You spend eight hours a day at work—at least. Here's how to make your office a healthier place to be http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 31, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Weight-Loss Solutions for the New Year
These weight loss tips can help you stick to your new year's resolutions this time around. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 31, 2015 at 01:15AM
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10 Reasons Your Belly Fat Isn't Going Away
Yes, stomach pudge may be stubborn, but here are a slew of research-proven ways to dump it for good. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 31, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1C50v1G
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Tuesday, 29 December 2015
32 Ways to Reverse Holiday Weight Gain in 1 Week
If you gained a few pounds during the holiday season, you're not alone. But the good news is that you can lose the weight quickly—in fact, it's possible to do it in just 7 days. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 30, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 23 December 2015
13 Weight Loss Resolutions You Shouldn't Make
Swap sure-to-fail New Year's resolutions with goals you'll actually stick to. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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12 Ways to Have Your Happiest and Fittest Year Ever
New year, new chance to live well. Experts share simple ways to enjoy your happiest, fittest, and most prosperous year yet. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 24, 2015 at 01:15AM
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28 New Year's Resolutions to Look and Feel Better
Simple goals to eat healthy foods, make time for workouts, and feel healthier than you did the year before. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 24, 2015 at 01:15AM
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21 New Year's Resolutions You'll Actually Keep
Science is shedding new light on how to turn a goal into action—and then lasting success. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 24, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Where to Buy All the Products in the January/February 2016 Issue of Health
The January/February 2016 issue of Health features the perfect skin cream, the coolest smart watches for fitness, hot new workout clothes, and a series of products that will help you get the best night of sleep of your life.
Discover where to buy all of them with this guide.
Page 22: Dry Shampoo 2.0
Page 22: How to Pack the Perfect Travel Makeup Bag
Page 22: Renew Your Glow
Page 29: Your Skin vs. Winter
Page 39: Show Your Strands Some Love
Page 55: The Upper Body Fat Blast
Page 60: Watch Out
Page 62: Ready, Set, Buff (Coming soon)
Page 73: Your Body on the Clock
Page 81: Your Best Sleep Starts Here
Page 109: Strong and Lean in 2016
Page 120: Shake Up Your Makeup (Coming soon)
Page 144: Beauty Uses for Coffee (Coming soon) http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1JsZ9w8
Discover where to buy all of them with this guide.
Page 22: Dry Shampoo 2.0
Page 22: How to Pack the Perfect Travel Makeup Bag
Page 22: Renew Your Glow
Page 29: Your Skin vs. Winter
Page 39: Show Your Strands Some Love
Page 55: The Upper Body Fat Blast
Page 60: Watch Out
Page 62: Ready, Set, Buff (Coming soon)
Page 73: Your Body on the Clock
Page 81: Your Best Sleep Starts Here
Page 109: Strong and Lean in 2016
Page 120: Shake Up Your Makeup (Coming soon)
Page 144: Beauty Uses for Coffee (Coming soon) http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1JsZ9w8
30 Easy Tips to Get Slimmer in 30 Days
Follow this monthlong plan and say hello to a thinner, healthier you. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
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5 Moves for Stronger Arms
Looking to tone your arms but don't want to add bulk? In this video, Cassey Ho demonstrates how to do 5 exercises to strengthen up your arms, blast fat, and get toned. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Monday, 21 December 2015
Cassey Ho Tells You How to Get Strong and Lean in 2016
Cassey Ho strolls onto the set of her Health cover shoot sporting short-shorts and a cropped T, looking every bit the California girl. "Hello!" she says, flashing a smile. Immediately you want to be her best friend. She's just so darn relatable—which is probably one of the reasons why the POP Pilates creator has more than 2.6 million subscribers to her Blogilates YouTube channel. Her fans even include such famous fitness fanatics as Lolo Jones and Taylor Swift.
But it wasn't easy getting here. At an early age, Cassey struggled with her father's expectations (more on that later). Today, the 28-year-old is a power brand, helping women reach their fitness goals while spreading a body-positive message. Her workouts—fun mat Pilates choreographed to Top 40 music—are taught offline, too, in 24 Hour Fitness gyms.
Here, Cassey shares how she has stayed strong all these years. Better yet, she worked with us to create the 30-Day Total Body Challenge. Sign up for exclusive fitness videos and tips that will help you get a killer body and have fun doing it.
What is the first piece of get-healthy advice you would give us?
Find a workout you love. A lot of times people are like, "CrossFit is in, so I am going to do CrossFit," but it's not right for everyone. Neither is yoga or Pilates. When you wake up and you cannot wait to get going, that is the workout for you. You'll stick to it, it won't feel like a chore, and then everything else will fall into place. You'll start losing weight and you'll feel less stressed—less stress will mean less cortisol, and you know, for women, stress leads you to hold extra fat in your lower belly.
RELATED: Why You're Not Losing Belly Fat
You make it sound so easy.
You just have to get on track. You don't have to feel good while you are doing it. Once you get through a workout, you should feel exhausted, but also strong. Build on that the next day!
What do you love most about exercise?
Working out makes me feel so victorious and like I can do anything. I love that it's not dependent on anything but you and how far you want to go.
You've built a pretty impressive brand. What's your secret?
I always tell people to just get started. That's what I did. I was working a job in a toxic environment and I wasn't happy, so I quit. The only plan I had was to believe in myself. A lot of people stay stuck, but you are the CEO of your own life, and you can make it what you want it to be. Seriously, just get your message out there. Everyone has a smartphone, and there are so many avenues—Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube.
What mind-set will help us succeed with our New Year's goals?
Even though you are on a weight-loss journey, you have to realize that you may not be happy when you get there, so you need to love your body and every step along the way. This is not about vanity; it's about finding the joy in working out and making it your lifestyle.
Did you always know you wanted a career in fitness?
My dad wanted me to be a doctor, but I had no passion for that. I wanted a different career, but he told me that I would fail. I was 16! He said I was dishonoring the family. We stopped talking for a few years. It was crazy stuff that could break a person, and it almost broke me. But I knew that I had to live for myself. Now my dad brags about me, and both my parents are very happy for me.
Do you ever feel pressure to stay camera-ready?
Absolutely. I feel the pressure to look a certain way every single day. And I get it—I am a fitness instructor. But there are some people who think that because I don't have six-pack abs, I am not a great instructor. That has nothing to do with my 10 years of experience of teaching. It has nothing to do with all of the lives I've changed.
RELATED: 10 Simple Tricks to Lose Weight Fast
What do you love most about your body?
My legs—they are very strong. I can leg-press 270 pounds! Also, I love where my legs take me, metaphorically and realistically.
What gives you the most confidence?
Being sure of myself and continually working toward getting better and stronger—that makes me feel beautiful from the inside out.
With social media, is it hard not to compare yourself with others?
You should only compare yourself with who you were yesterday and try to be stronger than that. If you are trying to be someone else, you have already lost yourself. Plus, on Instagram, people post the perfect portfolio of their life; it's not real. I don't post myself crying or stuffing my face with burritos.
What are you eating when we aren't looking? What's your cheat meal?
Instead of "cheat," which has a negative connotation, I say "YOLO."
As in you only live once?
Yes! I recommend one YOLO meal a week. Sometimes you just need to feed your soul! So there is this one place, and it has these fried French toast sticks with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and strawberry. But to be honest, as much as I love YOLO meals, I go into a food coma and just get sleepy because of all the sugar. I've found that the more you eat clean, the more your body wants to stay on that path.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing all motivation. I really believe that is the beginning point of everything; that is the thing that makes you get up in the morning. Once you lose it, you lose confidence. You kind of lose everything.
Take the 30-Day Total Body Challenge!
Cassey's Food Diary
Breakfast
"I love Paleo banana pancakes. All you need is two eggs and one ripe banana; mash them together until they form a batter, and then pour it into a skillet. And it's already sweet, so you don't need the syrup."
Lunch
"Some type of salad, such as spinach with salmon, cranberries, nuts and raw onions with a little raspberry vinaigrette, or a chicken fiesta salad with corn, salsa, avocado and baby greens."
Afternoon pick-me-up
"A power smoothie is the best thing ever. I use orange juice, almond milk, strawberries and bananas. You can add spinach, too. It's also a great way to refuel post-workout."
Dinner
"Brussels sprouts and salmon. Or I buy rice paper and fill the sheets with boiled chicken and lettuce, and then roll, roll, roll. I'll dip them in a homemade sauce made with hoisin, sriracha and tons of lemon juice. It is such a great healthy, make-it-at-the-table meal."
Cassey is wearing:
TK CREDITS
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1mxggYZ
But it wasn't easy getting here. At an early age, Cassey struggled with her father's expectations (more on that later). Today, the 28-year-old is a power brand, helping women reach their fitness goals while spreading a body-positive message. Her workouts—fun mat Pilates choreographed to Top 40 music—are taught offline, too, in 24 Hour Fitness gyms.
Here, Cassey shares how she has stayed strong all these years. Better yet, she worked with us to create the 30-Day Total Body Challenge. Sign up for exclusive fitness videos and tips that will help you get a killer body and have fun doing it.
What is the first piece of get-healthy advice you would give us?
Find a workout you love. A lot of times people are like, "CrossFit is in, so I am going to do CrossFit," but it's not right for everyone. Neither is yoga or Pilates. When you wake up and you cannot wait to get going, that is the workout for you. You'll stick to it, it won't feel like a chore, and then everything else will fall into place. You'll start losing weight and you'll feel less stressed—less stress will mean less cortisol, and you know, for women, stress leads you to hold extra fat in your lower belly.
RELATED: Why You're Not Losing Belly Fat
You make it sound so easy.
You just have to get on track. You don't have to feel good while you are doing it. Once you get through a workout, you should feel exhausted, but also strong. Build on that the next day!
What do you love most about exercise?
Working out makes me feel so victorious and like I can do anything. I love that it's not dependent on anything but you and how far you want to go.
You've built a pretty impressive brand. What's your secret?
I always tell people to just get started. That's what I did. I was working a job in a toxic environment and I wasn't happy, so I quit. The only plan I had was to believe in myself. A lot of people stay stuck, but you are the CEO of your own life, and you can make it what you want it to be. Seriously, just get your message out there. Everyone has a smartphone, and there are so many avenues—Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube.
What mind-set will help us succeed with our New Year's goals?
Even though you are on a weight-loss journey, you have to realize that you may not be happy when you get there, so you need to love your body and every step along the way. This is not about vanity; it's about finding the joy in working out and making it your lifestyle.
Did you always know you wanted a career in fitness?
My dad wanted me to be a doctor, but I had no passion for that. I wanted a different career, but he told me that I would fail. I was 16! He said I was dishonoring the family. We stopped talking for a few years. It was crazy stuff that could break a person, and it almost broke me. But I knew that I had to live for myself. Now my dad brags about me, and both my parents are very happy for me.
Do you ever feel pressure to stay camera-ready?
Absolutely. I feel the pressure to look a certain way every single day. And I get it—I am a fitness instructor. But there are some people who think that because I don't have six-pack abs, I am not a great instructor. That has nothing to do with my 10 years of experience of teaching. It has nothing to do with all of the lives I've changed.
RELATED: 10 Simple Tricks to Lose Weight Fast
What do you love most about your body?
My legs—they are very strong. I can leg-press 270 pounds! Also, I love where my legs take me, metaphorically and realistically.
What gives you the most confidence?
Being sure of myself and continually working toward getting better and stronger—that makes me feel beautiful from the inside out.
With social media, is it hard not to compare yourself with others?
You should only compare yourself with who you were yesterday and try to be stronger than that. If you are trying to be someone else, you have already lost yourself. Plus, on Instagram, people post the perfect portfolio of their life; it's not real. I don't post myself crying or stuffing my face with burritos.
What are you eating when we aren't looking? What's your cheat meal?
Instead of "cheat," which has a negative connotation, I say "YOLO."
As in you only live once?
Yes! I recommend one YOLO meal a week. Sometimes you just need to feed your soul! So there is this one place, and it has these fried French toast sticks with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and strawberry. But to be honest, as much as I love YOLO meals, I go into a food coma and just get sleepy because of all the sugar. I've found that the more you eat clean, the more your body wants to stay on that path.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing all motivation. I really believe that is the beginning point of everything; that is the thing that makes you get up in the morning. Once you lose it, you lose confidence. You kind of lose everything.
Take the 30-Day Total Body Challenge!
Cassey's Food Diary
Breakfast
"I love Paleo banana pancakes. All you need is two eggs and one ripe banana; mash them together until they form a batter, and then pour it into a skillet. And it's already sweet, so you don't need the syrup."
Lunch
"Some type of salad, such as spinach with salmon, cranberries, nuts and raw onions with a little raspberry vinaigrette, or a chicken fiesta salad with corn, salsa, avocado and baby greens."
Afternoon pick-me-up
"A power smoothie is the best thing ever. I use orange juice, almond milk, strawberries and bananas. You can add spinach, too. It's also a great way to refuel post-workout."
Dinner
"Brussels sprouts and salmon. Or I buy rice paper and fill the sheets with boiled chicken and lettuce, and then roll, roll, roll. I'll dip them in a homemade sauce made with hoisin, sriracha and tons of lemon juice. It is such a great healthy, make-it-at-the-table meal."
Cassey is wearing:
TK CREDITS
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 23, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1mxggYZ
Take the 30-Day Total Body Challenge
Follow along with the 30-Day Total Body Challenge from Cassey Ho of Blogilates. Cassey will set you up with the best exercises to tone and strengthen your arms, thighs, butt and core, plus she'll give great tips for getting through cardio and rest days. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1PgVciJ
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1PgVciJ
Rest-Day Tips from Cassey Ho
You've worked hard and you deserve a rest. In this video, Cassey Ho gives tips for what to do on your rest day, how to make the most of it, and why it's an important part of your workout routine. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1IkZnux
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1IkZnux
Cassey Ho’s 7-Move Total Body Workout
Want to work out your entire body in just a few moves? Cassey Ho, founder of POP Pilates and Blogilates, demonstrates how to get a toned body in just 7, fat-blasting moves. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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5 Ab Exercises That Blast Belly Fat
Having an excess of belly fat can cause serious health problems—from heart disease to type 2 diabetes. In this video, Cassey Ho demonstrates how to do 5 different ab exercises to whittle away belly fat. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1IkZpCF
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1IkZpCF
5 Booty-Burning Moves for a Better Butt
Your glutes are some of the strongest muscles in your body, so you need to make sure your butt stays in shape. Watch this video for 5 awesome butt workouts from Cassey Ho of Blogilates. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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5 Exercises for Tighter, Leaner Thighs
Blast cellulite on your thighs and get lean legs with these 5 exercises from Cassey Ho. Watch this video to see the best way to slim down your thighs for leaner legs. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1IkZpCB
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Cardio-Day Tips from Cassey Ho
Youve reached cardio day! Its time to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. In this video, Cassey Ho gives a few tips for getting through cardio day and having a successful workout. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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8 Smartwatches That Will Take Your Workouts to the Next Level
Exercisers, rejoice! These time tellers up your game and look great, too. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1UY67jB
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4 Steps to Slim, Sculpted Arms
Tracy's secret to trim, toned arms? Hint: It's part strength, part cardio. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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6 Products for Strong, Shiny Hair
Bring on brilliance with these salon-level brushes, serums, and more. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1O4jCNw
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Experts Answer Your Top 8 Questions About Caring for Dry Winter Skin
My face is so flaky. What should I do?
