PicoBlog

Update: I’ll be speaking at SXSW in March! If you’re there, be sure to swing by my panel, Is The Wellness Industry Well? 

In other news: I’m trying out something new—separating out the news, trends, & deep drives sections as a standalone installment (with full access for paid subscribers). I personally prefer a meaty digest to print out and read, but I understand some folks prefer leaner newsletters, more often. Expect an essay later this week! Feel free to lemme know what you think at contactwelltodo@gmail.com.
—Rina Raphael

Upgrade to paid

Amazon is having a huge wellness sale: The mega-retailer’s New Year, Now You hub has everything from fitness trackers to those silly Stanley water cups everyone’s carrying around like a security blanket. (Amazon)

But Stanley cups are already on their way out? The water tumblers are at peak mania. “There's no up from here." (BI)

“Big talk” is supposedly a wellness trend: It’s just a new way to describe deep, meaningful conversations—tech-dependent kids are searching for better conversation prompters because, well, they’re starved for connection. (Toronto Star)

Investors aren’t sold on psychedelics: Wall Street and big pharma “are still not convinced” in the financial potential of psychedelic drugs. (WSJ)

Previously: The Ketamine Clinic Boom & Bust

The top American wellness purchases: Sleep machines, “microgreens,” and more buys, according to recent shopping data. (The Messenger)

Previously: New Innovative Sleep Buds Promise to Put — and Keep You — Asleep

A "nutrition label" for kids tech? Tech Nutrition hopes their "nutrition label" will help parents navigate the complex world of apps, tech, and games. (Tech Nutrition)

The big menu trends to watch in 2024: Celery root is the new kale. (Restaurant Business)

New York State considers first-of-its-kind pregnancy benefits in the U.S.: Proposed benefits would include 40 hours of paid time-off for prenatal appointments. (Gothamist)

What’s in store for wellness travel this year? A lot of these aren’t too new (see: sexual wellness, biohacking, etc.), but I am intrigued as to whether “grief retreats” take off. (CN Traveler)

The most promising senior-focused health startup sectors: “Longevity,” fitness, aging in place, and more. (Crunchbase News)

“The world’s first hydrating latte”: We’re really scraping the bottom of the wellness beverage barrel. (Halo Hydration via SnaxShot)

Previously: Fitter, healthier, happier? How wellness drinks took over Instagram

Peloton to develop custom content for TikTok: The struggling fitness tech company makes a play for Gen Z. Will it work? (Retail Dive and PYMNTS)

Some took Ozempic and Wegovy, then gained all the weight back plus more once they stopped: “I was insatiable,” said one former user. (The Messenger)

Risky IV drips: Emergency room doctors are seeing more and more adverse reactions and severe infections from med-spas offering this unnecessary “wellness” service. (NBC News)

Is Withings BeamO the coolest health gadget at CES? The 4-in-1 “multiscope” combines an electrocardiogram (ECG), oximeter, stethoscope, and thermometer. (Digital Trends)

“Little luxuries” driving consumer spending habits: Consumers increasingly opt for affordable “treats” (like specialty coffees, snacks, and wellness-centered skincare) that make them feel special. (BBC)

Selena Gomez’s Wondermind envisions a “mental fitness aisle” at the drugstore: Too many brands are using this phrase “mental fitness,” yet few can define it. (Forbes)

ChatGPT misdiagnoses 83% of pediatric cases: Just when you thought you could finally stop relying on FB parenting advice groups. (MedPage)

Can exercise reduce cancer risk? In this study, the exercising cohort had a 26% lower risk of head and neck cancer, but had a 20% increased risk of melanoma (Science)

WK Kellogg debuts new “better-for-you” cereal: Of course it’s “plant-based,” sugar-free, and packed with protein. Sounds like a less fun ripoff of Magic Spoon, the millennial fave cereal selling out? (Link)

CBD brand Cannuka shutters: Another nail in the coffin for overhyped CBD. (Beauty Independent)

ncG1vNJzZmivlaG5tbvDqGWsrZKowaKvymeaqKVfpXy4tMCtZJqqlWKurrHRopqapqNiwbC8jLCcpaSemsC0ec%2BuqZygkaiytA%3D%3D