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Some nutrients can help boost hair, skin, and nail health. Getting enough quality sleep and other home remedies can also help.

Shiny hair, glowing skin, and strong nails are often seen as external symbols of health. But there’s more to it than that.

“You’ve probably heard it said that the skin is the largest organ in the body. Well, along with skin, the hair and nails are all a part of the integumentary system,” says Elizabeth Rimmer, founder and director of London Professional Aesthetics.

She says all three share a common constituent: keratinocytes.

“Keratinocytes grow from stem cells and produce and store keratin — a protein that makes our skin, hair, and nails not only tough but also water resistant,” Rimmer notes.

Read on to learn more about how to improve hair, skin, and nail health.

Can you boost hair, skin, and nail health with diet?

A 2019 review identified a link between micronutrient deficiencies and cutaneous abnormalities in hair, skin, and nails. Examples of cutaneous abnormalities include:

• acne
• eczema
• psoriasis
• other skin conditions

In particular, researchers said low intake or low absorption of certain vitamins and minerals may be the culprit.

These vitamins and minerals include:

• B vitamins
• fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K
• zinc
• iron
• copper
• selenium
• essential fatty acids

Similarly, a 2017 study concluded that multiple kinds of nutrient deficiencies can result in hair loss.

“Layers of the skin are connected to a huge vascular network, and our hair follicles and roots are also fed by a blood supply we want to be nutrient rich,” explains Amir Sadri, M.D., a consultant plastic surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

These direct connections with the bloodstream mean the skin and hair are often the first place you can visibly see nutrient deficiencies.

Sadri says any factors that affect the hair will also affect the nails.

“This is because they’re both made from keratin,” he explains.

What the diet can and can’t do

A healthy diet can improve your skin, hair and nail health. However, the importance of diet shouldn’t be overstated, as there will always be other factors at play.

These factors can include:

• genetics
• general health status
• age

However, Rimmer believes there are several ways to support hair, skin, and nail health through your diet.

These include:

• eat a varied diet with lots of colors and textures
• increase protein and iron intake
• limit alcohol consumption
• limit sugar consumption
• favor healthy fats over processed and saturated fats

A balanced diet containing lots of colors and textures is best. She also says increasing your protein and iron intake is key.

“Protein helps with new cell generation and will benefit as an all rounder,” she explains.

“Iron is another building block for the integumentary system and it’s abundant in red meat. If you are vegetarian or vegan then max out your diet with pulses (beans and lentils) to ensure you’re getting your recommended daily amount,” Rimmer suggests.

However, it’s important not to take an iron supplement without speaking with a healthcare professional first. Iron supplements can lead to constipation and, less commonly, iron poisoning.

It is also best to limit certain foods and drinks.

“Drinking too much alcohol and eating highly processed, sugary, and fatty food is not good for your skin, hair, and nails,” says Savas Altan, medical aesthetic at Vera Clinic.“Over time, alcohol consumption can cause dry, brittle, breaking hair, and cause excessive hair loss.”

Likewise, Altan says excess sugar in the diet can encourage the degradation of collagen and elastin in your skin. This can prompt a loss of firmness and elasticity long term, causing sagging and wrinkles on the skin.

Does sleep affect your hair, skin, and nail health?

A 2019 study involving forty subjects suggests that there’s a potential link between sleep quality and acne.

“While you’re sleeping your body is busy recovering,” says Rimmer. “Collagen production increases, peaking within the first few hours of sleep.”

That said, a lack of sleep may affect your hair, skin, and nails even more.

“You could argue that the hair, skin, and nails are last in the queue to benefit from lifestyle factors,” says Rimmer. “They’ll also be the first to deteriorate with sleep deprivation.”

Sleep and stress hormones

Sadri adds that a lack of sleep can cause a rise in stress hormone cortisol which interferes with our body’s ability to mend itself overnight.

In turn, this can cause brittle nails, skin inflammation, and problems with hair growth.

The general advice is for adults to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. However, Rimmer says sleep needs can vary from individual to individual, so you may feel you need less or more.

»Learn more:Natural Ways to Lower Your Cortisol Levels

At-home treatments to try

There are many at-home and in-salon solutions you can try to help boost the health of your skin, hair, and nails.

For hair

Rimmer recommends looking for products that contain ketoconazole.

“It’s an ingredient in shampoo used to treat fungal infections, but it can also be useful for those with thinning hair,” she says. It’s “commonly prescribed as a first line supplement to help with thinning hair. There have been studies to demonstrate a thickening of the hair shaft and number of hairs” with its use.

