http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1bDIm9o
Thursday, 29 October 2015
9 Smart Ways to Keep Your Marriage Healthy at Any Age
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes decades of time together strewn with a minefield of potential relationship wreckers. It's a wonder that anyone ends up walking off into the sunset, hand-in-wrinkled-hand, with a silver-haired mate. What do those geriatric lovebirds know that you don't?
Well, the truth is that even in so-called happy marriages, both partners probably fantasize some of the time—or even much of the time—about throwing in the towel. A Woman's Day and AOL Living poll found that a shocking 72% of women surveyed have considered leaving their husbands at some point. But despite the occasional rocky patch, 71% expected to be with their husbands for the rest of their lives. So how do you make it to the finish line with your relationship intact?
Each decade will have its own drama, be it child-rearing, layoffs, second careers, and middle-aged angst, along with a big helping of the in-sickness-and-in-health stuff. Here's how to have a healthy relationship every step of the way.
1. Watch your waistline
Now that you're married, you can finally relax and skip the gym, right? Wrong. Wedded couples tend to have fatter waistlines, which can spell trouble in terms of sexual attraction and general health. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that your chances of becoming obese increase by 37% if your spouse becomes obese. So unless you want "till death do us part" to include chronic health issues like heart disease and diabetes, it's important to establish healthy eating habits early on. But warding off weight gain isn't as simple as whipping up a healthy meal together. Eating with anyone—from your spouse to coworker—can cause you to consume 33% more than you would solo.
RELATED: 14 Ways You Lie to Yourself About Your Weight
Being aware of the potential fatty pitfalls of marital bliss may be enough to keep your portion sizes in check. Spend couple time checking out local farmers' markets on the weekends in an effort to consumer fresher, low-calorie fare. Or schedule an exercise date to work off some of your hearty, homemade dinners.
2. Have a financial plan
Nearly 40% of married people admit to lying to their spouse about a purchase, and money woes can quickly send your marriage south. In fact, money is the number-one reason couples fight, and relationships tend to suffer during poor economies. You should discuss and agree upon some hard financial ground rules, preferably before you tie the knot.
Don't fret if you're a spendthrift and your partner pinches pennies. "It's probably not a good thing to have the exact same philosophy about money, " says Ken Robbins, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "But financial issues are best to resolve early on. You want to decide who is going to pay the bills, how much discretionary spending is reasonable, and how you're going to keep track of it all."
3. Figure out your family rules
Couples spend the first 5 to 10 years of their marriage butting heads over how their family should work, says Dr. Robbins. "People often don't realize that they come into a marriage with an idea of how a family works based on their own family—whether they liked them or not," he adds. You can end up fighting over something as trivial as how you should hang your toilet paper, but those little issues can add up to big problems, particularly if children enter the picture. A 2004 study found that how a couple manages parenting responsibilities when the child is an infant is associated with the quality of their marriage two-and-a-half years later.
You and your partner may have vastly different ideas about how a child should be cared for and what constitutes family together time. If one of you is working, should the other partner get up with the baby at night, or should you take turns? Is it important for you to sit down to dinner as a family every night? "You need to figure out how you can live together happily while each maintaining your own sense of self," says Dr. Robbins.
RELATED: 18 Habits of the Happiest Families
4. Make sex a priority—but not a chore
While you should make sex a priority, you shouldn't pencil it in on your planner. If you schedule sex, it becomes a responsibility—just like taking out the trash, says Andrew Goldstein, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in Baltimore, and the coauthor of Reclaiming Desire ($16; amazon.com). The average married couple has sex 58 times per year, or slightly more than once a week. And a recent eight-year study found that 90% of couples experienced a decrease in marital satisfaction after the birth of their first child. Yikes!
But it doesn't matter whether you're having sex five times a week or five times a year—as long as both of you are happy, says Dr. Goldstein. In fact, a 2008 study found that couples who reported any kind of marital intimacy—everything from holding hands to sex—exhibited lower levels of a hormone produced by stress.
RELATED: 13 Healthy Reasons to Have More Sex
5. Be flexible
Whatever financial and household arrangements you agreed to in your 20s or 30s, chances are they're going to change at some point in your marriage. Men account for 82% of recent job losses during this recession, meaning couples are making some hard choices when it comes to both their careers and their checking accounts.
If the traditional breadwinner is laid off, the stay-at-home parent may need to head back into the workforce. Conversely, if you become a stay-at-home partner—due to choice or circumstance—expect to do more of the shopping, cleaning, and other chores that make a household run smoothly. A recent analysis of government data found that employed women spend significantly more time on child care and housework than employed men—and unemployed men.
Having an open discussion of how household duties need to change can help couples weather some tough transitions. "Everyone has a role within the relationship and as long as there's a greater good, it's not a question about whether it's his money or her money," says Dr. Goldstein. "It's their money. Your paycheck and your career are not the value of your worth."
6. Stay active as you age
If you're like most American couples, you don't exercise or you stopped regularly exercising when you had children. Try to find new ways to stay active as a couple, whether it's hitting the tennis courts or hiking trails. One study found that couples who work out together are more likely to stick with an exercise program. And some experts suggest that couples who exercise more frequently tend to have better sex lives.
Pick up a life sport that you can enjoy together for decades to come, like golf, tennis, or hiking. You don't need to be seriously sweating to reap the benefits of regular exercise. Experts say that moderate exercise is enough to help stave off heart disease and other ailments.
RELATED: 10 Habits of People Who Love to Work Out
7. Gab (a little) to your friend
In the last decade, researchers have noted a rise in "gray divorce," or couples over 50 who are calling it quits. While it's tempting—and often prudent—to keep couple conversations behind closed doors, you may actually benefit from blabbing to a close friend.
"It's often helpful to talk to couple friends when these big issues come up," says Dr. Robbins. "Many couples live very privately and discuss these issues with the shades down, but relationship issues like this can often benefit from hearing how people that you trust dealt with a similar situation." Whether it's hearing how a friend dealt with her husband's infidelity or other big hurdles, a little empathy can put things in perspective. But keep your gabbing under control. "Clearly it's never a good idea to say anything—even to a close friend—that you wouldn't want repeated back to your spouse in five years," warns Dr. Goldstein.
8. Rediscover each other as a couple, sans kids
Forget empty nest syndrome—a 2008 study found that marital satisfaction actually improves once children leave home. Female participants reported spending equal amounts of time with their partners both while their children lived at home and after, but they noted that the quality of that together time was better once the kids were out of the picture. "Suddenly the tyranny of the children controlling the household is relieved," says Dr. Robbins. "You don't have to have dinner at 6, you don't have to spend Saturdays at the soccer field, and you don't have to be so responsible all the time." Use this newfound freedom to bend the rules a bit and rediscover what you love about each other.
But if marital problems have already been bubbling, an empty nest can reveal serious tension. "All of a sudden the noise is gone," says Dr. Robbins. "If you didn't have much to talk about, it suddenly becomes more apparent once the kids are gone."
9. Be a conscious caregiver
In the event of a serious illness, spouses who assume the role of caregiver often develop a sense of "caregiver burden" and may become ill themselves. So it's vital that both spouses ask for help when they need it. Getting out to see friends and socialize is particularly important for caregivers. And realize that you both have limitations.
"The spouse who needs help typically feels guilty and frustrated. The spouse who has to help feels controlled by it," says Dr. Robbins. "While you can't fix those issues, you at least need to be open about them." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1bziScm
Well, the truth is that even in so-called happy marriages, both partners probably fantasize some of the time—or even much of the time—about throwing in the towel. A Woman's Day and AOL Living poll found that a shocking 72% of women surveyed have considered leaving their husbands at some point. But despite the occasional rocky patch, 71% expected to be with their husbands for the rest of their lives. So how do you make it to the finish line with your relationship intact?
Each decade will have its own drama, be it child-rearing, layoffs, second careers, and middle-aged angst, along with a big helping of the in-sickness-and-in-health stuff. Here's how to have a healthy relationship every step of the way.
1. Watch your waistline
Now that you're married, you can finally relax and skip the gym, right? Wrong. Wedded couples tend to have fatter waistlines, which can spell trouble in terms of sexual attraction and general health. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that your chances of becoming obese increase by 37% if your spouse becomes obese. So unless you want "till death do us part" to include chronic health issues like heart disease and diabetes, it's important to establish healthy eating habits early on. But warding off weight gain isn't as simple as whipping up a healthy meal together. Eating with anyone—from your spouse to coworker—can cause you to consume 33% more than you would solo.
RELATED: 14 Ways You Lie to Yourself About Your Weight
Being aware of the potential fatty pitfalls of marital bliss may be enough to keep your portion sizes in check. Spend couple time checking out local farmers' markets on the weekends in an effort to consumer fresher, low-calorie fare. Or schedule an exercise date to work off some of your hearty, homemade dinners.
2. Have a financial plan
Nearly 40% of married people admit to lying to their spouse about a purchase, and money woes can quickly send your marriage south. In fact, money is the number-one reason couples fight, and relationships tend to suffer during poor economies. You should discuss and agree upon some hard financial ground rules, preferably before you tie the knot.
Don't fret if you're a spendthrift and your partner pinches pennies. "It's probably not a good thing to have the exact same philosophy about money, " says Ken Robbins, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "But financial issues are best to resolve early on. You want to decide who is going to pay the bills, how much discretionary spending is reasonable, and how you're going to keep track of it all."
3. Figure out your family rules
Couples spend the first 5 to 10 years of their marriage butting heads over how their family should work, says Dr. Robbins. "People often don't realize that they come into a marriage with an idea of how a family works based on their own family—whether they liked them or not," he adds. You can end up fighting over something as trivial as how you should hang your toilet paper, but those little issues can add up to big problems, particularly if children enter the picture. A 2004 study found that how a couple manages parenting responsibilities when the child is an infant is associated with the quality of their marriage two-and-a-half years later.
You and your partner may have vastly different ideas about how a child should be cared for and what constitutes family together time. If one of you is working, should the other partner get up with the baby at night, or should you take turns? Is it important for you to sit down to dinner as a family every night? "You need to figure out how you can live together happily while each maintaining your own sense of self," says Dr. Robbins.
RELATED: 18 Habits of the Happiest Families
4. Make sex a priority—but not a chore
While you should make sex a priority, you shouldn't pencil it in on your planner. If you schedule sex, it becomes a responsibility—just like taking out the trash, says Andrew Goldstein, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in Baltimore, and the coauthor of Reclaiming Desire ($16; amazon.com). The average married couple has sex 58 times per year, or slightly more than once a week. And a recent eight-year study found that 90% of couples experienced a decrease in marital satisfaction after the birth of their first child. Yikes!
But it doesn't matter whether you're having sex five times a week or five times a year—as long as both of you are happy, says Dr. Goldstein. In fact, a 2008 study found that couples who reported any kind of marital intimacy—everything from holding hands to sex—exhibited lower levels of a hormone produced by stress.
RELATED: 13 Healthy Reasons to Have More Sex
5. Be flexible
Whatever financial and household arrangements you agreed to in your 20s or 30s, chances are they're going to change at some point in your marriage. Men account for 82% of recent job losses during this recession, meaning couples are making some hard choices when it comes to both their careers and their checking accounts.
