Wellness Wednesday Issue #139

The Assist Newsletter
August 27, 2025
Illustration of stacked abstract stones in soft pastel colors next to a quote by Brené Brown that reads: “Stillness is not about focusing on nothingness; it’s about creating space to reflect on everything.” Set against a calming light blue background.

Today’s Checklist:

  • Dodge that “season change” sickness
  • Why Thania wants to go to Turkey for dental work
  • Recipe of the week: Cashew Chicken

🤔 Trivia: What iconic American event was held on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, in August 1969? Find out.

QUICK LINKS

🧠 Learning your attachment style can help you feel more secure in relationships.

🔥 This viral ‘chair yoga’ program from the app millions swear by is now 50% off.

🧘‍♀️ Support team wellness with tools that go beyond step challenges.

🎓 Seven ways to pay for your kids’ education without losing your financial footing.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cartoon of the same woman in two scenarios: on the left, she's shivering in a blue sweater under a low thermometer marked with “–C,” and on the right, she's sweating in a yellow shirt under a high thermometer marked with “+C”—illustrating discomfort in extreme temperatures.

Why You Always Get Sick When Seasons Change (And How to Finally Stop It)

 

It happens like clockwork. Summer fades, fall rolls in, and suddenly you’ve got a scratchy throat, runny nose, or just that “blah” feeling. The good news? There’s real science behind why this keeps happening—and ways to stop it.

Why your body betrays you every season change

  • Temperature and humidity shifts stress your system. When temperatures drop suddenly, your body works overtime adapting to the new climate. Cooler, drier air also dries out your mucous membranes—the front-line defenders against infection.
  • You’re spending more time indoors. Shared air = shared germs. Schools and offices see outbreaks as soon as everyone crowds inside.
  • Your immune system is recalibrating. Seasonal shifts temporarily weaken immunity while your body adjusts.
  • Seasonal allergies make things worse. Fall pollen and mold can mimic cold symptoms, blurring the lines.

How to break the cycle

  • Lock down your hygiene game. Wash your hands often and resist face-touching. Bonus: these fancy hand sanitizers make it less of a chore.
  • Keep your system hydrated. Fluids help protect mucous membranes so they can do their job.
  • Prioritize sleep. Consistently dipping under seven hours makes you a magnet for seasonal bugs.
  • Fuel your immune system. Eat nutrient-rich fruits and veggies, and if you need a boost, try elderberry with vitamin C + zinc.
  • Consider a flu shot. Most adults benefit from an annual flu vaccination.
  • Try the gargling trick. Studies show plain water gargling can lower respiratory infection risk.
  • Manage stress levels. Chronic stress suppresses your immunity—so schedule downtime like it’s a meeting.
  • Get ahead of allergies. Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Treat symptoms proactively with antihistamines or nasal sprays.

Getting sick at every season change isn’t destiny, it’s preventable. Start these habits before that first throat tickle hits, and your immune system will actually have your back this time.

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Banner ad from Traliant promoting “Psychological Safety at Work” online training. Features a smiling man and woman walking together in a hallway, with a button that says “Get a free trial” and bold text emphasizing the course topic.

Give Your Team the Confidence to Speak Up

 

When people hold back, culture suffers. Three out of four employees don’t feel safe sharing ideas, and that silence costs innovation, trust, and retention.

Traliant’s Psychological Safety Training helps leaders and teams shift from quiet compliance to confident contribution.

In just 20 minutes, employees will learn how to:

  • Share ideas without fear of backlash
  • Navigate mistakes with empathy, not blame
  • Build trust and inclusion that keeps talent engaged

It’s scenario-based, practical, and ready to use immediately.

Start a free trial today and see how much stronger your workplace can be

👉 Access the free course trial

CARE & COSTS

llustration of a stethoscope wrapped around a flying airplane in front of a world map, symbolizing global healthcare or medical travel.

Why I Want to Go to Turkey For Dental Work

 

I’ll be the first to go on a rant about our medical system and nonsensical insurance ecosystem. As someone who considers herself a pretty thrifty shopper, I think it’s absolutely absurd that I have to pay so much money every time I go to the dentist and need actual work done.

I have a PPO dental plan that costs me $60 a month, and it’s supposed to be good coverage! But…EVERY. TIME. I. NEED. WORK. It still always comes out to $1,200 or more.

In addition to the already ridiculous costs, I’ve got huge trauma from dental work as a kid. So I’ve elected that whenever I’m getting numbed or need drilling work, I need anti-anxiety medication, laughing gas, or IV sedation. Which only adds more money to my treatment.