Blowing your nose a hundred times. Battling arctic winds. Winter conditions can irritate your skin big time and cause flakiness. "We call it 'irritant contact dermatitis,' and anything that aggravates skin can bring it on," says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. The obvious—but key—solution is to moisturize: Use a rich cream that contains a humectant like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. For scaly patches, try a balm with emollient shea butter or argan oil, like Cosmedix Rescue + Intense Hydrating Balm & Mask ($59; amazon.com).
RELATED: 8 Steps to Healthy Skin at Every Age
What's with the bright red blotches on my face and neck?
Those spots are a sign that you're sensitive to cold. You could have rosacea—a flushing skin condition—but the capillaries in your skin may just dilate when exposed to triggers like dry heat or temperatures. Try taking cooler showers and using fragrance-free products, says Dr. Gohara. Thermal mists that contain the inflammation-busting mineral selenium can help when used on affected areas, as can a cold compress on the back of your neck.
What are those tiny red lines around my nose?
The technical term: telangiectasias. But we know them as dilated capillaries (some people say they're "broken" capillaries, but they're not). Exposure to cold, biting winds makes the vessels under the skin expand and become visible. You may see them on your cheeks and chin, too. The hard truth is that they won't totally go away without a laser treatment (you'll need three to six sessions, each $300 and up). The treatment heats the capillaries to permanently close them. To ease inflammation without a trip to the derm, use products with soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and white tea. We like L'Occitane Shea Butter Smoothing Fluid ($49; usa.loccitane.com).
RELATED: 20 Habits That Make You Miserable Every Winter
I have little red bumps on my upper arms that get worse in winter. Help!
The delightful chicken skin! Those raised spots develop when dead cells build up within the hair follicles, forming hard little plugs, explains Dr. Gohara. You can't get rid of them, but you can improve their appearance: Start with soap-free wash in the shower, then apply a body lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to gently smooth the skin's texture. Our pick: AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion ($21; amazon.com).
What are those tiny white dots under my eyes?
Those little lumps are not acne (so stop trying to squeeze them!). In fact, they're likely miniature cysts, called milia, which are often caused by heavy creams or other occlusive products used under the eyes, says Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Solution: Dab a gentle chemical exfoliator over the area (avoiding eyes); it will help shed skin, which may coax out the cysts. Try Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($28; amazon.com).
RELATED: What Your Looks Say About Your Health
My scalp is flaky. Do I have dandruff?
It sounds that way. Dry scalp alone may feel tight or itchy, but actual flakes signal dandruff. The likely culprit: "an overgrowth of yeast on the skin," says Dr. Gohara. The easiest remedy is to switch to an over-the-counter shampoo with exfoliating coal tar or salicylic acid, says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, N.J. Try Glytone Kertyol P.S.O. Shampoo ($29; amazon.com), which contains salicylic acid and sulfur. If dandruff doesn't improve after about four weeks, move on to a prescription shampoo.
My legs are crazy itchy. What's the deal?
The itch may be abnormally intense, but the culprit is pretty ordinary: dry skin. "When the air is dry, your skin doesn't retain moisture as usual," notes Dr. Downie, and you may see a "cracked, riverbed appearance." To quell the itch, switch to a soap-free body wash (it won't strip skin's natural moisture) and apply a cream with repairing ceramides to damp skin post-shower. Also smart: Shave in the shower after slathering on a moisturizing cream, such as Whish Blue Agave Shave Cream ($26; birchbox.com), to slough off dead skin cells, which can prevent moisture from getting in.
Ouch! My heels are cracked. What do I do?
Keep feet hydrated: "Petroleum jelly is your best fix," says Dr. Downie, as it locks in moisture. Try Vaseline Deep Moisture Jelly Cream ($7; amazon.com). To get rid of cracks, use a pumice or foot file, such as the Amope Pedi Perfect Foot File with Diamond Crystals ($37; walmart.com), on dry skin several times a week. Dry heels, healed!
RELATED: 29 Expert Beauty Tips Every Woman Should Know
Surprising Skin Enemies
The same things that keep you warm and cozy this season could also turn your skin red and itchy.
Wool clothing: Even if you aren't allergic to wool, you may still be hypersensitive to the fiber. Wear a layer underneath to shield your skin, or upgrade to cashmere in the name of health.
Space heaters: These devices can bring on a condition called erythema ab igne, spots of redness caused by exposure to radiant heat. Keep a generous distance between yourself and your heater.
Happy hour: It's the time of year to sip hot toddies, but doing so can bring on flushing and redness—and, over time, dry skin, since alcohol dehydrates you. Drink in moderation and have a glass of water between rounds.Boost your defenses
For skin that's immune to the effects of icy temps, consider applying bacteria—the good kind. "Probiotics strengthen the skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture," says Health Contributing Medical Editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD. They've also been shown to calm inflammation and reduce redness. Find them in her skin-care line Tula. Tule Hydrating Day & Night Cream ($52; qvc.com).
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1NHLnYn
Blowing your nose a hundred times. Battling arctic winds. Winter conditions can irritate your skin big time and cause flakiness. "We call it 'irritant contact dermatitis,' and anything that aggravates skin can bring it on," says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. The obvious—but key—solution is to moisturize: Use a rich cream that contains a humectant like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. For scaly patches, try a balm with emollient shea butter or argan oil, like Cosmedix Rescue + Intense Hydrating Balm & Mask ($59; amazon.com).
RELATED: 8 Steps to Healthy Skin at Every Age
What's with the bright red blotches on my face and neck?
Those spots are a sign that you're sensitive to cold. You could have rosacea—a flushing skin condition—but the capillaries in your skin may just dilate when exposed to triggers like dry heat or temperatures. Try taking cooler showers and using fragrance-free products, says Dr. Gohara. Thermal mists that contain the inflammation-busting mineral selenium can help when used on affected areas, as can a cold compress on the back of your neck.
What are those tiny red lines around my nose?
The technical term: telangiectasias. But we know them as dilated capillaries (some people say they're "broken" capillaries, but they're not). Exposure to cold, biting winds makes the vessels under the skin expand and become visible. You may see them on your cheeks and chin, too. The hard truth is that they won't totally go away without a laser treatment (you'll need three to six sessions, each $300 and up). The treatment heats the capillaries to permanently close them. To ease inflammation without a trip to the derm, use products with soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and white tea. We like L'Occitane Shea Butter Smoothing Fluid ($49; usa.loccitane.com).
RELATED: 20 Habits That Make You Miserable Every Winter
I have little red bumps on my upper arms that get worse in winter. Help!
The delightful chicken skin! Those raised spots develop when dead cells build up within the hair follicles, forming hard little plugs, explains Dr. Gohara. You can't get rid of them, but you can improve their appearance: Start with soap-free wash in the shower, then apply a body lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to gently smooth the skin's texture. Our pick: AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion ($21; amazon.com).
What are those tiny white dots under my eyes?
Those little lumps are not acne (so stop trying to squeeze them!). In fact, they're likely miniature cysts, called milia, which are often caused by heavy creams or other occlusive products used under the eyes, says Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Solution: Dab a gentle chemical exfoliator over the area (avoiding eyes); it will help shed skin, which may coax out the cysts. Try Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($28; amazon.com).
RELATED: What Your Looks Say About Your Health
My scalp is flaky. Do I have dandruff?
It sounds that way. Dry scalp alone may feel tight or itchy, but actual flakes signal dandruff. The likely culprit: "an overgrowth of yeast on the skin," says Dr. Gohara. The easiest remedy is to switch to an over-the-counter shampoo with exfoliating coal tar or salicylic acid, says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, N.J. Try Glytone Kertyol P.S.O. Shampoo ($29; amazon.com), which contains salicylic acid and sulfur. If dandruff doesn't improve after about four weeks, move on to a prescription shampoo.
My legs are crazy itchy. What's the deal?
The itch may be abnormally intense, but the culprit is pretty ordinary: dry skin. "When the air is dry, your skin doesn't retain moisture as usual," notes Dr. Downie, and you may see a "cracked, riverbed appearance." To quell the itch, switch to a soap-free body wash (it won't strip skin's natural moisture) and apply a cream with repairing ceramides to damp skin post-shower. Also smart: Shave in the shower after slathering on a moisturizing cream, such as Whish Blue Agave Shave Cream ($26; birchbox.com), to slough off dead skin cells, which can prevent moisture from getting in.
Ouch! My heels are cracked. What do I do?
Keep feet hydrated: "Petroleum jelly is your best fix," says Dr. Downie, as it locks in moisture. Try Vaseline Deep Moisture Jelly Cream ($7; amazon.com). To get rid of cracks, use a pumice or foot file, such as the Amope Pedi Perfect Foot File with Diamond Crystals ($37; walmart.com), on dry skin several times a week. Dry heels, healed!
RELATED: 29 Expert Beauty Tips Every Woman Should Know
Surprising Skin Enemies
The same things that keep you warm and cozy this season could also turn your skin red and itchy.
Wool clothing: Even if you aren't allergic to wool, you may still be hypersensitive to the fiber. Wear a layer underneath to shield your skin, or upgrade to cashmere in the name of health.
Space heaters: These devices can bring on a condition called erythema ab igne, spots of redness caused by exposure to radiant heat. Keep a generous distance between yourself and your heater.
Happy hour: It's the time of year to sip hot toddies, but doing so can bring on flushing and redness—and, over time, dry skin, since alcohol dehydrates you. Drink in moderation and have a glass of water between rounds.Boost your defenses
For skin that's immune to the effects of icy temps, consider applying bacteria—the good kind. "Probiotics strengthen the skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture," says Health Contributing Medical Editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD. They've also been shown to calm inflammation and reduce redness. Find them in her skin-care line Tula. Tule Hydrating Day & Night Cream ($52; qvc.com).
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21 Products for the Best Sleep of Your Life
From the softest organic pillowcases to the sleekest high-tech tools, these must-haves will help you catch the most restorative z’s ever. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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6 Habits All Healthy Women Share
While we love a lively debate about the latest in dietary science or the hot new workout craze, the truth is that great health isn't so complicated. It all comes down to a few simple rules. Besides exercising, eating fruits and veggies and never smoking (you already knew that, right?), here's what the healthiest women do every day.
RELATED: 21 Reasons You'll Live Longer Than Your Friends
They put themselves first
"Many women don't approach their own needs thoughtfully," says David Katz, MD, president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of Disease Proof. "They just give themselves whatever is left over"—like eating scraps off your kid's plate rather than making your own dinner, or sacrificing sleep to squeeze in an extra work report. But time for yourself should be the last thing to come off your schedule.
They're not afraid of fat
We now know that the type of fat you consume is more important than the amount. For one, low-fat diets don't seem to be any more effective than higher-fat diets at helping people lose weight. And when it comes to heart health, replacing saturated fats with refined carbs doesn't do you any favors—but replacing them with unsaturated fats can reduce heart disease risk by up to 25 percent, says a recent study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Aim to get most of your fat from foods rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats (such as avocados, nuts, seeds and fatty fish), says Marjorie Nolan Cohn, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
RELATED: Best Superfoods for Weight Loss
They don't drink their calories
Other than water, the only drinks worth a pour are coffee (mind the cream and sugar) and tea, along with the occasional alcoholic drink (no more than one per day), if you so desire. Even juices should be seen as a treat. That's because juicing removes most of the fruit's healthy fiber while preserving the sugar.
They use a shot of sunscreen
As in 1 ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, spread out over every exposed inch of the body. Don't forget places like your ears (the third most common spot for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer), neck, the back of your hands and—during sandal season—your toes, plus SPF lip balm.
RELATED: 22 Strange Ways the Sun May Affect Your Body
They don't fight stress with screens
By the end of a long, harried day, the path of least resistance is often paved with wine, Häagen-Dazs and endless mind-dulling games of Candy Crush. But these types of activities offer only instant gratification—a little hit of dopamine in the brain's reward center. "Do something instead that fosters a genuine positive emotion; that's what induces feelings of calm and safety and puts the brakes on your body's stress response," says sociologist Christine Carter, PhD, senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and author of The Sweet Spot. One of the best ways to tap into good vibes: Connect with others in person, not just via Instagram and Facebook likes.
They're strict about bedtime
Mix up your meals, your workouts, your social life—but be consistent about when you hit the sack. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is essential to making sure you get enough shut-eye—a lack of which can, over time, increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, diabetes and more. Plus, it's hard to feel productive or fend off stress and mood swings when you're yawning through the day. If you struggle with sleep, check out our great-sleep guide. And set up a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down. That includes turning off all electronic devices, notes Carter. Your Pinterest boards will be there in the morning.
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RELATED: 21 Reasons You'll Live Longer Than Your Friends
They put themselves first
"Many women don't approach their own needs thoughtfully," says David Katz, MD, president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of Disease Proof. "They just give themselves whatever is left over"—like eating scraps off your kid's plate rather than making your own dinner, or sacrificing sleep to squeeze in an extra work report. But time for yourself should be the last thing to come off your schedule.
They're not afraid of fat
We now know that the type of fat you consume is more important than the amount. For one, low-fat diets don't seem to be any more effective than higher-fat diets at helping people lose weight. And when it comes to heart health, replacing saturated fats with refined carbs doesn't do you any favors—but replacing them with unsaturated fats can reduce heart disease risk by up to 25 percent, says a recent study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Aim to get most of your fat from foods rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats (such as avocados, nuts, seeds and fatty fish), says Marjorie Nolan Cohn, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
RELATED: Best Superfoods for Weight Loss
They don't drink their calories
Other than water, the only drinks worth a pour are coffee (mind the cream and sugar) and tea, along with the occasional alcoholic drink (no more than one per day), if you so desire. Even juices should be seen as a treat. That's because juicing removes most of the fruit's healthy fiber while preserving the sugar.
