Life

Water Cooler

July 24, 2010 - 11:00 pm

Here are a few things in news, entertainment and pop culture that we've been talking about lately.

■ Las Vegas swelters during the hottest week so far this year. What's so surprising is how we're always so surprised about this every year.

■ The YMCA rebrands itself as simply "The Y." The Village People feverishly attempt to recut their most famous song, but give up after getting nowhere with NATO, NCAA, OSHA and BYOB.

■ Mel Gibson u25B6 freaks -- again. Apparently, "Mad Max" was a documentary.

■ "The Hills" airs its final episode. And, having inflicted Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt on the world, begins perpetual reruns in hell.

JOHN PRZYBYS (jprzybys@reviewjournal.com)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., speaks ...

Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans

By Mary Clare Jalonick The Associated Press

December 11, 2025 - 10:21 am

Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts.

Brendan Fraser arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Ang ...

Brendan Fraser ignores self-doubts for ‘role of a lifetime’

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

December 11, 2025 - 7:15 am

“I always have the feeling of not being good enough,” the 57-year-old Oscar winner says. “Believe me, no one can be harder on me than me.”

People who qualify for a 63-day guaranteed issue period may apply for a Medicare supplement wit ...

What is a Medicare supplement guaranteed issue plan?

By Toni King Toni Says

December 11, 2025 - 7:00 am

Medicare has special rules for employees, and their spouses, who are covered by an employer’s group health insurance plan.

Optometrists who specialize in low vision — reduced vision that can’t be rectifie ...

Savvy Senior: Tips and tools to adapt to vision loss

By Jim Miller Savvy Senior

December 11, 2025 - 6:45 am

It’s estimated that 12 million Americans 40 and older are living with uncorrectable vision loss.

Pharmacy on North Rampart Blvd. on Monday, March 22, 2021. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journ ...

Warning issued by FDA for widely used blood-pressure drug

Dana Sullivan Kilroy, AMG-TheStreet

December 10, 2025 - 5:58 pm

More than 34 million Americans take blood pressure medication every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Freestanding ER breaks ground in Henderson

By Emerson Drewes / RJ

December 11, 2025 - 6:52 pm

The facility broke ground Wednesday, and will offer full-service, 24/7 emergency medical care when it opens in late 2026, according to a news release.

Insurance subsidies likely to expire, spiking costs for thousands in Nevada

By McKenna Ross / RJ

December 9, 2025 - 11:38 am

As Congress debates whether to extend COVID-19-era subsidies to public health insurance marketplaces, advocates say time is of the essence while people are shopping around for new coverage plans during open enrollment.

Hikers on their approach to Red Cathedral via a spur trail off Golden Canyon trail. (Natalie Burt)

Exploring Death Valley’s lesser-known areas

By Natalie Burt Outdoor Adventures

December 5, 2025 - 8:00 am

Day trippers ready to move beyond Death Valley’s greatest hits should consider less popular tracts like the park’s sand dunes, badlands and Star Wars backdrops.

“Water helps improve focus because your brain can’t function properly when you&#x ...

The surprising morning drink that boosts focus better than coffee

By Beth Ann Mayer Parade

December 5, 2025 - 7:45 am

“Caffeine isn’t always the cleanest tool,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the chief medical adviser for Sleepopolis. “It can cause jitters, crashes and dependence.”

Dena Johns with her children, Tanner and Taylor. (Johns family)

Family can be strong foundation to weather any storm

By Sheldon Jacobs Mental Health Matters

December 5, 2025 - 7:30 am

A friend and colleague of mine, Dena Johns, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a mother and a wife, was recently diagnosed with cancer.