To get strong shoulders, try this move by Kristin McGee. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and scoop in your belly button to really engage your core. Watch this video to learn how to do this move, which is great if you are warming up before an upper-body workout. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Friday, 29 May 2015
Get Strong, Sculpted Abs
To get the strong, sculpted abs you've always wanted, try this move from yoga instructor Kristin McGee. In this powered-up version of Boat to Canoe, she uses a pair of dumbbells for maximum impact. Watch the video to learn how to give your abs a good workout. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Try This Flat-Belly Yoga Pose
The boat pose strengthens and challenges the stabilizing muscles within your core, making it one of the best yoga moves for flattening your belly. Watch the video to see yoga and Pilates expert Kristin McGee demonstrate all the different ways you can do this pose to get flat abs fast. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Plank With Arm/Leg Lift by Tracy Anderson
In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do a Plank With Arm/Leg Lift workout move. This is a challenging move that targets the upper back, chest, sides, core and glutes.
See Tracy Anderson's next workout move
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See Tracy Anderson's next workout move
See the full workout http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Mini Squat With Leg Extension by Tracy Anderson
Learn how to a Mini Squat With Leg Extension workout move by watching this video by celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson. You can seriously work your glutes, quads, and more with this challenging move. You'll want to go all in on this full body move, so lengthen your leg as much as possible to really feel a stretch.
See Tracy Anderson's next workout move
See the full workout http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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See Tracy Anderson's next workout move
See the full workout http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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8 Workout Moves With Tracy Anderson
Watch this video to get a serious head-to-toe and front-to-back workout with celebrity trainer, Tracy Anderson. You can lose up to 10 inches over your entire body in 10 days by doing these exercises six days a week along with 30 to 60 minutes of cardio. This workout series leaves no muscle unworked! To start, cycle through all of the exercises on your right side, then repeat them on your left. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Magic Yoga Moves
Want fab abs, but hate sit ups and crunches? We can help. Just add these gentle yoga moves, which are just as effective as the traditional crunch, to your ab routine. These moves tighten and tone your core, resulting in a slim waist and a flat belly. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Get Strong Hips and Thighs
Want a tighter butt? Of course you do. This lunging twist strengthens and tones your trouble spots, including the hips, thighs, and butt. And since you're working out your entire lower body, you'll burn mega calories at the same time. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Get Strong Triceps
If you want sexy arms, it pays to add some weight to your yoga routine. Watch this video to learn how to challenge your triceps by combining Warrior 3 pose with a set of dumbbells. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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How to Tone Your Abs, Hips, and Waist
For tight abs and a sexy waist, try this Pilates move called the Criss Cross. It's similar to the bicycle move, but with some key differences. End result? You can strengthen and tone the abdominals, hips, and waist. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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The Sexy Side Arm Push-Up
Kristin McGee's best exercise for toned triceps, a flatter belly, and super tight obliques http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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A Move to Lose the Love Handles
This Side Triangle move packs a one-two punch, helping you to get stronger and keep extra pounds at bay. It helps strengthen your lower back and waist, and more importantly get rid of those dreaded love handles. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Why Exercise Is Good for Digestion
You need exercise for a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that it can also improve your digestion? Watch the video to learn how to stimulate your gut, boost your immune system, and even relieve constipation andbloating. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Health Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is the most important nutrient you need, and is essential for digestive health. Watch the video to learn how drinking water helps keep you more regular, and can even help you lose weight. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Why Stress Can Cause Digestive Problems
Stress can cause problems for your gut, ramping up acid production in the stomach and exacerbating irritable bowel syndrome. Watch the video to learn how high levels of stress can affect your digestive health. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 30, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Thursday, 28 May 2015
17 Refreshing Blueberry Recipes
Blueberries are delicious on their own, but adding them to salads, desserts, and even drinks takes summer recipes to a new level. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
6 Things Your Looks Say About Your Health
Got lackluster locks? Or a scaly patch on an elbow? Your body may be trying to tell you something. "There are huge links between how we appear on the outside and what's happening inside," says Ramsey Markus, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Even the most common beauty woes, like brittle nails and a dull complexion, can hint at issues beneath the surface. Give yourself a once-over for these six superficial signs you should see your doctor.
If you have: Thick, dark facial or body hair
It might mean: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). "We're not talking about a few wispy strands," says Zoe Stallings, MD, a family physician at Duke Medicine in Durham, N.C. "This is a thick coat of 'I have sideburns that tweezers can't handle' hair." It tends to sprout in places where men grow hair (like the cheeks, chin, chest and back) and may be due to elevated levels of male sex hormones—a common symptom of the endocrine disorder PCOS, which can increase your risk of infertility and diabetes. Ask your doc for a blood test. Birth control pills and lifestyle changes like losing excess weight (even just a few pounds) can reduce symptoms. Your MD might also prescribe a steroid to help correct the hormone imbalance or a cream that inhibits the growth of facial hair. Another option: talking to your dermatologist about laser hair removal. "The pro is that it's effective," Dr. Stallings says. "The con is the price." Each session costs around $300, though some insurance plans will cover the treatment.
If you have: A brittle nail
It might mean: Fungus. It's disgusting but true—your nail bed is a perfect home for fungi. "They like having a warm, moist layer of skin to feed off," Dr. Markus explains. When a parasite moves in, your nail may start to split or crumble at the edges. A derm might prescribe medication. It may also help to limit exposure to moisture by wearing gloves to do the dishes or changing socks after a workout.
If the nails on both hands are brittle, you can probably blame overzealous hand washing; a supplement could do the trick. Vitamins containing keratin, in particular, improve nail strength, according to a 2014 study.
Related: Lifestyle Changes to Look Younger
If you have: A scaly red patch
It might mean: Psoriasis. This rash isn't just a skin problem. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can crop up at any age and is linked to inflammation throughout the body (experts are unsure if psoriasis causes inflammation or vice versa). Lesions—typically on the scalp, elbows and knees—are a common symptom, but moderate to severe psoriasis is also connected to cardiovascular disease, according to a longitudinal study published last fall. Fortunately, "your risk of heart attack goes down when you treat a more severe case of psoriasis," says Jennifer Chen, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford School of Medicine. See your derm: A variety of oral and topical meds, as well as phototherapy, can reduce outbreaks.
If you have: Persistent acne
It might mean: A hormonal imbalance. Breakouts aren't just for teens and tweens. "Acne may recur during perimenopause," Dr. Chen explains. As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your hormonal balance can tip toward testosterone, which triggers a surge in the production of pore-clogging oil. "Like menopause itself, this acne varies in duration and intensity," Dr. Chen says, though the pimples often appear on the jawline. The good news, Dr. Chen says: "We have great medications to prevent acne. You just have to be proactive about it."
If you have: Dry, blotchy skin
It might mean: An omega-3 deficiency. "As we age, our sebaceous glands produce less oil that lubricates skin," says Valori Treloar, MD, co-author of The Clear Skin Diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your complexion healthy-looking in part because they protect dry skin from developing inflammation. If you have a deficiency, your skin may become itchy and blotchy, Dr. Treloar says. Eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3s, like walnuts, flaxseed and cold water fish. Still worried you're not getting enough? Consider taking a fish oil supplement.
If you have: Thinning hair
It might mean: Hypothyroidism. When your thyroid gland is underactive, too many of your hair follicles go into resting mode. As strands naturally shed, they aren't replaced, and "women start to notice that their scalp is showing," Dr. Stallings says. Synthetic hormones and other remedies can help. Another possible culprit: low estrogen. For women in menopause, a B complex multi with collagen may restore thinning tresses, Dr. Stallings says. If you've just had a baby (another cause of an estrogen dip), don't fret: Your hair's volume should return to normal by the time your little one is six months old.
Related: 18 Style Mistakes That Age You
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If you have: Thick, dark facial or body hair
It might mean: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). "We're not talking about a few wispy strands," says Zoe Stallings, MD, a family physician at Duke Medicine in Durham, N.C. "This is a thick coat of 'I have sideburns that tweezers can't handle' hair." It tends to sprout in places where men grow hair (like the cheeks, chin, chest and back) and may be due to elevated levels of male sex hormones—a common symptom of the endocrine disorder PCOS, which can increase your risk of infertility and diabetes. Ask your doc for a blood test. Birth control pills and lifestyle changes like losing excess weight (even just a few pounds) can reduce symptoms. Your MD might also prescribe a steroid to help correct the hormone imbalance or a cream that inhibits the growth of facial hair. Another option: talking to your dermatologist about laser hair removal. "The pro is that it's effective," Dr. Stallings says. "The con is the price." Each session costs around $300, though some insurance plans will cover the treatment.
If you have: A brittle nail
It might mean: Fungus. It's disgusting but true—your nail bed is a perfect home for fungi. "They like having a warm, moist layer of skin to feed off," Dr. Markus explains. When a parasite moves in, your nail may start to split or crumble at the edges. A derm might prescribe medication. It may also help to limit exposure to moisture by wearing gloves to do the dishes or changing socks after a workout.
If the nails on both hands are brittle, you can probably blame overzealous hand washing; a supplement could do the trick. Vitamins containing keratin, in particular, improve nail strength, according to a 2014 study.
Related: Lifestyle Changes to Look Younger
If you have: A scaly red patch
It might mean: Psoriasis. This rash isn't just a skin problem. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can crop up at any age and is linked to inflammation throughout the body (experts are unsure if psoriasis causes inflammation or vice versa). Lesions—typically on the scalp, elbows and knees—are a common symptom, but moderate to severe psoriasis is also connected to cardiovascular disease, according to a longitudinal study published last fall. Fortunately, "your risk of heart attack goes down when you treat a more severe case of psoriasis," says Jennifer Chen, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford School of Medicine. See your derm: A variety of oral and topical meds, as well as phototherapy, can reduce outbreaks.
If you have: Persistent acne
It might mean: A hormonal imbalance. Breakouts aren't just for teens and tweens. "Acne may recur during perimenopause," Dr. Chen explains. As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your hormonal balance can tip toward testosterone, which triggers a surge in the production of pore-clogging oil. "Like menopause itself, this acne varies in duration and intensity," Dr. Chen says, though the pimples often appear on the jawline. The good news, Dr. Chen says: "We have great medications to prevent acne. You just have to be proactive about it."
If you have: Dry, blotchy skin
It might mean: An omega-3 deficiency. "As we age, our sebaceous glands produce less oil that lubricates skin," says Valori Treloar, MD, co-author of The Clear Skin Diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your complexion healthy-looking in part because they protect dry skin from developing inflammation. If you have a deficiency, your skin may become itchy and blotchy, Dr. Treloar says. Eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3s, like walnuts, flaxseed and cold water fish. Still worried you're not getting enough? Consider taking a fish oil supplement.
If you have: Thinning hair
It might mean: Hypothyroidism. When your thyroid gland is underactive, too many of your hair follicles go into resting mode. As strands naturally shed, they aren't replaced, and "women start to notice that their scalp is showing," Dr. Stallings says. Synthetic hormones and other remedies can help. Another possible culprit: low estrogen. For women in menopause, a B complex multi with collagen may restore thinning tresses, Dr. Stallings says. If you've just had a baby (another cause of an estrogen dip), don't fret: Your hair's volume should return to normal by the time your little one is six months old.
Related: 18 Style Mistakes That Age You
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4 Habits That Set You Up for Good Luck
When Anna Z. moved to Chicago¸ one of the first things she did was join a meet-up group for Arabic speakers. "I love trying new things¸" she explains. "I saw this group and thought¸ 'Why not?'" As luck would have it¸ the organizer was born and raised in Fez¸ Morocco¸ the city where Anna lived when she was learning the language. The two struck up a conversation¸ and today they're happily married with a little boy.
Some people might say that kismet led Anna to her future husband within a week of landing in a new city. But Anna's openness to life's quirky possibilities put her in the right place at the right time to create her own fate.
Contrary to what most of us have always believed, luck isn't some mysterious, ephemeral force. "There are huge chance factors that affect what happens to us, of course," says Richard Wiseman, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire in England and author of The Luck Factor. "But to a very large extent, we are responsible for much of the good fortune that we encounter."
And some folks tend to be naturally skilled at spotting good fortune around every turn. To learn how those "lucky" souls do it, Wiseman and other experts have been studying the constellation of traits that separate them from the self-proclaimed unlucky. Their research suggests that four habits in particular can help us all catch a few more breaks.
Related: Fight Aging: 6 Secrets to Staying Young
Expect good things
The first rule of lucky people? They feel lucky, which tilts the scales of serendipity in their favor. But the reason has nothing to do with hocus-pocus, says Wiseman, who has spent 15 years researching folks' perceptions of their fate: "People who count themselves lucky expect the best outcomes, and their expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies."
Researchers at New York University discovered this effect among lovesick undergraduates. In the study, students who believed that they would get a date were significantly more likely to win over the object of their desire.