They use a shot of sunscreen
As in 1 ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, spread out over every exposed inch of the body. Don't forget places like your ears (the third most common spot for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer), neck, the back of your hands and—during sandal season—your toes, plus SPF lip balm.
RELATED: 22 Strange Ways the Sun May Affect Your Body
They don't fight stress with screens
By the end of a long, harried day, the path of least resistance is often paved with wine, Häagen-Dazs and endless mind-dulling games of Candy Crush. But these types of activities offer only instant gratification—a little hit of dopamine in the brain's reward center. "Do something instead that fosters a genuine positive emotion; that's what induces feelings of calm and safety and puts the brakes on your body's stress response," says sociologist Christine Carter, PhD, senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and author of The Sweet Spot. One of the best ways to tap into good vibes: Connect with others in person, not just via Instagram and Facebook likes.
They're strict about bedtime
Mix up your meals, your workouts, your social life—but be consistent about when you hit the sack. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is essential to making sure you get enough shut-eye—a lack of which can, over time, increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, diabetes and more. Plus, it's hard to feel productive or fend off stress and mood swings when you're yawning through the day. If you struggle with sleep, check out our great-sleep guide. And set up a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down. That includes turning off all electronic devices, notes Carter. Your Pinterest boards will be there in the morning.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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6 Winter Salad Recipes as Satisfying as Comfort Food
Who doesn't love greens year-round? Try one of these extra-delicious meals in a bowl. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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December 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
Thursday, 17 December 2015
10 Natural Ways to Beat Heartburn
Heartburn can be such a pain, especially when it interferes with your everyday life. Luckily, there are some natural ways that you can fight heartburn, like eating smaller meals. Watch this video for more tips and tricks. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 18, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 16 December 2015
7 White Noise Machines For a Good Night's Sleep
For natural noise: Marpac Dohm DS While many sound machines play audio tracks on a loop, this one generates white noise mechanically with a built-in fan. The result: A natural and consistent whir. By twisting the top of the machine, you can open or close air passages until you discover the tone and volume most pleasing to your ears. Don't expect any fancy features, like an alarm clock or auto-off timer. There is only one button on this machine (the one/off switch). But the Dohm creates such realistic and calming white noise its been dubbed the official sound conditioner of the National Sleep Foundation.($60; amazon.com) For high-quality sound: Marsona DS-600A There's a reason that Marpac, the company behind this device (as well as the Dohm), has been in the sound machine business since 1962. The Marsona isn't much to look at, and doesn't offer any special features aside from a 60-minute timer. But it's really designed to do just one thing well: help you unwind to any of six popular soundscapes—crashing surf, a babbling brook, waves lapping against a lakeshore, distant thunder, a chorus of crickets and spring peepers, and of course, white sound.($100; amazon.com) For dynamic sound: LectroFan What makes this minimalist machine stand out is software that dynamically generates sound. Translation: No predictable looping clips! Before you go to bed, you choose one of two options—white noise or fan—and select from 10 variations in pitch and volume. For those who only have trouble falling asleep, the LectroFan provides a one-hour timer. But if you need continuous sound to stay asleep, you can run the efficient device all night long for far less energy than it takes to power an actual fan.($55; amazon.com) For super-clever tech: Ecotones Sound + Sleep Machine The priciest of our picks, the Sound + Sleep offers a good deal of versatility. It can actually detect other noises in your environment (say, the neighbor's howling dog, or a snorer down the hall) and adjust to mask them. The gadget also has a unique "richness" feature, which allows you to add more detail to each of the 10 soundscapes (which include various nature settings, as well as options like "fireplace," "trains," and "city"). So for example, if you choose "ocean," you'll hear breaking waves. Touch the richness button to add in birds and seals. Touch it again and you'll hear bells and foghorns. Other nifty extras: A headphone jack (in case your bedmate prefers to snooze in silence) and four auto-off timer choices (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes).($150; amazon.com) For all-night therapy: Homedics HDS-2000 Deep Sleep II You may like zoning out to the sounds of a rainstorm—but in the wee hours, a clap of thunder may be enough to rouse you from slumber. The brilliance of this machine is that you can set it to gently transition from one of the eight water or nature settings (think "brook," "ocean," "summer night") to the steady hush of white noise after you've fallen asleep. Another bonus is the "tone" button: Turn it up for a higher pitch, or down to add bass, until you find your personal sweet spot (which the machine will remember the next time you turn it on). Want to tweak the volume, or kill the "wind chimes" and switch to "campfire"? Use the handy remote control and you don't have to leave your bed.($90; amazon.com) For portability: Homedics SoundSpa SS-2200 If you need a machine you can take on the road, this one's light (1 pound), compact (6 x 6.5 x 2 inches), and may be just what you need to relax in a strange bed. It can run on four AA batteries when, say, you're traveling abroad and short an adapter, or you've pitched your tent next to a rowdy group of Boy Scouts. Pick from six sound options: thunder, rain, ocean, summer night, brook, and your standard white noise. Plus you get an auto-off timer that you can set for as long as an hour.($36; amazon.com) For the most bang for your buck: Conair Sound Therapy Not sold on noise machines just yet? You might want to try experimenting with this no-frills device before your spring for a more sophisticated system. For its budget-friendly price, the Conair plays an impressive 10 sound channels, including some more unusual settings like "tropical forest," "waterfall," and "heartbeat." The machine should drown out ambient noise that might be keeping you up. But if you find yourself wanting more features or better sound, you can always upgrade to a higher-end system.($23; amazon.com) http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 17, 2015 at 01:15AM
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7 White Noise Machines For a Good Night's Sleep
For natural noise: Marpac Dohm DS While many sound machines play audio tracks on a loop, this one generates white noise mechanically with a built-in fan. The result: A natural and consistent whir. By twisting the top of the machine, you can open or close air passages until you discover the tone and volume most pleasing to your ears. Don't expect any fancy features, like an alarm clock or auto-off timer. There is only one button on this machine (the one/off switch). But the Dohm creates such realistic and calming white noise its been dubbed the official sound conditioner of the National Sleep Foundation.($60; amazon.com) For high-quality sound: Marsona DS-600A There's a reason that Marpac, the company behind this device (as well as the Dohm), has been in the sound machine business since 1962. The Marsona isn't much to look at, and doesn't offer any special features aside from a 60-minute timer. But it's really designed to do just one thing well: help you unwind to any of six popular soundscapes—crashing surf, a babbling brook, waves lapping against a lakeshore, distant thunder, a chorus of crickets and spring peepers, and of course, white sound.($100; amazon.com) For dynamic sound: LectroFan What makes this minimalist machine stand out is software that dynamically generates sound. Translation: No predictable looping clips! Before you go to bed, you choose one of two options—white noise or fan—and select from 10 variations in pitch and volume. For those who only have trouble falling asleep, the LectroFan provides a one-hour timer. But if you need continuous sound to stay asleep, you can run the efficient device all night long for far less energy than it takes to power an actual fan.($55; amazon.com) For super-clever tech: Ecotones Sound + Sleep Machine The priciest of our picks, the Sound + Sleep offers a good deal of versatility. It can actually detect other noises in your environment (say, the neighbor's howling dog, or a snorer down the hall) and adjust to mask them. The gadget also has a unique "richness" feature, which allows you to add more detail to each of the 10 soundscapes (which include various nature settings, as well as options like "fireplace," "trains," and "city"). So for example, if you choose "ocean," you'll hear breaking waves. Touch the richness button to add in birds and seals. Touch it again and you'll hear bells and foghorns. Other nifty extras: A headphone jack (in case your bedmate prefers to snooze in silence) and four auto-off timer choices (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes).($150; amazon.com) For all-night therapy: Homedics HDS-2000 Deep Sleep II You may like zoning out to the sounds of a rainstorm—but in the wee hours, a clap of thunder may be enough to rouse you from slumber. The brilliance of this machine is that you can set it to gently transition from one of the eight water or nature settings (think "brook," "ocean," "summer night") to the steady hush of white noise after you've fallen asleep. Another bonus is the "tone" button: Turn it up for a higher pitch, or down to add bass, until you find your personal sweet spot (which the machine will remember the next time you turn it on). Want to tweak the volume, or kill the "wind chimes" and switch to "campfire"? Use the handy remote control and you don't have to leave your bed.($90; amazon.com) For portability: Homedics SoundSpa SS-2200 If you need a machine you can take on the road, this one's light (1 pound), compact (6 x 6.5 x 2 inches), and may be just what you need to relax in a strange bed. It can run on four AA batteries when, say, you're traveling abroad and short an adapter, or you've pitched your tent next to a rowdy group of Boy Scouts. Pick from six sound options: thunder, rain, ocean, summer night, brook, and your standard white noise. Plus you get an auto-off timer that you can set for as long as an hour.($36; amazon.com) For the most bang for your buck: Conair Sound Therapy Not sold on noise machines just yet? You might want to try experimenting with this no-frills device before your spring for a more sophisticated system. For its budget-friendly price, the Conair plays an impressive 10 sound channels, including some more unusual settings like "tropical forest," "waterfall," and "heartbeat." The machine should drown out ambient noise that might be keeping you up. But if you find yourself wanting more features or better sound, you can always upgrade to a higher-end system.($23; amazon.com) http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 17, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Friday, 11 December 2015
34 Easy Swaps to Make Every Meal Healthier
Feel full, lose weight, have more energy, and get healthier head-to-toe with these simple diet tweaks. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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December 12, 2015 at 01:15AM
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December 12, 2015 at 01:15AM
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
How Healthy Is Your State? All 50, Ranked From First to Worst
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Friday, 4 December 2015
4 Steps to Slim, Sculpted Arms
When it comes to achieving an amazing upper half, its not enough to do just bicep and tricep moves. The exercises in this video from Tracy Anderson combine jumping with punching or lifting to trim and firm your biceps, triceps, shoulders and even back and waist. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 05, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Thursday, 3 December 2015
The 20 Biggest Lessons We Learned About Our Health in 2015
A look back at this year's most important medical news and breakthroughs http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 04, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 2 December 2015
10 Superfoods for Weight Loss
Make sure that you include plenty of superfoods in your diet such as avocado, beans, and broccoli, if you want to lose weight. Watch this video for the complete list of 10 superfoods to eat for weight loss. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 03, 2015 at 01:15AM
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10 Simple Tricks to Lose Weight Fast
Looking to ditch those pounds fast? Watch this video for 10 tricks to lose weight painlessly. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 03, 2015 at 01:15AM
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7 Ways to Prevent Colds & Flu
Don't get sidelined by sickness. Watch this video to see the smart steps you can take to avoid seasonal colds and the flu. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 03, 2015 at 01:15AM
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6 No-Effort Ways to Shed Pounds
Watch this video for six easy tips for losing weight—including calorie-cutting swaps and simple ways to trick yourself into eating less (like having soup before a meal). http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 03, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Get Amazing Abs With These 24 Easy Exercises
Sick of crunches? You've got options—24 to be exact. Check out this video with fitness expert Kristin McGee. From planks to Pilates to yoga poses, all of these moves will get you the stronger, tighter, sleeker abs you crave, with a few bonuses along the way (such as a better back, butt, legs, and more). http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 02, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Monday, 30 November 2015
How to Buy the Best Blender for Your Kitchen
Whether you need a basic blender for morning smoothies or a high-powered model that whips up soups and nut butters with ease, we've got you covered. Here are our top picks for the very best blenders on the market right now. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 01, 2015 at 01:15AM
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19 Ways Your Body Changes When You Fall in Love
Those butterflies in your stomach aren't just in your head. Here are some of the ways falling in love can affect your body. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J December 01, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 25 November 2015
24 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!)
Abdominal exercises to burn fat, flatten your belly, and strengthen your core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 26, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Tuesday, 24 November 2015
21 Worthless Foods a Nutritionist Will Immediately Cut From Your Diet
Want to start eating healthier and lose weight? Four nutrition experts share the red-flag foods you should avoid as part of a healthy diet. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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After Recovering From Leukemia, She's Racing Marathons for a Cure
Heather Krasnov, 54, was always active, but she didn't make the jump from 5K to marathon until she faced a major life event: recovering from leukemia. In August 2001, at age 40, she was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, and doctors estimated that she had less than a 2 percent chance of surviving. Miraculously, after a month of treatment, she went into remission. "I've always been a glass-half-full kind of person," says Heather, "so when doctors gave me the worst-case scenario, I looked on the bright side. And I think that's what helped me survive."
RELATED: 5 Everyday Foods That Fight Cancer
Wanting to give back, Heather signed up with Team In Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to walk the 2004 Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. "Having gone through treatment, all I could think about was children with leukemia," explains Heather. "As an adult, you have an awareness of what's happening to your body that kids don't. We have to find a cure for them."
After months of training, Heather was packed and ready to fly out for the marathon, but she stopped at the doctor's office for a blood test. Then, in San Francisco, she completed a joyous first marathon. "It was really exciting! Once you get to mile 21, you're like, 'I've got this.'"
RELATED: 5 Tourist-Friendly Marathons Worth Traveling To
But she and her husband returned home to six messages on her answering machine informing her that the leukemia was back. She needed immediate treatment. "I just said, 'OK. I've got to do it. Here we go again,'" recalls Heather. "I'm not one to break down."
With each relapse, Heather's chances of reaching remission shrank dramatically. Fortunately, in November 2005, she had a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from her cousin Lynn; she's been cancer-free since.
RELATED: A Running Vacation Rebooted My Spirit
After her recovery, Heather spent six years coaching for her local Team In Training chapter in Wilmington, N.C., and raised more than $26,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In November, she ran her 11th half marathon to celebrate 10 years of remission. "It's a high, the entire race, every race," she says. "When you start to hit the wall, you just think of the people lying in bed, going through treatment. It brings you back to why you're doing it, and you just go." The Canyon Ranch 35th Annual Inspiration Awards went to 70 people recognized for the inspiration they provide to others.
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RELATED: 5 Everyday Foods That Fight Cancer
Wanting to give back, Heather signed up with Team In Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to walk the 2004 Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. "Having gone through treatment, all I could think about was children with leukemia," explains Heather. "As an adult, you have an awareness of what's happening to your body that kids don't. We have to find a cure for them."
After months of training, Heather was packed and ready to fly out for the marathon, but she stopped at the doctor's office for a blood test. Then, in San Francisco, she completed a joyous first marathon. "It was really exciting! Once you get to mile 21, you're like, 'I've got this.'"
RELATED: 5 Tourist-Friendly Marathons Worth Traveling To
But she and her husband returned home to six messages on her answering machine informing her that the leukemia was back. She needed immediate treatment. "I just said, 'OK. I've got to do it. Here we go again,'" recalls Heather. "I'm not one to break down."