Sadri also recommends looking for products with the following ingredients:

• rosemary oil
• biotin
• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin E

They keep your scalp healthy and nourish your hair follicles, he says.

It is best to avoid sulfates. These are often found in shampoos and are used to create a lather. According to Rimmer, they can irritate the scalp and negatively impact hair growth.

For skin

“The ‘go to’ essentials for skin include a facial cleanser used morning and night for a full minute, rinsed away with tepid water, and patted dry with kitchen paper, keeping the skin oil and debris free,” says Rimmer.

What products you use will mostly depend on your skin type. However, Rimmer says every skin care routine should include SPF. She says an oil-free SPF should be applied every day regardless of the weather forecast.

Lastly, Rimmer recommends retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, to refine skin texture and improve uneven skin tone.

It is best to avoid oil. Oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products. However, Rimmer believes it may be best avoided if you have breakout-prone skin.

“I know there are lots of celebrities who endorse the use of oil, but for me it’s a big no,” she says. “In my opinion, it only serves to increase the likelihood of breakouts and problem pigmentation and doesn’t serve the health of your skin.”

For nails

“The constant exposure to weather and water (not to mention ingredients in soaps and alcohol rubs) leaves cuticles dry and brittle,” says Rimmer.

Her advice? Massage a drop of paraben-free nail oil into your cuticle.

“This helps to mitigate against trauma and the temptation to pick at those hard dry bits of skin,” she explains.

If you’re looking for a good all-rounder, Rimmer says a nightly collagen supplement drink can help hair, skin, and nails all in one go.

It is best to avoid using nail polish without a break.

“I would always recommend giving your nails a regular break from wearing polish, whether it’s gel or normal,” Rimmer advises. “Allowing time for your nails to be exposed will result in healthier nails.”

Salon treatments

Some salon treatments may also help support healthier skin, hair, and nails.

For hair

At the salon, Sadri advises asking your stylist for treatments that contain keratin.

“Keratin is a type of protein that helps to strengthen hair, thus preventing breakage, heat damage, and frizz,” he explains. “It makes the hair smooth and silky.”

For skin

For a firmer, more youthful complexion, Rimmer recommends microneedling.

“Using a device with tiny hair-like needles designed to puncture only the surface of the skin is a way to trick your skin into producing more collagen and elastin,” she explains. “Many treatments will incorporate a vitamin serum that will be pushed into the skin as the device works around the face.”

For nails

Rimmer believes indulging in regular, high-end manicures is the best gift you can give your hands.

“Look for salons that offer medical pedicures for the ultimate manicure that’s gentle but gets results,” she advises.

Hair, skin, and nail conditions

Some examples of conditions affecting hair, skin, and nail health include:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• alopecia
• trichotillomania
• folliculitis
• Beau’s lines
• clubbing
• onycholysis
• yellow nail syndrome

If you have any of these or another condition affecting your hair, skin, and nails, it’s a good idea to check with a medical professional before using any new treatments.

“These conditions are all potential indicators of underlying disease and would require a medical assessment to investigate and a treatment plan provided by a healthcare professional,” says Rimmer.

The bottom line

Your hair, skin, and nail health can be affected by a range of lifestyle factors, including nutritional deficiencies and poor sleep quality.

Eating a well-balanced diet and getting a restful night’s sleep may help improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

If shiny hair, glowing skin, and strong nails are your goal, there are plenty of treatments you can try at home and in the salon too.

Victoria Stokes is a writer from the United Kingdom. When she’s not writing about her favorite topics, personal development, and well-being, she usually has her nose stuck in a good book. Victoria lists coffee, cocktails, and the color pink among some of her favorite things. Find her on Instagram.

Here’s a look at nine practical ways to save money on prescription medications.

Whether you have a chronic condition or a short-term illness, doctors often turn first to prescribing medication. This could be an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, a blood thinner, or any of the myriad other types of drugs.

But many medications come with a hefty price tag. So much so that nearly 1 in 4 Americans find it difficult to afford their prescriptions, according to a 2019 survey.

As a result, many people must make a tough decision: Do I fill a prescription, or do I skip the medication and risk becoming sicker?

Although some prescription medications are anything but cheap, you can lower your out-of-pocket costs and get the care you need — and deserve.