The simple explanation is self-assurance. If you believe that you'll do well—whether you're trying to impress a crush or pitching a project—you're more motivated to persist until you reach your goal. Feeling lucky might even help you win the door prize at a charity dinner: The more optimistic you are about your chances, the more raffle tickets you'll probably buy (and the more likely you'll be to buy tickets at the next event, despite losing in the past).
Not a Pollyanna by nature? You might want to pick up a rabbit's foot—seriously! Experiments have shown that lucky charms can actually work, by boosting a person's confidence. In a 2010 study at the University of Cologne in Germany, superstitious subjects were asked to play a memory game; people who got to keep their talismans while they played scored higher than those who played without their jujus.
The researchers observed the same phenomenon among golfers who were told that they were playing with a lucky ball: The belief that they had a supernatural edge led them to putt significantly better than golfers in a control group.
Donald Saucier, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Kansas State University, encourages following any (harmless) ritual that makes you feel better when you're nervous, from rubbing a lucky penny to donning special undies: "These optimistic gestures are good at creating comfort—and that can help you perform better."
The key, he says, is coupling your hopeful expectations with action. "If you think luck is going to take care of you entirely, you'll do less to design your own destiny," he explains. "But if a superstition helps you manage your emotions so you can focus on the problem at hand, that's awesome."
Related: 12 Counterintuitive Health Tips
Court chance
Another reason good fortune seems to find certain people is that they make themselves easy to find, says Tania Luna, a researcher at Hunter College in New York City and author of the new book Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected. "Lucky people court chance by breaking routine, saying yes more often and meeting people beyond their circle," she notes.
Indeed, Wiseman has learned that lucky people cultivate lots of friends and acquaintances. In one study, he showed hundreds of participants a list of common last names and asked them to indicate if they were on a first-name basis with at least one person who had each surname. Of the subjects who considered themselves lucky, nearly 50 percent ticked eight names or more. Only 25 percent of unlucky people could do the same.
"Lucky people talk to lots of people, attract people to them and keep in touch," Wiseman says. "These habits result in a 'network of luck,' creating potential for fortuitous connections."
But if striking up small talk with strangers isn't your style, you can still create that advantage, Luna says: "Reach out to an old friend you haven't seen since high school. Or invite a colleague to join you at a new lunch spot. The idea is to move outside your comfort zone."
Colleen Seifert, PhD, a cognitive scientist and a professor at the University of Michigan, echoes Luna's advice to get out of your everyday rut, which could mean attending a conference, for example, or volunteering at a political fundraiser—even signing up for scuba-diving lessons. "Throwing a little chaos into your life opens you up to a chance encounter," she explains. That person could end up being your soul mate, future business partner or just someone you chat with for five minutes and never see again. But that's OK. The goal is to stay open to possibilities.
Look for silver linings
Here's a novel way to boost your success: Find the value in bad luck. Even if something doesn't turn out the way you wanted, consider that it may be a blessing in disguise, Luna says.
"When you reframe a situation in your mind, your brain actually processes it differently," she explains. For a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Luna showed kids emotionally intense images—like a dog growling and a boy crying—while measuring the activity in their brains. Then she showed them the same images again and offered a reassuring explanation for each, like "This dog is defending a little girl" and "This boy has just been reunited with his mom." The participants' brains exhibited a dramatic drop in activity in the amygdala—the part of the brain that processes fear. "It was like they were seeing completely different photos," she says.
Lucky people reframe negative experiences in a similar way. When they hit a stumbling block, they're more likely to transform it into a positive event, Wiseman says, which helps them maintain their optimism and continue taking chances. "They have an uncanny ability to cope with adversity," he says, "and even thrive in spite of it."
To build that type of resilience, Luna recommends facing your next setback with a series of questions that will help you move forward: What's one bright side effect? What have I learned from the experience? What do I want now? And how can I get it?
"Lucky people know that with uncertainty comes opportunity," Luna says. "Fortunately for everyone else, shifting how you perceive things is a trainable skill." The more quickly you can bounce back from a blow, the sooner you'll be able to spot your next big break, and the more likely you'll be to go for it.
Related: How Healthy Is Your Home State?
Trust your gut
Elizabeth B. remembers her luckiest moment as if it happened yesterday: She was driving home to New York from her parents' house in Pennsylvania a few years ago when something told her to stop and buy a lotto ticket. "I never, ever play the lottery," she says, "but the idea popped into my head and I listened." After she pulled over, a terrible accident occurred just ahead on the road: "A pickup had crossed into my lane and crashed into a guardrail. If I hadn't stopped, my car would have been totaled."
Maybe Elizabeth's pit stop was an incredibly fortuitous fluke. Or maybe her intuition had warned her to get away from an erratic driver approaching in the distance.
She can't be sure. But what scientists do know is that we process far more visual information and other sensory details than we consciously realize, which sometimes leads to instincts we can't explain.
Lucky people listen to those hunches, Wiseman says. His research shows that 80 percent of them use their intuition as a guiding rod in their careers, and 90 percent trust their gut in personal relationships.
"Intuitive feelings are faster than normal forms of thinking," explains Karla Starr, an expert in the psychology of luck and the author of an upcoming book on the subject. They often hit you on a visceral level before your consciousness catches up.
A study by the U.K.'s Medical Research Council demonstrated the power of these subtle physical signals. Researcher Barnaby Dunn, PhD, asked his subjects to play a game, turning over cards from four decks, while he monitored their heart rates. What the folks didn't know was that the game was rigged: Two of the decks were stacked with high-value cards, and two were stacked with bad cards.
After just a few rounds, the players' heart rates dipped when they went near the high-value decks—indicating that their bodies had identified the difference in the decks before their minds suspected a thing.
The trick to tapping into that sixth sense is trusting your instincts. Wiseman has found that lucky people are more apt to do activities that help them tune in to their inner voice, like meditating and taking walks.
A gut check can improve your luck in another way, too, Starr says: "It can help you act more decisively." In other words, a hunch about your fate may be just the bump in confidence you need to reach for the stars—and make them align.
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Some people might say that kismet led Anna to her future husband within a week of landing in a new city. But Anna's openness to life's quirky possibilities put her in the right place at the right time to create her own fate.
Contrary to what most of us have always believed, luck isn't some mysterious, ephemeral force. "There are huge chance factors that affect what happens to us, of course," says Richard Wiseman, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire in England and author of The Luck Factor. "But to a very large extent, we are responsible for much of the good fortune that we encounter."
And some folks tend to be naturally skilled at spotting good fortune around every turn. To learn how those "lucky" souls do it, Wiseman and other experts have been studying the constellation of traits that separate them from the self-proclaimed unlucky. Their research suggests that four habits in particular can help us all catch a few more breaks.
Related: Fight Aging: 6 Secrets to Staying Young
Expect good things
The first rule of lucky people? They feel lucky, which tilts the scales of serendipity in their favor. But the reason has nothing to do with hocus-pocus, says Wiseman, who has spent 15 years researching folks' perceptions of their fate: "People who count themselves lucky expect the best outcomes, and their expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies."
Researchers at New York University discovered this effect among lovesick undergraduates. In the study, students who believed that they would get a date were significantly more likely to win over the object of their desire.
The simple explanation is self-assurance. If you believe that you'll do well—whether you're trying to impress a crush or pitching a project—you're more motivated to persist until you reach your goal. Feeling lucky might even help you win the door prize at a charity dinner: The more optimistic you are about your chances, the more raffle tickets you'll probably buy (and the more likely you'll be to buy tickets at the next event, despite losing in the past).
Not a Pollyanna by nature? You might want to pick up a rabbit's foot—seriously! Experiments have shown that lucky charms can actually work, by boosting a person's confidence. In a 2010 study at the University of Cologne in Germany, superstitious subjects were asked to play a memory game; people who got to keep their talismans while they played scored higher than those who played without their jujus.
The researchers observed the same phenomenon among golfers who were told that they were playing with a lucky ball: The belief that they had a supernatural edge led them to putt significantly better than golfers in a control group.
Donald Saucier, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Kansas State University, encourages following any (harmless) ritual that makes you feel better when you're nervous, from rubbing a lucky penny to donning special undies: "These optimistic gestures are good at creating comfort—and that can help you perform better."
The key, he says, is coupling your hopeful expectations with action. "If you think luck is going to take care of you entirely, you'll do less to design your own destiny," he explains. "But if a superstition helps you manage your emotions so you can focus on the problem at hand, that's awesome."
Related: 12 Counterintuitive Health Tips
Court chance
Another reason good fortune seems to find certain people is that they make themselves easy to find, says Tania Luna, a researcher at Hunter College in New York City and author of the new book Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected. "Lucky people court chance by breaking routine, saying yes more often and meeting people beyond their circle," she notes.
Indeed, Wiseman has learned that lucky people cultivate lots of friends and acquaintances. In one study, he showed hundreds of participants a list of common last names and asked them to indicate if they were on a first-name basis with at least one person who had each surname. Of the subjects who considered themselves lucky, nearly 50 percent ticked eight names or more. Only 25 percent of unlucky people could do the same.
"Lucky people talk to lots of people, attract people to them and keep in touch," Wiseman says. "These habits result in a 'network of luck,' creating potential for fortuitous connections."
But if striking up small talk with strangers isn't your style, you can still create that advantage, Luna says: "Reach out to an old friend you haven't seen since high school. Or invite a colleague to join you at a new lunch spot. The idea is to move outside your comfort zone."
Colleen Seifert, PhD, a cognitive scientist and a professor at the University of Michigan, echoes Luna's advice to get out of your everyday rut, which could mean attending a conference, for example, or volunteering at a political fundraiser—even signing up for scuba-diving lessons. "Throwing a little chaos into your life opens you up to a chance encounter," she explains. That person could end up being your soul mate, future business partner or just someone you chat with for five minutes and never see again. But that's OK. The goal is to stay open to possibilities.
Next Page: Look for silver linings
Look for silver linings
Here's a novel way to boost your success: Find the value in bad luck. Even if something doesn't turn out the way you wanted, consider that it may be a blessing in disguise, Luna says.
"When you reframe a situation in your mind, your brain actually processes it differently," she explains. For a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Luna showed kids emotionally intense images—like a dog growling and a boy crying—while measuring the activity in their brains. Then she showed them the same images again and offered a reassuring explanation for each, like "This dog is defending a little girl" and "This boy has just been reunited with his mom." The participants' brains exhibited a dramatic drop in activity in the amygdala—the part of the brain that processes fear. "It was like they were seeing completely different photos," she says.
Lucky people reframe negative experiences in a similar way. When they hit a stumbling block, they're more likely to transform it into a positive event, Wiseman says, which helps them maintain their optimism and continue taking chances. "They have an uncanny ability to cope with adversity," he says, "and even thrive in spite of it."
To build that type of resilience, Luna recommends facing your next setback with a series of questions that will help you move forward: What's one bright side effect? What have I learned from the experience? What do I want now? And how can I get it?
"Lucky people know that with uncertainty comes opportunity," Luna says. "Fortunately for everyone else, shifting how you perceive things is a trainable skill." The more quickly you can bounce back from a blow, the sooner you'll be able to spot your next big break, and the more likely you'll be to go for it.
Related: How Healthy Is Your Home State?
Trust your gut
Elizabeth B. remembers her luckiest moment as if it happened yesterday: She was driving home to New York from her parents' house in Pennsylvania a few years ago when something told her to stop and buy a lotto ticket. "I never, ever play the lottery," she says, "but the idea popped into my head and I listened." After she pulled over, a terrible accident occurred just ahead on the road: "A pickup had crossed into my lane and crashed into a guardrail. If I hadn't stopped, my car would have been totaled."
Maybe Elizabeth's pit stop was an incredibly fortuitous fluke. Or maybe her intuition had warned her to get away from an erratic driver approaching in the distance.
She can't be sure. But what scientists do know is that we process far more visual information and other sensory details than we consciously realize, which sometimes leads to instincts we can't explain.
Lucky people listen to those hunches, Wiseman says. His research shows that 80 percent of them use their intuition as a guiding rod in their careers, and 90 percent trust their gut in personal relationships.
"Intuitive feelings are faster than normal forms of thinking," explains Karla Starr, an expert in the psychology of luck and the author of an upcoming book on the subject. They often hit you on a visceral level before your consciousness catches up.
A study by the U.K.'s Medical Research Council demonstrated the power of these subtle physical signals. Researcher Barnaby Dunn, PhD, asked his subjects to play a game, turning over cards from four decks, while he monitored their heart rates. What the folks didn't know was that the game was rigged: Two of the decks were stacked with high-value cards, and two were stacked with bad cards.
After just a few rounds, the players' heart rates dipped when they went near the high-value decks—indicating that their bodies had identified the difference in the decks before their minds suspected a thing.