With each relapse, Heather's chances of reaching remission shrank dramatically. Fortunately, in November 2005, she had a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from her cousin Lynn; she's been cancer-free since.
RELATED: A Running Vacation Rebooted My Spirit
After her recovery, Heather spent six years coaching for her local Team In Training chapter in Wilmington, N.C., and raised more than $26,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In November, she ran her 11th half marathon to celebrate 10 years of remission. "It's a high, the entire race, every race," she says. "When you start to hit the wall, you just think of the people lying in bed, going through treatment. It brings you back to why you're doing it, and you just go." The Canyon Ranch 35th Annual Inspiration Awards went to 70 people recognized for the inspiration they provide to others.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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5 Slim Secrets You Learned in Kindergarten
Flashback to the days of enjoying peanut butter power snacks at the kitchen table and hitting the monkey bars on the playground until Mom reeled you in for an early bedtime. Doesn't your 5-year-old self sound like the ultimate health coach? Turns out, she is. “Children are inherently self-regulating. They listen to their hunger cues, they indulge without guilt and they're incapable of sitting still,” says Keri Gans, RDN, author of The Small Change Diet. “These are all healthy lifestyle practices that would serve us well in adulthood, if we implemented them.” With that in mind, we pinned down which kiddie habits are surefire ways to stay in shape, and how to make them work in your grown-up life.
RELATED: 25 Surprising Ways to Lose Weight
Listen to your stomach
When kids are hungry, they eat. When they're full, they stop. “We're born wired to obey our appetite, but somewhere along the way, those wires get crossed,” says Gans. Introduce stress, hormones—even boredom— and most of us end up able to list “professional plate cleaner” on our résumés.
The Adult Spin: Reprogram how you gauge your appetite. “For a day or two, dont pay attention to the clock and eat only when you truly feel hungry, not when you think you should eat or just want to,” says Jennifer McDaniel, RD, owner of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy in Clayton, Mo. “Eat slowly, really chewing each bite, so you're able to hear your body tell you when its getting full.”
Play with your food
As every mom knows, kids bring the mess to the dinner table. But there are benefits to getting hands-on with food: One study out of Eastern Illinois University found that when eating pistachios, people who shelled the nuts themselves ate roughly 86 fewer calories' worth than those who gobbled up ones that were already shelled. “When you eat with your hands, you're more aware of everything you put in your mouth. It's more of an engaged, sensory experience than just absentmindedly bringing your fork to your lips over and over,” says Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, author of Eat Clean, Stay Lean.
The Adult Spin: Have a laborintensive (in a good way) side dish or snack every day, suggests Bazilian. Get in there with pods, shrimp in shells, roasted shishito peppers and pomegranates.
Make a meal of dessert
The more children are cut off from sweets, the more they want them, studies show. The same goes for adults, points out Libby Mills, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “That feeling of deprivation can deflate motivation, making it harder to stick to your diet,” she says. And ignoring sugar cravings can lead you to eat more, she adds: “You have one treat, and then you can't stop because it's such a rarity and has become too important.”
The Adult Spin: Candycoat parts of your meals, so to speak, in order to satisfy your sweet tooth in moderation. Try a Greek yogurt parfait for lunch, layered with fruit and some granola, or indulge in a thin slice of carrot cake with fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt instead of frosting. For a snack, toss sliced strawberries in balsamic vinegar, with a shave of Parmesan cheese.
RELATED: 9 Healthier Dessert Recipes for Fall
Refuse to sit still
Desks, cars and commuter trains have interrupted that childhood state of perpetual motion. “Kids are always on the move,” says Gans. “They're constant calorie burners.” Those active habits help more than just your gut: Sitting for too many hours during the day increases your risk of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.
The Adult Spin: Invest in a fitness tracker, says Los Angeles celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. “A FitBit can help you get moving more because it becomes like a game,” he explains. “You can even compete against friends.” Urge each other to move every hour, and compare steps later on.
Have breakfast for dinner
You used to love when Mom and Dad broke the rules by serving eggs and bacon in the p.m.—and it's still a savvy idea. Studies show that eating a high-protein meal helps you stay full longer, and that those who include eggs in their diets consume less overall. “Eggs are protein-packed and filling, and they're a great way to use up leftovers,” says McDaniel.
The Adult Spin: Whip up an omelet with cottage cheese, herbs, fresh or frozen vegetables and deli turkey or chicken for dinner to keep you full until morning, advises McDaniel. The best part? Making breakfast for dinner is a time-saver: You often need just one pan, so there's minimal cleanup required!
RELATED: The 20 Best Foods to Eat for Breakfast
10-MINUTE RECESS
Set up indoors or head to the playground for this fun circuit from Carrie Underwood's trainer, Erin Oprea. (Stay warm while you're at it with the Asics Lite-Show Glove, $30; asicsamerica.com.)
Frog Jumps
Get into a wide sumo squat with your palms on the ground between your legs. Then take a big jump forward. Next, take three small hops backward to your starting mark. Repeat for 30 seconds.
Crab Walk
Sit on the ground with your legs bent and your hands behind you, fingers facing feet. Thrust your hips up and hold yourself in a tabletop position. With your core and tush engaged, crawl backward for 30 seconds.
Extra Credit: Do 20 push-ups once you finish.
Hopscotch
Use sidewalk chalk or masking tape to set up a hopscotch board. (Or imagine one in your head.) Begin hopping through it— alternating one foot, two feet, one foot, two feet—leading with a single hop on your left leg. Use your right leg for the single hops on the way back. Keep it up for one minute.
Extra Credit: At the end of each lap, do 20 alternating plyometric lunges.
One-Woman Keep-Away
Hold a medicine or slam ball at your chest with both hands and lower into a squat. As you stand, launch the ball from your chest as far as you can throw it. Sprint to the ball, squat to pick it up and throw it back toward the starting mark. Continue for 30 seconds.
Bear Crawl
Put your palms flat on the ground and lower your knees so they're hovering just above the floor. Abs engaged and bum low, move one arm and the opposite leg forward, then switch. Crawl for 30 seconds. Extra Credit Tack on 20 burpees when youre done.
High-Knee Skipping
Add power to a traditional skip by bringing your knees as high as you can toward your chest and swinging your arms to get more momentum. Skip for one minute.
Jump-Rope
Grab a light speed rope (or mimic the arm motion) and jump for 30 seconds with both feet. Then jump for 15 seconds on your right foot and 15 seconds on your left. For the final 30, jump with high knees.
RELATED: Strength Moves to Burn Fat
WHY NOT SPICE UP YOUR SNACK BREAK?
Try these nutritionist-approved noshes that are kid favorites fit for grown-ups.
Apple “Panini”
Thinly slice an apple, then put peanut butter or low-fat cheese (Swiss and Cheddar are tasty options) between two slices to create healthy little sandwiches.
Fruit Snacks
These DIY chews are free of preservatives and added sugars: Slice up some fruit and evenly spread out the pieces on baking sheets. (Smaller fruits, like cherries and cranberries, can be used whole.) Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature and bake anywhere from six to eight hours.
Ants on a Log
Fill endive spears with a bit of low-fat cream cheese; chopped, toasted pecans; and dried cranberries.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Cut up your favorite fruits and skewer them on bamboo sticks. Dip in nonfat Greek yogurt.
RELATED: 20 Snacks That Burn Fat
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RELATED: 25 Surprising Ways to Lose Weight
Listen to your stomach
When kids are hungry, they eat. When they're full, they stop. “We're born wired to obey our appetite, but somewhere along the way, those wires get crossed,” says Gans. Introduce stress, hormones—even boredom— and most of us end up able to list “professional plate cleaner” on our résumés.
The Adult Spin: Reprogram how you gauge your appetite. “For a day or two, dont pay attention to the clock and eat only when you truly feel hungry, not when you think you should eat or just want to,” says Jennifer McDaniel, RD, owner of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy in Clayton, Mo. “Eat slowly, really chewing each bite, so you're able to hear your body tell you when its getting full.”
Play with your food
As every mom knows, kids bring the mess to the dinner table. But there are benefits to getting hands-on with food: One study out of Eastern Illinois University found that when eating pistachios, people who shelled the nuts themselves ate roughly 86 fewer calories' worth than those who gobbled up ones that were already shelled. “When you eat with your hands, you're more aware of everything you put in your mouth. It's more of an engaged, sensory experience than just absentmindedly bringing your fork to your lips over and over,” says Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, author of Eat Clean, Stay Lean.
The Adult Spin: Have a laborintensive (in a good way) side dish or snack every day, suggests Bazilian. Get in there with pods, shrimp in shells, roasted shishito peppers and pomegranates.
Make a meal of dessert
The more children are cut off from sweets, the more they want them, studies show. The same goes for adults, points out Libby Mills, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “That feeling of deprivation can deflate motivation, making it harder to stick to your diet,” she says. And ignoring sugar cravings can lead you to eat more, she adds: “You have one treat, and then you can't stop because it's such a rarity and has become too important.”
The Adult Spin: Candycoat parts of your meals, so to speak, in order to satisfy your sweet tooth in moderation. Try a Greek yogurt parfait for lunch, layered with fruit and some granola, or indulge in a thin slice of carrot cake with fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt instead of frosting. For a snack, toss sliced strawberries in balsamic vinegar, with a shave of Parmesan cheese.
RELATED: 9 Healthier Dessert Recipes for Fall
Refuse to sit still
Desks, cars and commuter trains have interrupted that childhood state of perpetual motion. “Kids are always on the move,” says Gans. “They're constant calorie burners.” Those active habits help more than just your gut: Sitting for too many hours during the day increases your risk of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.
The Adult Spin: Invest in a fitness tracker, says Los Angeles celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. “A FitBit can help you get moving more because it becomes like a game,” he explains. “You can even compete against friends.” Urge each other to move every hour, and compare steps later on.
Have breakfast for dinner
You used to love when Mom and Dad broke the rules by serving eggs and bacon in the p.m.—and it's still a savvy idea. Studies show that eating a high-protein meal helps you stay full longer, and that those who include eggs in their diets consume less overall. “Eggs are protein-packed and filling, and they're a great way to use up leftovers,” says McDaniel.
The Adult Spin: Whip up an omelet with cottage cheese, herbs, fresh or frozen vegetables and deli turkey or chicken for dinner to keep you full until morning, advises McDaniel. The best part? Making breakfast for dinner is a time-saver: You often need just one pan, so there's minimal cleanup required!
RELATED: The 20 Best Foods to Eat for Breakfast
10-MINUTE RECESS
Set up indoors or head to the playground for this fun circuit from Carrie Underwood's trainer, Erin Oprea. (Stay warm while you're at it with the Asics Lite-Show Glove, $30; asicsamerica.com.)
Frog Jumps
Get into a wide sumo squat with your palms on the ground between your legs. Then take a big jump forward. Next, take three small hops backward to your starting mark. Repeat for 30 seconds.
Crab Walk
Sit on the ground with your legs bent and your hands behind you, fingers facing feet. Thrust your hips up and hold yourself in a tabletop position. With your core and tush engaged, crawl backward for 30 seconds.
Extra Credit: Do 20 push-ups once you finish.
Hopscotch
Use sidewalk chalk or masking tape to set up a hopscotch board. (Or imagine one in your head.) Begin hopping through it— alternating one foot, two feet, one foot, two feet—leading with a single hop on your left leg. Use your right leg for the single hops on the way back. Keep it up for one minute.
Extra Credit: At the end of each lap, do 20 alternating plyometric lunges.
One-Woman Keep-Away
Hold a medicine or slam ball at your chest with both hands and lower into a squat. As you stand, launch the ball from your chest as far as you can throw it. Sprint to the ball, squat to pick it up and throw it back toward the starting mark. Continue for 30 seconds.
Bear Crawl
Put your palms flat on the ground and lower your knees so they're hovering just above the floor. Abs engaged and bum low, move one arm and the opposite leg forward, then switch. Crawl for 30 seconds. Extra Credit Tack on 20 burpees when youre done.
High-Knee Skipping
Add power to a traditional skip by bringing your knees as high as you can toward your chest and swinging your arms to get more momentum. Skip for one minute.
Jump-Rope
Grab a light speed rope (or mimic the arm motion) and jump for 30 seconds with both feet. Then jump for 15 seconds on your right foot and 15 seconds on your left. For the final 30, jump with high knees.
RELATED: Strength Moves to Burn Fat
WHY NOT SPICE UP YOUR SNACK BREAK?
Try these nutritionist-approved noshes that are kid favorites fit for grown-ups.
Apple “Panini”
Thinly slice an apple, then put peanut butter or low-fat cheese (Swiss and Cheddar are tasty options) between two slices to create healthy little sandwiches.
Fruit Snacks
These DIY chews are free of preservatives and added sugars: Slice up some fruit and evenly spread out the pieces on baking sheets. (Smaller fruits, like cherries and cranberries, can be used whole.) Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature and bake anywhere from six to eight hours.
Ants on a Log
Fill endive spears with a bit of low-fat cream cheese; chopped, toasted pecans; and dried cranberries.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Cut up your favorite fruits and skewer them on bamboo sticks. Dip in nonfat Greek yogurt.
