Friday, October 16, 2026
Hey GlowGetter,
Your Friday Glow Report
Happy Friday! Grab your coffee. This week was a big one.
Social Security announced next year's raise. Two new studies looked at women's brains and bodies in midlife. And this Sunday, October 18, is World Menopause Day, so you'll see menopause pop up a few times today. That's on purpose.
Here's what's inside this week:
- News for women over 40
- New health studies
- Caregiving news, for those of us helping our parents
- Money news, plus the dates to put on your calendar
- A scam alert and a recall to check
- Sales and restaurant specials
- What to watch and read
- Top 10 U.S. getaways, 8 weeks out, so you have time to plan
I checked every item against a real source and added the link, so you can see it for yourself.
Let's get into it.
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The Friday Glow Report, out loud
Rather listen? This week's episode is out this morning. Press play on your walk, in the car, or while you fold the laundry.
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What's Trending: News for Women Over 40
Your mammogram may flag heart risk (in Maryland)
As of October 1. Maryland is the first state to require mammogram results letters to tell you if the scan shows calcium in the arteries of your breast. That calcium has been linked to heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Some radiologists pushed back, because there's no set follow-up plan yet. If you ever see that note, don't panic. Call your doctor and ask what it means for you. See the detailsβ
Menopause gets its moment in Congress
Introduced October 5. Rep. Yvette Clarke introduced a resolution to name October World Menopause Awareness Month, with 15 cosponsors from both parties. It's a statement of support and doesn't change any laws, but menopause is finally being talked about out loud. See the billβ
Mark your calendar: World Menopause Day is this Sunday, October 18. The Menopause Society's yearly meeting is October 20 to 24 in San Diego, so expect more menopause news soon. I'll sort through it for you.
Wellness & New Health Studies
These are new studies, not advice. Always talk to your doctor before you change anything about your health.
Women get dementia more often than men, worldwide
JAMA Neurology, October 12, 2026. Researchers pooled 22 studies from 18 countries, with more than 38,000 people. For every 1,000 women followed for a year, about 10.6 developed dementia, compared with 8.6 men, even after adjusting for age. New cases worldwide are expected to more than double, from 11.4 million in 2023 to 24.7 million a year by 2050. The study doesn't explain why women's rates are higher. My takeaway: midlife habits for your brain and heart matter. Pick one. See the study newsβ
Menopause is a "cliff" for your body
Nature Medicine, October 12, 2026. Researchers looked at more than 300 million lab tests from over 1 million women in the U.S. and Israel. In the U.S. data, 52 of 90 common lab tests changed sharply around the last period, especially bone, liver and blood fats like cholesterol. Hormone shifts started years earlier: one hormone about 15 years before the last period, and estrogen about 12 years before. Women on hormone therapy showed smaller changes, but this kind of study shows a pattern, not cause. Ask your doctor to check your bones, cholesterol and liver numbers as you get closer to menopause, not after. See the study newsβ
Caregiving Corner
For those of us in the sandwich season, helping our kids and our parents at the same time.
New Medicare star ratings are out
Released October 8. Fifteen 2027 plans earned five stars, and about 71% of people are in plans rated four stars or higher. Medicare projects the average Medicare Advantage premium will drop from about $14.37 to $12 a month in 2027, while stand-alone drug plans rise from about $35 to $36. Your parent's plan may be different. Sit down with Mom or Dad and compare their plan's stars at Medicare.gov. See the detailsβ
About 650,000 people are waiting for Medicaid home care
KFF, October 5, 2026. Waiting lists for Medicaid services that help people stay at home exist in 40 states. The average wait is 34 months, up from 32 last year. Family usually fills the gap. If your parent may need home care later, ask your state Medicaid office or local Area Agency on Aging how the list works now. See the detailsβ
Money News
This is general education, not financial advice.
Social Security is getting a 3.6% raise
Announced October 14. The 2027 cost-of-living raise is 3.6%, the biggest in four years (it was 2.8% for 2026). It starts with January payments. Social Security says the average retirement check goes up about $75 a month. The catch: the Medicare Part B premium is projected to rise $6.60 to about $209.50 a month, which eats into part of it. That's a projection, not official yet. See the detailsβ
Prices and mortgage rates are climbing
September inflation, released October 14. Prices were up 3.7% from a year ago and 0.6% in one month. If your grocery bill feels bigger, you're not imagining it. Mortgage rates have gone up seven weeks in a row: the 30-year fixed was 7.40% as of October 8, up from about 6.30% a year ago. The Fed meets next on October 27 and 28. See this week's rateβ
One small money step is still a step.
Money Dates & Deadlines
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Your window to switch Medicare Advantage or drug plans for January 1. Your new plan has to get your change by December 7. See the detailsβ
ACA Marketplace opens November 1
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. If you buy your own health insurance (self-employed, between jobs, or retired before 65), sign up by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. See the datesβ
Recalls & Scam Alerts
Scam alert: "We can boost your benefits"
Share this with your parents. Scammers are offering to "boost" or "unlock" Social Security benefits for a fee. Social Security never charges a fee to raise your benefits, and it doesn't call out of the blue to offer one. If you're unsure, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213. During Medicare open enrollment, watch for fake sites that look like Medicare.gov, too. Type the address yourself and make sure it ends in .gov. See the alertβ
Recall: Amazon-brand Extra Strength Acetaminophen
Posted by FDA October 2. About 113,000 bottles of Amazon's own 500 mg extra strength acetaminophen are recalled for discolored tablets. Check your bottle for these lot numbers: 200 count: ACD125040A. 500 count: ACD124036A, ACD124030A, ACD124042A, ACD124048B and ACD125010A. 1,000 count: ACD124048A. If yours matches, ask your pharmacist what to do. See the detailsβ
Sales & Shopping
My rule: a sale is only a deal if it was already on your list.