The trick to tapping into that sixth sense is trusting your instincts. Wiseman has found that lucky people are more apt to do activities that help them tune in to their inner voice, like meditating and taking walks.
A gut check can improve your luck in another way, too, Starr says: "It can help you act more decisively." In other words, a hunch about your fate may be just the bump in confidence you need to reach for the stars—and make them align.
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5 Sleep Problems Nobody Talks About
You drift off at night like a newborn baby yet can't recall the last time you woke up truly refreshed. It may not seem that weird: "People tend to assume that because our modern lives are so hectic, nobody feels rested," says Meir Kryger, MD, a professor at the Yale School of Medicine. But the reality is, you might have a sleep disorder and not even know it. There are a handful of problems that can cheat you out of quality slumber, leaving you more tired in the morning than you were when you went to bed. Find out what could be going on between your sheets and how to catch more restorative z's, starting tonight.
Sleep Problem No. 1: You snore like a saw
Those snuffle-snorts mean that your slack tongue and throat muscles are narrowing your airway, possibly due to the shape of your soft palate or any extra weight you're carrying.
Although you're likely to wake up if you get short of breath, it may not be for long enough to remember. Some people wake dozens or even hundreds of times a night—a disorder known as sleep apnea that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and possibly osteoporosis, according to a new study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. "Those repeated awakenings are as disruptive as someone pinching you every two minutes all night long," says Safwan Badr, MD, chief of the division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
Sleep aid: If you rarely wake up feeling bright-eyed, see a specialist to get checked for sleep apnea.(Three to 9 percent of women between the ages of 30 and 70 suffer from it.) If you have the condition, a CPAP machine and mask can help by keeping your pharynx open with a steady stream of air.
To quiet your snore, avoid rolling onto your back—a position that makes your airway more likely to collapse. Rachel Salas, MD, associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, suggests this little trick: Sew a tennis ball into the pocket of a sweatshirt and wear it backward to bed.
RELATED: 14 Reasons You're Always Tired
Sleep Problem No. 2: You grind your teeth
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or get chronic headaches? If so, you may be gnashing your ivories overnight. All that clenching can cause enough pain to interfere with your shut-eye (not to mention wear down your enamel). Experts believe that teeth grinding, which about 16 percent of us do, is associated with anxiety—though an abnormal bite and antidepressants can also play a role.
Sleep aid: A dentist will fit you with a mouth guard. If you're clamping down because you're overwhelmed and overloaded, find a healthier way to manage stress, urges Michael A. Grandner, PhD, an instructor in psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "It's also crucial to spend plenty of time winding down before bed so you drift off in a calm, relaxed state," he adds.
RELATED: 11 Signs You're Sleep Deprived
Sleep Problem No. 3: Your body clock is off
Not even drowsy until the wee hours? Delayed sleep-phase syndrome (DSPS) is the technical term for this disorder, which afflicts 10 percent of people who seek help for insomnia. It involves a biological glitch that prevents your body from making melatonin (the sleep hormone) until 12 a.m. or later. A prime sign you've got DSPS: You've been a night owl since high school. The syndrome is common among teenagers and sometimes persists into adulthood. If you're not squeezing in at least seven hours of z's a night, you're at greater risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. What's more, a recent study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that people who nod off late (and get less sleep as a result) tend to experience more negative thoughts.
Sleep aid: Begin by improving your sleep hygiene. Cut back on caffeine. Avoid tech and television starting 90 minutes before bedtime. Create a soothing wind-down routine. And get some sun first thing in the morning to help reset your body's 24-hour rhythm. "In 80 percent of cases, these strategies lead people to conk out earlier," Dr. Badr says. If they don't do the trick, a specialist may prescribe synthetic melatonin, as well as light therapy with a medical lamp to use in the morning.
RELATED: 20 Things You Shouldn't Do Before Bed
Sleep Problem No. 4: Your legs feel jittery at night
That creepy-crawly feeling—aptly called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—troubles as many as 1 in 10 people and is thought to be linked to a dysfunction in the way the brain processes the neurotransmitter dopamine. However, in some cases it suggests a nutritional deficiency, Dr. Kryger notes: "With people who have low iron, there seems to be overactivity in parts of the brain that results in an urge to move the legs."
Sleep aid: Ice packs, warm packs, massages, a bath—any of these remedies might help, says David N. Neubauer, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: "Different things seem to work for different people."
Also, talk to a sleep doc about trying an RLS drug. Be sure to mention your current prescriptions because some meds (including certain antidepressants) reduce dopamine activity. Get your iron levels checked, too, Dr. Gardner advises: "Sometimes a supplement is the only treatment necessary."
Sleep Problem No. 5: You sleepwalk—and even sleep eat
For reasons that aren't completely understood, somnambulists are partially aroused in the night—often from the deepest stage of slumber (called slow-wave)—and proceed to wander around the house. The behavior, which may affect up to 4 percent of the population, appears to run in families and is more likely to occur with sleep deprivation. Another trigger: taking zolpidem (one of the most popular sedatives), according to Robert S. Rosenberg, DO, author of Sleep Soundly Every Night; Feel Fantastic Every Day.
Additionally, 1 to 3 percent of people who experience such a zombie-like state actually raid the kitchen. Called sleep-related eating disorder, this condition often strikes women on a diet, who go to bed hungry.
Sleep aid: Benzodiazepines (aka tranquilizers) can sometimes help, and so does getting more sleep. As long as your nocturnal adventures don't involve anything risky (like, for example, baking cookies), you may not need medication, Rosenberg says: "Just make sure you safety-proof your home by clearing out clutter and stowing away sharp objects." If you're a nighttime roamer, let your partner know that the ideal approach is to gently lead you back to bed.
RELATED: Best and Worst Foods for Sleep
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Sleep Problem No. 1: You snore like a saw
Those snuffle-snorts mean that your slack tongue and throat muscles are narrowing your airway, possibly due to the shape of your soft palate or any extra weight you're carrying.
Although you're likely to wake up if you get short of breath, it may not be for long enough to remember. Some people wake dozens or even hundreds of times a night—a disorder known as sleep apnea that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and possibly osteoporosis, according to a new study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. "Those repeated awakenings are as disruptive as someone pinching you every two minutes all night long," says Safwan Badr, MD, chief of the division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
Sleep aid: If you rarely wake up feeling bright-eyed, see a specialist to get checked for sleep apnea.(Three to 9 percent of women between the ages of 30 and 70 suffer from it.) If you have the condition, a CPAP machine and mask can help by keeping your pharynx open with a steady stream of air.
To quiet your snore, avoid rolling onto your back—a position that makes your airway more likely to collapse. Rachel Salas, MD, associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, suggests this little trick: Sew a tennis ball into the pocket of a sweatshirt and wear it backward to bed.
RELATED: 14 Reasons You're Always Tired
Sleep Problem No. 2: You grind your teeth
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or get chronic headaches? If so, you may be gnashing your ivories overnight. All that clenching can cause enough pain to interfere with your shut-eye (not to mention wear down your enamel). Experts believe that teeth grinding, which about 16 percent of us do, is associated with anxiety—though an abnormal bite and antidepressants can also play a role.
Sleep aid: A dentist will fit you with a mouth guard. If you're clamping down because you're overwhelmed and overloaded, find a healthier way to manage stress, urges Michael A. Grandner, PhD, an instructor in psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "It's also crucial to spend plenty of time winding down before bed so you drift off in a calm, relaxed state," he adds.
RELATED: 11 Signs You're Sleep Deprived
Next Page: Sleep Problem No. 3: Your body clock is off
Sleep Problem No. 3: Your body clock is off
Not even drowsy until the wee hours? Delayed sleep-phase syndrome (DSPS) is the technical term for this disorder, which afflicts 10 percent of people who seek help for insomnia. It involves a biological glitch that prevents your body from making melatonin (the sleep hormone) until 12 a.m. or later. A prime sign you've got DSPS: You've been a night owl since high school. The syndrome is common among teenagers and sometimes persists into adulthood. If you're not squeezing in at least seven hours of z's a night, you're at greater risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. What's more, a recent study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that people who nod off late (and get less sleep as a result) tend to experience more negative thoughts.
Sleep aid: Begin by improving your sleep hygiene. Cut back on caffeine. Avoid tech and television starting 90 minutes before bedtime. Create a soothing wind-down routine. And get some sun first thing in the morning to help reset your body's 24-hour rhythm. "In 80 percent of cases, these strategies lead people to conk out earlier," Dr. Badr says. If they don't do the trick, a specialist may prescribe synthetic melatonin, as well as light therapy with a medical lamp to use in the morning.
RELATED: 20 Things You Shouldn't Do Before Bed
Sleep Problem No. 4: Your legs feel jittery at night
That creepy-crawly feeling—aptly called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—troubles as many as 1 in 10 people and is thought to be linked to a dysfunction in the way the brain processes the neurotransmitter dopamine. However, in some cases it suggests a nutritional deficiency, Dr. Kryger notes: "With people who have low iron, there seems to be overactivity in parts of the brain that results in an urge to move the legs."
Sleep aid: Ice packs, warm packs, massages, a bath—any of these remedies might help, says David N. Neubauer, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: "Different things seem to work for different people."
Also, talk to a sleep doc about trying an RLS drug. Be sure to mention your current prescriptions because some meds (including certain antidepressants) reduce dopamine activity. Get your iron levels checked, too, Dr. Gardner advises: "Sometimes a supplement is the only treatment necessary."
Sleep Problem No. 5: You sleepwalk—and even sleep eat
For reasons that aren't completely understood, somnambulists are partially aroused in the night—often from the deepest stage of slumber (called slow-wave)—and proceed to wander around the house. The behavior, which may affect up to 4 percent of the population, appears to run in families and is more likely to occur with sleep deprivation. Another trigger: taking zolpidem (one of the most popular sedatives), according to Robert S. Rosenberg, DO, author of Sleep Soundly Every Night; Feel Fantastic Every Day.
Additionally, 1 to 3 percent of people who experience such a zombie-like state actually raid the kitchen. Called sleep-related eating disorder, this condition often strikes women on a diet, who go to bed hungry.
Sleep aid: Benzodiazepines (aka tranquilizers) can sometimes help, and so does getting more sleep. As long as your nocturnal adventures don't involve anything risky (like, for example, baking cookies), you may not need medication, Rosenberg says: "Just make sure you safety-proof your home by clearing out clutter and stowing away sharp objects." If you're a nighttime roamer, let your partner know that the ideal approach is to gently lead you back to bed.
RELATED: Best and Worst Foods for Sleep
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Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Get Sofia Vergara's Booty in Just One Move
Want Sofia Vergara's round, firm, sexy butt? Her trainer, Anna Kaiser, of AKT InMotion, shows how to do Vergara's favorite booty-boosting move—the super-effective Screwdriver—in this InStyle video. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Get Sarah Jessica Parker's Hot Body
In just one move, you can tighten up your calves, thighs, butt, back—everything! In this video from InStyle, Anna Kaiser of AKT InMotion—Parker's trainer—shows you how to get Parker's amazingly toned and taut bod, with only the help of a resistance band. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
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The Secret to Sofia Vergara's Toned Abs
Tone and sculpt a flat, tight stomach with this simple stretch from Sofia Vergara's trainer, Anna Kaiser, of AKT InMotion. In this video from InStyle, Kaiser demonstrates the exact move Vergara does to whittle down her waist and show off her killer curves—no equipment necessary. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Gwyneth Paltrow's Go-To Workout Moves
Paltrow's bod just keeps looking better and better, and she has trainer (and Health contributing editor) Tracy Anderson, to thank for it. This video from InStyle shows two Paltrow-approved moves for defining arms, core, and legs and creating a firm, feminine physique in no time flat. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Want Kelly Ripa's Toned Arms? Do This Move
Just call her Kelly Ripped! The TV host's got some of the strongest arms in show business. Sculpt sexy shoulders and tone everything from your triceps to biceps with this move from her trainer, Anna Kaiser, of AKT InMotion. Check it out in this InStyle video. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Score Sarah Jessica Parker's Amazing Arms
This hardcore move is worth the effort: You'll tone your back, arms, and shoulders all in one fell swoop and get Sarah Jessica Parker's super-sculpted upper-body look as a result. Anna Kaiser of AKT InMotion, Parker's trainer, shows you how in this video from InStyle. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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The Secret to Alison Williams's Sculpted Arms
All that stands between you and and Williams's super-toned biceps, shoulders, and triceps (no batwings here) are two light dumbbells and these go-to moves from Julie Ann Earls, a trainer at Exhale in New York City, where Williams works out. Check them out in this video from InStyle. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Friday, 22 May 2015
9 Easy Fat-Burning Recipes
These do-it-all power meals can burn fat and calories, and keep you satisfied all day long. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 23, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 23, 2015 at 12:15AM
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
12 Reasons Why Dehydration Is Bad for Your Body
Being dehydrated can make you tired, grumpy, prone to weight gain, and more. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 21, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Washington, D.C., Ranked Fittest US City
The American College of Sports Medicine found Washington, D.C. to be the fittest city in the country. Check out this video to see which other cities huffed and puffed their way to the top, which fell behind pace—and what went into the judging criteria. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 21, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Monday, 18 May 2015
9 Ways to Quit Sugar for Good
Easy tips to help you cut sugar out of your diet forever. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 19, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 19, 2015 at 12:15AM
12 Breakfast Recipes You Can Eat for Dinner
Rethink your traditional mealtime recipes and have pancakes or frittatas at night. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 19, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 19, 2015 at 12:15AM
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Why This Summer May Be The Worst For Allergy Sufferers
Pollen levels will be extremely high this season, an effect that is being called a "pollen tsunami." Here's what you need to know about the onslaught of allergens and how to relieve your itchy eyes and stuffy nose. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 15, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Wednesday, 13 May 2015
A Meditation for Morning Intention
By Sonima
A great way to start your day. Take a few moments when you first wake to set a direction for your day with this guided meditation from Sonima.com. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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A great way to start your day. Take a few moments when you first wake to set a direction for your day with this guided meditation from Sonima.com. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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What I Learned About Myself When I Started Surfing
The summer I started taking surf lessons, I got caught in a powerful current. It pulled me down the beach until I was 15 yards from a shallow reef. If I stopped paddling, I would end up on the rocks, but my arms had turned to jelly and I could barely catch my breath. As I panicked, my instructor appeared beside me. "Grab my leash!" he shouted. I did, and he towed me to safety.
