Ask Lucy

Illustration of two hands with cracked skin in front of a window showing a snowy winter landscape

January 10, 2019

Dear Lucy: I’ve been wondering about how our skin changes as we get older, not so much in appearance—I know that all too well—but in how well it functions. For example, I don’t remember getting cracks in the skin around my fingertips during the winter when I was in my 20s and 30s (and also living in Cambridge), but now that I’m in my mid-40s, it happens every winter. It seems that something must have changed, but what? And what else do I have to look forward to? Are there things I can do to keep my skin as healthy as possible as I get older, besides moisturizing regularly and avoiding excessive sun exposure? —Wintertime Woes

Read Lucy's Answer

December 12, 2018

IUD IAP?

Dear Lucy: I have a boyfriend (finally!), which means that I’m sexually active now. Our method of contraception (no babies plz!) has been just using a condom. However, me and my partner would like to try to have sex without it to experience a different sensation. The problem is that I don’t trust myself in taking oral contraceptives, because I fear that I will forget. I have been exploring other options, and I found the IUD and that MIT is able to give me one for free!

But I have three main concerns:

Who should I contact? Can I do this during IAP?
What type will be the best for me?
I suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome); can I still get an IUD? What are the pros and cons?

Thank you so much! —Soon-NOT-To-Be Mom

Read Lucy's Answer

Illustration of a cornucopia containing capsules and multivitamin bottles

November 28, 2018

Magic pill?

Dear Lucy: I know that food supplements can’t provide everything we need to be healthy, and I know we should eat fresh fruits and veggies. But does it help at all to take a multivitamin pill daily? I’ve heard that most of these vitamins are just giving you overdoses of things you already get in your diet, but we students don’t always eat very balanced meals. And if you do recommend daily vitamins, what brand is the best? (I’ve been using GNC.) —Too Busy To Eat

Read Lucy's Answer