Here is the AP Lifestyles Digest for the week of Nov. 17. Note AP's Holiday Gift Guide Digest moved Nov. 12 and is included at the end.

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BE WELL

Old Friends: When we lose touch with old friends, it can be hard to restart a dialogue. Some fear being received as an unwelcome burden after years have passed. But reaching out with a simple message or phone call can yield surprisingly happy connections. SENT Sunday, photos.

Olympian Swim Tips: If you're an older swimmer or one just returning to the pool after years away, few are more qualified than Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines to guide your workouts. SENT Monday, photos.

Fiber in Food: Fiber could be the next big food fad. The number of new products advertising high or added fiber saw a big uptick in the U.S. this year. There's even a term for trying to get more fiber into your diet: fibermaxxing. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos.

Obesity Treatments-Accessibility: A look at whether recent announcements about new pricing for popular obesity drugs will make it easier for patients to gain regular access to them. SENT Monday, photos.

FOOD

Thanksgiving-Polenta with Mushrooms: This simple recipe is a marriage of two even simpler foods and would be a great addition to a Thanksgiving table, a cheery little side dish, or a center of the plate offering for the vegetarians in the house. By Katie Workman. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos.

TV-Lidia Bastianich: Lidia Bastianich is highlighting community togetherness in her 14th TV special, "Lidia Celebrates America: A Nation of Neighbors," premiering Nov. 25 on PBS. She travels to wildfire-scarred neighborhoods in California, a pay-what-you-can café in Denver and a free grocery market in San Francisco, showcasing acts of kindness. With Food-Bastianich-Pumpkin Ravioli. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos.

GARDENING

Gardening-Winter Chores: Fall might seem like a time to wind down in the garden, but tackling a few tasks now can make spring much easier. By Jessica Damiano. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos.

COMMUNITY

Poll-Community Priorities: A new poll shows how different types of communities' priorities have changed over the past few years, and how optimistic people in those communities are feeling about the future. SENT Monday, graphic.

ANIMALS

Zoos-Viewing Veterinarians: At one New Jersey zoo, the latest attraction is the chance to see veterinarians at work with their wide range of animal patients. The Turtle Back Zoo is one of the relatively few U.S. zoos that routinely give the public a view of veterinary care to increase transparency. SENT Monday, photos, video.

FASHION

Met Gala Exhibit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its next spring fashion exhibit. "Costume Art" is set to launch at the Met Gala in 2026. This latest show aims to highlight the connection between fashion and art by pairing garments with art objects from across the museum. SENT Monday, photos, video.

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In case you missed it:

BE WELL: Return of Calisthenics; Climate COP30 Mental Health; Financial Wellness-Gambling; Non-Hormonal Treatments; Peptide Injections; Working Well-Side Jobs; Autoimmune Diseases-What to Know.

FOOD: Thanksgiving-Holiday Salad; Japan-Germany-Baumkuchen-Cake; Switzerland-Cheese Awards; Doritos-Cheetos-Artificial-Ingredients.

GARDENING: Making Leaf Mold.

TECH: One-Tech-Tip-Apple-ID-Passports.

HOLIDAYS: Military Base-Christmas Decorations.

HOMES: Housing Solutions-Transit.

FASHION: Palm Royale-Costumes; Michelle Obama.

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GIFT GUIDES

AP's Holiday Gift Guides for 2025 moved Nov. 12. Slugs begin YE--Holiday Gift Guide-- .

TECH: A curated medley of tech gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list. By Shawn Chen.

GAME CHANGERS: From elevated suitcases to smart pet collars, gifts marked by originality and inventiveness. By Jessica Damiano.

MUSIC: For music fans, the best presents are a bit more creative than buying the latest release of their favorite artist. By Maria Sherman.

MOVIES: Gifts for movie lovers that go well beyond Blu-Rays and cineplex gift cards. By Lindsey Bahr.

NONFICTION BOOKS: Nonfiction for all kinds of readers, including art lovers, puzzle fiends, bird enthusiasts and more. By Leanne Italie.

KIDS' BOOKS: Share the love of reading by giving standout children's books. For all age groups. By Donna Edwards.

COUNTDOWN CALENDARS: Creative advent and other countdown calendars offer way more than food. By Kim Cook.

TASTE OF HOME: Edible treasures that nod to your gift recipients' hometown, heritage or memorable experience. By Katie Workman.

The AP