I was 31 and had recently moved to New York City for a fresh start after the end of a long relationship. Surfing was yet another adventure in my life—although after that experience, I stuck to baby waves, staying close to shore where my feet could touch the bottom. Some days, when the surf was rough, I'd just sit on the beach and watch others floating atop the swells.
I loved surfing more than any other activity I'd tried. The cold water against my skin, the weightlessness of my legs dangling off my board, the only sound a rhythmic hush: The ocean made me feel alive and fully immersed in the present.
But I couldn't shake my jitters. It wasn't just the power of the waves; I also worried about what might lurk beneath them. As Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "Civilization ends at the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, and not always right at the top."
Related: The 10 Most Slimming Vacations
Facing the Current
My anxiety was seeping into dry land, too. Overwhelmed by job pressures and life in the big city, I kept my head down and tried to blend in. I hardly knew my co-workers and spent most evenings hanging with my dog.
In search of a confidence boost, I headed off solo to Sayulita, a dusty fishing village on Mexico's Pacific side, where a women-only surf camp called Las Olas offers a week of coaching on the local breaks. The first morning, as I joined the other 10 "campers" on the beach, I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. I've never been great at small talk and meeting new people; I'm more of a watchful, slow-to-warm-up type. But, as I reminded myself, the very reason I came was to get out of my comfort zone.
Once we were suited up, our instructors led the group into mellow rollers and critiqued us as we windmilled to catch waves, popped up on our boards and tumbled. Falling is a given, they assured us—it's how you get better.
Within a few days, we graduated to bigger swells. We kept wiping out and paddling back, all the while cheering each other on. At night we bonded over fresh fish and cervezas in local taquerias. Our group spanned three decades in age, yet that didn't matter. I found myself opening up to these women who got the same chest flutter at the sight of a perfect curl, and it felt good to connect.
Taming the Beast
On our last day, we took a boat to a reef off a wild stretch of coast. My surfing had improved: I paddled more efficiently and felt more in control. But as I jumped into the water, a familiar unease sank in. I knew that the physics of reef breaks produces heavier waves. Paddling to the takeoff zone, I pictured a rogue monster lifting me and pounding my body onto the coral. I sat up, tears in my eyes.
Breathe. Trust. Stay calm. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. This was where I would find my guts. When a hump formed behind me, I went for it, and as I stood I could hear the ladies hooting and hollering from the boat.
Like all good break-throughs, this one came with an epiphany: I will always be humbled by the ocean, just as I will always be reserved around strangers and cautious in new situations. There was no sense in fighting my nature, I realized. For me, the trick to being brave is riding out my fears.
Soon after I got home, I decided to drive to the end of Long Island to Ditch Plains, one of the best breaks on the eastern coast. I had watched serious surfers here but never worked up the nerve to get in. Now I paddled out. As I turned to face the horizon, I saw a wave set beginning to rise. Breathe.
Related: 7 Must-Pack Vacation Items
So you want to try a surf vacation?
Domestic and international surf camps and schools abound; browse listings at surfcamps.com and surfertoday.com. If you're a beginner, consider a camp that offers individual lessons and promises consistent, gentle waves. (Try Corky Carroll's in Nosara, Costa Rica; Nancy Emerson's in Oahu, Hawaii; or the one our editor attended, Las Olas in Sayulita, Mexico.) Bringing your ride? JetBlue has one of the cheapest fees—just $50 a board. Since the size of waves varies by season, research your destination and desired travel month; check out surfline.com.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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I was 31 and had recently moved to New York City for a fresh start after the end of a long relationship. Surfing was yet another adventure in my life—although after that experience, I stuck to baby waves, staying close to shore where my feet could touch the bottom. Some days, when the surf was rough, I'd just sit on the beach and watch others floating atop the swells.
I loved surfing more than any other activity I'd tried. The cold water against my skin, the weightlessness of my legs dangling off my board, the only sound a rhythmic hush: The ocean made me feel alive and fully immersed in the present.
But I couldn't shake my jitters. It wasn't just the power of the waves; I also worried about what might lurk beneath them. As Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "Civilization ends at the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, and not always right at the top."
Related: The 10 Most Slimming Vacations
Facing the Current
My anxiety was seeping into dry land, too. Overwhelmed by job pressures and life in the big city, I kept my head down and tried to blend in. I hardly knew my co-workers and spent most evenings hanging with my dog.
In search of a confidence boost, I headed off solo to Sayulita, a dusty fishing village on Mexico's Pacific side, where a women-only surf camp called Las Olas offers a week of coaching on the local breaks. The first morning, as I joined the other 10 "campers" on the beach, I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. I've never been great at small talk and meeting new people; I'm more of a watchful, slow-to-warm-up type. But, as I reminded myself, the very reason I came was to get out of my comfort zone.
Once we were suited up, our instructors led the group into mellow rollers and critiqued us as we windmilled to catch waves, popped up on our boards and tumbled. Falling is a given, they assured us—it's how you get better.
Within a few days, we graduated to bigger swells. We kept wiping out and paddling back, all the while cheering each other on. At night we bonded over fresh fish and cervezas in local taquerias. Our group spanned three decades in age, yet that didn't matter. I found myself opening up to these women who got the same chest flutter at the sight of a perfect curl, and it felt good to connect.
Taming the Beast
On our last day, we took a boat to a reef off a wild stretch of coast. My surfing had improved: I paddled more efficiently and felt more in control. But as I jumped into the water, a familiar unease sank in. I knew that the physics of reef breaks produces heavier waves. Paddling to the takeoff zone, I pictured a rogue monster lifting me and pounding my body onto the coral. I sat up, tears in my eyes.
Breathe. Trust. Stay calm. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. This was where I would find my guts. When a hump formed behind me, I went for it, and as I stood I could hear the ladies hooting and hollering from the boat.
Like all good break-throughs, this one came with an epiphany: I will always be humbled by the ocean, just as I will always be reserved around strangers and cautious in new situations. There was no sense in fighting my nature, I realized. For me, the trick to being brave is riding out my fears.
Soon after I got home, I decided to drive to the end of Long Island to Ditch Plains, one of the best breaks on the eastern coast. I had watched serious surfers here but never worked up the nerve to get in. Now I paddled out. As I turned to face the horizon, I saw a wave set beginning to rise. Breathe.
Related: 7 Must-Pack Vacation Items
So you want to try a surf vacation?
Domestic and international surf camps and schools abound; browse listings at surfcamps.com and surfertoday.com. If you're a beginner, consider a camp that offers individual lessons and promises consistent, gentle waves. (Try Corky Carroll's in Nosara, Costa Rica; Nancy Emerson's in Oahu, Hawaii; or the one our editor attended, Las Olas in Sayulita, Mexico.) Bringing your ride? JetBlue has one of the cheapest fees—just $50 a board. Since the size of waves varies by season, research your destination and desired travel month; check out surfline.com.
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How to Buy the Best Sunscreen for You
Choosing a sunscreen used to be a numbers game: You'd go for a relatively high SPF (at least 30!) and slather it on. Turns out, there's a lot more to consider to keep your skin safe from the sun and looking young, too. "What you really need to focus on is tailoring the kind of sunscreen to what you're doing outdoors," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "If you're not choosing your product based on your activity, you put yourself at risk of sunburn and serious skin damage.
Happily, the latest sunscreen options are more of a no-brainer to use than ever. "Scientists have come up with formulations that absorb into skin more easily, last longer and protect you from more than just UV rays," says Marie Jhin, MD, a dermatologist in San Francisco. Health consulted the experts to find the best products and pointers to protect you all day, every ray.
Hey, what are 'IR' rays?
Just when you thought you had UVA and UVB figured out, there's buzz about infrared radiation, which can also speed aging. While UV rays make up about 7 percent of solar light, the IR kind (which we mainly experience as heat from the sun) comprise a whopping 53 percent. Scientists once believed that these rays were fully absorbed by the ozone layer, but now they're less sure, Dr. Zeichner says, given the ozone's slow but steady depletion. Expect more products that protect against UV and IR rays, like SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair ($75; skinmedica.com).
RELATED: 15 Biggest Sunscreen Mistakes
Beach days
Your sun situation: You may not step foot on the sand without your trusty sunscreen, but—newsflash—you probably need much more protection than you're actually getting.
Your shield: A high-SPF chemical block. Look for ones with avobenzone, which is the only chemical that absorbs the whole UVA spectrum. A spray version, such as L'Oréal Paris Advanced Suncare Invisible Protect Alcohol-Free Clear Finish Spray SPF 50 ($8; amazon.com), is easiest to apply and—this is key—reapply throughout your beach day.
Protection pointers: "Often half your protection floats away with the breeze," notes Adam Friedman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. "So hold the bottle an inch or two away from your skin, spray for roughly two seconds per area, then rub it in." Get your partner or a friend to do your back. For ultimate sun safety, pack a beach umbrella. "While you still receive some indirect light," Dr. Jhin says, "an umbrella provides protection against the hard-hitting UV light."
Outdoor sports
Your sun situation: Whether it's tennis or beach volleyball, you need products that last through your playtime and perspiration.
Your shield: A broad-spectrum, water-resistant lotion. Go for chemical formulas, which form a film on skin that absorbs UV radiation before it can cause any damage, recommends Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami. Ones made with avobenzone or oxybenzone won't clump and compromise protection as you perspire, Dr. Zeichner says. Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Lotion SPF 70 ($9; amazon.com) penetrates skin in a mesh pattern to ensure that pores can breathe and sweat, while keeping UV rays at bay.
Protection pointers: Apply product at least 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun, since chemical sunscreens take that much time to absorb into the skin. "Reapply at least every two hours and after toweling or rinsing off," Dr. Friedman advises. "And note that those 'water-resistant' labels that promise 40 to 80 minutes of protection apply to sweating as well." If your skin is sensitive, Dr. Friedman adds, "look for a formula that contains multiple UV filters so that the concentration of each is lower, lessening the potential for irritation." For example, choose one that lists 2 to 3 percent of each active ingredient rather than 10 percent of one type.
Watch the video: 3 Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Water-resistant SPF alert
Water-resistant sunscreens can be less effective in chlorine pools than in sea salt water, finds new research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. That's because chemicals in chlorinated water can disintegrate essential ingredients. Your new pool rules: Reapply after every swim stint, making sure to first towel off completely.
Commuting
Your sun situation: Twenty minutes on the bus or in the car, 10 minutes walking to the office, enjoying lunch outside—it all adds up. "Whether you get 30 minutes of sun every day for a month or sunbathe for an entire day, your skin suffers the same amount of damage—it's cumulative," says Rachel E. Herschenfeld, MD, a dermatologist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Mass. Oh, and FYI: If your office has a window, you're getting exposed to UVA light all day long—yet another reason to slather on sunscreen daily.
Your shield: A serum with SPF to wear under makeup; incorporate it into your morning routine and you'll never leave home unprotected. We like the lightweight, hydrating feel of La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with SPF ($35; amazon.com).
Protection pointers: Don't do just your face; apply the formula on your neck, too, including the sides and back. Then smear some all over your upper chest. On days when you're zipping around in your car for client meetings or taking a long walk during lunchtime, touch up with an easy-to-apply mineral sunscreen powder. Dr. Jhin recommends Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 ($64; colorescience.com).