1. Ask about generic medications

Just because your doctor writes a prescription for a brand-name drug doesn’t mean you have to pay big bucks for the medication.

Many brand drugs also have generic versions available at cheaper prices. These have the same active ingredients and are available in the same quantity.

Ask your doctor to write a prescription for the generic version of a medication instead. You can also ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives in the same drug class as a brand medication or in a different drug class that may treat the same condition.

2. Get a larger supply

It’s possible you’ll need to take a specific medication for at least 3 months. If this is the case, instead of getting a prescription for a 30-day supply, ask your doctor to write a prescription for a 90-day supply.

Purchasing the medication in larger quantities usually saves money. Plus, you won’t have to refill the prescription as often, which can save money on copays.

Some pharmacies offer a 30-day supply of certain generic medications for just $4 and a 90-day supply for $10.

3. Compare prices

Don’t assume that all pharmacies charge the same amount for medication. Before you fill a prescription, call different pharmacies and compare prices to save money.

You can call big box retailers and grocery stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco, as well as independent pharmacies.

4. Use a discount savings program

While you’re comparing prices, you can also search online for discount coupons and instant savings.

Type in the prescription name and set your location, and you’ll see prices that nearby pharmacies charge for the medication. The company may even give you a free prescription discount card.

You can receive it through text or email, or print the card. This isn’t insurance, but rather a drug savings program.

5. Apply for financial assistance

In addition to using a prescription discount program, you may qualify for prescription drug assistance from your state or local government.

Program requirements vary, and some impose income restrictions. To learn more about programs, check out the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

Keep in mind, too, that some stores offer their own free prescription drug programs. You may be eligible to receive free antibiotics or free medications for high blood pressure and diabetes. Contact your local pharmacy for more information.

6. Get a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

If you’re eligible for Medicare, consider getting a prescription drug plan to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for medication. As long as you’re enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B (or both), you can purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan as a stand-alone policy.

You can also sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D benefits. Medicare Advantage is original Medicare offered through private insurance companies. You can sign up for a Medicare Part D plan during Medicare open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 of each year.

7. Use a mail-order pharmacy

Some items are cheaper when you purchase them online. This can also apply to medications.

Mail-order pharmacies have less overhead compared to a local pharmacy. Because of this, they can afford to sell medications at a cheaper price.

Contact your health insurance provider to see if they have any relationships or partnerships with a mail-order pharmacy. If so, ask your doctor to send your prescription to the mail-order company. They can then deliver your prescriptions to your front door.

8. Request samples from your doctor

If your doctor recommends an expensive medication, ask if there is a free sample available. This way, you can try the drug to ensure you don’t have any adverse side effects before filling the prescription.

9. Don’t assume your health insurance is cheaper

If your health insurance includes prescription drug coverage, don’t assume that using your insurance is cheaper.

Sometimes, the cost of buying a certain drug out-of-pocket is cheaper than your prescription copay. Before using your insurance to pay for medication, inquire about the cost without insurance.

Your insurance copay may be $10, yet the medication only costs $5 without insurance.

The takeaway

Prescription medications can be costly depending on the type of drug and how often you need to refill a prescription. But while drug costs can bust your budget, these strategies can soften the blow to your pocket. This can allow you to get the medications you need to feel better sooner.

This stage of life occurs before menopause. Learn how to recognize the signs.

While menopause is marked by a full year without a period, perimenopause may start years earlier.

Though symptoms of perimenopause are different for everyone, recognizing the early signs may help you better understand your body and how to best manage your symptoms.

Period changes

During perimenopause, you may experience changes in your menstrual cycle. Your periods may arrive closer together or further apart, or be longer or shorter than usual. Your flow may also vary.

This may be due to fluctuations in the amount of estrogen and progesterone in your body, which are the hormones that regulate your cycle.

Hot flashes

During perimenopause, you may also start having hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth. Hot flashes commonly occur over your face, neck, and chest. You may also have hot flashes at night, known as night sweats.

These symptoms may be caused by hormonal shifts affecting your body’s temperature regulation.

Altered sleep patterns

Falling or staying asleep during perimenopause may be more difficult. Decreased progesterone may lead to insomnia. Night sweats may also impact your sleep quality and wake you up more frequently.

Mental health changes

As your hormones fluctuate, you may experience quick and intense changes in mood. Anger, anxiety, depression, and irritability may all occur during this time.

Brain fog

You may notice feeling mentally foggy during perimenopause. This is often temporary and may be caused by changes in your sleep or hormonal fluctuations.