RELATED: 20 Snacks That Burn Fat
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Your Ultimate Guide to the 64 Best (and Worst) Holiday Foods
Prevent your pants from getting tighter this holiday season with these smarter food choices. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
How to Do Windshield Wipers
Do a round of this yoga-inspired move to strengthen your obliques. In this video, Kristin McGee shows us how to execute Windshield Wipers, which will tone and strengthen your whole core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Tone-It V Hold
Build strength in your core with this challenging ab exercise. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates the belly fat-burning Tone-It V Hold. Your abs will thank you! http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Teaser Exercise
This advanced Pilates-inspired move can help you get a stronger core in no time. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do a Teaser for an intense and effective ab workout. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do the Swan Dive Exercise
Here's a great way to build your core while lying down (and without crunches). In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates the Swan Dive exercise, which strengthens your back and abs. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Supine Twist
Stretch and strengthen your abs at the same time with a Supine Twist. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates the proper way to get into this relaxing and powerful pose. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Straight-Arm Plank
The plank pose is a great workout for your whole body, from your arms and back to your core. Watch this video to see Kristin McGee demonstrate the perfect plank form and give tips on how to add it to your routine. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Standing Side Crunch
Need a killer ab exercise? Try doing the Standing Side Crunch. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to use a stability ball to build a stronger core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Side Incline with a Twist
Work your abs, waist, and arms with this exercise. Watch this video to see Kristin McGee demonstrate how to do a Side Incline With a Twist. Your whole body will thank you! http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Achieve a Scale Pose
A scale pose can be a challenging move to master. In this video, Kristin McGee demonstrates the best way for both beginners and experts to practice this pose, which is amazing for your core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Plank on a Stability Ball
Combine two ab-strengthening workouts into one by doing planks on a stability ball. Fitness expert Kristin McGee shows us how to plank on a stability ball for sculpted abs. Watch this video to see how it's done. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do Plank Hip Dips
Planks are already a powerful exercise for your core. Make them even more effective by adding oblique-strengthening moves to the pose. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do Plank Hip Dips. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 25, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Friday, 20 November 2015
How to Do the Jumping Jack Reach Move
Adding a stability ball makes an ab workout even more challenging. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how you can do the Jumping Jack Reach move on a stability ball to tighten your core and boost your energy. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Tone Your Abs With the Low-Belly Leg Reach Move
This is a great move for targeting your abs. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee shows us how to do the Low-Belly Leg Reach, which strengthens your ab muscles and tightens your core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do Medicine Ball Russian Twists
Tighten your core and sculpt your obliques with this calorie-torching exercise. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do Medicine Ball Russian Twists to tone your abs. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do an Oblique Driving-Knee Crunch
Here's a great way to strengthen your obliques for a tighter core. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee shows you how to use a stability ball to do the Oblique Driving-Knee Crunch. Your abs will thank you! http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 22, 2015 at 01:15AM
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57 Ways to Lose Weight Forever, According to Science
The ultimate list of research-backed weight loss tips that will keep the pounds off for good. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do the Hula Hoop Pump Ab Exercise
Who knew an ab workout could be so much fun? In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee shows us how to use a Hula Hoop (yes, really!) to tighten your core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do Cross-Leg Diagonal Crunches
This exercise is particularly good for targeting your obliques, the ab muscles at the sides of your body. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee shows us how to do the Cross-Leg Diagonal Crunch, which helps tighten your core and cinch in your waist. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Tone Your Abs with Donkey Kickbacks
This is the ultimate calorie-torching move. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do Donkey Kickbacks, which tighten your core and tone your glutes at the same time. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do a Body-Weight Squat
You might not think of squats as being an ab exercise, but surprise—they also work your core. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates the best way to do Body-Weight Squats to tighten your glutes and flatten your belly at the same time. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do Bridge Opposite Arm-Leg Reach
Not only will this move tighten your core, but it can also help improve your focus. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do the Bridge Opposite Arm-Leg Reach exercise. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do the Circles in the Sky Exercise
This easy ab exercise can help tighten your core as well as strengthen your inner thighs. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates the best way to do the Circles in the Sky move. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 21, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Thursday, 19 November 2015
17 Great Gifts for the Runners on Your List
Find a practical and fun gift that the runner in your life is sure to appreciate—on and off the trail. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 20, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Wednesday, 18 November 2015
17 No-Diet Tricks to Keep Off Holiday Weight
Don't be a victim of holiday weight gain. Take charge of your waistline with these easy ideas to keep the pounds off all season long. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 19, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Tone Your Core With Boat Pose
In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do the Boat Pose for stronger abs. While it requires a bit of balance, this yoga-inspired move is terrific for sculpting and strengthening your core. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 18, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do the Belly Blaster
Ready to get flat, sculpted abs in no time? In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to do the Belly Blaster move to tone your abs and obliques. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 18, 2015 at 01:15AM
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How to Do Advanced Leg Crunches
Here's how you can take your leg crunches up a notch: Add a weight. In this video, fitness expert Kristin McGee demonstrates how to perform Advanced Leg Crunches, which use a 3- to 10-pound weight to better target your lower abs. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 18, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Monday, 16 November 2015
20 Habits That Make Holiday Stress Worse
Avoid these common anxieties to stay merry all season long. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 17, 2015 at 01:15AM
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17 Ways to Age-Proof Your Brain
Sharpen your memory with these surprising anti-aging tricks. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 17, 2015 at 01:15AM
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12 Worst Habits For Your Mental Health
Change these simple, everyday routines to live a happier life. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 17, 2015 at 01:15AM
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Friday, 13 November 2015
20 Habits That Make You Miserable Every Winter
Beat the winter blues by learning the ways you've been sabotaging your mood. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
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A Smart Guide To Scary Chemicals
"Scientists issue warning over chemicals in carpets, coats, cookware." "chemicals in pizza boxes may be health risk."
Headlines like these make you want to curl up on the sofa and never leave the house—except that couch! Chances are it's loaded with toxic chemicals, too. As a savvy, health-conscious (and, OK, slightly worry-prone) woman, how are you supposed to function in a world where everything from the dust bunnies in your home to your ATM receipt could be poisoning you?
First, some perspective: Yes, chemicals are everywhere, and some are undoubtedly harmful. But linking a health issue, whether it's breast cancer or premature births, to specific substances is difficult. "We're exposed to so many chemicals—some potentially hazardous, some not—and often health problems take months or years to develop. That makes it tricky to identify the culprit," explains Tracey Woodruff, PhD, director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Moreover, the average person's exposure to any one toxin is relatively low, as is her individual health risk. The potential peril of, say, eating microwave popcorn pales in comparison to smoking, which is directly responsible for 30 percent of cancer deaths, says Margaret Kripke, PhD, professor emerita at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and co-author of the President's Cancer Panel report on environmental cancer risk.
RELATED: 9 Ways to Detox Your Home
That said, developing fetuses, infants and children are more vulnerable to chemicals' effects. In fact, this fall, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics issued a report sounding an alarm about the serious health effects of exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Whether you have little ones or not, it's smart to understand the science behind the most buzzed-about chemicals. We talked to top scientists and analyzed the research to find out what you should really be concerned about and how you can protect yourself and the planet.
Flame retardants (including polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PDBEs)
What are they?
In the 1970s, California instituted strict flammability standards for upholstered furniture sold in the state, leading manufacturers to add flame-retardant chemicals to the foam used in furniture sold throughout the U.S. Today these chemicals—designed to inhibit the spread of fire—are in chairs, sofas, cars, commercial airplanes and infant car seats. A typical sofa contains three or more pounds of treated foam.
What's the worry?
Because the flame retardants are sprayed on rather than chemically bonded to the product, the molecules migrate out of the products and collect in household dust, where they get on our hands and, inevitably, into our mouths and bodies, says Philip Landrigan, MD, a pediatrician and dean for global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Studies have linked different formulations to a variety of health problems, but the most worrisome issue is the effects on infants' brain development. "PBDEs are fat-soluble and can easily enter the brain," says Dr. Landrigan. "When that happens to babies in the womb and during infancy, it can result in reduced IQ and a shorter attention span."
RELATED: 10 Products You Think Are Healthy, But Aren't
Flame-retardant chemicals build up in body fat and, as a result, have been found in breast milk, infant cord blood and children's blood. Children are also more exposed than adults because they crawl or play on the floor, where they come into contact with chemical-laden dust, says Ted Schettler, MD, science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network.
Several types of flame retardants have already been phased out due to safety concerns, but other (and possibly dangerous) ones have taken their place—and the old versions will likely remain in the environment for years, since they're designed to be durable.
Reduce your risk
It's not realistic to buy all new furniture, but old sofas with crumbling foam should be a priority because they release the most chemicals, says Marya G. Zlatnik, MD, professor of maternal-fetal medicine at UCSF.
The great news: In early 2014, California revised its flammability regulations, enabling furniture makers to meet the standards without flame-retardant chemicals. Many companies, including Ashley Furniture, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, La-Z-Boy and Walmart, now sell upholstered products without the chemicals. (Go to http://ift.tt/1MclDVu for more details on how to find furniture without flame retardants.)
RELATED: How to Clean Everything Better
New couch not in the budget? You may be able to update just the cushions with flame retardant--free foam at a local upholstery shop. In the meantime, dust and vacuum (vacuums with HEPA filters are best at removing small particles) several times a week to rid your home of dust that contains the chemicals, advises Dr. Zlatnik, and wash your hands (and your kids') before eating.
Formaldehyde
What is it?
This pungent, flammable chemical is found in the wood glue used in furniture and flooring (especially laminate) and many manufactured wood products, like particle board, medium-density fiberboard and hardwood plywood. The chemical grabbed national attention after Hurricane Katrina, when people who were put up in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency started suffering from respiratory problems, headaches and nosebleeds linked to high concentrations of formaldehyde in the air. It made headlines again this year when 60 Minutes reported that Chinese-made laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators emitted formaldehyde at levels exceeding California standards. (The company has stopped selling the product, though its own testing program showed that the vast majority of customers' homes were within safe levels.)
RELATED: 10 Ways to Keep Air Clean at Home
What's the worry?
Inhaling formaldehyde can cause nose, throat and eye irritation and trigger asthma attacks—probably the biggest risk for most people, says David Krause, PhD, a toxicologist in Tallahassee, Fla. Although the National Toxicology Program said formaldehyde is "known to be a human carcinogen" in 2011, after studies linked it to cancers of the nose and myeloid leukemia, that research looked at manufacturing and funeral industry workers, who are exposed to higher levels of the substance than the general population, explains Laura Beane Freeman, PhD, an epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute. However, the Environmental Protection Agency is concerned enough about the chemical that it is finalizing new national rules that will set limits on formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
Other formaldehyde-related concerns, like getting Brazilian blowouts, are likely overhyped, says Krause. "I'd be more worried about hairdressers who are exposed to those chemicals routinely than a woman who gets the treatment a few times a year," he says.
Reduce your risk
If solid wood isn't an option, the next best thing is to buy wood products that comply with the formaldehyde regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—they're the most stringent to date. (Look for a label indicating CARB phase 2 compliance, or ask the manufacturer directly if the product meets those standards.) Put products in the garage or a spare bedroom to allow the chemical to off-gas for a few days to a few weeks—or until they don't smell, which is a good sign that a large portion has off-gassed, says Krause. If you don't have that kind of time, keep your windows open as much as you can for the first few months after a new wood product is in your home.
RELATED: 8 Ways to Protect Your Health (And the Planet)
PFASs (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances; also known as perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs)
What are they?
These compounds make products more resistant to stains, grease and water; they're found in such items as sofas, carpets, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags and waterproof clothing. They're also in some nonstick cookware.
What's the worry?
PFASs can accumulate in the body (including the brain, liver, lungs, bones and kidneys) and remain for as long as a decade. Studies have shown links to kidney cancer, high cholesterol, obesity, abnormal thyroid function, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and low-birth-weight infants. Most of the research has been done on folks with very high exposures, including those who lived near chemical plants in West Virginia and Ohio, where drinking water had become contaminated. But even low levels are a concern, says Simona Balan, PhD, senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute in Berkeley, Calif.
And almost everyone has traces of PFASs in their blood, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Released from factories and consumer products, they accumulate in the environment (some versions won't degrade for thousands of years), ending up in water, fish and livestock. In May, a group of more than 200 researchers and scientists from all over the world signed the Madrid Statement, asking for a limit to production and use of these chemicals.
Reduce your risk
You probably can't completely avoid eating and drinking PFASs, but you can wash your hands often to remove those you pick up around the house (they may collect in household dust), and replace your nonstick cookware with ceramic-coated pans, advises Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. Make popcorn on the stove instead of in the microwave, and don't get stain-resistant finishes on new cars or furniture.
RELATED: 50 Gifts Under $50
You can also help reduce the amount of these chemicals that get into the environment by opting for clothing that hasn't been treated with PFASs. Brands that have committed to phasing out the substances include Adidas, Puma and Zara. (Scientists don't know enough about whether PFASs are absorbed through the skin, so it's unclear if clothing treated with them poses a direct health risk, says Birnbaum.)
BPA (bisphenol A)
What is it?
BPA is used to make hard polycarbonate plastics (like those used for water bottles and food-storage containers) and epoxy resins, found in the lining of many food cans. There was a big news splash about the fact that it's in the thermal receipt paper you might get at the ATM and grocery store—but food and drink are the primary way most of us are exposed, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What's the worry?
BPA is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which means it may act like a hormone in the body and affect the functioning of natural hormones, like estrogen. "It can potentially have a negative impact on fetal development, including brain development," says Dr. Schettler. In 2014, researchers from nine institutions, including the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Michigan, concluded that BPA is a "reproductive toxicant," based on studies showing that it reduced egg quality in women undergoing in vitro fertilization—and said there's strong evidence that it's toxic to the uterus as well. "It could disrupt women's ability to get pregnant," says Woodruff.
There's also preliminary evidence that it may be linked to obesity. Several years ago, Harvard researchers reported that people who had higher BPA concentrations in their urine were more likely to be obese; in May, Canadian researchers reported that the body seems to break down BPA into a compound that might spur the growth of fat cells.
RELATED: 6 Eco-Friendly and Socially Conscious Gifts
Reduce your risk Eat fresh or frozen food instead of canned, or choose brands sold in BPA-free cans. Researchers from Harvard and the CDC found that people who consumed a 12-ounce serving of canned soup every day for five days had a twelvefold increase in BPA levels in their urine compared with those who ate fresh soup—a temporary blip, since the body gets rid of BPA quickly, but potentially worrisome if you eat canned food regularly or have other exposures. Store food in glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers. And avoid microwaving in plastic, because heating the containers allows the chemicals they contain (whether BPA or other compounds) to leach into food, says Birnbaum.
Pesticides (including organophosphates)
What are they?
Poisons formulated to kill, harm or repel pests. Farmers may apply them on fields, and they're in many lawn, garden and home products.
What's the worry?
They can damage your nervous system, irritate your skin or eyes, affect your hormones or even cause cancer. The biggest risk by far is to farm workers and those who live near farms, who are exposed to higher levels than the rest of us, says Irva Hertz-Picciotto, PhD, a pesticide researcher at the UC Davis MIND Institute.
For starters, farmers and other agricultural workers appear to have higher rates of certain cancers. In March, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, raised new concerns about a link between glyphosate, the active ingredient in weed killers such as Roundup, and cancer risk. (Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, disputes the IARC's findings.) But pesticides in the home also pose a potential danger. A new review published in Pediatrics connected indoor pesticide exposure to a significantly higher risk of childhood leukemia and lymphoma.
Researchers are also studying the relationship between pesticides and neurodevelopmental disorders. A study of an agricultural region of California found that evidence of pesticide exposure in pregnant women was linked to a higher risk of attention problems in their young children. And last year, researchers at the MIND Institute reported that pregnant women who lived near fields where chemical pesticides were used had a roughly two-thirds higher risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder, and an even higher risk of having one with other developmental delays.
What about pesticide residues in nonorganic food? The American Cancer Society says there's no evidence at present that they increase the risk of cancer. However, research by Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues has shown that there may be a risk to kids' neurological health.