RELATED: Sun-Proof Your Skin From A to Z
Weekend fun
Your sun situation: Strolling through the farmers market, walking your dog or pushing your kids on the swing means you're getting direct sunlight without expecting it—or realizing it.
Your shield: An SPF stick with the physical blockers zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both provide instant protection since they sit on the skin rather than penetrate it like chemical filters, Dr. Herschenfeld says. Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Stick ($8; amazon.com) is a cinch for tricky spots like your ears, hairline—even toes.
Protection pointers: "With sticks, you need to apply four passes—back and forth and back and forth—to get effective protection," Dr. Zeichner says. And don't forget your lips, paying special attention to your lower lip, which new research shows is 12 times more likely to be affected by skin cancer.
RELATED: Beat 16 Summer Health Hazards
Vacation
Your sun situation: You're rarely a rays person, except for those precious seven days of vacay. Going from 0 to 60 in the sun demands serious protection—the kind used by surfers and lifeguards, minus the white strip of zinc down your nose (although that works if you're willing, Dr. Herschenfeld says).
Your shield: A heavy-duty block that's high on SPF. "Look for the mineral UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—because they're big molecules, they sit atop skin and last longer," Dr. Friedman says. We like Shade SPF 30+ Opaque ($28; amazon.com), which was created by surfers. You can apply this type of block the second you're in the sun, so it's perfect for impromptu beach excursions, whale watches or just strolls on the boardwalk.
Protection pointers: Use two coats of sunscreen, Dr. Zeichner says: Apply one, let it dry, then layer on another. Also consider starting an oral OTC antioxidant containing polypodium leucotomos, like Heliocare ($30; walgreens.com), the week before your trip, Dr. Friedman suggests. Research shows it can offer an SPF of about 5 to 8, in addition to your sunscreen. Why not? Any extra protection is a great thing.
A new way to undo sun damage
UV damage releases free radicals in your body that attack DNA structure, hinder the function of skin cells and cause mutations that may lead to cancer. Enter skin-care products with DNA-repair enzymes. "They can help reverse the effects of UV exposure by strengthening DNA, potentially preventing skin cancer and undoing signs of UV-related aging, like wrinkles and discoloration," Dr. Jhin says. A recent study in the Lancet found a 68 percent decrease in the development of actinic keratosis—the most common skin precancer—and a 30 percent drop of basal cell carcinomas in patients predisposed to skin cancer who were treated with a DNA-repair enzyme cream. Try Neova Damage Control Everyday Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($24; amazon.com).
Skin cancer is color blind
Darker skin tones contain more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and protects against the sun. But new research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that those with darker skin need to be more vigilant about sun protection than they are. Consider this: The five-year survival rate for African-Americans with melanoma is 78 percent, significantly lower than that of Caucasians (92 percent), yet one study shows that 62 percent of African-Americans have never worn sunscreen. Says Dr. Baumann, "Anyone can get skin cancer, so skin tone is no reason to skip sunscreen."
RELATED: Skin Cancer: You Could Save a Life
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Happily, the latest sunscreen options are more of a no-brainer to use than ever. "Scientists have come up with formulations that absorb into skin more easily, last longer and protect you from more than just UV rays," says Marie Jhin, MD, a dermatologist in San Francisco. Health consulted the experts to find the best products and pointers to protect you all day, every ray.
Hey, what are 'IR' rays?
Just when you thought you had UVA and UVB figured out, there's buzz about infrared radiation, which can also speed aging. While UV rays make up about 7 percent of solar light, the IR kind (which we mainly experience as heat from the sun) comprise a whopping 53 percent. Scientists once believed that these rays were fully absorbed by the ozone layer, but now they're less sure, Dr. Zeichner says, given the ozone's slow but steady depletion. Expect more products that protect against UV and IR rays, like SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair ($75; skinmedica.com).
RELATED: 15 Biggest Sunscreen Mistakes
Beach days
Your sun situation: You may not step foot on the sand without your trusty sunscreen, but—newsflash—you probably need much more protection than you're actually getting.
Your shield: A high-SPF chemical block. Look for ones with avobenzone, which is the only chemical that absorbs the whole UVA spectrum. A spray version, such as L'Oréal Paris Advanced Suncare Invisible Protect Alcohol-Free Clear Finish Spray SPF 50 ($8; amazon.com), is easiest to apply and—this is key—reapply throughout your beach day.
Protection pointers: "Often half your protection floats away with the breeze," notes Adam Friedman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. "So hold the bottle an inch or two away from your skin, spray for roughly two seconds per area, then rub it in." Get your partner or a friend to do your back. For ultimate sun safety, pack a beach umbrella. "While you still receive some indirect light," Dr. Jhin says, "an umbrella provides protection against the hard-hitting UV light."
Outdoor sports
Your sun situation: Whether it's tennis or beach volleyball, you need products that last through your playtime and perspiration.
Your shield: A broad-spectrum, water-resistant lotion. Go for chemical formulas, which form a film on skin that absorbs UV radiation before it can cause any damage, recommends Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami. Ones made with avobenzone or oxybenzone won't clump and compromise protection as you perspire, Dr. Zeichner says. Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Lotion SPF 70 ($9; amazon.com) penetrates skin in a mesh pattern to ensure that pores can breathe and sweat, while keeping UV rays at bay.
Protection pointers: Apply product at least 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun, since chemical sunscreens take that much time to absorb into the skin. "Reapply at least every two hours and after toweling or rinsing off," Dr. Friedman advises. "And note that those 'water-resistant' labels that promise 40 to 80 minutes of protection apply to sweating as well." If your skin is sensitive, Dr. Friedman adds, "look for a formula that contains multiple UV filters so that the concentration of each is lower, lessening the potential for irritation." For example, choose one that lists 2 to 3 percent of each active ingredient rather than 10 percent of one type.
Watch the video: 3 Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Water-resistant SPF alert
Water-resistant sunscreens can be less effective in chlorine pools than in sea salt water, finds new research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. That's because chemicals in chlorinated water can disintegrate essential ingredients. Your new pool rules: Reapply after every swim stint, making sure to first towel off completely.
Commuting
Your sun situation: Twenty minutes on the bus or in the car, 10 minutes walking to the office, enjoying lunch outside—it all adds up. "Whether you get 30 minutes of sun every day for a month or sunbathe for an entire day, your skin suffers the same amount of damage—it's cumulative," says Rachel E. Herschenfeld, MD, a dermatologist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Mass. Oh, and FYI: If your office has a window, you're getting exposed to UVA light all day long—yet another reason to slather on sunscreen daily.
Your shield: A serum with SPF to wear under makeup; incorporate it into your morning routine and you'll never leave home unprotected. We like the lightweight, hydrating feel of La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with SPF ($35; amazon.com).
Protection pointers: Don't do just your face; apply the formula on your neck, too, including the sides and back. Then smear some all over your upper chest. On days when you're zipping around in your car for client meetings or taking a long walk during lunchtime, touch up with an easy-to-apply mineral sunscreen powder. Dr. Jhin recommends Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 ($64; colorescience.com).
RELATED: Sun-Proof Your Skin From A to Z
Next Page: Weekend fun
Weekend fun
Your sun situation: Strolling through the farmers market, walking your dog or pushing your kids on the swing means you're getting direct sunlight without expecting it—or realizing it.
Your shield: An SPF stick with the physical blockers zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both provide instant protection since they sit on the skin rather than penetrate it like chemical filters, Dr. Herschenfeld says. Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Stick ($8; amazon.com) is a cinch for tricky spots like your ears, hairline—even toes.
Protection pointers: "With sticks, you need to apply four passes—back and forth and back and forth—to get effective protection," Dr. Zeichner says. And don't forget your lips, paying special attention to your lower lip, which new research shows is 12 times more likely to be affected by skin cancer.
RELATED: Beat 16 Summer Health Hazards
Vacation
Your sun situation: You're rarely a rays person, except for those precious seven days of vacay. Going from 0 to 60 in the sun demands serious protection—the kind used by surfers and lifeguards, minus the white strip of zinc down your nose (although that works if you're willing, Dr. Herschenfeld says).
Your shield: A heavy-duty block that's high on SPF. "Look for the mineral UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—because they're big molecules, they sit atop skin and last longer," Dr. Friedman says. We like Shade SPF 30+ Opaque ($28; amazon.com), which was created by surfers. You can apply this type of block the second you're in the sun, so it's perfect for impromptu beach excursions, whale watches or just strolls on the boardwalk.
Protection pointers: Use two coats of sunscreen, Dr. Zeichner says: Apply one, let it dry, then layer on another. Also consider starting an oral OTC antioxidant containing polypodium leucotomos, like Heliocare ($30; walgreens.com), the week before your trip, Dr. Friedman suggests. Research shows it can offer an SPF of about 5 to 8, in addition to your sunscreen. Why not? Any extra protection is a great thing.
A new way to undo sun damage
UV damage releases free radicals in your body that attack DNA structure, hinder the function of skin cells and cause mutations that may lead to cancer. Enter skin-care products with DNA-repair enzymes. "They can help reverse the effects of UV exposure by strengthening DNA, potentially preventing skin cancer and undoing signs of UV-related aging, like wrinkles and discoloration," Dr. Jhin says. A recent study in the Lancet found a 68 percent decrease in the development of actinic keratosis—the most common skin precancer—and a 30 percent drop of basal cell carcinomas in patients predisposed to skin cancer who were treated with a DNA-repair enzyme cream. Try Neova Damage Control Everyday Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($24; amazon.com).
Skin cancer is color blind
Darker skin tones contain more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and protects against the sun. But new research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that those with darker skin need to be more vigilant about sun protection than they are. Consider this: The five-year survival rate for African-Americans with melanoma is 78 percent, significantly lower than that of Caucasians (92 percent), yet one study shows that 62 percent of African-Americans have never worn sunscreen. Says Dr. Baumann, "Anyone can get skin cancer, so skin tone is no reason to skip sunscreen."
RELATED: Skin Cancer: You Could Save a Life
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5 Skincare Tricks to Look Better in a Bikini
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Best Sunglasses for Working Out
Rock a pair of standout sunglasses on your next fitness adventure. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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4 Power Moves for Hips and Thighs
These midbody strength moves slim and firm up your hips, thighs and lower belly, too. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Weight Loss Success Story: "I Learned That Food Is Not Love"
Blanca Valdez
35, 5'3" Waco, Texas
Before
210 lb.
Dress Size: 16
After
132 lb.
Dress Size: 4
Total Lost
78 lb.
Sizes Lost: 6
I grew up in Mexico, and food was a big part of my family's culture. It was how we said I love you, and it wasn't socially acceptable to turn down a meal, or even seconds. By the time I finished college, I weighed 180 pounds, and the number kept climbing, especially after three pregnancies.
Bridal shower breakdown
I knew I was carrying extra weight, but I didn't realize how much until I borrowed a friend's clothes for a bridal shower in January 2011. I had always thought of her as larger than me, yet the size 20 fit perfectly. I was so upset that, when my friends went out dancing, I snuck back to the hotel and hid in bed. It was then that I resolved to leave my poor eating habits behind.
Energy, found!
I started small, cutting out sweets and soda and putting the kibosh on eating after 6 p.m. I lost 34 pounds in two years, but it was only when I joined Weight Watchers in January 2013 that I finally learned about structure and proper portion sizes. I began planning out my meals and stopped using the weekends to splurge. Eating right made my energy soar, which I channeled into exercise, taking every gym class at the YMCA I could. I hit my goal weight of 135 that November and started strength training to tone up. Now my family sees my success, and they know that if I turn down a meal, it's not because I love them any less; it's just that my love for them isn't dependent on food.
Related: I Did It! Weight-Loss Success Stories
Weapons for Weight-Loss Success
Blanca dropped an impressive 78 pounds with help from these smart tricks. Try them yourself, and find more ideas at http://ift.tt/1EzX92l.
Get Grilling
I love grilled shrimp tacos on corn tortillas. They're full of flavor, low on calories and easy to make.
Pump up your playlist
My workout jams are super eclectic—Latin, pop and contemporary Christian music! Right now I love "Soul on Fire," by Third Day, for when I hit the stair climber.
Try a training plan
After doing Jamie Eason's free(!) 12-week LiveFit strength-training program at bodybuilding.com, I wore a bikini for the first time since I was 5!
Related: How to Cut Portions and Not Feel Hungry!
Have a back-up
I plan my meals ahead of time, but I also have healthy fast-food favorites, like the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad at Panera Bread. This way, I'm never caught off guard.
Share your transformation
Did you downsize? Tell us about your healthy change at health.com/i-did-it and let us know what diet and fitness strategies worked for you.
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35, 5'3" Waco, Texas
Before
210 lb.
Dress Size: 16
After
132 lb.
Dress Size: 4
Total Lost
78 lb.
