Under Pressure

Where America's most stressed people live. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 26, 2023 Good morning! We kick things off today with a look at [the most stressed-out states in America](, plus some expert insight about [the stuff hiding in our water]( that we definitely should be stressed about. But don't worry, we've got plenty of pick-me-ups, too: We'll pass along [reading recommendations for the rest of summer](, share [the recipe for a simple but superb dessert]( you should probably make tonight, and celebrate a few trailblazers in honor of Women's Equality Day. Read on!   Under Pressure [A map of the united states with cracks and breaks in the topography, communicating stress]( Getty Images/KCM Feeling mentally maxed out is, unfortunately, just part of being human — but as it turns out, your address might play into how flustered you feel. We're fascinated by a new ranking of the most-stressed places in America, and now you can [find out where your state ranks]( on this less-than-desirable list. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fmost-stressful-state-2023%2F   More Stories [A hand wearing a glove and holding a beaker of water]( Getty Images Hiding in plain sight: They’re in our water, soil, dental floss, mascara, tampons, sneakers... the list goes on and on. We're talking about perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, which are better known as PFAS. Unfortunately, they're pretty much everywhere — and they've been linked to serious health conditions. We asked Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, [what we should know about these dangerous "forever chemicals."]( Not done yet: Experts have been warning about an end-of-summer Covid-19 surge, which makes [these surprising new findings about how long Covid affects us]( especially important to be aware of. Ready for it: You never know when an emergency might strike — and after all the weird weather we've been having, no one wants to be caught off guard. We've got a list of [14 things you should have in your home in case the power goes out](. Know thyself: Want to learn a little more about what makes you tick? [This fascinating personality test]( will sort you into one of 16 types — and tell you which character traits could be guiding your decisions without you even realizing it. A complicated case: There's a new wrinkle in the lawsuit brought by NFL player Michael Oher, whose life story was (allegedly unfairly) chronicled in the film The Blind Side. Now, the movie's producers are weighing in on the controversy — and they're [getting specific about how much the Tuohy family was paid](...   Saturday Spotlight [Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That]( From Carrie's Closet We got behind-the-scenes stories about the fashion from And Just Like That — including where to buy some of those stunning pieces. [Read More »]( [Book covers for The Guest; Lessons in Chemistry; Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow; On Fire Island]( Dive Right In There's still plenty of reading time left this summer, and you can't go wrong with one of these 16 stellar books that our staff absolutely loved. [Read More »]( [Katie Couric on a background of chocolate chip cookies]( Just Like Heaven I tried the internet's favorite chocolate chip cookies, and trust me: You're gonna want them, too. Here's how to bake this delectable dessert. [Read More »](   In Focus It's Women's Equality Day, an annual reminder of how far women have come — and how much farther we have to go — in achieving parity between the sexes. We're observing the occasion by celebrating a few of our favorite boundary-breakers: [Shirley Chisholm](, the first Black woman to run for president; [Poppy Northcutt](, the first female engineer in NASA's control room; and [Sylvia Earle](, the first woman to walk the ocean floor.   Watch Your Step(s) [Wearable fitness trackers]( KCM They say the unexamined life isn't worth living — and if that applies to our physical activity, we wholeheartedly agree. That's why we rounded up [the best fitness trackers and smart watches]( to help achieve your goals. We're especially loving [this effective option from Apollo Neuroscience](, which harnesses the power of non-invasive touch therapy to help you relax, sleep, and meditate. But there's a lot more where that came from... [SEE OUR PICKS](   One More Thing Whether you're in the market for a gorgeous gift or want to upgrade your own bathroom counter, [Biography's set of hand/body wash and cream]( will leave your skin singing. The set's heady summer scent will make you feel like you're wandering through a garden, and the hand wash and moisturizer are packed with hydrating and exfoliating ingredients. [Use code KATIE15 to take 15% off](. [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.