Shifts in libido

During perimenopause, you may experience a fluctuation in your sex drive.

Vaginal changes

Vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort may occur during perimenopause, due to fluctuating estrogen levels.

Due to vaginal and urinary tract tissue changes, you may also experience urinary symptoms such as urgency or an increased frequency of UTIs.

The doctor is in

Think you may be starting perimenopause? Shilpa Amin, MD, FAAFP, recommends this next step:

“First, I recommend consulting with your primary care physician (ideally someone who has women’s health expertise) or your gynecologist to make sure other hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid dysfunction) or physiological causes (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometrial conditions) aren’t causing these symptoms.

“If you are indeed entering perimenopause, your doctor(s) may recommend a variety of lifestyle adjustments and treatments, depending on your symptoms and overall health.”

This is an excerpt from Unpaused, Healthline and Optum Now’s newsletter dedicated to helping people navigate menopause.

Want to learn more about menopause and get your questions answered by our experts? Sign up to get Unpaused in your inbox.

The takeaway

Knowing the early signs of perimenopause will help empower you to navigate this life stage with confidence.

Lifestyle adjustments, stress reduction, and talking with your doctor as needed may help you thrive during this time.

The CDC reports that 92% of measles cases in the U.S. are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. FG Trade/Getty Images

• The growing measles outbreak has reached 1,309 confirmed cases in 40 U.S. jurisdictions, the highest number of cases in 30 years since the disease was declared eliminated.
• The CDC issued an updated travel advisory as experts continue to urge vaccination against the disease.
• High vaccination rates help protect those who can’t be vaccinated due to medical treatments or compromised immune systems.

Measles cases have hit a record high since the disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.

As more states report measles cases amid the growing outbreak, experts warn vaccine misinformation and ongoing hesitancy could only worsen the situation.

As of July 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,309 measles cases in 40 U.S. jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

This year has seen the highest number of measles cases since 1992. By comparison, just 285 measles cases were reported in all of 2024.

Of the cases reported in 2025, 857 are in young adults and children under 20. CDC officials have attributed 88% of cases to 29 different outbreaks in the United States. So far, 164 measles cases have required hospitalization.

Current CDC estimates show that 92% of all cases are in unvaccinated people or whose vaccination status is unknown.

West Texas is considered the center of the measles outbreak, with 762 reported cases as of July 15. New Mexico had the second-highest number, with 95 cases.

Two unvaccinated children have died from measles in West Texas, while the death of an unvaccinated person was confirmed in Lea County, NM.

Amid growing concern over the U.S. outbreak, measles is spreading globally.

An analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF states that there were more than 127,000 measles cases in Europe in 2024. That’s double the number recorded in 2023 in that region, which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia. It’s also the highest number of cases recorded since 1997.

More than half of the European cases required hospitalization, and 38 deaths were reported in the region. The report noted that nearly 360,000 measles cases were reported worldwide in 2024.

The global measles spread prompted the CDC to issue an updated travel advisory for U.S. residents and healthcare professionals.

The agency emphasized the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the importance of being fully vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally.

“Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,” the CDC stated.

The CDC advised travelers to monitor themselves for three weeks after returning from travel for any symptoms of measles.

The agency added that physicians should vaccinate all individuals ages 6 months or older traveling overseas who do not have documentation of vaccination or evidence of immunity.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can turn deadly,” said Anne Liu, MD, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics, immunology, and allergy at Stanford University. “People who are unvaccinated and people who are immunocompromised should be quite concerned about the growing footprint of this outbreak.”

Vaccines prevent measles spread

Experts say the reason measles is spreading so quickly is simple: it’s one of the most contagious diseases on the planet.

“It’s unbelievably contagious. It’s the most contagious disease we’ve ever seen,” said Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

She noted that people with measles can be contagious 4 days before symptoms emerge and 7 to 10 days afterward.

William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, notes that vaccines are the only protection against measles.

“Vaccination is the way to prevent measles. There are no other ways. Although it has been in the news recently, vitamin A cannot prevent measles,” Schaffner told Healthline.

Fisher agreed. She said people who have had the disease or are fully vaccinated don’t have much to worry about.

“You’re not going to get sick and you’re not going to spread it,” she told Healthline.

On the other hand, people who are unvaccinated or whose immunity has waned over the years are at significantly higher risk.

Fisher said people in these categories should view measles much like the world viewed COVID-19 in 2020 before vaccines against that disease were available.

