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October 28, 2021
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"A shoehorn" – One of the gifts Olivia Rodrigo says President Biden gave her during her White House visit. Good for shoe.

Brazil

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The Story

Some of Brazil's legislators want justice.

What about?

COVID-19. The country has been hit especially hard, with over 600,000 people killed (potentially an undercount). And far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been dismissive to say the least. He previously referred to the virus as a "little flu." And has consistently rejected measures like masks and social distancing. He claimed COVID-19 vaccines are linked to AIDS (they aren’t). So a Brazilian Senate committee spent six months investigating the gov’s pandemic response. Now, they are recommending Bolsonaro face multiple criminal charges, including crimes against humanity.

That's a big charge.

Legislators have receipts. The nearly 1,200-page report found that Bolsonaro let the virus wreak havoc in a failed attempt to reach herd immunity. And that his gov didn’t do enough to get COVID-19 vaccines into the country. On top of that, he even promoted unproven drug treatments (think: horse dewormer and an antimalarial drug). The report said that the gov was “deliberately exposing” the population to a virus that infected millions. It’s not just Bolsonaro who’s feeling the heat – dozens of other people (including three of his sons) could also be charged. Bolsonaro has rejected the findings, calling the panel’s work a “joke.” 

Now what?

The report went to Brazil’s prosecutor-general – who has 30 days to decide whether to pursue criminal charges. But don’t hold your breath. He was appointed by Bolsonaro himself. And a majority of the lower house – which has the power to vote on impeachment proceedings – is Team Bolsonaro, too, so charges are unlikely. In the meantime, the panel asked Brazil's Supreme Court to ban Bolsonaro from social media (sound familiar?). And is planning to send a copy of the report to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. That could mean trouble for Bolsonaro when he leaves office.

theSkimm

Brazil’s COVID-19 death toll is the highest in Latin America. And the second highest in the world (behind the US). Now, some lawmakers are looking at Bolsonaro as they pursue accountability.

And Also...This

What’s got lawmakers scrambling…

Paid family leave. Yesterday, Democrats' efforts to get national paid family leave in the next spending package pretty much failed. The US is one of a handful of countries – and the only rich country – to not offer national paid leave. Not even one day. While some countries get more than a year. Dems originally wanted 12 weeks...and brought it down to four as a way to appease Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) – a centrist and a key vote in the 50-50 Senate. But he isn’t budging and reportedly says expanding social programs “doesn't make sense.” Great.

  • What now?: Dems are left with two options: drop paid family leave to pass the less than $3.5 trillion budget that includes other things like child care. Or risk not passing anything at all and get back to the drawing board.

Psst...What not to expect when you're expecting? Guaranteed paid parental leave. Here's how to financially prepare for that.

What’s saying ‘health is health is health’…

The CDC. This month, it added mood disorders to its list of conditions at risk for severe COVID-19. It’s no surprise that mental and physical health are linked. But the intersection with COVID-19 has reportedly been raising concerns for months. The virus has been tied to an alarming increase in depression and anxiety. Now, studies show a link in the opposite direction, too: that those with mood disorders like depression and schizophrenia are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19. In one study, people with schizophrenia were more likely to die from COVID-19, after the elderly. The news is especially concerning in the US, where over 19 million people had a depressive episode in 2019...and that was before the pandemic. 

  • What do we do: The CDC says get vaccinated. Those with depression or other mood disorders – including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia – should also consider getting a booster shot. Here’s how to make it happen.

PS: There’s ways to protect your mental health during COVID-19. We’ve got tips.

Where tensions are high…

Sudan. The country’s prime ministerhas been releasedafter being detained this week. Since 2019, PM Abdallah Hamdok has ruled in a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian leaders. The deal: a council of civilian and military leaders work together until elections can happen in 2022. But all that dissolved this week. On Monday, military leaders arrested Hamdok, declared a state of emergency, and took control of the country. The news launched a wave of protests and crackdowns, with seven reportedly killed and 140 injuredafter clashes with the army. After facing local and international pressure,military leaders agreed to releaseHamdok. Now, military leaders say they plan to hold elections in July 2023.

What’s giving people options...

US passports. Yesterday, the State Dept issued its first passport with an “X” gender marker. The US is by no means the first country to give options beyond “M” or “F.” Australia, Canada, Nepal, and Pakistan beat Americans to it, to name a few. After an intersex activist initiated a legal battle in 2015, the US is finally catching up. Now, an estimated 5 million nonbinary and intersex Americans will have another option. The US envoy for LGBTQ+ rights says the change allows people to “live with greater dignity and respect.” The activist had another message: “never give up.”

