Lauren Cahn, Author at Reader's Digest

Lauren Cahn is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared regularly in The Huffington Post as well as a variety of other publications since 2008 on such topics as life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment. She is also a writer of crime fiction; her first full-length manuscript, The Trust Game, was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction.

Culture
This Is What Testosterone Has to Do with Stock Prices (Hint: A Lot)

High levels of testosterone have long been associated with dominant and aggressive behavior in men, but now it appears that high levels can cause male…
Conditions
Here’s How to Predict Whether Your Memory Loss Will Be Alzheimer’s

In our twenties, we find it hilarious when we can’t remember our neighbor’s cat’s name or that adorable actor who starred in that movie—whatever it was…
Culture
70 Words (and Phrases) You’re Probably Using All Wrong

This list of commonly misused words and phrases is cringe-worthy and hilarious. And it’s going to help you avoid making the same mistakes again.
Culture
35 Neighborhoods Across the Country That Are Famous for Spoiling Trick-Or-Treaters

If our kids love Halloween, and we love our kids, then we must love Halloween, right? Um, okay, maybe the logic is flawed, but the result is the same: Halloween ROCKS! And now it’s going to be even better because we’re taking you on a virtual tour of the country’s best neighborhoods for scoring candy and celebrating all things spooky.
Parenting
The Surprising Factor That Makes an ADHD Diagnosis More Likely

If your preschooler’s precocious, you might be tempted to sign him up for kindergarten as soon as he’s old enough, even if that means he’ll be the…
Pets
17 Hilarious Tweets Every Cat Lover Will Appreciate

Cats are elusive and mysterious… or so it seemed, until social media gave us #Caturday, which opens a window into the mysterious minds of those furtive furballs as they go about their weekend routine.
Relationships
The Best Essential Oils for a Sizzling Sex Life

Scents make sense when it comes to the boudoir—after all, science has found your nose can lead you to the right mate. It can also enhance your sex life when you add essential oils to the mix.
Culture
How to Tell If You Were Fired from Your Job Illegally

Anyone who’s been fired from a job feels, at least to some extent, that it was “wrong.” But whether it was “wrong-FUL” is the question—because that’s when you might be able to sue.
Gardening
12 Reasons Why Horticulture Jobs Can Make You Healthier and Happier

Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life, the old saying goes, and horticultural professionals couldn’t agree more. But we went a step further, talking to horticulture enthusiasts to get the dirt on all the reasons why gardening is so very groovy—and good for you.
Saving Money
If You Love Tiny Homes, Beware These 9 Hidden Costs

Love the idea of a tiny house? Here’s what you need to know about the subtle and sometimes-hidden costs in these exercises in lilliputian living.
Relationships
30 Dating Deal Breakers for Men

Dishonesty Want to know the number one trait men (and women) are looking for when they’re dating? Kindness. Want to know the number one trait they’re…
Gardening
14 Master Gardeners’ Secrets to Growing the Rose Garden of Your Dreams

Our master gardeners know exactly how to make a rose bloom, and we’ve got their best tips for ultimate rose gardens right here.
Culture
45+ Things That Were Way Harder “Back in the Day”

Remember when you had to dial into the Internet or make a mixtape? These throwback hardships will have you nodding—and laughing—along.
Conditions
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference

There is a difference between “cardiac arrest” and “heart attack,” although people often confuse the terms. The confusion may stem from the fact that…
Culture
23 Tips to Prevent Identity Theft and Other Cyber-Scams after the Big Equifax Breach

Remember when you got your first credit card? So does Equifax, which also knows your name, Social Security number, and a whole lot of other very personal stuff. We’ve outlined what you need to know and do to protect yourself and your personal information going forward.
Conditions
Science May Have Just Found a New Vaccine to Protect Against Some Dangerous Diseases

The Zika virus was already terrifying when it was known simply as a mosquito-borne illness. Now it’s been discovered to be sexually-transmittable, and…
Funny Stuff
Airline Veterans Spill Stories from Their 10 Craziest Flights Ever

Q. What do you get when you put together a CEO of an airline, an airline pilot, and a senior flight attendant? A. A lot of wacky stories about aviation,…
Conditions
Thirdhand Smoke Is Real—Here’s How It Can Damage Your Brain and Liver

If you smoke cigarettes, you’re probably aware you’re putting yourself at risk for lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease, and you may have even…
Conditions
The Scary Side Effect of Using Inhalers You Need to Know About

Using inhalers to deliver steroids (to deal with lung conditions) has long been associated with impairing the immune system’s ability to fight lung…
Culture
This Is Everything Your Social Security Number Actually Says About You

If you were born after 1935, you’ve probably had a Social Security Number (SSN) for your entire life, and you’ve probably had it memorized since the…