If the traditional breadwinner is laid off, the stay-at-home parent may need to head back into the workforce. Conversely, if you become a stay-at-home partner—due to choice or circumstance—expect to do more of the shopping, cleaning, and other chores that make a household run smoothly. A recent analysis of government data found that employed women spend significantly more time on child care and housework than employed men—and unemployed men.
Having an open discussion of how household duties need to change can help couples weather some tough transitions. "Everyone has a role within the relationship and as long as there's a greater good, it's not a question about whether it's his money or her money," says Dr. Goldstein. "It's their money. Your paycheck and your career are not the value of your worth."
6. Stay active as you age
If you're like most American couples, you don't exercise or you stopped regularly exercising when you had children. Try to find new ways to stay active as a couple, whether it's hitting the tennis courts or hiking trails. One study found that couples who work out together are more likely to stick with an exercise program. And some experts suggest that couples who exercise more frequently tend to have better sex lives.
Pick up a life sport that you can enjoy together for decades to come, like golf, tennis, or hiking. You don't need to be seriously sweating to reap the benefits of regular exercise. Experts say that moderate exercise is enough to help stave off heart disease and other ailments.
RELATED: 10 Habits of People Who Love to Work Out
7. Gab (a little) to your friend
In the last decade, researchers have noted a rise in "gray divorce," or couples over 50 who are calling it quits. While it's tempting—and often prudent—to keep couple conversations behind closed doors, you may actually benefit from blabbing to a close friend.
"It's often helpful to talk to couple friends when these big issues come up," says Dr. Robbins. "Many couples live very privately and discuss these issues with the shades down, but relationship issues like this can often benefit from hearing how people that you trust dealt with a similar situation." Whether it's hearing how a friend dealt with her husband's infidelity or other big hurdles, a little empathy can put things in perspective. But keep your gabbing under control. "Clearly it's never a good idea to say anything—even to a close friend—that you wouldn't want repeated back to your spouse in five years," warns Dr. Goldstein.
8. Rediscover each other as a couple, sans kids
Forget empty nest syndrome—a 2008 study found that marital satisfaction actually improves once children leave home. Female participants reported spending equal amounts of time with their partners both while their children lived at home and after, but they noted that the quality of that together time was better once the kids were out of the picture. "Suddenly the tyranny of the children controlling the household is relieved," says Dr. Robbins. "You don't have to have dinner at 6, you don't have to spend Saturdays at the soccer field, and you don't have to be so responsible all the time." Use this newfound freedom to bend the rules a bit and rediscover what you love about each other.
But if marital problems have already been bubbling, an empty nest can reveal serious tension. "All of a sudden the noise is gone," says Dr. Robbins. "If you didn't have much to talk about, it suddenly becomes more apparent once the kids are gone."
9. Be a conscious caregiver
In the event of a serious illness, spouses who assume the role of caregiver often develop a sense of "caregiver burden" and may become ill themselves. So it's vital that both spouses ask for help when they need it. Getting out to see friends and socialize is particularly important for caregivers. And realize that you both have limitations.
"The spouse who needs help typically feels guilty and frustrated. The spouse who has to help feels controlled by it," says Dr. Robbins. "While you can't fix those issues, you at least need to be open about them." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1bziScm
10 Ways to Shake Up Date Night
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
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from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/12QbLs6
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
24 Fast Food Breakfasts That Aren't Terrible for You
Whether you're on the road or in a rush, these fast-food breakfast items won't wreck your diet (or your health). http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/1ihKVH1
October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/1ihKVH1
October 29, 2015 at 12:15AM
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
4 Delicious Recipes That Cook In No Time
Wholesome meals that won't take you hours. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
6 Superfood Sides for Thanksgiving
Add a nutritious kick to your Thanksgiving feast. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/1WgfaAT
October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
11 Ways to Make Your Hair Look 10 Years Younger
What is up with my hair?!
If it doesn't seem as healthy as it used to, blame it on…life. "Aging can make hair thinner, drier and less manageable," notes dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, director of the Hair Disorders Center of Excellence in Skokie, Ill. The trick is to restore hydration, add volume and replenish shine. Here's your total plan.
Bring Back Softness
"I love how dry and brittle my hair is!" said no one ever. There's a scientific explanation for why it's like that: “Since oil glands are mostly under hormonal control, they can become less active as your body changes over time," says Dr. Francis. Turning up the heat on your dryer or curling iron only adds to the parching problem.
TREAT IT
Restore your hair's natural lipids with a weekly fix such as Kérastase Paris Resistance Masque Therapiste ($34; amazon.com), which packs hydrating plant sap plus peptides and amino acids to strengthen abused follicles.
STYLE IT
Coat damp hair with a thermal protectant that hasceramides; they bind to hair and reduce breakage, found a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Try Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray ($32; sephora.com). The suppler your strands, the less breakage youll see.
RELATED: 6 Nutrients for Healthy Hair
Boost Fullness
Thinning often happens gradually, but for some of us, it seems to occur overnight. One day you look in the mirror and—gasp!—you can see scalp. Or you notice your ponytail isnt as full. “Hair goes through growing cycles, and at a certain age, it can slow down,” says Dr. Francis. But all is not lost: Those sluggish follicles can be awakened.
TREAT IT
OD'ing on products leaves behind buildup that can impede hair growth. ReGenesis Thickening Shampoo ($34; nordstrom.com) has willow bark to de-gunk and flax protein to plump strands. For significant thinning, the go-to ingredient is minoxidil. It's the only over-the- counter drug that's FDA-approved for stimulating hair growth in women. Find it in Women's Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment ($30 for a one-month supply; ulta.com). With daily use, you can expect results in as early as 12 weeks. Also FDA-approved to spur hair growth: low-level red-light laser therapy. The HairMax LaserComb Ultima 12 ($495; neimanmarcus.com) is an investment, but it can be as effective as minoxidil, says Dr. Francis, and more so if it's used in conjunction with the drug. Run the pronged wand over your scalp three times a week for eight minutes to see improvement in 12 weeks.
STYLE IT
You guessed it—use volumizing spray. Try BloPro Blow Back Time Texture Spray ($20; blowpro.com), which infuses hair with specks of bulk-boosting powder. (No worries; its invisible.) Focus on the roots of dry hair, holding up 2-inch sections and spritzing them, says Nunzio Saviano, owner of the eponymous salon in New York City. “Brush through for more oomph.”
RELATED: 10 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair
Erase the Grays
You may blame stress, but the reality is that the production of pigment in hair follicles starts to lag with age (at what point depends on your genes).
TREAT IT
To go longer between salon visits, touch up your roots with a box color. Clairol Age Defy ($7; amazon.com ) hides silver and adds sheen.
STYLE IT
When you spot annoying grays, hide them with a temporary fix like Redken Color Rebel Naturals Hair Makeup ($20; ulta.com). It dries quickly and lasts through a couple of shampoos. For your hairline, use a Q-tip to apply. Later, roots!
RELATED: 10 Secrets of People Who Age Gracefully
Get a Whole Lot of Shine
When you want your hair to glow, “treat your scalp the same way you do your skin,” says Liz Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the New York Philip Kingsley Clinic. Lay off the drying products and help strands glisten with light.
TREAT IT
Cut back on shampooing—it strips hair of its natural oils and gloss—to once or twice a week. You also want to protect hair from shine-sapping UV rays. Try Rene Furterer Solaire Leave-In Moisturizing Spray ($22; amazon.com), which has jojoba wax and camelina oil along with a UV filter. For extra luster, consider a salon gloss (usually with a hint of tint) or glaze (typically clear), advises Jet Rhys, a Solana Beach, Calif., stylist to the stars. “It's like waxing your car,” she says. “You get a noticeable shine boost that lasts a couple of weeks.”
STYLE IT
Make shine serum your final styling step. Try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss Mist ($10; amazon.com). “Apply a bit to the ends, which typically need the most TLC,” says Rhys. For extra de-frizzing, spritz your palms and run them over the length of your hair, avoiding roots.
RELATED: 15 Hair Products for a Shinier, Healthier Mane
3 Style Tricks for Younger Hair
1. Zigzag your part.
“It can make hair appear fuller by hiding sparse spots,” says celeb stylist Jet Rhys. Use your finger to part instead of a comb for a natural look.
2. Go halfsies.
Pull just some of your hair back. “When you sweep the sides up toward the back of your head, it visually raises the cheekbones,” explains Rhys. Instant face-lift!
3. Do a high ponytail.
For a soft, flattering look, loosely brush hair back and up with a paddle brush, says Saviano, then secure with a ribbon hair elastic." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1KDo53j
If it doesn't seem as healthy as it used to, blame it on…life. "Aging can make hair thinner, drier and less manageable," notes dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, director of the Hair Disorders Center of Excellence in Skokie, Ill. The trick is to restore hydration, add volume and replenish shine. Here's your total plan.
Bring Back Softness
"I love how dry and brittle my hair is!" said no one ever. There's a scientific explanation for why it's like that: “Since oil glands are mostly under hormonal control, they can become less active as your body changes over time," says Dr. Francis. Turning up the heat on your dryer or curling iron only adds to the parching problem.
TREAT IT
Restore your hair's natural lipids with a weekly fix such as Kérastase Paris Resistance Masque Therapiste ($34; amazon.com), which packs hydrating plant sap plus peptides and amino acids to strengthen abused follicles.
STYLE IT
Coat damp hair with a thermal protectant that hasceramides; they bind to hair and reduce breakage, found a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Try Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray ($32; sephora.com). The suppler your strands, the less breakage youll see.
RELATED: 6 Nutrients for Healthy Hair
Boost Fullness
Thinning often happens gradually, but for some of us, it seems to occur overnight. One day you look in the mirror and—gasp!—you can see scalp. Or you notice your ponytail isnt as full. “Hair goes through growing cycles, and at a certain age, it can slow down,” says Dr. Francis. But all is not lost: Those sluggish follicles can be awakened.
TREAT IT
OD'ing on products leaves behind buildup that can impede hair growth. ReGenesis Thickening Shampoo ($34; nordstrom.com) has willow bark to de-gunk and flax protein to plump strands. For significant thinning, the go-to ingredient is minoxidil. It's the only over-the- counter drug that's FDA-approved for stimulating hair growth in women. Find it in Women's Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment ($30 for a one-month supply; ulta.com). With daily use, you can expect results in as early as 12 weeks. Also FDA-approved to spur hair growth: low-level red-light laser therapy. The HairMax LaserComb Ultima 12 ($495; neimanmarcus.com) is an investment, but it can be as effective as minoxidil, says Dr. Francis, and more so if it's used in conjunction with the drug. Run the pronged wand over your scalp three times a week for eight minutes to see improvement in 12 weeks.
STYLE IT
You guessed it—use volumizing spray. Try BloPro Blow Back Time Texture Spray ($20; blowpro.com), which infuses hair with specks of bulk-boosting powder. (No worries; its invisible.) Focus on the roots of dry hair, holding up 2-inch sections and spritzing them, says Nunzio Saviano, owner of the eponymous salon in New York City. “Brush through for more oomph.”
RELATED: 10 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair
Erase the Grays
You may blame stress, but the reality is that the production of pigment in hair follicles starts to lag with age (at what point depends on your genes).
TREAT IT
To go longer between salon visits, touch up your roots with a box color. Clairol Age Defy ($7; amazon.com ) hides silver and adds sheen.
