Fashion

July 12, 2026

Good morning!

I am the assistant health editor here at mindbodygreen and I am so excited to be writing my first edition of The Long Game! A little bit about me: I love a yoga or Pilates class, take my sleep score very seriously, and unwind by spending time with my dog, Maisy. My current health goal is to build muscle, so I’m doing more strength training (and taking creatine daily).

Tell me, what health habits should I test out next?

—Sela Breen, assistant health editor

And click here to share this newsletter with the person who keeps you accountable to your health routine!

Early detection of Lyme disease

Warm summer weather means more time spent outdoors, which also brings the danger of getting a tick bite. Finding a tick on your body is a scary experience, made worse by the fact that standard Lyme disease tests are notoriously unreliable in the earliest days of infection¹.

But a new study² revealed two blood biomarkers that could be used to create a blood test that detects Lyme disease earlier.

Researchers focused on antiphospholipid antibodies, which are proteins the body produces in response to certain infections and autoimmune conditions.
Two antibodies stood out in the test that were elevated in both patients with confirmed Lyme disease and those in early stages of the disease who weren’t formally diagnosed yet (but would go on to test positive).

The fact that these antibodies appeared before standard tests suggests these antibodies could potentially flag infections earlier, hopefully within the window when treatment is most effective

Click here to learn more about how this discovery could lead to earlier detection of Lyme disease.

+Other ways to stay safe this summer

Did you know sunscreen expires? Look for these 3 signs
What your hydration status reveals about longevity
Be careful working out in the heat after a big night out
Watch out for these “invisible” factors that increase migraines

Tested: Non-toxic kitchen essentials

Ever wonder what *really* needs to be ditched from your kitchen to reduce microplastic exposure?

#1: Plastic cutting boards: Chopping polyethylene and polypropylene boards puts microplastics in produce & meats.³

The solution: Opt for antimicrobial, FSC-certified wood cutting boards (27% off)

#2: Your drip coffee maker: Hot water + plastic tubing = a morning brew with microplastics⁴

The solution: An 8-cup coffee maker that delivers pour-over flavor, with no plastic, or aluminum, ever touching the water

#3: Non-stick cookware: Most non-stick uses synthetic polymer layers, which scratches & wears down over time

The solution: A titanium, aluminum, and steel pan that prevents sticking without a coating ($50 off)

P.S. Plastics aren’t the only worry. There's probably mold in your coffee, but we have a safer option.

Protect your bones

Image by Studio Firma

Try these 3 nutrients to help lower fracture risk
This is how much protein you need to support your bones
Be cautious about how GLP-1s may affect bone health
This medication may help with post-menopausal bone loss
Men, try this exercise formula to reverse bone loss

Ask an RD: What are the best herbs to add to salads?

Fresh herbs are the perfect way to elevate a summer salad——adding bright flavor and a boost of polyphenols. These are a few of my favorite pairings.

Basil & arugula: In this combo, peppery meets sweet. These two pair well with peaches, mozzarella, and balsamic.
Dill + butter lettuce: Delicate, fresh, and slightly tangy, try this with cucumber, radishes, and lemon vinaigrette.
Mint + spinach: This duo offers a cool and refreshing bite. Toss with berries, feta, grilled chicken, and toasted almonds for a craveable lunch.

–Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN, editor

+Summer salads

How to turn any salad into a 30+ gram protein meal
3 ways to add more polyphenol-rich herbs to your day
Healthy, homemade salad dressings to whip up ASAP

That’s it for the long game—we hope you’re geared up for the week ahead of you.

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Credential Check

Sela Breen

Assistant Health Editor

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

Expert Review

Citations

¹ Schriefer ME. Lyme Disease Diagnosis: Serology. Clinics in Laboratory Medicine. 2015 Dec; 35(4):797-814.
² Shrestha M, Hickman AF, Zhong Y, Zvinys A, Vernon SD, Miller JB, Rebman AW, Aucott JN, Horn EJ, Hu LT, Gwynne PJ.0. Antiphospholipid antibodies in acute and post-treatment Lyme disease. Infection and Immunity. 2025; e00192-26.
³ Yadav, H., Khan, M. R. H., Quadir, M., Rusch, K. A., Mondal, P. P., Orr, M., Xu, E. G., & Iskander, S. M. (2023). Cutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food?. Environmental science & technology, 57(22), 8225–8235.
⁴ Consumer Affairs. New study uncovers the hidden plastic in your morning routine (2025).

Just a heads-up: Everything in this newsletter is for general info only—not medical advice. We always recommend checking in with a healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Our product picks and reviews reflect our editors’ opinions unless we say otherwise. We sometimes link to other sites, but we’re not responsible for their content.

*These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.