Reduce your risk Go organic. "That alone can reduce exposure to pesticides by 90 percent," says Dr. Landrigan. When researchers at Emory University and the University of Washington substituted organic food for children's conventional diets for five days, the metabolites for two types of organophosphate pesticides all but disappeared from the kids' urine. Can't afford all-organic? Choose fruits and veggies with lower pesticide residues (see the Environmental Working Group's guide at http://ift.tt/1MclBNk) and scrub them with water to reduce surface chemicals further.
And, of course, minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides in and around your home—and remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in chemicals, says Dr. Zlatnik.
RELATED: 10 Dirty (Plus 5 Clean) Fruits and Veggies
Phthalates
What are they?
These chemicals make plastic flexible (think vinyl shower curtains, food packaging and soft plastic food containers, garden hoses, medical tubing, kids' toys). They're also in products like shampoo, hairspray and nail polish; if you see "parfum" or "fragrance" on a label, it could contain phthalates.
What's the worry?
Phthalates, which decrease testosterone and may also mimic estrogen, have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. "I'm particularly concerned about the effects during pregnancy," says Shanna Swan, PhD, professor of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She and her colleagues have found that exposure to phthalates in the womb might affect baby boys' sexual development. "Fetal development is to a large extent determined by hormones, so phthalates may be having other subtle effects as well," she says.
Those at elevated risk include women exposed to high levels through jobs in the automotive industry, rubber hose manufacturing facilities and nail salons, but as with other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, scientists are concerned that low doses might be harmful, too.
Reduce your risk The main source of exposure to one of the most concerning phthalates, DEHP, is food, says Swan, so avoid microwaving in plastic, and if you eat, drink or store food in plastic, steer clear of those labeled #3. Also, buy low-fat dairy products and eat leaner cuts of meat, says Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Washington. In 2014, she and colleagues reported that dairy (particularly cream) and meat can contain high levels of a certain type of phthalate, possibly from animal feed or because the chemicals leach into the food from plastics used in processing and packaging.
Congress has already banned several phthalates in toys and in teething and feeding products, but since plastics contain a concoction of chemicals, it's best to avoid plastic toys until your child outgrows the tendency to mouth them, advises Woodruff.
Phthalates can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin as well, which means personal-care products may pose a slight risk. "Choose products that contain few ingredients and are unscented—which means they probably don't contain phthalates," says Woodruff.
As scientists continue to sift through the concerns over chemicals, new scares are likely to keep making headlines. But instead of fretting, let Congress know where you stand. And try to put the risks in perspective, suggests Woodruff: "The sanest approach is to make a few changes to the food and products you buy and adopt some simple habits that reduce your exposure—then enjoy your life.
What about parabens?
These preservatives (found in products like makeup, moisturizers and hair care) have been in use since the 1930s and have long been deemed safe. Parabens are considered to be weak estrogen mimics—10,000 to 100,000 times less active than the estrogen in your body, according to one 1998 study. While they could theoretically increase breast cancer risk, at this point the risk is just that—theoretical—"and based on animal and other lab studies," says Janet Gray, PhD, director of science, technology and society at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who researches environmental impacts on breast cancer. Bottom line: There's no need to panic about parabens, but it's always wise to limit your exposure to any chemicals that may act like hormones—in this case, by opting for paraben-free personal-care products.
RELATED: 3 Beauty Products You Need to Ditch, Stat
Additives that only sound dangerous
Just because these ingredients have hard-to-pronounce names doesn't make them evil. Don't freak if you see them on the side of a package; they're safe.
Azodicarbonamide is added to flour as a whitening agent and to help bread dough rise. It caused an uproar when it was revealed that it's also used to make yoga mats and a variety of other products you wouldn't want to eat. The World Health Organization has said it can be potentially dangerous when inhaled, possibly triggering asthma in workers who are heavily exposed during the manufacturing process. But as a food additive, it is used in tiny amounts—a maximum of 0.0045 percent of the treated flour, points out Alissa Rumsey, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Xanthan gum is a sugarlike substance made from fermentation, feeding cornstarch to bacteria. It's used as a thickener and emulsifier—it helps keep oil and water from separating in products—and increases shelf life. It's in salad dressings and sauces and is what gives most gluten-free breads and baked goods a texture similar to that of wheat-based breads. Some people are allergic to xanthan gum, but if you don't have an allergy, it's harmless, says Rumsey.
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Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. It helps increase the shelf life of foods and makes food color last longer. When you consume it, it breaks down into vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and palmitate, a kind of fat, explains Rumsey. "Vitamins often have worrisome-sounding names, but this one is actually an antioxidant, so it's good for you," says Robert Gravani, PhD, professor of food science at Cornell University.
Lecithin is a type of fat usually derived from egg yolks or soybeans. It's used as an emulsifier in salad dressing and as a stabilizer in bread. "It's a fat that's essential to most cells in our bodies," notes Gravani. Unless you have a soy or egg allergy, lecithin is safe to consume, says Rumsey.
Calcium propionate is added to breads and bakery products to prevent mold and bacteria growth. It has been studied extensively for toxicity, and findings were negative, says Rumsey. "Some people may get migraines triggered by foods with this preservative," she notes, "but there hasn't been much research to back this up."
Take action
It's natural to assume that the government has safety checks in place for environmental chemicals, but that's not the case. In 1976, when Congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), there were roughly 62,000 substances already in use in the U.S.—all of which were grandfathered in by Congress and presumed to be safe, without testing. Since then, another 20,000 chemicals have come on the market, and very few have been tested, thanks to weak regulation, says Philip Landrigan, MD, dean for global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
You can help make a difference in the fight to keep toxic chemicals out of our bodies and our environment. Voice your support for chemical safety reform, which Congress is currently debating: Write your members of Congress to say you're in favor of reforming the TSCA; learn more and join the movement at http://ift.tt/1lns7bu.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Be a Natural Beauty
3 things you don't have to worry about
Dyeing your hair.
Though ingredients in older (pre-1980) hair- dye formulas were shown to cause cancer in lab animals, those ingredients are no longer in use; newer studies haven't found a cancer link. Hairdressers exposed to dyes at work may have a slightly higher risk of bladder cancer, but the IARC says there's not enough evidence to link personal hair-dye use and cancer.
Keeping your mercury fillings
"I have no qualms about using them to treat my patients," says Hadie Rifai, DDS, a dentist with the Cleveland Clinic, and everyone from the Mayo Clinic to the FDA and American Dental Association agrees they're safe.
Eating sushi once a week.
"It's safe to eat two servings of fish a week. Just go for a variety of types," says Emily Oken, MD, associate professor in the department of population medicine at the Harvard School of Public Health. "That way, you get the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and, as long as you're not pregnant, you don't need to worry about mercury exposure."
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1NFJjUw
Headlines like these make you want to curl up on the sofa and never leave the house—except that couch! Chances are it's loaded with toxic chemicals, too. As a savvy, health-conscious (and, OK, slightly worry-prone) woman, how are you supposed to function in a world where everything from the dust bunnies in your home to your ATM receipt could be poisoning you?
First, some perspective: Yes, chemicals are everywhere, and some are undoubtedly harmful. But linking a health issue, whether it's breast cancer or premature births, to specific substances is difficult. "We're exposed to so many chemicals—some potentially hazardous, some not—and often health problems take months or years to develop. That makes it tricky to identify the culprit," explains Tracey Woodruff, PhD, director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Moreover, the average person's exposure to any one toxin is relatively low, as is her individual health risk. The potential peril of, say, eating microwave popcorn pales in comparison to smoking, which is directly responsible for 30 percent of cancer deaths, says Margaret Kripke, PhD, professor emerita at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and co-author of the President's Cancer Panel report on environmental cancer risk.
RELATED: 9 Ways to Detox Your Home
That said, developing fetuses, infants and children are more vulnerable to chemicals' effects. In fact, this fall, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics issued a report sounding an alarm about the serious health effects of exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Whether you have little ones or not, it's smart to understand the science behind the most buzzed-about chemicals. We talked to top scientists and analyzed the research to find out what you should really be concerned about and how you can protect yourself and the planet.
Flame retardants (including polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PDBEs)
What are they?
In the 1970s, California instituted strict flammability standards for upholstered furniture sold in the state, leading manufacturers to add flame-retardant chemicals to the foam used in furniture sold throughout the U.S. Today these chemicals—designed to inhibit the spread of fire—are in chairs, sofas, cars, commercial airplanes and infant car seats. A typical sofa contains three or more pounds of treated foam.
What's the worry?
Because the flame retardants are sprayed on rather than chemically bonded to the product, the molecules migrate out of the products and collect in household dust, where they get on our hands and, inevitably, into our mouths and bodies, says Philip Landrigan, MD, a pediatrician and dean for global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Studies have linked different formulations to a variety of health problems, but the most worrisome issue is the effects on infants' brain development. "PBDEs are fat-soluble and can easily enter the brain," says Dr. Landrigan. "When that happens to babies in the womb and during infancy, it can result in reduced IQ and a shorter attention span."
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Flame-retardant chemicals build up in body fat and, as a result, have been found in breast milk, infant cord blood and children's blood. Children are also more exposed than adults because they crawl or play on the floor, where they come into contact with chemical-laden dust, says Ted Schettler, MD, science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network.
Several types of flame retardants have already been phased out due to safety concerns, but other (and possibly dangerous) ones have taken their place—and the old versions will likely remain in the environment for years, since they're designed to be durable.
Reduce your risk
It's not realistic to buy all new furniture, but old sofas with crumbling foam should be a priority because they release the most chemicals, says Marya G. Zlatnik, MD, professor of maternal-fetal medicine at UCSF.
The great news: In early 2014, California revised its flammability regulations, enabling furniture makers to meet the standards without flame-retardant chemicals. Many companies, including Ashley Furniture, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, La-Z-Boy and Walmart, now sell upholstered products without the chemicals. (Go to http://ift.tt/1MclDVu for more details on how to find furniture without flame retardants.)
RELATED: How to Clean Everything Better
New couch not in the budget? You may be able to update just the cushions with flame retardant--free foam at a local upholstery shop. In the meantime, dust and vacuum (vacuums with HEPA filters are best at removing small particles) several times a week to rid your home of dust that contains the chemicals, advises Dr. Zlatnik, and wash your hands (and your kids') before eating.
Formaldehyde
What is it?
This pungent, flammable chemical is found in the wood glue used in furniture and flooring (especially laminate) and many manufactured wood products, like particle board, medium-density fiberboard and hardwood plywood. The chemical grabbed national attention after Hurricane Katrina, when people who were put up in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency started suffering from respiratory problems, headaches and nosebleeds linked to high concentrations of formaldehyde in the air. It made headlines again this year when 60 Minutes reported that Chinese-made laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators emitted formaldehyde at levels exceeding California standards. (The company has stopped selling the product, though its own testing program showed that the vast majority of customers' homes were within safe levels.)
RELATED: 10 Ways to Keep Air Clean at Home
What's the worry?
Inhaling formaldehyde can cause nose, throat and eye irritation and trigger asthma attacks—probably the biggest risk for most people, says David Krause, PhD, a toxicologist in Tallahassee, Fla. Although the National Toxicology Program said formaldehyde is "known to be a human carcinogen" in 2011, after studies linked it to cancers of the nose and myeloid leukemia, that research looked at manufacturing and funeral industry workers, who are exposed to higher levels of the substance than the general population, explains Laura Beane Freeman, PhD, an epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute. However, the Environmental Protection Agency is concerned enough about the chemical that it is finalizing new national rules that will set limits on formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
Other formaldehyde-related concerns, like getting Brazilian blowouts, are likely overhyped, says Krause. "I'd be more worried about hairdressers who are exposed to those chemicals routinely than a woman who gets the treatment a few times a year," he says.
Reduce your risk
If solid wood isn't an option, the next best thing is to buy wood products that comply with the formaldehyde regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—they're the most stringent to date. (Look for a label indicating CARB phase 2 compliance, or ask the manufacturer directly if the product meets those standards.) Put products in the garage or a spare bedroom to allow the chemical to off-gas for a few days to a few weeks—or until they don't smell, which is a good sign that a large portion has off-gassed, says Krause. If you don't have that kind of time, keep your windows open as much as you can for the first few months after a new wood product is in your home.
RELATED: 8 Ways to Protect Your Health (And the Planet)
PFASs (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances; also known as perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs)
What are they?
These compounds make products more resistant to stains, grease and water; they're found in such items as sofas, carpets, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags and waterproof clothing. They're also in some nonstick cookware.
What's the worry?
PFASs can accumulate in the body (including the brain, liver, lungs, bones and kidneys) and remain for as long as a decade. Studies have shown links to kidney cancer, high cholesterol, obesity, abnormal thyroid function, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and low-birth-weight infants. Most of the research has been done on folks with very high exposures, including those who lived near chemical plants in West Virginia and Ohio, where drinking water had become contaminated. But even low levels are a concern, says Simona Balan, PhD, senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute in Berkeley, Calif.
And almost everyone has traces of PFASs in their blood, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Released from factories and consumer products, they accumulate in the environment (some versions won't degrade for thousands of years), ending up in water, fish and livestock. In May, a group of more than 200 researchers and scientists from all over the world signed the Madrid Statement, asking for a limit to production and use of these chemicals.
Reduce your risk
You probably can't completely avoid eating and drinking PFASs, but you can wash your hands often to remove those you pick up around the house (they may collect in household dust), and replace your nonstick cookware with ceramic-coated pans, advises Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. Make popcorn on the stove instead of in the microwave, and don't get stain-resistant finishes on new cars or furniture.
RELATED: 50 Gifts Under $50
You can also help reduce the amount of these chemicals that get into the environment by opting for clothing that hasn't been treated with PFASs. Brands that have committed to phasing out the substances include Adidas, Puma and Zara. (Scientists don't know enough about whether PFASs are absorbed through the skin, so it's unclear if clothing treated with them poses a direct health risk, says Birnbaum.)
BPA (bisphenol A)
What is it?
BPA is used to make hard polycarbonate plastics (like those used for water bottles and food-storage containers) and epoxy resins, found in the lining of many food cans. There was a big news splash about the fact that it's in the thermal receipt paper you might get at the ATM and grocery store—but food and drink are the primary way most of us are exposed, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What's the worry?
BPA is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which means it may act like a hormone in the body and affect the functioning of natural hormones, like estrogen. "It can potentially have a negative impact on fetal development, including brain development," says Dr. Schettler. In 2014, researchers from nine institutions, including the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Michigan, concluded that BPA is a "reproductive toxicant," based on studies showing that it reduced egg quality in women undergoing in vitro fertilization—and said there's strong evidence that it's toxic to the uterus as well. "It could disrupt women's ability to get pregnant," says Woodruff.