STYLE IT
When you spot annoying grays, hide them with a temporary fix like Redken Color Rebel Naturals Hair Makeup ($20; ulta.com). It dries quickly and lasts through a couple of shampoos. For your hairline, use a Q-tip to apply. Later, roots!
RELATED: 10 Secrets of People Who Age Gracefully
Get a Whole Lot of Shine
When you want your hair to glow, “treat your scalp the same way you do your skin,” says Liz Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the New York Philip Kingsley Clinic. Lay off the drying products and help strands glisten with light.
TREAT IT
Cut back on shampooing—it strips hair of its natural oils and gloss—to once or twice a week. You also want to protect hair from shine-sapping UV rays. Try Rene Furterer Solaire Leave-In Moisturizing Spray ($22; amazon.com), which has jojoba wax and camelina oil along with a UV filter. For extra luster, consider a salon gloss (usually with a hint of tint) or glaze (typically clear), advises Jet Rhys, a Solana Beach, Calif., stylist to the stars. “It's like waxing your car,” she says. “You get a noticeable shine boost that lasts a couple of weeks.”
STYLE IT
Make shine serum your final styling step. Try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss Mist ($10; amazon.com). “Apply a bit to the ends, which typically need the most TLC,” says Rhys. For extra de-frizzing, spritz your palms and run them over the length of your hair, avoiding roots.
RELATED: 15 Hair Products for a Shinier, Healthier Mane
3 Style Tricks for Younger Hair
1. Zigzag your part.
“It can make hair appear fuller by hiding sparse spots,” says celeb stylist Jet Rhys. Use your finger to part instead of a comb for a natural look.
2. Go halfsies.
Pull just some of your hair back. “When you sweep the sides up toward the back of your head, it visually raises the cheekbones,” explains Rhys. Instant face-lift!
3. Do a high ponytail.
For a soft, flattering look, loosely brush hair back and up with a paddle brush, says Saviano, then secure with a ribbon hair elastic." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1KDo53j
Who's Taking Care Of You?
I do so much for my family that I have almost no time and energy left for me. How can I add myself to the list?
Everyone knows that old saying about putting on your own oxygen mask before you help others, but guilt and worry can hold you back. Yet chances are you're shouldering responsibilities you don't need to, so you're more in control of having a break than you think.
Your first order is to off-load a bit. Go through your day, considering your typical to-dos. Perhaps your oldest child can help the younger one get ready for bed, say, or your husband can handle laundry duty once a week. If it's hard to let go, reality-check yourself: So what if someone doesn't do it exactly like I do? Will that really matter? You'll likely realize the answer is no. Being a do-it-all martyr does nobody in your family any favors—the stress inevitably seeps out.
Once you've delegated, at the beginning of the week (when you're strong), slate in the yoga class and meet-up with friends to make sure you get "me" time.
RELATED: 5 Reasons You Always Feel Guilty (and How to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself)
My sister and I both look after our mother, who has Alzheimer's. But I handle most of it, and I'm becoming resentful. When I bring this up with my sister, she gets defensive. Ideas?
Caring for a gravely ill parent is exhausting and painful—sometimes so much so that family members go into denial and turn away. If your sister doesn't live nearby, you could say, "I know it's not easy for you to be here. Could you contribute money toward care?"
Otherwise, have a face-to-face and make the conversation more about you. Let her know that regularly tending to your mother is a strain. Ask her to brainstorm solutions; perhaps she could bring meals on weekends. Discussing ideas may have the added benefit of getting her to open up. She might say that she finds it hard to visit your mother because Mom doesn't always recognize her and it's upsetting—leading to a discussion that can be cathartic for both of you.
RELATED: Tips for Caregivers
Is there anything I can say to a 40-something man to get him to start picking up after himself?
It's hard to change old habits, but not impossible—even the socks-on-the-floor one. The key is to avoid confronting your partner on the spot; it's tricky to not sound frustrated or mad, and if you do, he won't hear you because he'll be busy defending himself. Instead, choose a calm moment and explain how you feel: "When you leave clothes/crumbs/whatever lying around and figure that I'll pick up after you, it makes me feel taken advantage of." Be specific about what you'd like him to do. You might say, "Can you just toss your clothes into the laundry basket?" When he does it, give him a big "Thanks, I appreciate that!" or a gratitude kiss for reinforcement. If he needs reminders, humor always helps. You: "That's some obstacle course on the floor—could you grab that stuff?" Him (hopefully): "Sure, no problem!"
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Everyone knows that old saying about putting on your own oxygen mask before you help others, but guilt and worry can hold you back. Yet chances are you're shouldering responsibilities you don't need to, so you're more in control of having a break than you think.
Your first order is to off-load a bit. Go through your day, considering your typical to-dos. Perhaps your oldest child can help the younger one get ready for bed, say, or your husband can handle laundry duty once a week. If it's hard to let go, reality-check yourself: So what if someone doesn't do it exactly like I do? Will that really matter? You'll likely realize the answer is no. Being a do-it-all martyr does nobody in your family any favors—the stress inevitably seeps out.
Once you've delegated, at the beginning of the week (when you're strong), slate in the yoga class and meet-up with friends to make sure you get "me" time.
RELATED: 5 Reasons You Always Feel Guilty (and How to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself)
My sister and I both look after our mother, who has Alzheimer's. But I handle most of it, and I'm becoming resentful. When I bring this up with my sister, she gets defensive. Ideas?
Caring for a gravely ill parent is exhausting and painful—sometimes so much so that family members go into denial and turn away. If your sister doesn't live nearby, you could say, "I know it's not easy for you to be here. Could you contribute money toward care?"
Otherwise, have a face-to-face and make the conversation more about you. Let her know that regularly tending to your mother is a strain. Ask her to brainstorm solutions; perhaps she could bring meals on weekends. Discussing ideas may have the added benefit of getting her to open up. She might say that she finds it hard to visit your mother because Mom doesn't always recognize her and it's upsetting—leading to a discussion that can be cathartic for both of you.
RELATED: Tips for Caregivers
Is there anything I can say to a 40-something man to get him to start picking up after himself?
It's hard to change old habits, but not impossible—even the socks-on-the-floor one. The key is to avoid confronting your partner on the spot; it's tricky to not sound frustrated or mad, and if you do, he won't hear you because he'll be busy defending himself. Instead, choose a calm moment and explain how you feel: "When you leave clothes/crumbs/whatever lying around and figure that I'll pick up after you, it makes me feel taken advantage of." Be specific about what you'd like him to do. You might say, "Can you just toss your clothes into the laundry basket?" When he does it, give him a big "Thanks, I appreciate that!" or a gratitude kiss for reinforcement. If he needs reminders, humor always helps. You: "That's some obstacle course on the floor—could you grab that stuff?" Him (hopefully): "Sure, no problem!"
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1GGLJkj
19 Healthy Foods That Can Make You Feel Gross
Healthy foods should energize you, so why can these nutritious eats leave you gassy and tired? http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/1PSlUQj
October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
20 Little-Known Facts About Being Left-Handed
The secret perks and pitfalls of being a southpaw. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1LVEBgR
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7 White Noise Machines That Could Help You (Finally) Get a Good Night's Sleep
These soothing, noise-masking gadgets are designed to help you drift off to the land of nod, and stay there all night long. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 28, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Monday, 26 October 2015
The 20 Best Foods to Eat for Breakfast
These staples and mix-ins will give you all the energy and nutrients you need in the morning. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 27, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Is Your Pet Wrecking Your Sleep?
We hate to break it to you, but Spot may be depriving you of shut-eye, big-time. According to a recent Mayo Clinic study, 18 percent of pet owners felt that their animal disturbed their slumber. But the actual numbers are likely higher.
"I think many people don't want to admit that their cat or dog interrupts their sleep, because they're intensely loyal to their animals," says study co-author Lois Krahn, MD, professor of psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorder Center. "But putting up with poor sleep just because you love your pet can negatively affect things like your mood, memory and, in extreme cases, even your heart."
RELATED: 11 Signs You're Sleep Deprived
Fidgety, noisy pets—who toss, turn, lick and scratch in bed—can keep you from falling or staying asleep, the same way a snoring husband can. Even if you're not consciously waking up, your dog or cat could be causing "microarousals," or mini wake-ups, throughout the night, which also disrupt your sleep cycle, notes Dr. Krahn. And that can leave you constantly tired (and confused as to why).
Sound familiar? Then it's time for tough love. "People ask me what to do about a cat or dog who hurts their sleep, but when I tell them to kick him out of their bedroom, they'll say, 'Oh, I can't do that—it will traumatize my pet,'" says Meir Kryger, MD, professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.
Good news: "If you go about it the right way, your pet probably won't mind," says Ellen Lindell, VMD, a veterinary behaviorist in New York City. Use these pointers to relocate your pet and get a doggone good night's sleep.
RELATED: How to Reduce Pet Allergens at Home
Retrain your pet
Keep your dog from curling up by buying him his own plush bed and rewarding him with treats and scratches when he rests there at any time of the day, says Dr. Lindell. Then, at night, move his bed next to yours, and reach down and pet him so he knows he's being a good pup. If your dog is too loud to be so nearby, get a gate you can put in your door that allows him to see in but blocks him from entering the room.
As for cats, they love having lots of warm, soft sleeping options, so you may simply need to provide yours with more.
RELATED: 14 Surprising Pet Poisoning Dangers
Teach a new family member good habits
"It's easier to create and enforce rules early on than after bad habits develop," says Dr. Lindell. For dogs, consider crate training from the start—many pups see their crate as a safe den for sleep. Place the crate outside your room so his scratching and licking won't wake you.
New cat owners should create lots of comfortable sleeping spaces—and get your kitty to use them by keeping the bedroom door closed at night.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 22, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1hU2Z9X
"I think many people don't want to admit that their cat or dog interrupts their sleep, because they're intensely loyal to their animals," says study co-author Lois Krahn, MD, professor of psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorder Center. "But putting up with poor sleep just because you love your pet can negatively affect things like your mood, memory and, in extreme cases, even your heart."
RELATED: 11 Signs You're Sleep Deprived
Fidgety, noisy pets—who toss, turn, lick and scratch in bed—can keep you from falling or staying asleep, the same way a snoring husband can. Even if you're not consciously waking up, your dog or cat could be causing "microarousals," or mini wake-ups, throughout the night, which also disrupt your sleep cycle, notes Dr. Krahn. And that can leave you constantly tired (and confused as to why).
Sound familiar? Then it's time for tough love. "People ask me what to do about a cat or dog who hurts their sleep, but when I tell them to kick him out of their bedroom, they'll say, 'Oh, I can't do that—it will traumatize my pet,'" says Meir Kryger, MD, professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.
Good news: "If you go about it the right way, your pet probably won't mind," says Ellen Lindell, VMD, a veterinary behaviorist in New York City. Use these pointers to relocate your pet and get a doggone good night's sleep.
RELATED: How to Reduce Pet Allergens at Home
Retrain your pet
Keep your dog from curling up by buying him his own plush bed and rewarding him with treats and scratches when he rests there at any time of the day, says Dr. Lindell. Then, at night, move his bed next to yours, and reach down and pet him so he knows he's being a good pup. If your dog is too loud to be so nearby, get a gate you can put in your door that allows him to see in but blocks him from entering the room.
As for cats, they love having lots of warm, soft sleeping options, so you may simply need to provide yours with more.