Sizes Lost: 6
I grew up in Mexico, and food was a big part of my family's culture. It was how we said I love you, and it wasn't socially acceptable to turn down a meal, or even seconds. By the time I finished college, I weighed 180 pounds, and the number kept climbing, especially after three pregnancies.
Bridal shower breakdown
I knew I was carrying extra weight, but I didn't realize how much until I borrowed a friend's clothes for a bridal shower in January 2011. I had always thought of her as larger than me, yet the size 20 fit perfectly. I was so upset that, when my friends went out dancing, I snuck back to the hotel and hid in bed. It was then that I resolved to leave my poor eating habits behind.
Energy, found!
I started small, cutting out sweets and soda and putting the kibosh on eating after 6 p.m. I lost 34 pounds in two years, but it was only when I joined Weight Watchers in January 2013 that I finally learned about structure and proper portion sizes. I began planning out my meals and stopped using the weekends to splurge. Eating right made my energy soar, which I channeled into exercise, taking every gym class at the YMCA I could. I hit my goal weight of 135 that November and started strength training to tone up. Now my family sees my success, and they know that if I turn down a meal, it's not because I love them any less; it's just that my love for them isn't dependent on food.
Related: I Did It! Weight-Loss Success Stories
Weapons for Weight-Loss Success
Blanca dropped an impressive 78 pounds with help from these smart tricks. Try them yourself, and find more ideas at http://ift.tt/1EzX92l.
Get Grilling
I love grilled shrimp tacos on corn tortillas. They're full of flavor, low on calories and easy to make.
Pump up your playlist
My workout jams are super eclectic—Latin, pop and contemporary Christian music! Right now I love "Soul on Fire," by Third Day, for when I hit the stair climber.
Try a training plan
After doing Jamie Eason's free(!) 12-week LiveFit strength-training program at bodybuilding.com, I wore a bikini for the first time since I was 5!
Related: How to Cut Portions and Not Feel Hungry!
Have a back-up
I plan my meals ahead of time, but I also have healthy fast-food favorites, like the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad at Panera Bread. This way, I'm never caught off guard.
Share your transformation
Did you downsize? Tell us about your healthy change at health.com/i-did-it and let us know what diet and fitness strategies worked for you.
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15 Eating Habits That Make You Live Longer
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12 Swimsuit Season Diet Secrets
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The Best Healthy Burger Recipes
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14 Ways to Cut Portions Without Feeling Hungry
The best portion control tips for easy and fast weight loss. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Toning Exercises for Hips and Thighs
Slim and tone your hips, thighs and lower belly with these strength moves from celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. These moves will prevent injury, and firm up that stubborn lower-belly pouch and thigh jiggle. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Fresh Summer Produce
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May 13, 2015 at 12:15AM
Ashley Tisdale's Big New Life
Ashley Tisdale has always been hungry to succeed—at first, almost literally. By the time she was 10 years old, the New Jersey-born actress had been in 100 commercials, most of them food-related. "I was always getting the food commercials because my 'bite and react'—where you take a bite of something and you react after it—was really good. My mom was like, 'This kid loves to eat!'" she recalls, laughing.
She's still got that hunger for the right roles. This month, Ashley stars in the TBS sitcom Clipped, from the creators of Will & Grace. "This is my most mature role," Ashley says over coffee at a café in Burbank, Calif. "I have never felt more confident with who I am," she adds, talking with her hands, her fingernails a perfect light lavender. "I'm turning 30, so maybe it has something to do with age, but I love it."
As the founder of Blondie Girl Productions, Ashley is also the executive producer of the sitcom Young & Hungry on ABC Family. And next year, she'll appear in the indie film Drive, She Said, a comedy with Jason Biggs. But her favorite production of the past year was her own wedding: In September, she married musician Christopher French.
As for how she keeps up her drive, she credits working out every day. And before she leaves today to meet her trainer, she shares her secret to sticking with workouts, what she regrets most and why being tenacious is her biggest weapon.
What's the most important thing you do to feel great?
Dedicate at least an hour every day to something fitness-related. Any physical activity helps your health and is also a good stress reliever. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I work with my trainer, Jason Walsh. I do kickboxing on Thursday. And I'll squeeze in a sculpt yoga class on, like, Tuesday.
What workouts do you like most and least?
Yoga is my favorite thing to do because it's so much more than a workout. It's a spiritual and mentally-good-for-you experience. Cardio is not my favorite. I usually do the StairMaster, but to be on one machine for a long time? It's hard for me to just stay there. My trainer has this amazing class he opened called Rise Nation. It's a climber, and a great class because you're doing it to music and not by yourself on a machine. It's 30 minutes but so hard-core. I'm not a big spin fan.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Become an Exercise Addict
Why don't you like to spin?
I'm going to be the spin hater now. [Laughs] I used to do SoulCycle, but a ton of trainers have told me that spinning is good but you're not burning as much as you think you are. And it bulks you up in places you probably don't want. My body started to change for the better when I stopped doing it. I also leaned out so much just by walking. Even if you do 12,000 steps a day, you lose, like, a pound a week. But you have to find the time. It takes so long!
What do you have to work the hardest on to keep fit?
Diet, because I love food. You can work out as much as you want, but if your diet isn't where it should be, you're never going to get to where you want to go. Just because you do an hour of exercise, what about the rest of the hours of the day? [Laughs] An hour is not a lot. There are 23 more hours. What are you going to do with them?
What's your biggest regret?
Not getting into working out earlier. In my teens, when trying to be comfortable in my body, I wished I was more athletic. I was always pretty skinny. I didn't have any curves. I remember watching myself in High School Musical 2. I had a lot of hair and I was in a bathing suit and I thought, "I just look like a bobblehead!" So when I was 22, I started working out. I also had an upper-back injury that ended up going into my lower back; I would have this horrible pain no matter what I did—even hanging out. An expert said, "You need to build your core so your back won't hurt as much." I started working out, and I've never felt that pain again. And when we were in concert, I also needed the stamina to sing and dance. I would hit the gym in every city, and I would run while singing at these hotel gyms. People would see me and be like, "What is this chick doing?" [Laughs]
Do you have any health fears?
My mom has diabetes, so knowing that, I'm more health-conscious. But it also scares me to think about how much time we're on our phones and in front of the TV. When I was younger, we didn't have Twitter. We didn't have Instagram. I catch myself where I've been on it for way too long. It's not OK.
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
Last I checked, you have nearly 12.8 million Twitter followers! Do you ever have an oops moment, where you type something you regret?
Yeah. And then I delete it. [Laughs] There have been so many times in the past where I've been like, "I should not have said that."
Like when?
Like in my past relationships, I used to passive-aggressively tweet. When I got out of one relationship, I said something like "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I was like, "I probably shouldn't have shared that with everybody." [Laughs]
What happened with that relationship?
We obviously weren't right for each other, but for some reason I thought I needed to be in it. The first time we broke up, it was shattering because I didn't see it coming. So then I built up walls because I didn't want to get hurt again. But I ended up back in it. There was just this one moment where we had broken up again, and I was like, "You know what? This is such a cycle that is not healthy, and it's not OK." I was shooting a movie and I was like, "I love myself, and I love being by myself, so what am I in this for?" And I just ended it. I would go over to that guy now and be like, "Thank you so much because I wouldn't have been ready to be in this relationship [with my husband]." It's the harder things that make you who you are.
Congratulations on your marriage, by the way. What do you most appreciate about your life with Christopher?
We are best friends. We completely balance each other out. He's a very good listener. And he's the most patient man I have ever met. I'm not very patient. I'm such an energetic person, I'll get into these "Wanna dance?" moments. I think it's the kid in me. But he allows me to be who I am.
You've been a public figure for so long. Is there something people still get wrong or misunderstand about you?
Oh, yeah. I think people have a perspective of me that I'm this blonde and I just like to shop. I'm deeper than what people expect. Even with my production company, people think I have somebody else running it, but then they start to see, "Wow, she does do it."
RELATED: Instantly Improve Your Relationship
Do you feel that when you go into meetings you have to prove yourself a little bit more? How do you do it?
Work really hard. In anything I've ever gotten, if something comes easy, it's probably not going to be as good. Even with Clipped, I kept having to go in to prove that I was this character. I was like, "I can do this." I'm used to playing sarcastic characters with the snippy little lines, and this is more of the girl that everyone wants to hang out with. From Hellcats to High School Musical—for every single one of those projects, I had to go back in more than usual just to prove I could do it.
How do you keep confident in those big career moments?
That's what excites me. I will work my hardest to prove to you that I am this character. And that's the most rewarding because it's that much better when you actually get it.
Do you feel women in Hollywood are embracing their power more these days?
It's a really exciting time for women. A couple of months ago, I had dinner with my girlfriends. One of my friends had booked an episode of something, I had booked this indie movie and Vanessa Hudgens was starting Gigi on Broadway. So it became a celebration that all of our friends were kicking ass. I feel like it's so important to support other women and their dreams. My production company—Blondie Girl Productions—is me and my sister, and every time I meet a female producer, I'm like, "Yeah, let's do this" because usually it's a lot of dudes! It's a hard business to break into. It's hard to tell women's stories because they don't know where the audience is for female-driven movies. But it's like, look at Bridesmaids! We are there!
Is that your goal with the production company—to tell female-driven stories?
Oh, it's been that from the very start. It's always been about women. That's what we're interested in; that's what the brand is. It's cool. That is so important to cheer on.
You once said that Robin Williams was an inspiration to you, and then you guest-starred with him on The Crazy Ones. Did you get to know him?
He was one of the nicest people. Whenever I was around Robin, I just wanted to hug him the entire time. He was just a humble, nice man. And for how many years he'd been doing this, he was the most professional person. He was the first one on his mark—he would be waiting for everybody else. It was funny because at the first table read, I was so nervous because Robin Williams was sitting at the table. And he laughed out loud at one of my lines. I remember telling my friends, "You know you've had a good day when you've made Robin Williams laugh."
Who else has been an inspiration?
I also looked up to Brittany Murphy, growing up. I met her backstage at a Kids' Choice Awards. I was doing pilots, but they weren't getting picked up. You kind of get to this point where you've done it for so long where you're like, "Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?" I was just like, "I am your biggest fan." She said, "Are you an actress? OK, you gotta keep going. Whatever you do, never give up." She pinkie-promised me, and it was such a boost of confidence. I always want to be that person for others, but I am very shy.
Really?
Whenever I'm meeting somebody, I'm very quiet. People think I'm super outgoing, but I'm a private person. And I'm definitely shy.
With all you have going on, what is your biggest goal for this year?
I'm so excited to be back on television. One of my main goals is to win an Emmy for best actress. I guess I've always loved just making people laugh.
Ashley's Top Tips for Healthy Summer Hair
1. "If I'm going to work out or go to the beach, I'll spray argan oil in and tie it up in a knot. It's so good for your ends because that's where you want it more hydrated."
2. "Because I'm always coloring my hair, sometimes I'll comb coconut oil through and part it down the middle with a low bun. That way, you're conditioning and have a cute style!"
3. "I take vitamins for my hair, skin and nails: Perricone MD Hair & Nails Formula."
4. "Dry shampoo is my best friend. When you're constantly working out, you don't want to completely rewash your hair every time; it's not good—especially for color-treated hair. I just spray dry shampoo in and I'm able to style it, too."
5. "For beachy waves, I'll wash it at night and let it kind of air-dry. Then the next day I'll put more heat on it because it's not as abrasive on the hair as going from wet to dry. If you use beach spray (I like Bumble and Bumble's), you can mold your hair."
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 13, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1H0xAID
She's still got that hunger for the right roles. This month, Ashley stars in the TBS sitcom Clipped, from the creators of Will & Grace. "This is my most mature role," Ashley says over coffee at a café in Burbank, Calif. "I have never felt more confident with who I am," she adds, talking with her hands, her fingernails a perfect light lavender. "I'm turning 30, so maybe it has something to do with age, but I love it."
As the founder of Blondie Girl Productions, Ashley is also the executive producer of the sitcom Young & Hungry on ABC Family. And next year, she'll appear in the indie film Drive, She Said, a comedy with Jason Biggs. But her favorite production of the past year was her own wedding: In September, she married musician Christopher French.
As for how she keeps up her drive, she credits working out every day. And before she leaves today to meet her trainer, she shares her secret to sticking with workouts, what she regrets most and why being tenacious is her biggest weapon.
What's the most important thing you do to feel great?
Dedicate at least an hour every day to something fitness-related. Any physical activity helps your health and is also a good stress reliever. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I work with my trainer, Jason Walsh. I do kickboxing on Thursday. And I'll squeeze in a sculpt yoga class on, like, Tuesday.
What workouts do you like most and least?