There's also preliminary evidence that it may be linked to obesity. Several years ago, Harvard researchers reported that people who had higher BPA concentrations in their urine were more likely to be obese; in May, Canadian researchers reported that the body seems to break down BPA into a compound that might spur the growth of fat cells.
RELATED: 6 Eco-Friendly and Socially Conscious Gifts
Reduce your risk Eat fresh or frozen food instead of canned, or choose brands sold in BPA-free cans. Researchers from Harvard and the CDC found that people who consumed a 12-ounce serving of canned soup every day for five days had a twelvefold increase in BPA levels in their urine compared with those who ate fresh soup—a temporary blip, since the body gets rid of BPA quickly, but potentially worrisome if you eat canned food regularly or have other exposures. Store food in glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers. And avoid microwaving in plastic, because heating the containers allows the chemicals they contain (whether BPA or other compounds) to leach into food, says Birnbaum.
Pesticides (including organophosphates)
What are they?
Poisons formulated to kill, harm or repel pests. Farmers may apply them on fields, and they're in many lawn, garden and home products.
What's the worry?
They can damage your nervous system, irritate your skin or eyes, affect your hormones or even cause cancer. The biggest risk by far is to farm workers and those who live near farms, who are exposed to higher levels than the rest of us, says Irva Hertz-Picciotto, PhD, a pesticide researcher at the UC Davis MIND Institute.
For starters, farmers and other agricultural workers appear to have higher rates of certain cancers. In March, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, raised new concerns about a link between glyphosate, the active ingredient in weed killers such as Roundup, and cancer risk. (Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, disputes the IARC's findings.) But pesticides in the home also pose a potential danger. A new review published in Pediatrics connected indoor pesticide exposure to a significantly higher risk of childhood leukemia and lymphoma.
Researchers are also studying the relationship between pesticides and neurodevelopmental disorders. A study of an agricultural region of California found that evidence of pesticide exposure in pregnant women was linked to a higher risk of attention problems in their young children. And last year, researchers at the MIND Institute reported that pregnant women who lived near fields where chemical pesticides were used had a roughly two-thirds higher risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder, and an even higher risk of having one with other developmental delays.
What about pesticide residues in nonorganic food? The American Cancer Society says there's no evidence at present that they increase the risk of cancer. However, research by Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues has shown that there may be a risk to kids' neurological health.
Reduce your risk Go organic. "That alone can reduce exposure to pesticides by 90 percent," says Dr. Landrigan. When researchers at Emory University and the University of Washington substituted organic food for children's conventional diets for five days, the metabolites for two types of organophosphate pesticides all but disappeared from the kids' urine. Can't afford all-organic? Choose fruits and veggies with lower pesticide residues (see the Environmental Working Group's guide at http://ift.tt/1MclBNk) and scrub them with water to reduce surface chemicals further.
And, of course, minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides in and around your home—and remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in chemicals, says Dr. Zlatnik.
RELATED: 10 Dirty (Plus 5 Clean) Fruits and Veggies
Phthalates
What are they?
These chemicals make plastic flexible (think vinyl shower curtains, food packaging and soft plastic food containers, garden hoses, medical tubing, kids' toys). They're also in products like shampoo, hairspray and nail polish; if you see "parfum" or "fragrance" on a label, it could contain phthalates.
What's the worry?
Phthalates, which decrease testosterone and may also mimic estrogen, have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. "I'm particularly concerned about the effects during pregnancy," says Shanna Swan, PhD, professor of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She and her colleagues have found that exposure to phthalates in the womb might affect baby boys' sexual development. "Fetal development is to a large extent determined by hormones, so phthalates may be having other subtle effects as well," she says.
Those at elevated risk include women exposed to high levels through jobs in the automotive industry, rubber hose manufacturing facilities and nail salons, but as with other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, scientists are concerned that low doses might be harmful, too.
Reduce your risk The main source of exposure to one of the most concerning phthalates, DEHP, is food, says Swan, so avoid microwaving in plastic, and if you eat, drink or store food in plastic, steer clear of those labeled #3. Also, buy low-fat dairy products and eat leaner cuts of meat, says Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Washington. In 2014, she and colleagues reported that dairy (particularly cream) and meat can contain high levels of a certain type of phthalate, possibly from animal feed or because the chemicals leach into the food from plastics used in processing and packaging.
Congress has already banned several phthalates in toys and in teething and feeding products, but since plastics contain a concoction of chemicals, it's best to avoid plastic toys until your child outgrows the tendency to mouth them, advises Woodruff.
Phthalates can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin as well, which means personal-care products may pose a slight risk. "Choose products that contain few ingredients and are unscented—which means they probably don't contain phthalates," says Woodruff.
As scientists continue to sift through the concerns over chemicals, new scares are likely to keep making headlines. But instead of fretting, let Congress know where you stand. And try to put the risks in perspective, suggests Woodruff: "The sanest approach is to make a few changes to the food and products you buy and adopt some simple habits that reduce your exposure—then enjoy your life.
What about parabens?
These preservatives (found in products like makeup, moisturizers and hair care) have been in use since the 1930s and have long been deemed safe. Parabens are considered to be weak estrogen mimics—10,000 to 100,000 times less active than the estrogen in your body, according to one 1998 study. While they could theoretically increase breast cancer risk, at this point the risk is just that—theoretical—"and based on animal and other lab studies," says Janet Gray, PhD, director of science, technology and society at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who researches environmental impacts on breast cancer. Bottom line: There's no need to panic about parabens, but it's always wise to limit your exposure to any chemicals that may act like hormones—in this case, by opting for paraben-free personal-care products.
RELATED: 3 Beauty Products You Need to Ditch, Stat
Additives that only sound dangerous
Just because these ingredients have hard-to-pronounce names doesn't make them evil. Don't freak if you see them on the side of a package; they're safe.
Azodicarbonamide is added to flour as a whitening agent and to help bread dough rise. It caused an uproar when it was revealed that it's also used to make yoga mats and a variety of other products you wouldn't want to eat. The World Health Organization has said it can be potentially dangerous when inhaled, possibly triggering asthma in workers who are heavily exposed during the manufacturing process. But as a food additive, it is used in tiny amounts—a maximum of 0.0045 percent of the treated flour, points out Alissa Rumsey, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Xanthan gum is a sugarlike substance made from fermentation, feeding cornstarch to bacteria. It's used as a thickener and emulsifier—it helps keep oil and water from separating in products—and increases shelf life. It's in salad dressings and sauces and is what gives most gluten-free breads and baked goods a texture similar to that of wheat-based breads. Some people are allergic to xanthan gum, but if you don't have an allergy, it's harmless, says Rumsey.
RELATED: Which Internet Food Rumors Are True?
Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. It helps increase the shelf life of foods and makes food color last longer. When you consume it, it breaks down into vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and palmitate, a kind of fat, explains Rumsey. "Vitamins often have worrisome-sounding names, but this one is actually an antioxidant, so it's good for you," says Robert Gravani, PhD, professor of food science at Cornell University.
Lecithin is a type of fat usually derived from egg yolks or soybeans. It's used as an emulsifier in salad dressing and as a stabilizer in bread. "It's a fat that's essential to most cells in our bodies," notes Gravani. Unless you have a soy or egg allergy, lecithin is safe to consume, says Rumsey.
Calcium propionate is added to breads and bakery products to prevent mold and bacteria growth. It has been studied extensively for toxicity, and findings were negative, says Rumsey. "Some people may get migraines triggered by foods with this preservative," she notes, "but there hasn't been much research to back this up."
Take action
It's natural to assume that the government has safety checks in place for environmental chemicals, but that's not the case. In 1976, when Congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), there were roughly 62,000 substances already in use in the U.S.—all of which were grandfathered in by Congress and presumed to be safe, without testing. Since then, another 20,000 chemicals have come on the market, and very few have been tested, thanks to weak regulation, says Philip Landrigan, MD, dean for global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
You can help make a difference in the fight to keep toxic chemicals out of our bodies and our environment. Voice your support for chemical safety reform, which Congress is currently debating: Write your members of Congress to say you're in favor of reforming the TSCA; learn more and join the movement at http://ift.tt/1lns7bu.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Be a Natural Beauty
3 things you don't have to worry about
Dyeing your hair.
Though ingredients in older (pre-1980) hair- dye formulas were shown to cause cancer in lab animals, those ingredients are no longer in use; newer studies haven't found a cancer link. Hairdressers exposed to dyes at work may have a slightly higher risk of bladder cancer, but the IARC says there's not enough evidence to link personal hair-dye use and cancer.
Keeping your mercury fillings
"I have no qualms about using them to treat my patients," says Hadie Rifai, DDS, a dentist with the Cleveland Clinic, and everyone from the Mayo Clinic to the FDA and American Dental Association agrees they're safe.
Eating sushi once a week.
"It's safe to eat two servings of fish a week. Just go for a variety of types," says Emily Oken, MD, associate professor in the department of population medicine at the Harvard School of Public Health. "That way, you get the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and, as long as you're not pregnant, you don't need to worry about mercury exposure."
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9 Superfood Upgrades That Will Make Your Meals Even Healthier
Give every meal an upgrade with these hot superfood add-ins—all it takes is a sprinkle or scoop. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
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4 Ways Your Pet Makes Your Life Better
Just as human friends can make you happy in the deepest ways, so too can the furry variety, research shows. "One of my earliest studies found that dog owners are as emotionally close to their dogs as they are to their closest family member," says Sandra Barker, PhD, professor of psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University and director of the university's Center for Human-Animal Interaction. While your sister might not be pleased to hear that, it's good to know that pet ownership has many benefits—like the ones here.
RELATED: The Best Pets For Your Health
1. They keep your stress in check
When your dog starts wagging his tail, it's hard to obsess about that pile of work you just left on your desk. In fact, in one of Barker's studies, her team had people complete a stressful task, then measured their brain waves, blood pressure, heart rate, salivary cortisol and self-reported stress after 30 minutes with their own dog or a therapy dog. "We saw a consistent pattern of stress reduction across all measures," says Barker. "Other researchers have found reduced stress in owners interacting with their dogs after stressful tasks, compared with interacting with friends and spouses."
2. They get you moving
Especially if you have a pup. "Dogs require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day," says Ernie Ward, DVM, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, "and that just so happens to be about how many minutes humans need, too." Dog owners are 34 percent more likely to meet federal guidelines for exercise, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. And exercise is a proven mood booster: In a Norwegian study, people who exercised had better mental health than those who were sedentary. Another study suggested that walking briskly for 30 minutes could have a significant impact on mild to moderate depression symptoms.
RELATED: 13 Fun Ways to Work Out With Your Dog
3. They combat loneliness
In the age of FOMO, having a pet to keep you company can prevent that "Am I the only one who doesn't have plans tonight?" feeling. "Researchers have found a reduction in loneliness in pet-owning women living alone, while others have seen reduced loneliness in nursing home residents after animal-assisted activities," says Barker. But then, if you're an animal lover, you don't need us to tell you about that comfort you get when you're working late into the night and your cat cozies up by your side, or when your dog gleefully greets you after a long, solitary commute.
4. They boost your confidence
Sure, getting a promotion at work can give your self-image a lift—but so can owning a dog. According to one study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, dog owners scored higher in certain well-being categories, including self-esteem, than nonowners. "Because pets can decrease loneliness, anxiety and depression, there's a good chance dog owners will feel more self-assured," explains Barker. The same authors also found that when faced with social rejection, dog owners were better able to stay upbeat—and keep negative feelings at bay.
RELATED: 12 Ways Pets Improve Your Health
GO FISH... TO FEEL JOYFUL
Not a cat or dog person? You can still get happiness perks by owning a fish (or three). Scientists at the National Marine Aquarium in England discovered that looking at an aquarium improved people's moods—and that the more fish they added, the more those folks' heart rates fell.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1LegN6e
RELATED: The Best Pets For Your Health
1. They keep your stress in check
When your dog starts wagging his tail, it's hard to obsess about that pile of work you just left on your desk. In fact, in one of Barker's studies, her team had people complete a stressful task, then measured their brain waves, blood pressure, heart rate, salivary cortisol and self-reported stress after 30 minutes with their own dog or a therapy dog. "We saw a consistent pattern of stress reduction across all measures," says Barker. "Other researchers have found reduced stress in owners interacting with their dogs after stressful tasks, compared with interacting with friends and spouses."
2. They get you moving
Especially if you have a pup. "Dogs require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day," says Ernie Ward, DVM, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, "and that just so happens to be about how many minutes humans need, too." Dog owners are 34 percent more likely to meet federal guidelines for exercise, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. And exercise is a proven mood booster: In a Norwegian study, people who exercised had better mental health than those who were sedentary. Another study suggested that walking briskly for 30 minutes could have a significant impact on mild to moderate depression symptoms.
RELATED: 13 Fun Ways to Work Out With Your Dog
3. They combat loneliness
In the age of FOMO, having a pet to keep you company can prevent that "Am I the only one who doesn't have plans tonight?" feeling. "Researchers have found a reduction in loneliness in pet-owning women living alone, while others have seen reduced loneliness in nursing home residents after animal-assisted activities," says Barker. But then, if you're an animal lover, you don't need us to tell you about that comfort you get when you're working late into the night and your cat cozies up by your side, or when your dog gleefully greets you after a long, solitary commute.
4. They boost your confidence
Sure, getting a promotion at work can give your self-image a lift—but so can owning a dog. According to one study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, dog owners scored higher in certain well-being categories, including self-esteem, than nonowners. "Because pets can decrease loneliness, anxiety and depression, there's a good chance dog owners will feel more self-assured," explains Barker. The same authors also found that when faced with social rejection, dog owners were better able to stay upbeat—and keep negative feelings at bay.
RELATED: 12 Ways Pets Improve Your Health
GO FISH... TO FEEL JOYFUL
Not a cat or dog person? You can still get happiness perks by owning a fish (or three). Scientists at the National Marine Aquarium in England discovered that looking at an aquarium improved people's moods—and that the more fish they added, the more those folks' heart rates fell.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1LegN6e
7 Subtle Signs You're Burned-Out
When Tess Kearns and her husband started an all-natural catering company in Chicago last year, the responsibilities of running a new business and raising two kids were super-consuming. "I found myself with a late mortgage and not enough business and racing to learn new skills to keep it all going," says Tess. "But I didn't feel like I was worn-out. I just felt like I had a heavy load to carry."