RELATED: 14 Surprising Pet Poisoning Dangers
Teach a new family member good habits
"It's easier to create and enforce rules early on than after bad habits develop," says Dr. Lindell. For dogs, consider crate training from the start—many pups see their crate as a safe den for sleep. Place the crate outside your room so his scratching and licking won't wake you.
New cat owners should create lots of comfortable sleeping spaces—and get your kitty to use them by keeping the bedroom door closed at night.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 22, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1hU2Z9X
5 Myths Even Doctors Believe
When you ask a doctor a question, you expect an answer backed by the latest science. But the reality is, the field of medicine is always advancing, and “there's too much knowledge for any one physician to master,” says Renée Fox, PhD, professor emerita at the University of Pennsylvania, who studies the sociology of medical research, education and ethics. As a result, certain popular beliefs that seem to make sense persist long after they've been challenged by studies. So we asked a range of experts, “What health myths drive you nuts?” Here, they bust five vexing misconceptions.
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
MYTH: “Rest is best for back pain.”
THE ORIGINS
In years past, doctors tended to assume the worst—that back pain was a sign of a serious injury—and thought the way to heal was to stay off your feet. Today we know that most soreness stems from the muscles, ligaments and joints. Yet “many ER and primary care doctors still default to 'rest' out of uncertainty or a fear of liability,” says Robert Eastlack, MD, codirector of the San Diego Spine Fellowship at the Scripps Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery.
SCIENCE SAYS
The vast majority of back problems— from lumbar sprains to slipped disks—benefit from activity, according to 2007 guidelines from the American College of Physicians. Studies have shown that bed rest actually makes pain worse and last longer. “The key is to keep moving,” says Dr. Eastlack—to stretch out tight muscle fibers and prevent your joints from stiffening. He suggests starting with gentle daily exercise, like walking or swimming. Then gradually work your way up to more vigorous activities, like running, yoga or spin, as you become able to tolerate them. If the pain worsens or hasn't improved significantly in four to six weeks, get it checked out by your doctor.
RELATED: 15 Natural Back Pain Remedies
MYTH: “Hormone replacement therapy causes cancer.”
THE ORIGINS
Docs can be skittish about prescribing estrogen to ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. But they're probably clinging to outdated findings from a 2002 NIH Womens Health Initiative study that linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer—even though more recent research has demonstrated that that risk is not associated with how HRT is formulated and prescribed today.
SCIENCE SAYS
Several large studies have shown that taking estrogen is safe, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine: “It really makes me crazy when doctors tell patients they'll suffer terrible consequences from hormone therapy.” Typically it's needed for only two to three years to treat menopausal symptoms, she adds. There are women who cant take estrogen (say, because of a history of breast cancer or blood clots). For them there's another option to ease hot flashes: Brisdelle, a very low-dose antidepressant.
MYTH: “If medical tests come back negative, painful sex is probably in your head.”
THE ORIGINS
When a patient says she has discomfort during intercourse, doctors typically consider a host of diagnoses—from dryness and infections to endometriosis, polyps and fibroids. But when they get to the end of their list, they're often stumped, says Libby Edwards, MD, a dermatologist in Charlotte, N.C., who specializes in genital skin conditions: “Our residency programs generally aren't teaching about other causes of painful sex.”
SCIENCE SAYS
There's a little-known syndrome called vestibulodynia, which cant be tested for and is far more common than previously thought— affecting an estimated 12 percent of women at some point in their lives. The elusive disorder causes tenderness in the vaginal opening upon penetration, even by a tampon. Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly; they can last for a few months or go on for years. Gynecology journals and textbooks include hardly anything about it, says Dr. Minkin. And the majority of women have to see at least three practitioners before they get a diagnosis, according to a Harvard Medical School study. But once you know you have it, there are a variety of ways to treat the pain, says Dr. Minkin, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
RELATED: 10 Ways to Deal With Painful Sex
MYTH: “A history of breast cancer only matters if it's on your mother's side.”
THE ORIGINS
Doctors who finished their training before the discovery of the BRCA genes in the mid- 1990s were taught to assess a woman's inherited risk by asking about her female first-degree relatives (mother and sisters). Faulty logic has helped that outdated approach persist, says Louise Morrell, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and genetics in Boca Raton, Fla. “We intuitively associate a female disease with the female side of the family,” she explains. Indeed, a recent study by researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that women with a paternal history of the disease were less likely to get a referral for genetic counseling than women with a maternal history.
SCIENCE SAYS
“For every single gene you have, you get one copy from your mom and one copy from your dad,” explains Dr. Morrell. That means the mutations associated with breast cancer are just as likely to come from Dad's DNA. “Knowing you are at a higher risk for the disease could save your life,” she adds. Make sure your provider takes a thorough family history. If you're still concerned, consider making an appointment with a genetic counselor (find one at nsgc.org). You might be a candidate for earlier mammograms or more frequent screenings, additional screening tests such as MRIs or other preventive strategies, like taking the drug tamoxifen.
RELATED: 12 Things That Probably Don't Increase Breast Cancer Risk
MYTH: “Younger women aren't at risk of stroke.”
THE ORIGINS
The prominent signs of stroke in a woman under 45—dizziness or a headache—are not the same symptoms doctors look for in older patients (including weakness on one side and trouble talking), explains David Newman-Toker, MD, associate professor in the department of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In a recent study, he found that stroke victims under 45 are nearly seven times as likely to be diagnosed incorrectly (with, for example, an inner ear infection or a migraine). And female stroke victims in general are 30 percent more likely to be mistakenly sent home from the hospital. “If you're a young woman, its a double whammy,” says Dr. Newman-Toker.
SCIENCE SAYS
Strokes are on the rise in younger women, according to the American Heart Association, largely due to health factors like obesity. But another common cause is injury to blood vessels in the neck. It could happen from a major trauma like a car accident, or even from a more minor incident, such as tweaking your neck on a roller coaster. Hormonal birth control can also increase the risk of stroke in women who get migraines or who have an undiagnosed bloodclotting disorder. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia are in danger as well. To make up for what physicians miss, know the signs, urges Dr. Newman- Toker. If you ever get a sudden onset of dizziness or a severe headache— and possibly hiccups or nausea—that sends you to the ER, ask the doc this question: “Why do you think it's not a stroke?” Says Dr. Newman-Toker, “If he can't answer in a way that sounds halfway intelligible, speak to another doctor.”
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
WOULD YOU BELIEVE?!
Docs dispel these common myths they keep hearing from patients.
“Wiping back to front leads to a UTI.”
The warnings you heard growing up? Flush 'em. “Clearly, if you take stool and put it on your urethra, you're going to get an infection,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. But that's not the same as wiping back to front. (Just wipe your behind separately!)
“Drinking more water can clear up my skin.”
If only. “One of the main causes of acne is an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil—which has nothing to do with how hydrated you are,” says Amy Ross, MD, a dermatologist in Palm Harbor, Fla.
“My fillings will give me mercury poisoning.”
The amount of mercury in silver fillings is nowhere near enough to cause problems. “As long as a filling is intact, I recommend leaving it alone,” says Matthew Nejad, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills. “Removing it could lead to complications.”
“You'll get a yeast infection from sitting in a wet bathing suit.”
“It's true that yeast like to grow in warm, moist places. But a vagina is a warm, moist place all the time—whether you have a bathing suit on or not,” says Dr. Streicher.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 22, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1XkmjwY
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
MYTH: “Rest is best for back pain.”
THE ORIGINS
In years past, doctors tended to assume the worst—that back pain was a sign of a serious injury—and thought the way to heal was to stay off your feet. Today we know that most soreness stems from the muscles, ligaments and joints. Yet “many ER and primary care doctors still default to 'rest' out of uncertainty or a fear of liability,” says Robert Eastlack, MD, codirector of the San Diego Spine Fellowship at the Scripps Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery.
SCIENCE SAYS
The vast majority of back problems— from lumbar sprains to slipped disks—benefit from activity, according to 2007 guidelines from the American College of Physicians. Studies have shown that bed rest actually makes pain worse and last longer. “The key is to keep moving,” says Dr. Eastlack—to stretch out tight muscle fibers and prevent your joints from stiffening. He suggests starting with gentle daily exercise, like walking or swimming. Then gradually work your way up to more vigorous activities, like running, yoga or spin, as you become able to tolerate them. If the pain worsens or hasn't improved significantly in four to six weeks, get it checked out by your doctor.
RELATED: 15 Natural Back Pain Remedies
MYTH: “Hormone replacement therapy causes cancer.”
THE ORIGINS
Docs can be skittish about prescribing estrogen to ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. But they're probably clinging to outdated findings from a 2002 NIH Womens Health Initiative study that linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer—even though more recent research has demonstrated that that risk is not associated with how HRT is formulated and prescribed today.
SCIENCE SAYS
Several large studies have shown that taking estrogen is safe, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine: “It really makes me crazy when doctors tell patients they'll suffer terrible consequences from hormone therapy.” Typically it's needed for only two to three years to treat menopausal symptoms, she adds. There are women who cant take estrogen (say, because of a history of breast cancer or blood clots). For them there's another option to ease hot flashes: Brisdelle, a very low-dose antidepressant.
MYTH: “If medical tests come back negative, painful sex is probably in your head.”
THE ORIGINS
When a patient says she has discomfort during intercourse, doctors typically consider a host of diagnoses—from dryness and infections to endometriosis, polyps and fibroids. But when they get to the end of their list, they're often stumped, says Libby Edwards, MD, a dermatologist in Charlotte, N.C., who specializes in genital skin conditions: “Our residency programs generally aren't teaching about other causes of painful sex.”
SCIENCE SAYS
There's a little-known syndrome called vestibulodynia, which cant be tested for and is far more common than previously thought— affecting an estimated 12 percent of women at some point in their lives. The elusive disorder causes tenderness in the vaginal opening upon penetration, even by a tampon. Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly; they can last for a few months or go on for years. Gynecology journals and textbooks include hardly anything about it, says Dr. Minkin. And the majority of women have to see at least three practitioners before they get a diagnosis, according to a Harvard Medical School study. But once you know you have it, there are a variety of ways to treat the pain, says Dr. Minkin, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
RELATED: 10 Ways to Deal With Painful Sex
MYTH: “A history of breast cancer only matters if it's on your mother's side.”
THE ORIGINS
Doctors who finished their training before the discovery of the BRCA genes in the mid- 1990s were taught to assess a woman's inherited risk by asking about her female first-degree relatives (mother and sisters). Faulty logic has helped that outdated approach persist, says Louise Morrell, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and genetics in Boca Raton, Fla. “We intuitively associate a female disease with the female side of the family,” she explains. Indeed, a recent study by researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that women with a paternal history of the disease were less likely to get a referral for genetic counseling than women with a maternal history.
SCIENCE SAYS
“For every single gene you have, you get one copy from your mom and one copy from your dad,” explains Dr. Morrell. That means the mutations associated with breast cancer are just as likely to come from Dad's DNA. “Knowing you are at a higher risk for the disease could save your life,” she adds. Make sure your provider takes a thorough family history. If you're still concerned, consider making an appointment with a genetic counselor (find one at nsgc.org). You might be a candidate for earlier mammograms or more frequent screenings, additional screening tests such as MRIs or other preventive strategies, like taking the drug tamoxifen.
RELATED: 12 Things That Probably Don't Increase Breast Cancer Risk
MYTH: “Younger women aren't at risk of stroke.”