Yoga is my favorite thing to do because it's so much more than a workout. It's a spiritual and mentally-good-for-you experience. Cardio is not my favorite. I usually do the StairMaster, but to be on one machine for a long time? It's hard for me to just stay there. My trainer has this amazing class he opened called Rise Nation. It's a climber, and a great class because you're doing it to music and not by yourself on a machine. It's 30 minutes but so hard-core. I'm not a big spin fan.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Become an Exercise Addict
Why don't you like to spin?
I'm going to be the spin hater now. [Laughs] I used to do SoulCycle, but a ton of trainers have told me that spinning is good but you're not burning as much as you think you are. And it bulks you up in places you probably don't want. My body started to change for the better when I stopped doing it. I also leaned out so much just by walking. Even if you do 12,000 steps a day, you lose, like, a pound a week. But you have to find the time. It takes so long!
What do you have to work the hardest on to keep fit?
Diet, because I love food. You can work out as much as you want, but if your diet isn't where it should be, you're never going to get to where you want to go. Just because you do an hour of exercise, what about the rest of the hours of the day? [Laughs] An hour is not a lot. There are 23 more hours. What are you going to do with them?
What's your biggest regret?
Not getting into working out earlier. In my teens, when trying to be comfortable in my body, I wished I was more athletic. I was always pretty skinny. I didn't have any curves. I remember watching myself in High School Musical 2. I had a lot of hair and I was in a bathing suit and I thought, "I just look like a bobblehead!" So when I was 22, I started working out. I also had an upper-back injury that ended up going into my lower back; I would have this horrible pain no matter what I did—even hanging out. An expert said, "You need to build your core so your back won't hurt as much." I started working out, and I've never felt that pain again. And when we were in concert, I also needed the stamina to sing and dance. I would hit the gym in every city, and I would run while singing at these hotel gyms. People would see me and be like, "What is this chick doing?" [Laughs]
Do you have any health fears?
My mom has diabetes, so knowing that, I'm more health-conscious. But it also scares me to think about how much time we're on our phones and in front of the TV. When I was younger, we didn't have Twitter. We didn't have Instagram. I catch myself where I've been on it for way too long. It's not OK.
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
Last I checked, you have nearly 12.8 million Twitter followers! Do you ever have an oops moment, where you type something you regret?
Yeah. And then I delete it. [Laughs] There have been so many times in the past where I've been like, "I should not have said that."
Like when?
Like in my past relationships, I used to passive-aggressively tweet. When I got out of one relationship, I said something like "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I was like, "I probably shouldn't have shared that with everybody." [Laughs]
What happened with that relationship?
We obviously weren't right for each other, but for some reason I thought I needed to be in it. The first time we broke up, it was shattering because I didn't see it coming. So then I built up walls because I didn't want to get hurt again. But I ended up back in it. There was just this one moment where we had broken up again, and I was like, "You know what? This is such a cycle that is not healthy, and it's not OK." I was shooting a movie and I was like, "I love myself, and I love being by myself, so what am I in this for?" And I just ended it. I would go over to that guy now and be like, "Thank you so much because I wouldn't have been ready to be in this relationship [with my husband]." It's the harder things that make you who you are.
Congratulations on your marriage, by the way. What do you most appreciate about your life with Christopher?
We are best friends. We completely balance each other out. He's a very good listener. And he's the most patient man I have ever met. I'm not very patient. I'm such an energetic person, I'll get into these "Wanna dance?" moments. I think it's the kid in me. But he allows me to be who I am.
You've been a public figure for so long. Is there something people still get wrong or misunderstand about you?
Oh, yeah. I think people have a perspective of me that I'm this blonde and I just like to shop. I'm deeper than what people expect. Even with my production company, people think I have somebody else running it, but then they start to see, "Wow, she does do it."
RELATED: Instantly Improve Your Relationship
Do you feel that when you go into meetings you have to prove yourself a little bit more? How do you do it?
Work really hard. In anything I've ever gotten, if something comes easy, it's probably not going to be as good. Even with Clipped, I kept having to go in to prove that I was this character. I was like, "I can do this." I'm used to playing sarcastic characters with the snippy little lines, and this is more of the girl that everyone wants to hang out with. From Hellcats to High School Musical—for every single one of those projects, I had to go back in more than usual just to prove I could do it.
How do you keep confident in those big career moments?
That's what excites me. I will work my hardest to prove to you that I am this character. And that's the most rewarding because it's that much better when you actually get it.
Do you feel women in Hollywood are embracing their power more these days?
It's a really exciting time for women. A couple of months ago, I had dinner with my girlfriends. One of my friends had booked an episode of something, I had booked this indie movie and Vanessa Hudgens was starting Gigi on Broadway. So it became a celebration that all of our friends were kicking ass. I feel like it's so important to support other women and their dreams. My production company—Blondie Girl Productions—is me and my sister, and every time I meet a female producer, I'm like, "Yeah, let's do this" because usually it's a lot of dudes! It's a hard business to break into. It's hard to tell women's stories because they don't know where the audience is for female-driven movies. But it's like, look at Bridesmaids! We are there!
Is that your goal with the production company—to tell female-driven stories?
Oh, it's been that from the very start. It's always been about women. That's what we're interested in; that's what the brand is. It's cool. That is so important to cheer on.
You once said that Robin Williams was an inspiration to you, and then you guest-starred with him on The Crazy Ones. Did you get to know him?
He was one of the nicest people. Whenever I was around Robin, I just wanted to hug him the entire time. He was just a humble, nice man. And for how many years he'd been doing this, he was the most professional person. He was the first one on his mark—he would be waiting for everybody else. It was funny because at the first table read, I was so nervous because Robin Williams was sitting at the table. And he laughed out loud at one of my lines. I remember telling my friends, "You know you've had a good day when you've made Robin Williams laugh."
Who else has been an inspiration?
I also looked up to Brittany Murphy, growing up. I met her backstage at a Kids' Choice Awards. I was doing pilots, but they weren't getting picked up. You kind of get to this point where you've done it for so long where you're like, "Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?" I was just like, "I am your biggest fan." She said, "Are you an actress? OK, you gotta keep going. Whatever you do, never give up." She pinkie-promised me, and it was such a boost of confidence. I always want to be that person for others, but I am very shy.
Really?
Whenever I'm meeting somebody, I'm very quiet. People think I'm super outgoing, but I'm a private person. And I'm definitely shy.
With all you have going on, what is your biggest goal for this year?
I'm so excited to be back on television. One of my main goals is to win an Emmy for best actress. I guess I've always loved just making people laugh.
Ashley's Top Tips for Healthy Summer Hair
1. "If I'm going to work out or go to the beach, I'll spray argan oil in and tie it up in a knot. It's so good for your ends because that's where you want it more hydrated."
2. "Because I'm always coloring my hair, sometimes I'll comb coconut oil through and part it down the middle with a low bun. That way, you're conditioning and have a cute style!"
3. "I take vitamins for my hair, skin and nails: Perricone MD Hair & Nails Formula."
4. "Dry shampoo is my best friend. When you're constantly working out, you don't want to completely rewash your hair every time; it's not good—especially for color-treated hair. I just spray dry shampoo in and I'm able to style it, too."
5. "For beachy waves, I'll wash it at night and let it kind of air-dry. Then the next day I'll put more heat on it because it's not as abrasive on the hair as going from wet to dry. If you use beach spray (I like Bumble and Bumble's), you can mold your hair."
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 13, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1H0xAID
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy
From Health magazine
After years of struggling with repeated miscarriages and fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), Joanna Brody was thrilled when she finally conceived on her own at the age of 43—even considering the increased risk of health problems associated with pregnancy after age 40. Still, the former marathon runner was in good health and exercised throughout her pregnancy, which was uneventful.
But two days after returning home from the hospital after her daughters birth (she also had a 6-month-old adopted son), she woke up feeling like she couldnt breathe. “I thought I was having a panic attack due to the stress of taking care of two infants while building a new home,” Brody, now 45, recalls.
The next day, when she couldnt catch her breath walking up a flight of stairs, she rushed to the emergency room. There, doctors discovered that her lungs were filled with fluid, a sign of peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when theres damage to the heart, resulting in a weakened heart muscle that cant pump blood efficiently. While it occurs in only about 1 in every 1,300 deliveries, its most common in older women, especially those, like Brody, who are over the age of 40.
The number of women giving birth into their 40s and 50s and beyond is at record highs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2007, 105,071 women aged 40-44 gave birth, the highest rate since 1968; the birth rate for women 45 to 54 was 7,349, an increase of 5% in just one year.
“The numbers have really skyrocketed over the last two decades, as research has increasingly shown that older women are able to carry pregnancies and deliver babies safely,” says Mark Sauer, MD, chief of reproductive endocrinology at Columbia University Medical Center and a leading researcher in this field.
Next Page: Success stories
Success storiesTheres no official data on how many American women over the age of 54 successfully give birth each year, although there have been plenty of news reports of women in their late 50s and early 60s who have conceived via donor eggs. While older moms have long been the source of biblical legend (think of Sarah, who is said to have given birth to her husband Abrahams son Isaac at the jaw-dropping age of 90), right now the oldest documented birth mother in the world is Omkari Panwar, a 70-year-old Indian woman who gave birth to 2-pound twins in 2008 via emergency cesarean section.
But the United States has had its share of 60-plus new moms, too, including Frieda Birnbaum of Saddle River, New Jersey, who in 2007 at age 60 set the record for the oldest woman in the country to give birth to twins. (A 62-year-old, Janise Wulf, gave birth to a singleton in 2006.)
While it may seem nothing short of miraculous that cutting-edge IVF technology is enabling older women to get pregnant, experts are concerned about the increased risk of maternal health problems, ranging from cardiac complications to potentially even a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
“A healthy 42-year-old with no medical problems who is in good physical shape and conceives naturally is likely to have just as nice a pregnancy as a woman who is a decade younger,” says Laura Riley, MD, a maternal-fetal-medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and chairwoman of the communications committee of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “But there are a fair number of women in their mid-40s getting pregnant through IVF who have a ‘touch of hypertension, are a little overweight, or are prediabetic, and thats where we start running into problems.”
Older women are increasingly at risk for potentially deadly complications. A 2002 University of Southern California study, for example, found that 26% of women ages 50 to 54 suffered from preeclampsia (a life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine), and 13% developed gestational diabetes (a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)—and that number soared to 60% and 40%, respectively, for those over the age of 55.
While there are no official guidelines from organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine on how old is too old, leading fertility experts and high-risk obstetricians are voicing concerns about this brave new world of peri- and postmenopausal pregnancy.
“The age cutoff at our clinic is 54, based on the research that shows a marked increase in complications in women older than 55,” says Richard Paulson, MD, director of the Fertility Program at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and one of the countrys leading researchers on pregnancy in the peri- and postmenopausal years.
Others are more conservative. “We have an age cutoff in our practice of 44 years of age for someone using her own eggs and 51 years of age in someone using donor eggs,” says Robert Stillman, MD, medical director of Shady Grove Fertility Center, one of the countrys largest fertility clinics, with 15 offices in the Washington, D.C., area. “Weve never had a successful birth in a woman over the age of 44 using her own eggs, and we think its unethical to promote treatments in a vulnerable population where theres not a chance of success. We wont treat women over the age of 51, period, because we believe there are too many risks involved with carrying the pregnancy, both for the mother and for the fetus.”
But many clinics across the United States—including some of the nations leading fertility centers—take women who are well into their 50s. So what are these risks, and what exactly do they mean for older women who are contemplating pregnancy? Here, a look at the biggest dangers.
Next Page: The risk of cancer
Istockphoto
The risk of cancer
One cant help thinking of Elizabeth Edwards, who gave birth to two children at ages 48 and 50 after undergoing fertility treatments—and who was diagnosed four years later, in 2004 at the age of 55, with stage II breast cancer. (In 2007, she revealed that her cancer had recurred and was now at stage IV.)
While she has never publicly discussed whether there could be a link between fertility treatments in older moms and subsequent breast cancer, breast cancer experts speculate that the two could be related.
“Its a very unsettled question,” says Julia Smith, MD, PhD, director of the Lynne Cohen Breast Cancer Preventive Care Program at the New York University Cancer Institute. “Every time weve tampered with the natural cycle of reproductive hormones, weve had a problem, as evidenced by research showing a link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. As women get older, theyre at increased risk for breast cancer, and Im concerned about giving peri- or postmenopausal women additional sex hormones that could disrupt the natural course of aging of the breast cell.”
Research also shows that older women who have recently given birth are more likely to develop breast cancer in the 15 years following the birth than their peers of the same age who have never had children. One Swedish study followed women after theyd given birth and found that the childbearing women were slightly more likely to be diagnosed with cancer—and women who had their first child after the age of 35 had the highest risk, about 26% higher than women who had never given birth. (This is a transient risk: After 15 years, their odds dropped below that of women who had never given birth.)
