To your health
Wednesday, June 24 — Happy Wednesday, friends!
Even though I’m more of a track and field girlie, it’s been fun to see FIFA World Cup 2026 fever hitting Atlanta — and the whole country, really. Wholesome stories like the University of Kansas marching band welcoming the Algerian team with a rendition of their national anthem, the Scottish “Tartan Army” taking over Boston (and now Miami), and, well, anything German super fan FreddyLA7 raves about online have made the event a welcome distraction this summer.
As a super-competitive athlete, slowing down is not easy for me. But between some health challenges and a car accident last week, my body has been begging for a bit of a “reset” (see what I did there?). And it definitely doesn’t bounce back the way it did in my late 30s and early 40s.
Which makes this week’s feature story even more timely. Thanks to celebrities and influencers, information about perimenopause and menopause feels like it’s at an all-time high. But cutting through the noise — and those scammy supplement pyramid schemes on social media — is exhausting to those of us who are already exhausted. When I asked people on Instagram what they wanted to know about the topic, my DMs blew up. I took your questions to two Atlanta doctors, who shared everything you need to know about perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, treatment, and care.
And speaking of influencers, they are also dominating the Pilates space. Which can make it even more intimidating for people who don’t fit the “Pilates princess” aesthetic. As an instructor myself, I am a firm believer in inclusive, accessible movement, which is why I talked to Laura Caffrey about their new “Pilates for queer bodies” series at The Studio Pilates. I’ve also got the scoop on a timely self-defense class for women, my current favorite show now that “Widow’s Peak” has wrapped its first season, plus this week’s The Rundown.
🦴 As someone who lived through the “heroin chic” 90s, this Allure article about how the current celebrity obsession with extreme thinness is dangerous for women over 50 hit a nerve. Next month, I’ll be exploring these issues more in a story about GPL-1s, as well as one about strength training and fitness programs for post-menopausal women.
🩺 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will open its newest primary care practice, Adamsville Pediatrics, on June 29. The practice will deliver family-centered primary care to children up to age 21 and serve as an additional training site for medical residents in collaboration with the Emory School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine.
🍑 Limited spots remain for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race on July 4. Snag your spot here.
Be well!
✨ Laura
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood—while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Atlanta Physicians Discuss Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
📋 When I asked my friends what they wanted to know about perimenopause and menopause, the response was “anything!” and “everything!”
And yes, menopause has gone mainstream, and Gen X and older millennials are leading the way.
But with celebrities and influencers peddling solutions online, and dubious supplement companies jumping on the menopause bandwagon, discerning fact from fiction when it comes to this phase of life feels more challenging than ever.
🌼 Read my story about navigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including treatment options and finding the right care.
New Pilates Classes Create Space for Atlanta’s Queer Community
🏳️🌈 I taught Pilates long before it became the trendiest workout on the planet, so I was excited to talk to Laura Caffrey about the “Pilates for queer bodies” classes they started at The Studio Pilates.
That “Pilates princess” aesthetic — mostly thin, white women in matching high-end athleisure sets — can be intimidating to people who do not fit with those norms, especially LGBTQ+ folks.
And Laura wants to change that.
➞ Read my story about their dedicated classes to make Pilates more accessible for queer people in the Atlanta community.
A balanced summer starts with connection
SPONSORED BY INTOWN PSYCHOLOGY
☀️ Summer brings more free time, but keeping kids engaged, active, and connected can be a challenge.
Atlanta offers endless family-friendly opportunities, from farmers markets, museums, and Beltline adventures to hiking, volunteering, DIY workshops, and outdoor fitness events. Exploring new experiences together can strengthen family bonds while reducing boredom and excessive screen time.
➞ If your family is navigating behavioral concerns, emotional challenges, or the transition to a less structured summer schedule, Intown Psychology is here to help.
Observations from FIFA Fan Fest in Atlanta
⚽ I’m not the only one with World Cup fever. With over 275,000 visitors to date, Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park is set to outpace all other U.S. host cities. And the event has added an extra day tomorrow, giving fans the chance to watch three matches, including the anticipated U.S.-Türkiye game at 10 p.m.
🎉 Read Sarra’s story about the scene, things to do, and food and drink to plan your visit.
The Short List
🎧 Just when I thought I couldn’t love Olivia Rodrigo more, she just announced an all-female music festival, Daisy Chain Fields, on August 29 at Great Park in Irvine, California. Proceeds will benefit nonprofits that support women and girls, and the festival will feature artists like Chappell Roan, Doechii, and Mitski, plus a special appearance by Sarah McLachlan, the queen (and founder) of its 90s-era predecessor, Lilith Fair. The Hulu documentary about McLachlan’s pioneering event came out last year and is worth a watch.
🔎 I’m a sucker for a comedic thriller, especially when it stars Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”), Jake Johnson (“New Girl” and “Minx”), and Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”). Apple TV’s “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” is a twisty, highly bingeable series starring Maslany as a newly divorced mom caught in a blackmail scheme (and murder mystery) with a cam boy.
🏃🏼♀️ I’m forever on the hunt for lightweight, breathable running clothes that hold up in Atlanta summer conditions. I’ve hopped on the Bandit bandwagon, including these Vento 3” split shorts. The soft internal liner stays put, the adjustable drawstring doesn’t dig into my skin, the fabric is super breezy (and doesn’t chafe), and there are four (!!) waterproof pockets for stashing keys and gels.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood—while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Book It
💪🏼 I have been dealing with some minor running injuries, and there is no one I trust to put me back together again than the team at Precision Performance. They are the official providers for Atlanta Track Club Elite and offer everything from physical therapy and massage to gait analysis and self-defense classes for female runners and walkers.
➞ I know a lot of us have been feeling uneasy with some of the recent violence on the Beltline and MARTA. The first self-defense class on June 28 is sold out; there’s still availability for the next one on July 12. Book it here.
The Run Down
🍑 Join the Downtown Native Plant & Wellness Initiative for a Peach Talk & Wellness Walk on June 26 at noon. Jim Hackler of Five Points Community Garden will lead a talk on the history of Georgia’s state fruit at Underground Atlanta, followed by a stroll through Downtown’s nature and cultural landmarks. RSVP for the event here.
☕ Get grounded with a heart-opening yin class and cacao ceremony at Dancing Dogs Yoga on June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to book the 90-minute experience.
👟 Lace up for the annual HBCU 5K Run/Walk on June 27 at Piedmont Park. The event brings together 65 Metro Atlanta HBCU chapters and includes a health fair, children’s activities, and local vendors. Register for the 5K here.
🪷 Experience four healing sessions ranging from yoga to guided breathwork at Healing ATL for the People on June 27. Held at Mysore Yoga Atlanta, the event features local wellness practitioners, including Jess Pfeffer of SETTLE and Conscious Babes Who Brunch and Arturo Rios of Stretch Reset. Reserve your spot in advance.
🧘🏼 Unwind with a community sound bathing experience at the Island Ford unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on June 28 at 6 p.m. Board-certified music therapist and licensed mental health counselor Sarah Woolsen will lead a relaxing, riverside session with crystal singing bowls and other soothing sounds. Book the free class here.