Who's moving forward...

Carli Lloyd and Josh Cavallo.

For Love and Money

Getting married isn’t just about a lifetime of love and commitment. It’s a lifetime of joint $$$ decisions, too. Just ask Jonathan Van Ness, who got married last year. (And, yes, looked fab at the altar.) You can get their advice on balancing love and money on Fidelity’s Modern Life podcast. 

Butttt here’s a special preview: Start with an open convo about where you’re both at and the goals you’re working toward. Because clear communication is key. And don’t be afraid to keep some stuff separate. Everyone’s got their own style. Just search “Modern Life” wherever you get your pods to hear the ep. And check Fidelity’s site for more stories and tips on topics like family planning and career climbing. Shamazing, henny.

Thing to Know
Photo of Alan Kim, Age 9, MiSight® 1 day wearer and actor. CooperVision | Design: theSkimm

3X

That’s how much more likely it is for a child to develop myopia if one of their parents is myopic.¹

And since you’re probably wondering, myopia’s primary symptom is nearsightedness. Or when distant objects look blurry. Unfortunately, myopia often gets worse as you get older.²

Even though it seems like the deck is stacked against some kids, studies show there are things they — and their parents — can do about it, like spend more time outside.³ And learn about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses, the first and only FDA approved* product to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8–12 at initiation of treatment.†⁴ Learn more here.

Psst...see sources and important safety info riiight above the footer.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. The only pair of jeans you need this fall. Because they’re cropped, versatile, and have juuuust enough stretch. This brand combines the best of vintage-inspired style with I-only-wear-leggings comfort. Plus, Skimm’rs get early access and free shipping when they shop. Done and denim.*

2. A bra that feels like no bra at all. Aka the dream. This no-wire bra gives you all the support, minus those...you guessed it...annoying wires. Plus it comes in tons of styles like front-close, deep-V, and push-up. Here’s 15% off your first purchase.*

3. How to hydrate immediately without chugging tons of water. Because we know that’s hard to do. This brand’s delicious drink mixes help you stay refreshed at. all. times. They’re packed with electrolytes that also happen to taste amazing (looking at you, lemonade flave). Shop now.*

4. Something to trick-or-treat yo’self with this Halloween. And more importantly, the morning after. Panera Bread’s new Cinnamon Crunch Latte’s got freshly brewed espresso, whipped cream, and everything you love about their Cinnamon Crunch Bagel. And yes, you can get it iced. How sweet.*

5. A teeth brightener that’s so good, it went viral. For real. This TikTok-famous Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Pen can help you get a brighter smile, sans appointments. And it helps freshen breath, too. Psst...Skimm’rs get 40% off with code THESKIMM. Open wide.*

6. Crowd-pleasing birthday gifts under $50. Because attending the monthlong birthday celebration just isn’t in your budget. We rounded up some wallet-friendly items that’ll make ’em feel like a million bucks.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Getting holiday ready...Rachael C (NC). She’s the Founder and CEO of Tiny Earth Toys, a subscription-based rental toy company. And has raised $1.5 million to offer families a toy option that keeps plastic out of landfills. Add to list.

Mix and match...Madeline G (OH). She runs a side hustle by making dog bandanas and matching scrunchies for owners. And reached her goal to hit 1,500 sales months earlier than expected. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...Ben Preziosi (UK), Alex Grosvenor (NY), Nicole Delaney (CA), Macaroni Zakin Mason (NY), Lynn Sape (MI), Gracee Wallach (IL), Fiorella Reategui (FL), Sarah Schuler (MN), Rebecca Teaff (MD), Deborah Britton-Riley (NY), Natalie McGowan (MD), Madison Peterson (CA), Rachel Shaw (AR), Dawn Lucas (SC), Kristie Bach (MI), Nancy Scherer (NJ)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

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Indications and Important Safety Information

Rx only

Results may vary.

ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. Indications: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.

 †Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.

 1 Donovan L, Sankaridurg P, Ho A, Naduvilath T, Smith EL 3rd, Holden BA. Myopia progression rates in urban children wearing single-vision spectacles. Optom Vis Sci. 2012 Jan;89(1):27-32. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e3182357f79. PMID: 21983120; PMCID: PMC3249020.

 2 Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.

 3 Xiong S, Sankaridurg P, Naduvilath T, et al. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017;95(6):551-566. doi:10.1111/aos.13403

4 Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.

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