THE ORIGINS
The prominent signs of stroke in a woman under 45—dizziness or a headache—are not the same symptoms doctors look for in older patients (including weakness on one side and trouble talking), explains David Newman-Toker, MD, associate professor in the department of neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In a recent study, he found that stroke victims under 45 are nearly seven times as likely to be diagnosed incorrectly (with, for example, an inner ear infection or a migraine). And female stroke victims in general are 30 percent more likely to be mistakenly sent home from the hospital. “If you're a young woman, its a double whammy,” says Dr. Newman-Toker.
SCIENCE SAYS
Strokes are on the rise in younger women, according to the American Heart Association, largely due to health factors like obesity. But another common cause is injury to blood vessels in the neck. It could happen from a major trauma like a car accident, or even from a more minor incident, such as tweaking your neck on a roller coaster. Hormonal birth control can also increase the risk of stroke in women who get migraines or who have an undiagnosed bloodclotting disorder. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia are in danger as well. To make up for what physicians miss, know the signs, urges Dr. Newman- Toker. If you ever get a sudden onset of dizziness or a severe headache— and possibly hiccups or nausea—that sends you to the ER, ask the doc this question: “Why do you think it's not a stroke?” Says Dr. Newman-Toker, “If he can't answer in a way that sounds halfway intelligible, speak to another doctor.”
RELATED: 15 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong
WOULD YOU BELIEVE?!
Docs dispel these common myths they keep hearing from patients.
“Wiping back to front leads to a UTI.”
The warnings you heard growing up? Flush 'em. “Clearly, if you take stool and put it on your urethra, you're going to get an infection,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. But that's not the same as wiping back to front. (Just wipe your behind separately!)
“Drinking more water can clear up my skin.”
If only. “One of the main causes of acne is an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil—which has nothing to do with how hydrated you are,” says Amy Ross, MD, a dermatologist in Palm Harbor, Fla.
“My fillings will give me mercury poisoning.”
The amount of mercury in silver fillings is nowhere near enough to cause problems. “As long as a filling is intact, I recommend leaving it alone,” says Matthew Nejad, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills. “Removing it could lead to complications.”
“You'll get a yeast infection from sitting in a wet bathing suit.”
“It's true that yeast like to grow in warm, moist places. But a vagina is a warm, moist place all the time—whether you have a bathing suit on or not,” says Dr. Streicher.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 22, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Tuesday, 20 October 2015
15 Warm Down Jackets That Are Also Super Stylish
Brave the cold without sacrificing style with a cozy-cute down coat. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 21, 2015 at 12:15AM
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22 Strange Ways the Sun May Affect Your Body
Skin cancer isn't the only health consequence of sun exposure—and in fact, in some ways, soaking up some rays may actually improve your wellbeing. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 21, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Monday, 19 October 2015
20 Weird Ways Breathing Right Can Improve Your Life
Focusing on your breath can reduce stress, spice up your sex life, help you burn more calories, and more. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 20, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Friday, 16 October 2015
4 Exercises for Flat Abs and Trim Hips
It’s hip bolting: moves that stabilize the hips and flatten the belly. Ready to see results? http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 17, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Thursday, 15 October 2015
20 Tricks to Stay Slim Without Thinking About it
Forget counting calories. Instead, follow these totally doable waist-whittling tips that happen to require zero deprivation. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 16, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Why Thousands of Women Are Having Their Breast Implants Removed
A few months ago, Christie, 42, walked into a plastic surgeon's office in Seattle with overflowing E-cup implants. After getting general anesthesia, she left about three hours later with Bs.
The information technology specialist had started to feel like the boob job she'd gotten four years ago at the urging of her then boyfriend had become an obstacle, in her career and otherwise. "I've made a lot of transformations with my health in the last few years, eating well and exercising with a trainer, and the inflated boobs didn't fit in—I could barely run because they were so damn heavy," says Christie, who would rather not share her surname. Her last straw: "I was at the gym when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror in my tight workout clothes, and I saw how fake my breasts looked. Suddenly, I felt completely self-conscious."
After decades of steady growth, the breast implant trend appears to be deflating. What experts refer to as "explant" procedures like Christie's jumped by nearly 10 percent from 2010 to 2014 as augmentations fell by about 3 percent, per data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Last year, nearly 24,000 women—most between 30 and 54—kissed their fake breasts good-bye.
Over on the popular cosmetic-surgery forum realself.com, women happily share before and after photos of their diminished busts. As one commenter announced, "I am proud of me for doing something healthy for me instead of worrying about how sexy I'll look."
Plastic surgeons around the country are removing or shrinking implants for the very same women they once augmented. Celebs leading the less-is-more charge include Sharon Osbourne, Melissa Gilbert and Victoria Beckham, who've been open about having their implants taken out, along with Heidi Montag, who downsized her famously huge F-cup implants to Cs.
RELATED: 7 Celebs Who've Said Goodbye to Breast Implants
Fueling the trend: our culture's focus on fitness. Many women are surprised by the maintenance implants require and are no longer willing to shoulder the resulting health issues, inconveniences and costs. Changing body ideals play a big part as well. "Surgeons are seeing a definite shift in the look many women are asking for, away from the very round, prominent 'stripper boob' toward something more in keeping with their natural shape," says Daniel Mills, MD, president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). "It's early in the trend, and not every woman is on board—I had a 50-year-old patient just yesterday who wanted to be a G-cup!—but we seem to be moving away from the 'bigger is better' attitude."
The Boob Job Bubble Bursts
Between 2000 and 2006, a record number of women flocked to get implants; procedures rose by 55 percent. A good many were no doubt inspired by Baywatch's Pamela Anderson and her XXL implants, as well as Carmen "32DD" Electra, ranked by multiple men's magazines as one of the sexiest women in the world. Meanwhile, the proliferation of porn on cable television and the mainstreaming of surgically enhanced stars like Jenna Jameson heightened our national obsession with not-found-in-nature knockers. Once the FDA approved a new kind of silicone implant in 2006, juicing an already booming market, augmentation soon surpassed liposuction as the top cosmetic procedure in the country.
Fast-forward to 2015, with a whole lot of implants starting to degenerate, and more and more women in their 30s, 40s and 50s weary of the upkeep. "Implants are not lifetime devices—the longer a woman has them, the more likely it is that she will need additional surgery, which could include replacement or removal," explains Janette Alexander, MD, a plastic surgery medical officer in the FDA's division of surgical devices. That's not exactly a fact you'll find splashed on the plastic surgery billboards around the country. Adds Michele Manahan, MD, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins University, "I see a significant number of women who've gone through one or two surgeries and just get tired of having to deal with implants."
Disproportionately large fake breasts can cause neck, shoulder and back problems (challenges that naturally large-breasted women often have to contend with, too). "The bigger the breast implants are and the more they protrude from the body, the more they change the center of gravity, and the more force they exert on the spine," explains Theodore Shybut, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. That's an issue facing many augmented women in cities like Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas, where epic implants still reign. Pendulous breasts can become even more problematic after menopause, as many women gain weight in their breasts (and elsewhere) on account of hormonal changes.
No matter what size a woman gets, rupture or deflation occurs in roughly 10 to 25 percent of silicone gel and saline implants over 10 years, manufacturer studies reveal. (Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterilized salt water; they're less commonly used these days than those containing silicone gel.) Capsular contracture—stiffening of scar tissue that can lead to pain and rock-hard, misshapen breasts—happens in 18 to 19 percent of both types of implants over 10 years. "Placing implants beneath the chest muscle, as most surgeons do today, versus on top—more common in past years—greatly lowers the risk of contracture," says Dr. Mills. That doesn't help women who got their breasts done years ago, many of whom are now suffering the consequences.
RELATED: 12 Things That Probably Don't Increase Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Some insurance policies pay for revision or reduction surgeries for women who develop serious complications that limit their ability to work or simply move around. But others deem cosmetic breast implants elective and won't cover fixes—or screenings for ruptures. (Insurance companies and HMOs that cover mastectomies for breast cancer must, by law, also pay for reconstruction.) That out-of-pocket cost is motivating many women to ditch their implants. As Aimee, a 32-year-old mom and accounts payable clerk in New Orleans (who also asked that her last name not be used), says of her recent removal, "I just couldn't see myself spending a few thousand dollars to update my implants each time. I didn't want to deny my son and any future children summer vacation because Mommy had to get her boobs done."
Size Really Does Matter
For many of us, fitness is everything. But excessively large implants can make jogging uncomfortable and upper body toning moves difficult, notes Dr. Manahan. Fed up with being weighed down by her falsies—and needing to replace them anyway—Dana McCoy, a 31-year-old fitness instructor in Newport Beach, Calif., went under the knife earlier this year to trade her D cups for As. "I was unable to do an unmodified push-up without feeling like my boobs were about to explode," she says.
Women may also be responding to a new cultural norm. Being super fit is now considered the epitome of beauty, just as being waifish or having a pear shape once was, notes sociologist Victoria Pitts-Taylor, PhD, chair of the feminist, gender and sexuality studies program at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. "Cultural preferences for body shapes move in and out of vogue," she says. "Renaissance painters showed women with the plump, round bodies and small breasts that were 'in' then. Pop art and fashion in the 1960s were all about thin, flat-chested Twiggy types." Then came the porn-influenced emphasis on big boobs and a tiny waist in the 1990s and early 2000s, "a tough look to achieve without plastic surgery," adds Pitts-Taylor.
While nobody is ready to declare victory in the body-acceptance battle, there's been a cultural shift toward celebrating a wider diversity of bodies, continues Pitts-Taylor, who is also the author of Surgery Junkies: "The idea of what 'beautiful' means has grown." Earlier this year, Us Weekly magazine included the relatively flat-chested Keri Russell and Zoë Kravitz in its "Hottest Bikini Bodies of 2015" list. Tellingly, Anderson and Jameson eventually had their implants removed.
Even more influential than pop culture trends are the forces within women themselves to redefine what's attractive—and appropriate—as they age. Nearly every woman Health spoke with expressed, in various words, that the overtly sexy, oversize implants they once prized in their younger years "no longer felt like me." Says Aimee, "When I went from a B to 30DD at 19, I actually wore padded push-up bras to make my boobs look even bigger. I was so wrapped up with physical beauty; I didn't have much else to put my self-worth in. Life experience has shown me that being yourself and confident in what is yours naturally can be very sexy, too."
The Health Issues with Implants
For the record: Neither silicone nor saline implants cause breast cancer, studies have shown. Women with both kinds appear to have a very small increased risk of developing a different, extremely rare kind of cancer—anaplastic large cell lymphoma—in scar tissue around the implant, according to the FDA. The FDA also says that studies to date do not show a link between silicone gel implants and connective tissue diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
RELATED: 11 Symptoms Used to Diagnose Lupus
However, there is a small but very real concern about implants and mammography: "Implants make it slightly more difficult to image 100 percent of a woman's breast tissue, especially if the implants were placed on top of the chest muscle," says Therese Bevers, MD, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. As a result, women with implants will likely need additional films. If you have implants, Dr. Bevers recommends asking your ob-gyn for a referral to a high-volume breast center, with dedicated breast imaging specialists (rather than general radiologists) reading the films.