Then her memory began to slip. "I'd meet someone for a second or third time and not recognize them," she says. "I needed to write to-do lists so I wouldn't forget tasks, but then I'd lose the lists. I was in my 40s, and I was afraid I had early-stage Alzheimer's."
Tess didn't have dementia: She was careening toward burnout. Memory blips are just one of the body's clues that it's stressed to the max. But we're often operating at such a fast pace that we don't even notice the signs. "Our bodies try to tell us to slow down, and we just don't listen," says Alice Domar, PhD, founder of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Waltham, Mass. "If you ignore the distress signals for too long, they can turn into health problems." Watch out for these biological tip-offs that it's time for a breather.
RELATED: 17 Surprising Reasons You're Stressed Out
You keep drawing blanks
When you're under stress, your adrenal gland pumps out cortisol, and research has shown that this fight-or-flight hormone can hinder your powers of recall, making it tougher to access stored facts (including so-and-so's name and where you left your phone).
Add late nights or insomnia to the mix and your recollection may get even slipperier. "During sleep, your brain replays whatever you learned that day and moves it into long-term storage," explains Sandra Ackermann, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in biopsychology at the University of Zurich. If you don't get enough shut-eye or you go to bed with your cortisol levels still spiking, that process of encoding details is disturbed.
Tess finally connected her spaciness to burnout at a networking event, where a Reiki therapist spoke about how stress can make the body go haywire. "I went in for a session, and while I was there I felt peace and calm," says Tess. "It may sound 'woo woo,' but I got my focus back. Shortly after that, we had our best business month yet."
RELATED: 17 Ways to Age-Proof Your Brain
Your cuts take forever to heal
Whether you graze your knuckle with a vegetable peeler or develop a nasty blister on a long-distance run, expect to wear a Band-Aid for a while if you're overtaxed. "When you get an injury, your immune system engages right away, sending signals to produce collagen, form a blood clot and recruit cells to protect against germs," explains William Huang, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. "But when you're stressed, your body has higher levels of chemicals called glucocorticoids, which suppress your immune system and make healing slower." Researchers from Ohio State University studied this effect in the caregivers of dementia patients: They found that people shouldering such responsibility healed 24 percent more slowly than those in a control group.
Your cramps are lethal
You already know that stress can make your period late. That's because when the hypothalamus, the regulatory center of the brain, senses that your body is running on empty, it can delay the release of an egg, shifting your whole cycle offtrack.
But for some women, feeling frazzled may make PMS worse as well. In a National Institutes of Health study, researchers followed 259 women for more than a month and quizzed them on how often they felt, for example, nervous or not in control of their lives. Those who reported more stress early in their cycle were more likely than relaxed women to have moderate to severe symptoms before and during their period. (Because killer cramps are just what you need right now.)
RELATED: 9 Best Workouts to Do When You Have Your Period
Your GI tract protests like whoa
Christa Reed, from Park Ridge, Ill., had always had a stomach of steel. But about nine months into a TV news gig that required her to be on-site by 3 a.m., she was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her doctor prescribed a modified diet and more sleep. Six months later, the pain was worse. "Instead of carrying lip gloss and gum in my purse, I had Tums and Pepto Bismol," says Christa, who was then 27. "My doctor told me that if I didn't get more rest, I'd end up with esophageal cancer." So she decided to quit her job, and within two weeks, the reflux was gone.
Christa's story is far from unusual. "Stress can alter gut secretions and slow or speed up digestion, causing problems like reflux, nausea, constipation or diarrhea," says Michael Gershon, MD, professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University and author of The Second Brain.
There may be farther-reaching consequences as well: "When anxiety disrupts digestive processes, the gut's microbiome may begin to change," explains Dr. Gershon. "The presence or absence of different bacteria can influence the strength of your entire immune system, your weight, even your mood." The good news: A little R & R can help restore the balance of bugs in your belly.
You can't stop scratching
In response to any sort of trauma or pathogen, the skin's nerve endings release chemical signals called neuropeptides that communicate "Houston, we have a problem" to the brain. Weirdly, a looming deadline or crammed social calendar can activate the same messengers—resulting in inflammation that makes you feel itchy. "The skin is a dynamic organ, and skin and stress have a complicated interplay," says Dr. Huang.
Your dreams are downright wacky
If your sleep scenes play out like Dancing with the Stars-meets-The Walking Dead fan fiction, you may need a lot more shut-eye. People who are sleep-deprived tend to have more intense dreams, though experts aren't entirely sure why.
One possible explanation: When you're not getting enough rest, your brain prioritizes REM sleep—the most restorative stage, which also happens to be when dreams occur. "Typically, REM sleep doesn't begin until about 90 minutes after you fall asleep," says Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor at the Sleep Disorders Center at NYU School of Medicine. "But if you're exhausted, the brain can get there in as few as 10 minutes." Throughout the night, it will cycle quickly through the other two stages of sleep to make up for the deficit in REM, which means more time for creative nocturnal imaginings to unfold.
Plus, if you're stressed-out and sleeping fitfully, you're more likely to wake up middream, or just after one, and remember the details vividly—especially if it involved, say, flamenco-dancing zombies.
RELATED: 7 Tips for the Best Sleep Ever
Your head pounds on Saturdays
After a brutal week at the office, the weekend feels like a gift from the gods. You sleep in, enjoy a leisurely brunch and then...develop throbbing pressure in your skull? "We're not exactly sure why, but migraines are sometimes triggered by the letdown after a period of stress rather than the stress itself," explains Peter Goadsby, PhD, a neurologist who specializes in headache disorders at Kings College London. The effect might be the result of a sharp drop in cortisol. Who knew?
RELATED: 10 Foods That May Trigger a Migraine
POSES FOR PEACE
Your brain and body are screaming for z's—but stress is keeping you up at night. Help! This simple yoga series from celebrity instructor Mandy Ingber can help relax your mind for better rest.
1. Easy seated pose with alternate-nostril breathing
Sit on the floor, legs crossed. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril. At the top of the inhale, close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release right nostril. Exhale and inhale through your right nostril. Close right nostril again and exhale through left nostril. Repeat the sequence 16 times.
2. Reclining Pigeon Pose
Lie on your back, knees bent and soles of feet on the floor. Cross right ankle over left knee. Clasp your hands behind left hamstring and draw thigh toward your torso. Hold for up to two minutes, breathing deeply. Switch sides.
3. Legs-up-the-wall pose
Sit by a wall with right hip and shoulder touching it, knees bent. Roll onto your back and extend legs up the wall. Stay here for 5 to 10 minutes. "This mellow inversion reverses blood flow, encourages lymphatic drainage and brings renewed blood to your heart," says Ingber.
RELATED: 3 Stress-Busting Yoga Poses
TENSION-BUSTING TIPS THE PROS USE
"I've created little cues to remind myself to take breaks. Now, whenever I'm stopped at a red light, or whenever I glance at the clock at work, I practice diaphragmatic breathing." —Alice Domar, PhD
"Some whole foods can actually help you handle stress better. Berries, red bell peppers and kale are all good sources of vitamin C, which helps regulate cortisol. And avocados contain loads of potassium, which helps keep your blood pressure healthy."—Wendy Bazilian, RD
"For the best sleep, you have to find a way to separate the day from the night. That might mean taking a quick shower before bed or starting a new bedtime routine, like writing in a journal or doing some yoga."—Joyce Walsleben, PhD
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1SpYNLL
Then her memory began to slip. "I'd meet someone for a second or third time and not recognize them," she says. "I needed to write to-do lists so I wouldn't forget tasks, but then I'd lose the lists. I was in my 40s, and I was afraid I had early-stage Alzheimer's."
Tess didn't have dementia: She was careening toward burnout. Memory blips are just one of the body's clues that it's stressed to the max. But we're often operating at such a fast pace that we don't even notice the signs. "Our bodies try to tell us to slow down, and we just don't listen," says Alice Domar, PhD, founder of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Waltham, Mass. "If you ignore the distress signals for too long, they can turn into health problems." Watch out for these biological tip-offs that it's time for a breather.
RELATED: 17 Surprising Reasons You're Stressed Out
You keep drawing blanks
When you're under stress, your adrenal gland pumps out cortisol, and research has shown that this fight-or-flight hormone can hinder your powers of recall, making it tougher to access stored facts (including so-and-so's name and where you left your phone).
Add late nights or insomnia to the mix and your recollection may get even slipperier. "During sleep, your brain replays whatever you learned that day and moves it into long-term storage," explains Sandra Ackermann, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in biopsychology at the University of Zurich. If you don't get enough shut-eye or you go to bed with your cortisol levels still spiking, that process of encoding details is disturbed.
Tess finally connected her spaciness to burnout at a networking event, where a Reiki therapist spoke about how stress can make the body go haywire. "I went in for a session, and while I was there I felt peace and calm," says Tess. "It may sound 'woo woo,' but I got my focus back. Shortly after that, we had our best business month yet."
RELATED: 17 Ways to Age-Proof Your Brain
Your cuts take forever to heal
Whether you graze your knuckle with a vegetable peeler or develop a nasty blister on a long-distance run, expect to wear a Band-Aid for a while if you're overtaxed. "When you get an injury, your immune system engages right away, sending signals to produce collagen, form a blood clot and recruit cells to protect against germs," explains William Huang, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. "But when you're stressed, your body has higher levels of chemicals called glucocorticoids, which suppress your immune system and make healing slower." Researchers from Ohio State University studied this effect in the caregivers of dementia patients: They found that people shouldering such responsibility healed 24 percent more slowly than those in a control group.
Your cramps are lethal
You already know that stress can make your period late. That's because when the hypothalamus, the regulatory center of the brain, senses that your body is running on empty, it can delay the release of an egg, shifting your whole cycle offtrack.
But for some women, feeling frazzled may make PMS worse as well. In a National Institutes of Health study, researchers followed 259 women for more than a month and quizzed them on how often they felt, for example, nervous or not in control of their lives. Those who reported more stress early in their cycle were more likely than relaxed women to have moderate to severe symptoms before and during their period. (Because killer cramps are just what you need right now.)
RELATED: 9 Best Workouts to Do When You Have Your Period
Your GI tract protests like whoa
Christa Reed, from Park Ridge, Ill., had always had a stomach of steel. But about nine months into a TV news gig that required her to be on-site by 3 a.m., she was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her doctor prescribed a modified diet and more sleep. Six months later, the pain was worse. "Instead of carrying lip gloss and gum in my purse, I had Tums and Pepto Bismol," says Christa, who was then 27. "My doctor told me that if I didn't get more rest, I'd end up with esophageal cancer." So she decided to quit her job, and within two weeks, the reflux was gone.
Christa's story is far from unusual. "Stress can alter gut secretions and slow or speed up digestion, causing problems like reflux, nausea, constipation or diarrhea," says Michael Gershon, MD, professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University and author of The Second Brain.
There may be farther-reaching consequences as well: "When anxiety disrupts digestive processes, the gut's microbiome may begin to change," explains Dr. Gershon. "The presence or absence of different bacteria can influence the strength of your entire immune system, your weight, even your mood." The good news: A little R & R can help restore the balance of bugs in your belly.
You can't stop scratching
In response to any sort of trauma or pathogen, the skin's nerve endings release chemical signals called neuropeptides that communicate "Houston, we have a problem" to the brain. Weirdly, a looming deadline or crammed social calendar can activate the same messengers—resulting in inflammation that makes you feel itchy. "The skin is a dynamic organ, and skin and stress have a complicated interplay," says Dr. Huang.
Your dreams are downright wacky
If your sleep scenes play out like Dancing with the Stars-meets-The Walking Dead fan fiction, you may need a lot more shut-eye. People who are sleep-deprived tend to have more intense dreams, though experts aren't entirely sure why.
One possible explanation: When you're not getting enough rest, your brain prioritizes REM sleep—the most restorative stage, which also happens to be when dreams occur. "Typically, REM sleep doesn't begin until about 90 minutes after you fall asleep," says Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor at the Sleep Disorders Center at NYU School of Medicine. "But if you're exhausted, the brain can get there in as few as 10 minutes." Throughout the night, it will cycle quickly through the other two stages of sleep to make up for the deficit in REM, which means more time for creative nocturnal imaginings to unfold.
Plus, if you're stressed-out and sleeping fitfully, you're more likely to wake up middream, or just after one, and remember the details vividly—especially if it involved, say, flamenco-dancing zombies.
RELATED: 7 Tips for the Best Sleep Ever
Your head pounds on Saturdays
After a brutal week at the office, the weekend feels like a gift from the gods. You sleep in, enjoy a leisurely brunch and then...develop throbbing pressure in your skull? "We're not exactly sure why, but migraines are sometimes triggered by the letdown after a period of stress rather than the stress itself," explains Peter Goadsby, PhD, a neurologist who specializes in headache disorders at Kings College London. The effect might be the result of a sharp drop in cortisol. Who knew?
RELATED: 10 Foods That May Trigger a Migraine
POSES FOR PEACE
Your brain and body are screaming for z's—but stress is keeping you up at night. Help! This simple yoga series from celebrity instructor Mandy Ingber can help relax your mind for better rest.
1. Easy seated pose with alternate-nostril breathing
Sit on the floor, legs crossed. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril. At the top of the inhale, close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release right nostril. Exhale and inhale through your right nostril. Close right nostril again and exhale through left nostril. Repeat the sequence 16 times.
2. Reclining Pigeon Pose
Lie on your back, knees bent and soles of feet on the floor. Cross right ankle over left knee. Clasp your hands behind left hamstring and draw thigh toward your torso. Hold for up to two minutes, breathing deeply. Switch sides.
3. Legs-up-the-wall pose
Sit by a wall with right hip and shoulder touching it, knees bent. Roll onto your back and extend legs up the wall. Stay here for 5 to 10 minutes. "This mellow inversion reverses blood flow, encourages lymphatic drainage and brings renewed blood to your heart," says Ingber.
RELATED: 3 Stress-Busting Yoga Poses
TENSION-BUSTING TIPS THE PROS USE
"I've created little cues to remind myself to take breaks. Now, whenever I'm stopped at a red light, or whenever I glance at the clock at work, I practice diaphragmatic breathing." —Alice Domar, PhD
"Some whole foods can actually help you handle stress better. Berries, red bell peppers and kale are all good sources of vitamin C, which helps regulate cortisol. And avocados contain loads of potassium, which helps keep your blood pressure healthy."—Wendy Bazilian, RD
"For the best sleep, you have to find a way to separate the day from the night. That might mean taking a quick shower before bed or starting a new bedtime routine, like writing in a journal or doing some yoga."—Joyce Walsleben, PhD
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J November 14, 2015 at 01:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1SpYNLL
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