 What a week of whiplash. Last Sunday, I knew no one local with COVID; by Monday, I knew about 45 who had tested positive, all of them with breakthrough cases (thankfully, they’re all mild). If the sudden increase in transmission has you on the hunt for at-home rapid tests, check out this list of places you can buy them. And if you need to upgrade your mask situation, we’ve also got a list below of highly reviewed KN95s and legitimate N95s you can buy now. Here’s hoping for a healthy and safe new year for all of us!
Janie
Take Back Your Life The holidays are a time to gather and be merry with loved ones. But unfortunately, they can also be a time you are unable to escape unsolicited bad opinions about your work and career choices. Instead of “Pass me the rolls,” you may hear, “Have you thought about getting a real job?” or “People pay you for that?” We asked experts for effective ways to diffuse the tension and move the conversation onto safer ground.
Deal With It  Some areas of the country are experiencing the worst spread of COVID-19 yet in this pandemic thanks to the omicron variant, so it’s important to protect yourself in as many ways as possible ― including vaccination, booster shots and wearing the best mask you can for stopping transmission. We’ve rounded up some highly reviewed KN95s and NIOSH-approved N95 masks you can buy right now to help you stay safe:
Pro Tip: The bond between a human and pet is so special that it can be devastating when it’s lost through sickness or death. “On a daily basis, I’ll hear people say that the loss of their pet is being felt in a more heartfelt way than even a human being in their life,” said Christina Disla, a grief companion and pet loss coach. “A lot of that has to do with the fact that our animals are truly a part of our self-identity and a part of our daily routine.” That’s why it’s important to know which seemingly positive words of comfort actually cause more harm than good — and what you should do and say instead. Here are some of the biggest offenders to watch out for.
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