Some women find that the mere chance of a compromised mammogram is a health risk they're not willing to take. Reports Stuart A. Linder, MD, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, "I've had patients with the breast cancer gene mutation tell me, 'My mother had a bilateral mastectomy, my sister's been diagnosed with breast cancer, I don't want anything prohibiting a mammogram from finding even the tiniest change.' They choose to explant because they want to do everything possible to catch breast changes early."
Experts are now worried about the relatively new trend of women with implants skipping mammograms, and not because they fear the results. "It's kind of lunatic—some women with implants don't get mammograms because they're worried about rupture," says Lavinia Chong, MD, a plastic surgeon in Orange County, Calif., echoing what Health heard from surgeons around the country. Imaging machines rarely ever press hard enough on breasts to damage implants, experts say, but the fear is there, despite the proven benefits of mammography.
A New Normal
Women who get their implants removed don't always look fabulous right away. Breasts can appear deflated and wrinkled for weeks—even if there's an accompanying breast lift, which 50 to 70 percent of women may require for optimal results. (Some breasts will eventually rebound on their own.) Not all women are good candidates for explantation procedures, says Las Vegas plastic surgeon Michael Edwards, MD, immediate past president of the ASAPS: "A naturally small-breasted woman who's had a big boob job for years may have such thinning of her tissue that her nipples could appear to collapse in on themselves without the implant to give them structure."
Then there are the emotional side effects of downsizing. Though there's surprisingly little research on the psychological impact of implant removal, one study published in 1997 found that women had increased distress after the procedure. "I felt a little sad—even though implants are foreign objects, they were a piece of my body for 10 years," recalls Dana. "I remember waking up the day after surgery, moving my arm and thinking, 'Where did my body go?!' It was bizarre. Not recognizing yourself in the mirror is an odd feeling."
RELATED: 15 Things That Happen After a Breast Reduction
Women also report having awkward conversations about where their chests went, and experiencing challenges simply shopping for clothes. "For 12 years, I tried to find loose tops that wouldn't bring attention to my huge boobs," says Aimee. "Now I have to find clothes that accent that area because I'm flat again."
Still, all women interviewed by Health noted a surge in self-confidence after the removal. "I feel more in shape without my implants and more confident in a bikini," says Dana. "Before, I felt like all that people saw was the girl with the big, fake boobs. Now they see me."
While many women get implants to please a partner, removal is something they're likely to do for themselves. An added incentive: serving as a role model for the next generation. That's in part what led Jennifer O'Callaghan, 41, a health care worker and mother of two in Port Jefferson, N.Y., to reverse her 36C boob job. "When my daughter hit 6 years old and was full of questions about her body, I started seriously thinking about getting rid of my implants," she says. "I would never want her to feel that she had to change her body with surgery to live up to some ideal, as I did."
Many women ultimately find comfort in their reduced chests; it's like meeting up with an old friend. "The first time I showered post-surgery, my natural breasts felt so soft, wonderful and so familiar," says Suzanne Magdalena Rolph-McFalls, 51, a writer and owner of a home renovation company in Hebron, Ky., who had her 38DDs removed a few months ago. "I took a picture of myself naked right afterward, and I'm smiling so big. I felt like myself for the first time in 20 years."
Reversing a boob job turned out to be the right decision for these women, but it's not for everyone. Plenty of women appreciate and adore their implants, and lots more continue to get them. It's simply important, going in, to understand the upkeep and not delay mammograms.
Ultimately, it's all about what makes you content. As Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh put it, "To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself."
The True Cost of Augmentation
Health crunched numbers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and patient surveys on realself.com. Here's what you might end up shelling out, given that insurance typically covers only severe complications.
Silicone breast augmentation, age 22: $6,000
MRIs (at up to $2,000 a pop) to screen for rupture at ages 25, 27, 29 and 31, as recommended by the FDA: $8,000
Revision surgery to replace aging implants, age 32: $8,000
MRI screenings at ages 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45: $12,000
Explant procedure at age 47: $4,000
Breast lift accompanying explant (optional): $8,000
GRAND TOTAL: $46,000
RELATED: The Perfect Breast Shape, According to Science 4 Steps to Finding a Top Plastic Surgeon
Whether you're considering implants, an explant or anything in between, this is exactly what you need to know about selecting an excellent doctor.
1. See a doctor board-certified in plastic surgery
It's the only way to make sure a surgeon has extensive training, meets stringent continuing education requirements and specializes in his field. "When a revision patient of mine had gone for [her original] consultation, she asked a staffer if the doctor was board-certified," recounts Daniel Mills, MD. "The staffer said yes but didn't bother to add that the doctor was board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, not plastic surgery. When she came to see me, her implants had dropped like they were in tube socks, down to her belly button." If you had a good experience with your augmentation, though, consider that surgeon first if you want a removal, as she'll already have your records and be familiar with your body. Otherwise check a doc's credentials on the American Board of Plastic Surgery's site.
2. Don't try to get a good deal
"I'm seeing a lot more botched surgeries lately in women who wanted to save money," says Dr. Mills. "Do you really want to get the cheapest bid for your body?" Yes, price matters, but unusually low ones may be a sign of a desperate doctor. Be wary of billboard specials or Groupons offering steep discounts on augmentation surgery. To look up the average cost of procedures in your area as reported by users on realself.com, click on "treatments," pick your procedure, then hit "cost."
3. Watch out for the smooth talker
"If you're not at least a little nervous about going through with a procedure after a plastic surgeon lays out the complications and considerations in your preoperative visits, either he wasn't very thorough or you weren't listening!" warns Michael Edwards, MD. "A consultation shouldn't be a sales pitch—it's a chance to educate." It helps to come prepared with a list of questions, and to take notes you can refer to.
4. Perform a background check
Many plastic surgeons have patient-referral lists for various procedures, so you can ask other women about their experiences. Be sure to contact your state's medical board to look for disciplinary actions against a physician you're considering; you can also check into medical malpractice claims on healthgrades.com (and read doctor reviews).
How to Get the Right Size for Your Body
Some plastic surgeons are more likely to go for larger implants. "It often depends on where you live and what the majority of patients there are asking for," notes Michael Edwards, MD. You can assess a surgeon's style by flipping through the look book in his office or browsing his online gallery. A good consult should include trying on "sizers" in a sports bra to find the best size for your body type. Some doctors offer 3-D imaging, so patients can envision a new shape and size from all angles.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 16, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1PjcP3y
The information technology specialist had started to feel like the boob job she'd gotten four years ago at the urging of her then boyfriend had become an obstacle, in her career and otherwise. "I've made a lot of transformations with my health in the last few years, eating well and exercising with a trainer, and the inflated boobs didn't fit in—I could barely run because they were so damn heavy," says Christie, who would rather not share her surname. Her last straw: "I was at the gym when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror in my tight workout clothes, and I saw how fake my breasts looked. Suddenly, I felt completely self-conscious."
After decades of steady growth, the breast implant trend appears to be deflating. What experts refer to as "explant" procedures like Christie's jumped by nearly 10 percent from 2010 to 2014 as augmentations fell by about 3 percent, per data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Last year, nearly 24,000 women—most between 30 and 54—kissed their fake breasts good-bye.
Over on the popular cosmetic-surgery forum realself.com, women happily share before and after photos of their diminished busts. As one commenter announced, "I am proud of me for doing something healthy for me instead of worrying about how sexy I'll look."
Plastic surgeons around the country are removing or shrinking implants for the very same women they once augmented. Celebs leading the less-is-more charge include Sharon Osbourne, Melissa Gilbert and Victoria Beckham, who've been open about having their implants taken out, along with Heidi Montag, who downsized her famously huge F-cup implants to Cs.
RELATED: 7 Celebs Who've Said Goodbye to Breast Implants
Fueling the trend: our culture's focus on fitness. Many women are surprised by the maintenance implants require and are no longer willing to shoulder the resulting health issues, inconveniences and costs. Changing body ideals play a big part as well. "Surgeons are seeing a definite shift in the look many women are asking for, away from the very round, prominent 'stripper boob' toward something more in keeping with their natural shape," says Daniel Mills, MD, president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). "It's early in the trend, and not every woman is on board—I had a 50-year-old patient just yesterday who wanted to be a G-cup!—but we seem to be moving away from the 'bigger is better' attitude."
The Boob Job Bubble Bursts
Between 2000 and 2006, a record number of women flocked to get implants; procedures rose by 55 percent. A good many were no doubt inspired by Baywatch's Pamela Anderson and her XXL implants, as well as Carmen "32DD" Electra, ranked by multiple men's magazines as one of the sexiest women in the world. Meanwhile, the proliferation of porn on cable television and the mainstreaming of surgically enhanced stars like Jenna Jameson heightened our national obsession with not-found-in-nature knockers. Once the FDA approved a new kind of silicone implant in 2006, juicing an already booming market, augmentation soon surpassed liposuction as the top cosmetic procedure in the country.
Fast-forward to 2015, with a whole lot of implants starting to degenerate, and more and more women in their 30s, 40s and 50s weary of the upkeep. "Implants are not lifetime devices—the longer a woman has them, the more likely it is that she will need additional surgery, which could include replacement or removal," explains Janette Alexander, MD, a plastic surgery medical officer in the FDA's division of surgical devices. That's not exactly a fact you'll find splashed on the plastic surgery billboards around the country. Adds Michele Manahan, MD, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins University, "I see a significant number of women who've gone through one or two surgeries and just get tired of having to deal with implants."
Disproportionately large fake breasts can cause neck, shoulder and back problems (challenges that naturally large-breasted women often have to contend with, too). "The bigger the breast implants are and the more they protrude from the body, the more they change the center of gravity, and the more force they exert on the spine," explains Theodore Shybut, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. That's an issue facing many augmented women in cities like Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas, where epic implants still reign. Pendulous breasts can become even more problematic after menopause, as many women gain weight in their breasts (and elsewhere) on account of hormonal changes.
No matter what size a woman gets, rupture or deflation occurs in roughly 10 to 25 percent of silicone gel and saline implants over 10 years, manufacturer studies reveal. (Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterilized salt water; they're less commonly used these days than those containing silicone gel.) Capsular contracture—stiffening of scar tissue that can lead to pain and rock-hard, misshapen breasts—happens in 18 to 19 percent of both types of implants over 10 years. "Placing implants beneath the chest muscle, as most surgeons do today, versus on top—more common in past years—greatly lowers the risk of contracture," says Dr. Mills. That doesn't help women who got their breasts done years ago, many of whom are now suffering the consequences.
RELATED: 12 Things That Probably Don't Increase Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Some insurance policies pay for revision or reduction surgeries for women who develop serious complications that limit their ability to work or simply move around. But others deem cosmetic breast implants elective and won't cover fixes—or screenings for ruptures. (Insurance companies and HMOs that cover mastectomies for breast cancer must, by law, also pay for reconstruction.) That out-of-pocket cost is motivating many women to ditch their implants. As Aimee, a 32-year-old mom and accounts payable clerk in New Orleans (who also asked that her last name not be used), says of her recent removal, "I just couldn't see myself spending a few thousand dollars to update my implants each time. I didn't want to deny my son and any future children summer vacation because Mommy had to get her boobs done."
Size Really Does Matter
For many of us, fitness is everything. But excessively large implants can make jogging uncomfortable and upper body toning moves difficult, notes Dr. Manahan. Fed up with being weighed down by her falsies—and needing to replace them anyway—Dana McCoy, a 31-year-old fitness instructor in Newport Beach, Calif., went under the knife earlier this year to trade her D cups for As. "I was unable to do an unmodified push-up without feeling like my boobs were about to explode," she says.