In fact, Fisher said if there weren’t a measles vaccine, the current outbreak would probably spread around the globe in just a few weeks.

“Vaccinations are the reason this is not spreading even more,” she said.

Fisher urged parents to ensure that children have received their recommended vaccines. She also recommended that adults who are unvaccinated or are unsure about their vaccination status get immunized.

She said the vaccines not only protect an individual but also children and adults who can’t get vaccinated due to medical treatments or compromised immune systems.

“It’s incumbent on all of us to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” Fisher said.

Schaffner agreed. “There are many children and adults living among us who are immunocompromised. If they were to contract measles, they would get very sick,” he said. “We all protect them by being vaccinated and creating a ‘cocoon’ of protection around them, making it difficult for the virus to get past us to find them.”

What else can you do to prevent measles?

Experts say there are precautions you can take in addition to vaccines to lower your risk of contracting measles.

Fisher cautioned unvaccinated people from taking planes, trains, or any other form of mass transportation. She said this group should only consider essential travel.

She added that you can also make adjustments at your job to lower the number of people you come into contact with. People who work at or visit schools or healthcare facilities should take extra precautions.

In addition, Fisher advised everyone to be cautious around anyone with a cough or other symptoms of measles.

“Be very wary of anyone with any kind of upper respiratory illness,” she said.

Even going to the grocery store might be risky for those who aren’t vaccinated.

“As this outbreak spreads, the areas of safety are going to get smaller and smaller,” Fisher said.

What to know about measles

Measles caused more than 3 million illnesses annually in the United States before the vaccine became widely available in the mid-1950s. Those cases resulted in 48,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths annually.

The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is usually given between 12 months and 15 months of age. The second dose is usually administered between 4 years and 6 years of age.

The virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with a surface that has droplets that contain the virus.

Symptoms will usually appear within 14 days. Those symptoms include:

• widespread skin rash
• high fever
• cough
• sore throat

About 30% of measles cases lead to some form of complication, the most common being ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications are rare, but they include:

• pneumonia
• encephalitis
• subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Liu said there is also a long-term consequence to measles.

“One of the lesser-known features of measles is that it can wipe out part of a person’s immune memory from prior infections, leaving them vulnerable to infections they have previously had and successfully battled,” she told Healthline.

“These are preventable illnesses,” Liu added, urging the importance of vaccination. “Many people are being hospitalized for measles because of the severity of their illness, not for quarantining purposes.”

Schaffner agreed that measles should not be taken lightly.

“The public should be aware of the current measles situation,” he said. “Stay informed and make sure that you and your family are fully vaccinated against measles. If you have friends whom you know are not vaccinating their children, urge them to speak with their doctor about their concerns. Reach out and make them feel comfortable that vaccination is best for their family and for the entire community. We’re all in this together.”

Prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet are just a few ways to help prevent colds and other illnesses.

You may not be able to avoid getting sick 100% of the time. Some risk factors are inevitable, like being present in public spaces such as your workplace or the grocery store.

But there are a few things you can do to decrease your risk and improve your overall quality of life in the process. Here are 12 tips for preventing colds and the flu.

1. Eat fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in:

• vitamins
• minerals
• antioxidants

These nutrients can help you maintain a balanced diet and support your immune system. Nutritional deficiencies can increase your risk of infection.

2. Get vitamins

Deficiencies in vitamins A and D are associated with an increased risk of infection. Some food sources of these vitamins include, but are not limited to:

If you can’t meet your daily recommended intake through your diet alone, you can also buy supplements at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Even though these supplements are available over the counter, it is important to talk with your doctor to ensure they are necessary before taking any new supplement.

3. Get enough sleep

Getting adequate sleep may help your immune system defend against infections. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can increase your risk of contracting infectious diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

One reason may be that the body releases cytokines during extended periods of sleep. Cytokines are proteins that help the body fight infection by regulating the immune system.

Improving your sleep

Check out this article on how to set up your bedroom for sleep.

4. Consume alcohol in moderation

Frequently consuming alcohol may lead to an increased susceptibility to infection.

A 2025 study found that consuming both very low and very high amounts of alcohol was associated with an increased risk of:

• acquiring infection
• ICU admission
• death from infection

However, the study found that consuming alcohol in moderation was not associated with an increased risk.

5. Manage stress

Chronic stress may decrease immune function.