“My worry is if an older woman is cooking a really early breast cancer and then is exposed to massive levels of estrogen during her pregnancy, could that accelerate tumor growth?” adds Mary Jane Minkin, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine. “No ones ever studied it, and its a real possibility.”
The other point of concern: “The minute a woman gets pregnant, we cant screen her for breast cancer. And we cant do a mammogram until shes finished breast-feeding, which could be almost two years later,” Dr. Smith points out. “If shes younger than 40, its not a big issue because her overall risk of breast cancer is so low. But if shes 45 or 50, then Im worried.”
Cancer experts are less concerned about the risks of other types of reproductive cancers among past-40 women undergoing fertility treatments. In fact, a Danish study published in February in the British Medical Journal followed more than 50,000 women who underwent fertility treatments for 15 years and found no increased risk of ovarian cancer among women who took most types of fertility drugs.
The one exception—women who took clomiphene citrate (Clomid) had an increased risk of a type of ovarian tumor called serous ovarian tumors, which may be more influenced by hormones than other tumors, says Louise Brinton, PhD, chief of the Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch at the National Cancer Institute. Brintons own preliminary research has found a possible link between Clomid and endometrial cancer, a treatable cancer of the womb. “Many women in their 40s and 50s are using donor eggs, so they wont be taking Clomid, which is an ovulation-inducing drug,” she points out. “But for those women who are, they need to be aware that there may be a link.”
The problem is, many women arent briefed by their doctors on potential long-term risks. “I talk to fertility specialists all the time and bring up my concerns, and they tell me the same thing they tell their patients—they dont have any evidence that it is harmful,” Dr. Smith adds. “But its not a question of not having evidence proving harm—we dont have any evidence proving safety.”
Next Page: The risk to your heart
The risk to your heartThe strain of pregnancy, experts say, can be likened to the stress of running a marathon—and the older a woman is, the more likely she is to have complications from it.
Doctors of women in the 40-plus set are most concerned about pregnancy-induced preeclampsia, which generally surfaces in the third trimester. While the incidence of preeclampsia among all moms-to-be is 3 to 4%, that risk increases to 5 to 10% if youre older than 40 and jumps up to 35% if youre past 50. Most reputable fertility clinics require patients over the age of 45, especially those with borderline cholesterol or high blood pressure, to undergo more extensive cardiology screening, like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a stress test, but “these tests can miss women who have borderline heart disease,” Dr. Stillman says. “Sure, they may be fine playing tennis. But the stress of nine months of pregnancy? Thats the equivalent of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.”
In addition, pregnancy can prompt an earlier onset of health problems that would have otherwise developed later in life. “A 50-year-old woman with borderline high blood pressure who might not develop hypertension until shes 60 may start to have it during her pregnancy,” explains Errol Norwitz, MD, a high-risk OB-GYN at the Yale School of Medicine. And this can set her and her baby up for a host of complications.
Deborah Lake, 50, developed preeclampisa seven years ago (she was 43) while carrying twins, prompting her physician to induce labor. “My blood pressure had always been quite low, but toward the end it began to creep up to the point where my doctor decided to induce me at 36 1/2 weeks,” she recalls. Lake delivered her first daughter, Savannah, vaginally. But her second daughter, Courtney, got stuck in the birth canal, prompting an emergency C-section. Lake was discharged after three days, only to return a few days later when her blood pressure shot up and her whole body swelled, both signs of preeclampsia. “They gave me diuretics, and I peed out about 50 pounds of water weight in three days,” she recalls.
Lake had been trying to get pregnant for almost a decade and finally conceived via donor eggs. “Because of my age and the fact that I was carrying twins, I was so careful—I ate perfectly, I didnt gain too much weight,” she says. “But even that, ultimately, wasnt enough to stave off problems.”
There are also heart concerns after pregnancy. “Most women tend to gain weight with each pregnancy and keep those extra 10 pounds around for a while,” Dr. Minkin says. “That extra weight increases an older womans risk of developing heart disease.”
Progesterone, a reproductive hormone thats given to women during IVF and is also present at high levels during pregnancy, causes both blood pressure and cholesterol to temporarily go up, adds Nieca Goldberg, MD, director of the New York University Womens Heart Center. “This isnt an issue for a healthy woman with no risk factors for heart disease.
But if youre going into pregnancy with borderline high blood pressure or cholesterol, which many older women have, it can pose a serious problem,” she says.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy, which Joanna Brody had, is also a potential danger among this group of moms. While Brody emerged unscathed, this condition can cause heart failure—which leads to death in 25 to 50% of cases, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Another huge worry: gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It almost always goes away after delivery, but it can be a harbinger of diabetes later in life and puts women at risk for delivering a too-large baby (macrosomia).
Though the overall rate of gestational diabetes is 3%, it rises to 7% in women older than 40 and 20% in women older than 50. But while risk factors like a family history of diabetes, borderline blood sugars, being overweight, or having had gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy all increase your chances of getting it, many older women with none of these end up developing this dangerous condition.
Not surprisingly, because over-40 women are more at risk for a variety of health problems, their C-section rate is significantly higher than that of younger moms. Almost a third of all women in the United States deliver via C-section, but almost 50% of women having their first child between 40 to 45 and almost 80% in women ages 50 to 63 undergo the procedure.
“Older women have older uteruses, which tend to not contract as well, which can result in abnormal labor” and lead to a C-section, explains Robin Kalish, MD, director of clinical maternal-fetal medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.
Next Page: The risk of placental problems
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The risk of placental problems
While placental problems are relatively rare during pregnancy, the risk shoots up once you hit the big 4-0. If you get pregnant past that age, you have a 10-fold increased risk, compared with women younger than 30, of placenta previa—a dangerous condition in which the placenta does not move up and away from the opening of the uterus during pregnancy; this can cause severe vaginal bleeding and activate premature labor. The main reason? An older uterus is less hospitable to the drastic bodily changes of pregnancy.
“The uterus is required to grow from the size of a small pear to a huge watermelon in nine months, which requires an enormous level of blood flow,” Dr. Stillman says. “Vascular disease is ubiquitous as people age, whether its in the heart or in the vagina, and it gets more and more difficult as a woman gets older for her uterus to keep up with the rapid growth of pregnancy.”
Lauren B. Cohen, a New Jersey lawyer who is the second oldest woman in the United States to give birth to twins, at age 59, spent two months in the hospital before giving birth to her twins at 31 1/2 weeks due to complications from placenta percreta, an incredibly rare condition in which the placenta actually breaks through the walls of the uterus and attaches to another organ such as the bladder.
“My doctors said my uterine walls had been weakened, due to age, a past C-section, and the stress of carrying twins,” Cohen explains. During the C-section, she hemorrhaged so much from her placenta that she required a transfusion of 33 units of blood. The twins—born two months premature at just over 3 pounds each—have suffered no long-term health problems, but they have developmental delays.
The risk to baby
Babies born to over-40 women like Cohen are not only more likely to be born early but also more likely to have birth defects. One Columbia University study found that 2.9% of women older than 40 have babies with birth defects, compared with 1.7% of all women younger than 35. Of these, cardiac issues are the most common: Another study found that heart defects were four times more common in infants of women over 40, compared with those age 20 to 24.
“It could have something to do with egg quality or with the fact that older women may have undiagnosed and untreated diabetes or hypertension, which could affect growth and contribute to birth defects,” explains Randy Fink, MD, a high-risk OB-GYN in Miami.
Next Page: What women must know
What women must knowWhile modern medicine is now able to get you pregnant into your fourth, fifth, or even sixth decade, it cant guarantee a smooth and safe road to delivery. There are undeniable health risks to pregnancy in the peri- and postmenopausal years, risks that often arent revealed to the plus-40 women hoping to get pregnant. If youre in your 40s and considering pregnancy, its critical to be proactive and get a thorough screening to rule out hidden heart disease or diabetes.
“All women in this age group need to get their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked, as well as an EKG,” before trying to get pregnant, Dr. Goldberg says. While a borderline or high level on any of these tests doesnt necessarily rule out pregnancy, youll need to undergo even more detailed tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to “see” any potential damage done already to your heart.
Women with risk factors for breast cancer—such as having a family history of the disease—should also think carefully before proceeding, Dr. Smith advises. Most women over the age of 45 are automatically referred to a high-risk practice. If youre not, make sure you get a recommendation for a good one.
The bottom line: It is possible to have a baby in midlife. But before you proceed, its essential to understand the potential dangers to you and your baby.
“Even if a woman passes all the screening tests with flying colors, shes still more at risk for health complications,” stresses Miriam Greene, MD, an OB-GYN at New York University Langone Medical Center. “And we just dont know what the long-term health effects are going to be of all these added hormones on their bodies. If an older woman decides she wants to get pregnant, thats her decision. But she should have her eyes wide open and make sure shes fully aware of all the potential risks.” http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 08, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/Z6yfG5
Is Your Fertility Window Closing?
Women in their 30s and early 40s have new options for gauging whether theyre still fertile: Doctors-office and at-home tests supposedly can estimate the number of viable eggs in their ovaries. There is a booming market for this kind of ovarian-reserve testing. In the United Kingdom, a private company associated with the University of Sheffield is even selling a mail-in blood test (its not yet available in the United States).
How they work: The U.K. test and also some U.S. fertility-clinic tests measure levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other substances called inhibin B and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are present when egg-producing follicles are growing. Higher hormone levels suggest more fertility. Another test uses ultrasound to count the follicles with developing eggs. And the most common test measures FSH along with one form of estrogen. These tests, individually or in combination, may be able to tell if your ovaries are functioning normally.
Experts say: All this science has some flaws. Knowing that your ovaries are still working isnt the same as knowing how many viable eggs you have—or predicting the future. Even positive results dont mean you can count on a big window. At the same time, negative results dont mean youre out of luck.
“These tests cant tell you the prognosis a year from now,” says Marcelle Cedars, MD, director of the reproductive endocrinology division at the University of California, San Francisco. “Id hate to see people make important life decisions based on the results.”
Bottom line: Ultimately, age is still the most important factor when it comes to fertility prediction, says Mark Perloe, MD, medical director of Georgia Reproductive Specialists in Atlanta. If youre in your early 40s, the odds are against getting pregnant without help, no matter what the tests say. The odds are much better in your late 30s or younger. In short, the tests may be encouraging or discouraging, but they cannot accurately determine how much time youve got left for motherhood. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 08, 2015 at 12:15AM
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How they work: The U.K. test and also some U.S. fertility-clinic tests measure levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other substances called inhibin B and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are present when egg-producing follicles are growing. Higher hormone levels suggest more fertility. Another test uses ultrasound to count the follicles with developing eggs. And the most common test measures FSH along with one form of estrogen. These tests, individually or in combination, may be able to tell if your ovaries are functioning normally.
Experts say: All this science has some flaws. Knowing that your ovaries are still working isnt the same as knowing how many viable eggs you have—or predicting the future. Even positive results dont mean you can count on a big window. At the same time, negative results dont mean youre out of luck.
“These tests cant tell you the prognosis a year from now,” says Marcelle Cedars, MD, director of the reproductive endocrinology division at the University of California, San Francisco. “Id hate to see people make important life decisions based on the results.”
Bottom line: Ultimately, age is still the most important factor when it comes to fertility prediction, says Mark Perloe, MD, medical director of Georgia Reproductive Specialists in Atlanta. If youre in your early 40s, the odds are against getting pregnant without help, no matter what the tests say. The odds are much better in your late 30s or younger. In short, the tests may be encouraging or discouraging, but they cannot accurately determine how much time youve got left for motherhood. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 08, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Wednesday, 6 May 2015
15 Foods That Help You Poop
Feeling constipated? These foods will help get things moving. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 07, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 07, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Tuesday, 5 May 2015
10 Foods You're Probably Eating Wrong
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May 06, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 06, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Yoga Moves to Beat Insomnia, Ease Stress, and Relieve Pain
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Bye-Bye, Belly
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Hot Meals in 30 Minutes
Here are five healthy, hot meals ready in 30 minutes or less. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 04, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 04, 2015 at 12:15AM
No-Cook Meals You'll Love
Too hot to turn on the stove? No need to—just make our yummy throw-together dinners! http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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May 04, 2015 at 12:15AM
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May 04, 2015 at 12:15AM
Get the Body You Crave With Celeb-Inspired Workouts
You don’t have to act your age. And you definitely don’t have to look it: After all, 50 is the new 30. (Hello, have you seen Madonna lately?) http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 04, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Monday, 4 May 2015
15 Biggest Sunscreen Mistakes
Common ways you're screwing up sunscreen, and how to truly protect yourself from the sun. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 05, 2015 at 12:15AM
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3 Ways to Cut Calories for Fast and Easy Weight Loss
In this video from MyRecipes.com, nutritionist Holley Johnson, RD, offers some quick tips to help shave off extra calories and unwanted weight. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J May 05, 2015 at 12:15AM
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