Gap Friends and Family
Through about October 21. 40% off everything, online and in stores. Collaborations are left out. Gap cardmembers get an extra 10% off with code FAMILY, which ends October 21. Shop the saleβ
Ulta holiday gift sets
On now. A LancΓ΄me 11-piece beauty box for $89 with any LancΓ΄me purchase. An EstΓ©e Lauder 12-piece set for $90 with a select EstΓ©e Lauder purchase (online only). A Clinique 8-piece set for $69 with any Clinique purchase. Plus 40% off select Ulta Beauty Collection body care through November 7. See the offersβ
Restaurant Specials & Food Events
Dunkin' Halloween menu + bonus points
Today, Friday, October 16. Dunkin' Rewards members get 3X points on food when you order ahead in the app. On Mondays through October 26, get 4X points on drinks ordered ahead (turn it on in the app). The Halloween menu, including the Terror-misu Cloud Latte, is here for a limited time. See the menuβ
National Pasta Day
Saturday, October 17. No big chain has announced a Pasta Day deal this year. But Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta Bowl is back through November 22, starting at $14.99, dine-in only. Pasta night with the girls, anyone? See the detailsβ
What to Watch & Read
Sense and Sensibility, in theaters
Friday, October 16. A new take on the Jane Austen classic, with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Caitriona Balfe as the widowed Mrs. Dashwood. Two sisters and their mom lose their home and start over. Check local listings. See the detailsβ
Nobody Wants This, Season 3 on Netflix
Thursday, October 22. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are back. Joanne and Noah move in together, and Sasha and Esther start dating again. A light, funny weeknight watch. See the detailsβ
The Book of Menopause, by the editors of Oprah Daily
Out now (October 13). A practical guide from perimenopause through postmenopause, with an introduction by Oprah and real stories from women you'll recognize. Perfect timing for World Menopause Day. See the bookβ
Miss Wolcott's Ghost by Louise Penny
Tuesday, October 20. The newest Three Pines mystery with Chief Inspector Gamache. A cozy fall read with a blanket and a cup of tea. See the bookβ
Plan Ahead: Top 10 U.S. Getaways for December 11 to 13
Eight weeks out is a sweet spot to plan a trip. You still have time to book, save and grab a friend.
Dates come from each event's website as of October 14, 2026. Please double-check before you book.
1. Asheville, North Carolina: Christmas at Biltmore
When: November 3, 2026 to January 10, 2027
Why go: America's largest home, decorated for Christmas. The candlelight evenings are magical.
Tip: Candlelight evenings sell out, so book Saturday, December 12 early. Buying online saves $10 a ticket. Event detailsβ
2. Williamsburg, Virginia: Grand Illumination
When: December 5, 12 and 19, 2026
Why go: Fireworks over the Capitol and Governor's Palace, music around town, and decorated colonial streets.
Tip: Saturday, December 12 is a fireworks night. Walk the streets by day, then stay for the show. Event detailsβ
3. Kennebunkport, Maine: Christmas Prelude
When: December 3 to 13, 2026 (this is the closing weekend)
Why go: A coastal New England village, all lit up. Friday the 11th has the tree lighting at 6pm and fireworks at 6:15pm. Sunday morning there's a Pooch Parade.
Tip: Friday night is the best night. Inns book early. Event detailsβ
4. Newport, Rhode Island: Holidays at the Newport Mansions
When: November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Why go: Gilded Age mansions dressed for the holidays.
Tip: The Breakers needs a timed ticket, so buy ahead. Sunday evening, December 13 is for members only. Event detailsβ
5. New York City: Winter Village at Bryant Park
When: October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Why go: New York's free-admission ice rink plus holiday shops. A budget-friendly pick.
Tip: Skate rentals start at about $19. Pair it with the Rockefeller Center tree, lit December 2. Event detailsβ
6. Chicago, Illinois: Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
When: November 20 to December 24, 2026
Why go: A free German-style Christmas market with ornaments, food and mulled wine.
Tip: It's open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Bundle up. Event detailsβ
7. New Orleans, Louisiana: Celebration in the Oaks
When: November 27, 2026 to January 1, 2027
Why go: City Park's giant oak trees covered in lights. Walk it or drive it.
Tip: The walking tour is $35, or $20 on value nights. Tickets go on sale November 1. Event detailsβ
8. St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights
When: November 21, 2026 to January 18, 2027
Why go: America's oldest city covered in millions of white lights, plus warm weather. It's free to walk and look.
Tip: Lights come on at 5:30pm. Trolley and boat tours cost extra, so book them early. Event detailsβ
9. Leavenworth, Washington: Village of Lights
When: Christmastown runs November 27 to December 24, 2026
Why go: A Bavarian-style mountain town with more than 500,000 lights. Saturday, December 12 has gazebo music and Santa at noon.
Tip: Book your room now and read up on parking before you go. Event detailsβ
10. Phoenix, Arizona: Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker
When: December 11 to 27, 2026 (opening weekend)
Why go: A holiday classic in a warm-weather city.
Tip: Matinees are Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm, perfect with your mom or a little one. Event detailsβ
That's a Wrap
That was a lot of news, so here's my challenge. Don't try to do it all. Pick one thing and do it this weekend. Compare a parent's Medicare plan. Check your medicine cabinet. Text your parents about that scam. Or send one of those December trips to your best friend.
And since Sunday is World Menopause Day: if you're in your 40s, book that check-up you keep putting off. You deserve answers.
You're not behind. You're awake.
Tell me what you think. Hit reply and tell me what you'd love to see more of. I read every reply.
Have a beautiful weekend, my beautiful friend.
With love,
Jax
P.S. Rather listen? This week's podcast episode is out this morning. Listen here.
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