popular procedure. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 14, 2023 It's been a truly taxing week. First we'll address the issue on everyone's minds with [the answer to a common question about Hamas]( and an interview with the author of [a controversial recent article](. But we've also got plenty of the lighter fare you expect from your weekend Wake-Up Call, including fact-checking [a surprising claim about Botox](, sharing [a Secret Service agent's stories about Michelle Obama](, breaking down [the wonderfully weird things happening online this week](, and much more. Read on...   Will This Change Your Mind? [Photo illustration of a woman getting a Botox shot, with blue tears running down her face]( Shutterstock/KCM Most people think of Botox as an injection that combats wrinkles by relaxing your muscles, but some researchers have made the bold claim that the treatment can also stave off anxiety and depression. According to the “facial feedback hypothesis," our emotions are influenced by our facial expressions — and therefore, limiting our ability to frown can actually make us happier. But is it too good to be true? [We asked doctors for their take on this strange suggestion]( — and their responses are fascinating. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fmental-health%2Fbotox-for-depression%2F   More Stories [Hamas fighters holding guns]( Getty Images Speaking with specificity: The complex conflict in the Middle East is still weighing heavily on our minds, and one question we've heard a lot is why many media outlets refer to Hamas as "militants" rather than "terrorists." [We got an explanation from Wall Street Journal editor Shayndi Raice](. Taking a stand: I was fascinated by the article everyone seemed to be forwarding to each other this week: an op-ed in New York magazine arguing that some on the left are seeing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict all wrong. I spoke to the writer, Eric Levitz, to understand [why his piece is causing so much controversy](. Forecasting your fate? Our Breast Cancer Awareness Month coverage continues with a fascinating look at [what our genes can tell us about our risk of being diagnosed]( and who should consider genetic testing. A closer look: Everyone can understand the need for a midday boost, but how you achieve it makes all the difference. We've got the scoop on what's really in your energy drink — and [the caffeine-free alternative you can try instead](.   Saturday Spotlight [Michelle Obama]( First Lady Confidential Michelle Obama's former Secret Service agent dishes on what she's like behind the scenes — and the A-listers he met alongside her. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a round clock filled with the image of a person climbing a mountain]( Reach Your Peak After weeks of chatting with some of the world's most impressive researchers, here are the biggest lessons we learned about healthy aging. [Read More »]( [Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith]( Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jada Pinkett Smith's news about her marriage sent the internet into a tizzy this week. Here's what we know about the separation. [Read More »](   Katie's Corner [Katie Couric with a friend at a birthday party]( Me and Donna at her 50th birthday party I was relaxing with Molner last Saturday morning when I got a text that stunned me: A close friend of mine, Donna, had suddenly passed away. It's impossible to know the "right" thing to say when you lose a friend of 44 years, but today I'm sharing [the eulogy I delivered at her funeral](. I hope it'll move you — and make you hold the ones you love a little tighter. [READ MORE](     Trending Topics [Icons coming out of a vintage phone]( Shutterstock/KCM Do you have an honorary degree in "girl math"? Have you been comparing your personal obsessions to the Roman Empire? Are you reading the buzzy book that explains the intricacies (and absurdities) of influencer culture? We'll prep you for your next chat with that friend who's extremely online, in our look at [the biggest internet storylines of the week](. [READ MORE](   On the Case [The cover art for ''True Crimes with John & Deanna'']( iHeart Podcasts Remember the wild ride of Don't F*** With Cats, the shocking docuseries that everyone was talking about? Well, there's a ton more where that came from with [the juicy podcast True Crimes with John & Deanna](. The same team behind that buzzy hunt for an internet killer is back, and they're going cross-country to deliver justice on all sorts of head-scratching cases. Grab your magnifying glass and let's start looking for clues... [LISTEN HERE]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Ready for Anything Kinfield is a favorite brand of Wake-Up Callers, so we know you'll love [its new line of sweat-friendly products](, including an anti-chafing balm, biodegradable cleansing wipes, and a natural deodorant that actually works. [A person holding deodorant from Kinfield]( [TRY THEM FOR YOURSELF](   One More Thing We couldn't let you miss this: J.Crew's sensational mid-season sale is offering [up to 50% off fall essentials](. We even spotted one of Wake-Up Call readers' favorite finds — [this chic, oversized cashmere wrap]( that goes with basically everything. [SHOP HERE](   [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.com. See you next week! 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