Good morning. If Ted Lasso's panic attack hit too close to home, you're not alone. Here's what's actually happening in your body and what to do about it.
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TOP STORY TODAY
Medicare Changes 2026
Medicare's 2026 enrollment period starts Wednesday with significant changes (WSJ). Major insurers are eliminating plans, raising out-of-pocket costs, and reducing benefits as they aim to improve profit margins after higher-than-expected medical spending.
At least 1.2 million enrollees will lose current plans. Stand-alone drug plans drop to 360 from 464. Industry projects first enrollment decline in 15 years as insurers prioritize profitability over growth.
Seniors should carefully review plan documents and check doctor networks. The Medicare.gov plan finder tool and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs offer unbiased guidance.
POLITICS
Thune’s Defense Play
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to bring a full-year Pentagon spending bill Thursday, challenging Democrats during the shutdown fight. The Senate voted against a House-passed stopgop for the ninth time Wednesday.
The Defense bill passed committee 26-3 earlier this year. Democrats remain undecided, wanting to see what Republicans might attach. Military paychecks could be affected if the shutdown continues into month's end.
Republicans argue Democrats should support the overwhelmingly approved measure. Democrats seek guarantees about amendments and priorities. Speaker Mike Johnson won't reconvene the House until government reopens.
HISTORY
Dinosaur Trackway Found
Palaeontologists uncovered a 220-meter dinosaur trackway at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire this summer, making it one of the longest continuous trackways found worldwide. The 166-million-year-old prints were made by sauropod dinosaurs, likely Cetiosaurus (18-meter plant-eaters).
The site previously yielded 200 footprints last year and trackways in the 1990s. Researchers also found three-toed prints from Megalosaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur. The prints formed in a tropical lagoon environment resembling modern-day Bahamas.
Scientists determined the dinosaur walked at two meters per second. One print shows where it paused mid-stride. More trackways are expected as excavation continues at the quarry. Rendering and dig photos here.
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What to Do If You’re Experiencing a Panic Attack
Panic attacks—sudden episodes of fear causing racing heart, shortness of breath, and tense muscles—can strike anyone, even without pre-existing anxiety disorders. Psychiatrist Dr. Vania Manipod emphasizes sufferers can take immediate action during episodes:
Treatment techniques:
Apply the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale through nose for four seconds, hold seven seconds, exhale through mouth for eight
Challenge negative thoughts by repeating affirmations like "I've got this" and "this will pass"
Use distraction techniques: step outside for fresh air, squeeze a stress ball, focus on surroundings, or touch the ground beneath you
Prevention strategies: maintain adequate sleep and adopt stress-reducing practices like yoga or meditation
While panic attacks feel life-threatening, they cannot actually kill you, remembering this fact serves as a powerful remedy during episodes.
Late Night Second Wind Paradox
Missing your natural sleep window triggers unexpected energy as the brain switches from sleep-promoting to wake-promoting neurotransmitters. Screen light and content consumption activate cognitive processing while stress hormones disrupt sleep chemistry. Sleep specialists recommend leaving bed during these episodes to avoid negative associations, restarting relaxation routines instead, though persistent symptoms may indicate disorders requiring professional evaluation.
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