Women may also be responding to a new cultural norm. Being super fit is now considered the epitome of beauty, just as being waifish or having a pear shape once was, notes sociologist Victoria Pitts-Taylor, PhD, chair of the feminist, gender and sexuality studies program at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. "Cultural preferences for body shapes move in and out of vogue," she says. "Renaissance painters showed women with the plump, round bodies and small breasts that were 'in' then. Pop art and fashion in the 1960s were all about thin, flat-chested Twiggy types." Then came the porn-influenced emphasis on big boobs and a tiny waist in the 1990s and early 2000s, "a tough look to achieve without plastic surgery," adds Pitts-Taylor.
While nobody is ready to declare victory in the body-acceptance battle, there's been a cultural shift toward celebrating a wider diversity of bodies, continues Pitts-Taylor, who is also the author of Surgery Junkies: "The idea of what 'beautiful' means has grown." Earlier this year, Us Weekly magazine included the relatively flat-chested Keri Russell and Zoë Kravitz in its "Hottest Bikini Bodies of 2015" list. Tellingly, Anderson and Jameson eventually had their implants removed.
Even more influential than pop culture trends are the forces within women themselves to redefine what's attractive—and appropriate—as they age. Nearly every woman Health spoke with expressed, in various words, that the overtly sexy, oversize implants they once prized in their younger years "no longer felt like me." Says Aimee, "When I went from a B to 30DD at 19, I actually wore padded push-up bras to make my boobs look even bigger. I was so wrapped up with physical beauty; I didn't have much else to put my self-worth in. Life experience has shown me that being yourself and confident in what is yours naturally can be very sexy, too."
The Health Issues with Implants
For the record: Neither silicone nor saline implants cause breast cancer, studies have shown. Women with both kinds appear to have a very small increased risk of developing a different, extremely rare kind of cancer—anaplastic large cell lymphoma—in scar tissue around the implant, according to the FDA. The FDA also says that studies to date do not show a link between silicone gel implants and connective tissue diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
RELATED: 11 Symptoms Used to Diagnose Lupus
However, there is a small but very real concern about implants and mammography: "Implants make it slightly more difficult to image 100 percent of a woman's breast tissue, especially if the implants were placed on top of the chest muscle," says Therese Bevers, MD, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. As a result, women with implants will likely need additional films. If you have implants, Dr. Bevers recommends asking your ob-gyn for a referral to a high-volume breast center, with dedicated breast imaging specialists (rather than general radiologists) reading the films.
Some women find that the mere chance of a compromised mammogram is a health risk they're not willing to take. Reports Stuart A. Linder, MD, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, "I've had patients with the breast cancer gene mutation tell me, 'My mother had a bilateral mastectomy, my sister's been diagnosed with breast cancer, I don't want anything prohibiting a mammogram from finding even the tiniest change.' They choose to explant because they want to do everything possible to catch breast changes early."
Experts are now worried about the relatively new trend of women with implants skipping mammograms, and not because they fear the results. "It's kind of lunatic—some women with implants don't get mammograms because they're worried about rupture," says Lavinia Chong, MD, a plastic surgeon in Orange County, Calif., echoing what Health heard from surgeons around the country. Imaging machines rarely ever press hard enough on breasts to damage implants, experts say, but the fear is there, despite the proven benefits of mammography.
A New Normal
Women who get their implants removed don't always look fabulous right away. Breasts can appear deflated and wrinkled for weeks—even if there's an accompanying breast lift, which 50 to 70 percent of women may require for optimal results. (Some breasts will eventually rebound on their own.) Not all women are good candidates for explantation procedures, says Las Vegas plastic surgeon Michael Edwards, MD, immediate past president of the ASAPS: "A naturally small-breasted woman who's had a big boob job for years may have such thinning of her tissue that her nipples could appear to collapse in on themselves without the implant to give them structure."
Then there are the emotional side effects of downsizing. Though there's surprisingly little research on the psychological impact of implant removal, one study published in 1997 found that women had increased distress after the procedure. "I felt a little sad—even though implants are foreign objects, they were a piece of my body for 10 years," recalls Dana. "I remember waking up the day after surgery, moving my arm and thinking, 'Where did my body go?!' It was bizarre. Not recognizing yourself in the mirror is an odd feeling."
RELATED: 15 Things That Happen After a Breast Reduction
Women also report having awkward conversations about where their chests went, and experiencing challenges simply shopping for clothes. "For 12 years, I tried to find loose tops that wouldn't bring attention to my huge boobs," says Aimee. "Now I have to find clothes that accent that area because I'm flat again."
Still, all women interviewed by Health noted a surge in self-confidence after the removal. "I feel more in shape without my implants and more confident in a bikini," says Dana. "Before, I felt like all that people saw was the girl with the big, fake boobs. Now they see me."
While many women get implants to please a partner, removal is something they're likely to do for themselves. An added incentive: serving as a role model for the next generation. That's in part what led Jennifer O'Callaghan, 41, a health care worker and mother of two in Port Jefferson, N.Y., to reverse her 36C boob job. "When my daughter hit 6 years old and was full of questions about her body, I started seriously thinking about getting rid of my implants," she says. "I would never want her to feel that she had to change her body with surgery to live up to some ideal, as I did."
Many women ultimately find comfort in their reduced chests; it's like meeting up with an old friend. "The first time I showered post-surgery, my natural breasts felt so soft, wonderful and so familiar," says Suzanne Magdalena Rolph-McFalls, 51, a writer and owner of a home renovation company in Hebron, Ky., who had her 38DDs removed a few months ago. "I took a picture of myself naked right afterward, and I'm smiling so big. I felt like myself for the first time in 20 years."
Reversing a boob job turned out to be the right decision for these women, but it's not for everyone. Plenty of women appreciate and adore their implants, and lots more continue to get them. It's simply important, going in, to understand the upkeep and not delay mammograms.
Ultimately, it's all about what makes you content. As Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh put it, "To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself."
The True Cost of Augmentation
Health crunched numbers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and patient surveys on realself.com. Here's what you might end up shelling out, given that insurance typically covers only severe complications.
Silicone breast augmentation, age 22: $6,000
MRIs (at up to $2,000 a pop) to screen for rupture at ages 25, 27, 29 and 31, as recommended by the FDA: $8,000
Revision surgery to replace aging implants, age 32: $8,000
MRI screenings at ages 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45: $12,000
Explant procedure at age 47: $4,000
Breast lift accompanying explant (optional): $8,000
GRAND TOTAL: $46,000
RELATED: The Perfect Breast Shape, According to Science 4 Steps to Finding a Top Plastic Surgeon
Whether you're considering implants, an explant or anything in between, this is exactly what you need to know about selecting an excellent doctor.
1. See a doctor board-certified in plastic surgery
It's the only way to make sure a surgeon has extensive training, meets stringent continuing education requirements and specializes in his field. "When a revision patient of mine had gone for [her original] consultation, she asked a staffer if the doctor was board-certified," recounts Daniel Mills, MD. "The staffer said yes but didn't bother to add that the doctor was board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, not plastic surgery. When she came to see me, her implants had dropped like they were in tube socks, down to her belly button." If you had a good experience with your augmentation, though, consider that surgeon first if you want a removal, as she'll already have your records and be familiar with your body. Otherwise check a doc's credentials on the American Board of Plastic Surgery's site.
2. Don't try to get a good deal
"I'm seeing a lot more botched surgeries lately in women who wanted to save money," says Dr. Mills. "Do you really want to get the cheapest bid for your body?" Yes, price matters, but unusually low ones may be a sign of a desperate doctor. Be wary of billboard specials or Groupons offering steep discounts on augmentation surgery. To look up the average cost of procedures in your area as reported by users on realself.com, click on "treatments," pick your procedure, then hit "cost."
3. Watch out for the smooth talker
"If you're not at least a little nervous about going through with a procedure after a plastic surgeon lays out the complications and considerations in your preoperative visits, either he wasn't very thorough or you weren't listening!" warns Michael Edwards, MD. "A consultation shouldn't be a sales pitch—it's a chance to educate." It helps to come prepared with a list of questions, and to take notes you can refer to.
4. Perform a background check
Many plastic surgeons have patient-referral lists for various procedures, so you can ask other women about their experiences. Be sure to contact your state's medical board to look for disciplinary actions against a physician you're considering; you can also check into medical malpractice claims on healthgrades.com (and read doctor reviews).
How to Get the Right Size for Your Body
Some plastic surgeons are more likely to go for larger implants. "It often depends on where you live and what the majority of patients there are asking for," notes Michael Edwards, MD. You can assess a surgeon's style by flipping through the look book in his office or browsing his online gallery. A good consult should include trying on "sizers" in a sports bra to find the best size for your body type. Some doctors offer 3-D imaging, so patients can envision a new shape and size from all angles.
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 16, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1PjcP3y
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
How to Tell If an Avocado is Ripe
Looking for tips on picking the freshest and ripest avocados? This Cooking Light video has the top 6 things you need to know about this delicious and nutritious fruit. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 15, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1OBEDi7
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1OBEDi7
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
8 Gym Bags for Every Type of Workout
Eight cool carriers for all your workout essentials. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1jmqHx5
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1jmqHx5
4 Ways to Amp Up Your Natural Hair Color
The hot hair trend: amp up your current shade—subtly. you'll get a flattering, lower-maintenance look that's to dye for. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1GFVZnx
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1GFVZnx
A Ski Adventure Freed the Old Me
For the past couple of years, I hadn't gotten around to working out, despite my best intentions. I was consumed with keeping up with my 4-year-old and tending to a colicky baby as I fueled myself with coffee and soothed my nerves with an evening glass or two of wine. I was still carrying the 20 pounds I'd gained from pregnancy, along with another 10 I put on post baby. (Breast-feeding apparently doesn't burn off daily doughnuts and dishes of ice cream.) I felt trapped and depressed, and I regularly fantasized about who I was before I became a mom: a fairly stylish and ambitious woman who never left the house without lip gloss on. Now I frequently snapped at my husband and felt oppressed by the endless household to-dos.
And then, salvation: an invitation to ski at two Wyndham resorts, in Beaver Creek and Aspen, for five days (on a press trip). I grew up skiing but hadn't done it in forever. As much as I wanted to go, though, my motivation was at rock bottom. My husband—fully aware that I was a mom on the verge nudged me, and we moved heaven and earth (and paid a lot of babysitters) to make it happen.
RELATED: Best. Skiing. Ever!
During the week leading up to the trip, I was filled with trepidation: What if I fall and break my leg? What if Im too out of shape to ski? On my first day at Beaver Creek, as I queued up for the bunny slope with another woman on the trip, Sarah, embarrassment struck. I'd skiied since age 4 and yet here I was, surrounded by kids just starting out because I was so rusty. As we stood at the top of the mountain, I felt shaky: Even that small hill looked enormous.
RELATED: The 10 Most Slimming Vacations
I took a deep breath of mountain air and pushed off. My anxiety was quickly replaced by amazement that I was actually skiing. I felt a bit stiff, but I managed to keep my speed under control and avoid veering into anyone. At the bottom, I high-fived Sarah and we decided to do a green run. As we ascended the mountain, my nerves flared up once more: We're going so high, and there's only one way down.
