To your health
Wednesday, July 15 — Happy Wednesday!
⚽ Atlanta is hosting its final FIFA World Cup game today, when England and Argentina play at 3 p.m. I’m going to miss watching everyone’s favorite Norwegian, Erling Haaland, on and off the pitch. But he chose a very on-brand American souvenir to commemorate his World Cup experience — a taxidermy raccoon holding a bottle of whiskey.
🩺 STAT Wellness recently merged with Sandy Springs-based physical therapy practice, Well Equipt. The newest STAT location will combine physical therapy with functional medicine services, IV therapies, and small group personal training.
🏥 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital was re-certified as a Level 1 Trauma Center, making it the only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center in Georgia.
🚽 Georgia is one of 31 states where a diarrhea-causing parasite – likely from unwashed produce – has been detected in patients. Wash those veggies, y’all.
🏃🏻♂️➡️ Olympian and Georgia’s own Graham Blanks narrowly missed out on a win in the 5,000 meters at Monaco Diamond League last Friday. Check out this video about training in his hometown of Athens — he has quite the collection of tees from iconic local spots like 40 Watt Club and Kelly’s.
💪🏼 I will never tire of men versus Pilates videos, like these Anaheim firefighters suffering through a mat class with Coastal Core Pilates in Oceanside, California. People are obsessed with reformer classes right now, but as an instructor, I swear by the traditional mat sequencing — it’s infinitely more challenging.
🤔 GLP-1s are everywhere. For today’s feature, I spoke with two Atlanta doctors about the pros and cons of these medications. Plus, there’s Ansley’s story about a guy who ran the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race dressed as a hot dog, and a must-book Sunday Stroll event with the one-and-only Beltline Kevin.
📨 I’m always looking for ideas for feature stories, new classes and treatments to include on “Book It,” and upcoming events. Email me at laura@roughdraftatlanta.com.
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 Doctors Discuss the Pros and Cons of GLP-1s
💉 It’s impossible to scroll through social media or watch TV without seeing ads for a glucagon-like peptide-1, better known by the acronym GLP-1. Sold under brand names like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, these medications mimic a natural gut hormone that boosts insulin release, slows digestion, and curbs appetite.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now widely prescribed for weight loss. But GLP-1s have also ushered in an era of thinness-chasing, with doctors raising concerns about rapid muscle loss while on the medication and potential misuse by people with eating disorders.
⚖️ I spoke to two area physicians on how GLP-1s work, why strength training and other lifestyle habits can support successful results, and who should take these drugs – or avoid them altogether. Read my story here.
A CONFIDENT SCHOOL YEAR STARTS NOW
SPONSORED BY INTOWN PSYCHOLOGY
📚 With just a few weeks left before school starts, now is the ideal time to help children and teens prepare for a successful transition back to the classroom.
Parents can help by:
• gradually re-establishing school routines and sleep schedules
• encouraging face-to-face time with friends before school begins
• helping kids practice problem-solving and independence• focusing on strengths and celebrating small successes
➞ If your child is struggling with anxiety, friendships, confidence, emotional regulation, or the transition back to school, Intown Psychology is here to help.
Learn more:
• 5 Strategies to Build Self-Esteem and Resilience in Kids
• Helping Kids Navigate Friendship and Social Challenges
A Runner’s 2026 Peachtree Road Race Hot Dog Challenge Could Become an Annual Tradition
Mico Quijano ran his first Peachtree Road Race earlier this month. That in itself isn’t really newsworthy. What set the Charlotte resident apart was that he participated in the annual Atlanta tradition dressed as a hot dog.
His mission for the July 4 race was simple: eat one Costco hot dog every mile, while giving away hot dogs to people along the course.
For Quijano, the challenge wasn’t just about finishing; it was about creating moments people would remember, and, if everything went according to plan, maybe even catching Costco’s attention.
Atlanta City Council Pushes for Morehouse Partnership to Expand Healthcare Infrastructure
🩺 Atlanta City Council is joining Morehouse School of Medicine to expand healthcare infrastructure on the south and west sides, making strides to change the city’s history of “systemic disinvestment.”
By expanding hospital access, Morehouse plans to address longstanding healthcare deserts, improve access to emergency and trauma care, advance health equity, and create medical education and workforce opportunities for residents of Atlanta and Fulton County.
➡️ Read Logan’s story about expanding healthcare access in the city.
The Short List
💄 Beauty beat: I don’t usually hop on the celebrity-backed beauty brand bandwagon, but I trusted my friend (and former Pilates client) Savanna’s recs long before she worked for r.e.m. beauty, Ariana Grande’s makeup line. Yes, the newly-released blur butter lip balm lives up to the hype, with a lightweight, blurred matte finish that’s perfect for steamy summer days.
🌵 Navajo noir: One thing my favorite shows have in common is a very strong sense of place. And Season 4 of “Dark Winds” delivers just that. The latest installment of the moody series splits its time between its usual 1970s-era Navajo Nation setting and gritty Los Angeles. And I’m never mad about more Zahn McClarnon (“Reservation Dogs”) on my screen.
🇬🇧 London calling: Olympian and Scottish middle-distance star Josh Kerr is attempting to break the longstanding world mile record (3:43.13) at the London Diamond League meet on July 18. Apparently he’s so committed to recovery, he sleeps 12 hours a day in an altitude chamber in his bedroom. It should be an exciting race with U.S. Olympian, Swiftie, and devoted turtle dad Yared Nuguse in the mix.
🏒 Killer cuts: I finally started watching “Off Campus,” and yes, the story is great (representation for nerdy music majors!), but the soundtrack really goes. Expect a mashup of modern indie rock favorites, nostalgic millennial jams, and classic rock hits — think Maggie Rogers, Remi Wolf (with a cameo performance), Matthew Perryman Jones, Suki Waterhouse, Royel Otis, Audrey Hobert, Barns Courtney, Elton John, and Warrant.
❤️ 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’ve been a volunteer coach with Girls on the Run Georgia for two years, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Each 12-week season, I work with a team of coaches at a local elementary school to lead lessons that boost girls’ self-esteem and confidence, all while they train for the end-of-season 5K celebration. Girls on the Run has programs for elementary and middle-school-aged girls, and you can apply to be a coach for the 2026 fall season here (applications close on August 21).
The Rundown
🧘🏽♀️ The free EARTHSTRONG yoga series with lululemon tonight (and every other Wednesday through Aug. 12) at Ponce City Market. Bring a mat and head to The Yard for a 6:30 p.m. stretch and session, then cool off with complimentary post-class drinks from Majestea.
🛶 Paddle through the Chattahoochee River at one of two ranger-led introduction to kayaking sessions on July 18. Sessions meet at the Island Ford boat launch at the Island Ford Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Reserve your spot here.
🎄 Get in the holiday spirit early with the Christmas in July 5K/10K/Half Marathon on July 18. Dress up in your festive best for the morning races starting from new Realm Brewing, plus a new evening 5K complete with glow sticks for maximum holiday cheer. Register for the event here.
🛼 Join “Beltline Kevin” for a 75-minute community walk with Sunday Stroll, the social walking club, on July 19. The group will meet behind New Realm Brewing at 10 a.m.