I don’t have any urgent work pending, but I do need two implants, a crown redone, and some cosmetic restoration from teeth grinding. I also have TMJ and a crossbite that probably needs orthodontic work first.

When I went to my local dentist for an estimate, it came out to close to $15K for everything. With the necessary orthodontic work to properly address my TMJ and crossbite before the implants, we’re talking close to $20K total.

This cannot be real life. I refuse to pay that much.

So I’ve been exploring medical tourism, specifically Turkey and Mexico. Turkey stood out because of TikTok videos showing amazing all-inclusive packages with state-of-the-art facilities that rival bougie Beverly Hills dentists.

You’re telling me I can visit Turkey, stay at a nice all-inclusive hotel, get all my dental work done, AND it’ll still cost less than what it would in America?

The pros and cons I’m weighing

Pros:

  • Medical tourism expenses are tax-deductible
  • Get to travel and have an experience
  • Significantly cheaper, even with travel costs
  • Many facilities have cutting-edge technology

Cons:

  • If I need warranty work, I’d have to travel back or pay out of pocket here
  • Language barriers and different standards
  • Recovery time while traveling

I know I’m not alone in this. So many women are putting off necessary medical and dental care because the costs are insane, even with insurance. We’re making impossible choices between our health and financial security.

I’m compiling a list of doctors and facilities, checking credentials, and planning virtual consultations. If I move forward, I’ll document the whole process because if more of us start talking about these alternatives, maybe it’ll force changes in how healthcare is priced here.

Because honestly, at this point, a vacation to Turkey with a side of dental work sounds way more appealing than draining my savings account for the same treatment here.

Have you had success getting dental work done abroad? What questions should I be asking? Reply and let me know your experiences.

 

circle image of Thania (TA Content Mgr)

Thania (TA Content Manager)

BETTER PERFORMANCE

Advertisement for Momentous Creatine featuring three product packages on a yellow background. Text reads: “Keep your standards high – Momentous Creapure® Creatine,” with highlights including “Highest quality Creapure® Creatine,” “No additives or artificial ingredients,” and “NSF® Certified for Quality and Label Accuracy.” Momentous logo appears at the bottom right.

The Supplement Most Women Overlook (That Fuels Brain + Body)

 

Brain fog. Dragging through workouts. Crashing after long days. Sound familiar? Most women don’t realize creatine can help with all of that.

Here’s the kicker: creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders. Research shows it supports memory, focus, stress resilience, and recovery. Think clearer thinking in back-to-back meetings, steadier energy in the afternoon, and faster bounce-back after workouts or tough weeks.

Momentous Creatine is made with pure Creapure® (the gold-standard, NSF-Certified version) and trusted by 200+ pro and collegiate teams. Experts like Stacy Sims, who literally wrote the book on female physiology, recommend it because women deserve supplements that actually match how our bodies work.

What our team says:

  • Joanna (TA Co-Founder): “I love that the ingredients are clean and traceable (no wonder it scores the highest on SuppCo — a supplement rating app that scans products and checks quality). It mixes seamlessly into my coffee or post-workout smoothies, and aside from feeling more recovered after work outs, I’ve noticed a subtle lift in energy too.”
  • Cameron (TA Ops): “It’s clean and trustworthy. I’ve used Momentous Creatine for about 2 years. Before, I was buying the cheapest stuff off Amazon. Now, I feel a real difference in recovery and love knowing exactly what I’m putting in my body.”

No gimmicks. No junk. Just clean, proven support for your brain and body.

⚡ Fuel your performance with Momentous

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Bright and colorful banner featuring the text “Cashew Chicken” and a pink button that says “Get recipe here,” next to a close-up of a dish with chicken, broccoli, red bell peppers, green onions, and cashews.
Have a recipe you love? Share it here.

STAFF PICKS

Stuff We’re Loving This Week

 

✨ Reclaim your spark + reconnect with your joy in this free 5 day experience.

🖥️ Your new favorite way to organize everything.

✈️ Beat jet lag like a pro using this planner (Thania used it on her recent Europe trip!).

💍 Keep your accessories sparkling with this jewelry cleaner.

JUST FOR FUN

 Meme comparing out-of-office messages. The “European Out-of-Office” says: “I’m away camping for the summer. Please email back in September.” The “American Out-of-Office” reads: “I have left the office for two hours to undergo kidney surgery but you can reach me on my cell any time.” Set on a red background with light pink swirls.

JOB LEADS

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Your Next Gig = One Click Away

 

View more jobs here >

SPILL THE TEA

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