While stress cannot be avoided altogether, avoiding stressors when possible and learning how to cope with stress in a healthy way when it arises can help you better manage it.

Strategies to manage stress

• meditation or yoga
• journaling
• calling a friend
• going outside
• engaging in hobbies, such as crafting

6. Drink green tea

Some of the compounds found in green tea may help protect against bacterial infections. However, more research is needed to come to a definitive conclusion.

Recipes with green tea

Check out this roundup of green tea recipes, including energy bites and smoothie bowls.

7. Get a flu vaccine

The CDC recommends that all people over six months of age get a yearly flu vaccine. This is especially true for those who are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. Getting a flu shot can decrease the risk of contracting the flu and lessen the severity of the illness if it does occur.

A good time to get the flu shot is between September to October, ideally having got your shot by the end of October.

The CDC does not recommend one type of flu shot over the other for most adults under 65 years of age.

8. Practice good hygiene

Limiting your exposure to illness by avoiding germs is key to remaining healthy. Here are some other ways to practice good hygiene:

• Shower daily.
• Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
• Wash your hands before inserting contact lenses or performing any other activity that brings you in contact with your eyes or mouth.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds and scrub under your fingernails.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand cleaner for on-the-go use. Disinfect shared surfaces, such as keyboards, telephones, doorknobs, and remote controls.

Takeaway

Staying healthy is more than just practicing a few good techniques when you don’t feel well. It involves eating fruits and vegetables, managing stress, and getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

While you cannot eliminate the risk of getting sick completely, taking these steps may help decrease it.

Olivia Munn shared that her mom, Kim Munn, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after taking the same risk assessment test. Getty Images

• Olivia Munn recently shared her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
• The actress has been open about her breast cancer journey and revealed that her mom, Kim Munn, took the same risk assessment test.
• Understanding your family history and other genetic risk factors for breast cancer could be lifesaving.

Olivia Munn has been open about her breast cancer journey since being diagnosed in 2024.

The actress and activist recently shared that her mother, Kim Munn, had also been diagnosed after taking the same risk assessment test she credits with saving her life.

The actress, 45, shared her mother’s diagnosis in an Instagram post on July 9.

“You may know that when I talk about my own battle with cancer I bring up the Lifetime Risk Assessment test that saved my life. I never would’ve predicted it would save my mom’s life as well,” Olivia Munn wrote in the caption.

Olivia Munn was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer in both breasts. Because this form of breast cancer can be aggressive, the “Your Friends and Neighbors” star underwent a double mastectomy.

She also had a hysterectomy, which removed her uterus, and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which is the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Both procedures can help prevent cancer recurrence.

Now, her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis highlights the importance of genetic risk factors in breast cancer and the importance of screening and genetic testing, particularly for the BRCA gene.

Around 5–10% of all breast cancer cases are associated with people who have a family history of the disease.

“[Genetic] tests look at the genes you were born with; therefore, one test will be truly lifelong,” said Louise Morrell, MD, medical oncologist and chief medical executive at the Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida.

Healthline recently spoke with Morrell to learn more about genetic risk factors influencing the risk for breast and other types of cancer, and the importance of genetic testing.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity.

How does family history contribute to cancer risk?

Morrell: There are very powerful genetic mutations that cause a high risk of breast cancer, known as BRCA genes. These occur in about 3-4 out of 1,000 [people] and account for only 5% of all breast cancers.

There are also less potent cancer genes that contribute to breast cancer at a much lower rate, which are found in about 10% of the breast cancer population.

Morrell: Generally, the highly potent cancer genes such as BRCA are ‘cancer syndrome’ genes and have an increased risk of multiple cancers, such as the presence of pancreas and prostate cancer, might be a clue that there is a gene that also causes breast and ovarian cancer.

What are the most common genetic mutations linked to hereditary cancer?

Morrell: BRCA and PALB2 are largely [linked to] breast and ovarian cancer. ‘Lynch genes’ are associated with colon and uterine cancer.

The good news is that one cancer panel gene test will now include all of the many cancer genes in one test.

Why are screening tests and personalized risk assessments important?

Morrell: Most cancers remain unexplained by family history, but other factors can identify individuals who will benefit from screening tests. More importantly, a negative test for a well-known gene does not rule out the contribution of familial factors.

The most common [misconception] is the belief that we will advise removal of the breasts for [the] BRCA [gene].

While some individuals choose this option, most do not, and are advised that breast cancer screening with MRI can make a difference.