Sarah led the way, and I followed her tracks, wobbly at first but warming up. We reached the bottom and did it again, then again. That afternoon, I got up my guts to tackle a few small moguls. As I zipped over the little bump-bump-bump, a guy behind me gave me a “Woo-hoo!” I knew I'd gotten my ski legs back.
By day three, I was flying down black diamonds and literally saying to myself, "Winning!" I started to cry as I came over a crest one morning, and it wasn't just the view of the Rockies. I saw a glimmer of the girl I used to be: brave, athletic and full of life. I couldn't wait for my kids to meet her.
RELATED: A Running Vacation Rebooted My Spirit
Back home, I hummed as I washed the dinner dishes and laughed while my kids pummeled me with pillows at bedtime. I returned not only a more relaxed mom, but a healthier me. Soon after, I joined a boot-camp class at the gym and started tracking what I ate with an online log, replacing foods like my usual lunchtime grilled cheese with a salad and grilled chicken.
In 45 days, I lost 9 pounds, and I've kept the weight off. Cutting back on wine to just weekends has helped; because I'm exercising and eating right, I no longer need that crutch. And since I'm not dealing with blood sugar highs and lows from sweets, my mood is more stable and I don't get crabby.
RELATED: Secrets to a Stress-Free, Happy, Healthy Family
My biggest revelation of all: My family can survive just fine without me (at least for a few days). And, wow, is that freeing. Sure, I still have to chauffeur the kids around to activities and vacuum up their crumbs. But I now realize that these tasks don't define who I am, and I'm less resentful. I've since taken several day trips to local ski mountains, and I've been inspired to get my daughter on skis, too.
I love the woman I am when I'm strong and healthy. And I'll be damned if I lose her again. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1X02U4r
And then, salvation: an invitation to ski at two Wyndham resorts, in Beaver Creek and Aspen, for five days (on a press trip). I grew up skiing but hadn't done it in forever. As much as I wanted to go, though, my motivation was at rock bottom. My husband—fully aware that I was a mom on the verge nudged me, and we moved heaven and earth (and paid a lot of babysitters) to make it happen.
RELATED: Best. Skiing. Ever!
During the week leading up to the trip, I was filled with trepidation: What if I fall and break my leg? What if Im too out of shape to ski? On my first day at Beaver Creek, as I queued up for the bunny slope with another woman on the trip, Sarah, embarrassment struck. I'd skiied since age 4 and yet here I was, surrounded by kids just starting out because I was so rusty. As we stood at the top of the mountain, I felt shaky: Even that small hill looked enormous.
RELATED: The 10 Most Slimming Vacations
I took a deep breath of mountain air and pushed off. My anxiety was quickly replaced by amazement that I was actually skiing. I felt a bit stiff, but I managed to keep my speed under control and avoid veering into anyone. At the bottom, I high-fived Sarah and we decided to do a green run. As we ascended the mountain, my nerves flared up once more: We're going so high, and there's only one way down.
Sarah led the way, and I followed her tracks, wobbly at first but warming up. We reached the bottom and did it again, then again. That afternoon, I got up my guts to tackle a few small moguls. As I zipped over the little bump-bump-bump, a guy behind me gave me a “Woo-hoo!” I knew I'd gotten my ski legs back.
By day three, I was flying down black diamonds and literally saying to myself, "Winning!" I started to cry as I came over a crest one morning, and it wasn't just the view of the Rockies. I saw a glimmer of the girl I used to be: brave, athletic and full of life. I couldn't wait for my kids to meet her.
RELATED: A Running Vacation Rebooted My Spirit
Back home, I hummed as I washed the dinner dishes and laughed while my kids pummeled me with pillows at bedtime. I returned not only a more relaxed mom, but a healthier me. Soon after, I joined a boot-camp class at the gym and started tracking what I ate with an online log, replacing foods like my usual lunchtime grilled cheese with a salad and grilled chicken.
In 45 days, I lost 9 pounds, and I've kept the weight off. Cutting back on wine to just weekends has helped; because I'm exercising and eating right, I no longer need that crutch. And since I'm not dealing with blood sugar highs and lows from sweets, my mood is more stable and I don't get crabby.
RELATED: Secrets to a Stress-Free, Happy, Healthy Family
My biggest revelation of all: My family can survive just fine without me (at least for a few days). And, wow, is that freeing. Sure, I still have to chauffeur the kids around to activities and vacuum up their crumbs. But I now realize that these tasks don't define who I am, and I'm less resentful. I've since taken several day trips to local ski mountains, and I've been inspired to get my daughter on skis, too.
I love the woman I am when I'm strong and healthy. And I'll be damned if I lose her again. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/1X02U4r
4 Top Exercises for Your Hips and Abs
Hips don't lie; if they're weak, you'll have a saggy stomach and be at risk for injuries. In this video, contributing fitness editor Tracy Anderson shows you four moves that will firm them up and give you a stronger, flatter belly. Do these six days a week, paired with 30 to 60 minutes of cardio. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 14, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Monday, 12 October 2015
Victoria Justice: "If You Don't Feel Healthy, Nothing Else Matters"
Victoria Justice is sitting in an empty restaurant in New York City, scrolling through her phone to find her favorite workout tracks. "Ooh—this one's so good!" she says, flipping the screen my way to flash "Something Good Can Work" by Two Door Cinema Club. "Oh, of course all the Top 40 songs, like 'Lean On' by Major Lazer and 'Fun' by Pitbull. Oh my God, to me music is everything."
It's little surprise that the 22-year-old loves good music: She has been singing and acting since she was 12. Victoria has worked practically nonstop for a decade, starring in two shows for Nickelodeon (Zoey 101 and Victorious) and one for MTV (the acclaimed Eye Candy), recording music, doing two tours and landing roles in feature films. This fall, she stars in The Outskirts, about high school misfits who overthrow the popular kids, and Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List, about a girl who's in love with a boy who's in love with a boy.
When I ask how she finds time to exercise, she leans in as if to share a secret: "To be honest, I used to hate working out, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that it gives me so much more energy, and it just makes me feel so much better. I love taking classes to switch it up, so I'll do a dancing class or a twerk class—"
Wait—a twerk class?
I'm not kidding. It's actually a really great workout. After 10 minutes of twerking, your thighs and your butt feel it right away. [Laughs] But it's so much fun. You feel free. It's like, "Who cares? I'm twerking!"
Do you have a trainer?
I do, and we basically work out everything. He has me doing push-ups, squats, crunches, lifting free weights, jumping rope and all that stuff.
Any moves you dread?
Squats—especially when I'm carrying weights.
What helps you feel good about your body?
I try to meditate every day. It's important to take that time, even if it's just 10 minutes, to block everything out and get grounded again. And I love to lie on my hammock and read things that are inspirational and motivational, whether it's a self-help book or an autobiography.
What books have you loved lately?
Ones from strong, smart, positive women. Tina Fey's Bossypants, Mindy Kaling. I also have Amy Poehler's and Lena Dunham's books on my list.
Is it true you're into natural health?
I'm all about the supplements. I take fish oil every single day, as well as vitamin D, magnesium, B complex, vitamin C. I drink lots of water, and I've been trying to do daily wheatgrass shots, but they're awful and I have to plug my nose. We also have this shake in my house that we pretty much have every morning. It's made of rice milk, bananas, Udo's oil and protein powder. I've been drinking it ever since I was little.
Where did you hear about this magical shake?
My stepdad was at work, and [Olympic diver] Greg Louganis' coach came in and said something like "Greg swears by this, he drinks this." My stepdad came home and told my mom, my sister and me about it, and for, like, 15 years we've been drinking this shake.
Did you ever meet Greg Louganis?
One time at an event, my mom was like, "Oh my gosh, that's Greg Louganis." So I went up to him and said, "Hi, Greg, you probably don't know who I am, but I just wanted to let you know I drink this shake you've been drinking that your coach told my dad about, and we all love it and feel great." And he was like, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
That's wild. Have you ever tried an extreme diet?
I actually have. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, which is a thyroid autoimmune disorder [that can interfere with thyroid function and affect metabolism]. This Korean acupuncturist put me on a super-strict diet, where I was a pescatarian [eating fish but no other meat]. I also couldn't eat any sugar, wheat or dairy. I did that for about two months, and it was so intense.
Did you feel better?
I think it made my skin clearer and glow more. They had put me on this thyroid medication, and I think the levels were too high for me because it caused my skin to break out. All my life I've always had great skin, so it was really devastating. Also, at first, I was losing a lot of weight, then I went on tour and I started gaining weight, and it was the most I'd ever gained in my life. I was, like, 115 pounds. Then when I filmed a movie last summer, I actually went under 100 pounds. It was crazy, but things have leveled out, and I'm back to normal.
How do you cope with public scrutiny of your skin or your weight?
It definitely did affect my confidence, and it made me a little bit more self-conscious. But at the end of the day, I had the support of my family and friends. I knew that the people around me had my back. Now I really empathize with people who have issues with their skin, because it can get you down.
Do you still deal with Hashimoto's?
I still have Hashimoto's. But my numbers are back to normal, and I'm not on medication. I feel good.
You have an incredible amount of social media influence. Do you have fun with posting on Instagram and the like, or does it feel like pressure?
At times it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different ways to use social media. But at the end of the day, it's just a great way to stay connected to the people who've supported me since the beginning. They've kind of grown up with me, and I know a lot of them by name and have relationships with a lot of these people. The best part is being able to share bits of my personality so they can see who I really am.
You never share too much; there's no dirt on you!
Thank you. And knock on wood! There isn't a lot of dirt, because what you see is what you get with me. I'm not pretending to be a different person on social media. I do it myself. I am who I am. I feel like if I was a diva or if I were doing all these crazy things on the side, people would find out. There's not much you can hide nowadays.
When are you happiest?
When I'm with the people I love and trust. I'm such a homebody. I love watching movies with my dogs by my side. I also love discovering new music and making music, and to be onstage and let loose and have fun. To have people know the words is one of the best feelings ever.
The stuff that rocks her world.
In my hair kit
"Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. They are really good and sulfate-free, which is nice. I'll put in a pea-size bit of oil to smooth down the flyaways, then blow-dry."
Skin savers
"I try to use the Clarisonic every other day because it really deep-cleans. Your face feels like it's glowing. I have a gel cleanser from Avalon Organics that I get at Whole Foods. And since I live in L.A., it's so important to protect my skin from the sun, so I apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF by Revision Skincare."
Makeup musts
"Burt's Bees pomegranate lip balm is my favorite. I love this Bobbi Brown lipstick pencil in rose-brown. And, oh my God, I always have blotting sheets!"
Dream meal
"I'm a huge sushi fan. I have it every couple of days. Also Cuban food, like roasted pork and rice and beans. And tostones, when they're flattened and fried and you dip them in garlic sauce."
Favorite things in my closet
"I'm a jeans fanatic. It's ridiculous how many jeans I have. I love DL1961 because they hug my body really well. Also Joe's, Citizens of Humanity, Paige. But I recently gave a lot away to Goodwill." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 15, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1LGSe2w
It's little surprise that the 22-year-old loves good music: She has been singing and acting since she was 12. Victoria has worked practically nonstop for a decade, starring in two shows for Nickelodeon (Zoey 101 and Victorious) and one for MTV (the acclaimed Eye Candy), recording music, doing two tours and landing roles in feature films. This fall, she stars in The Outskirts, about high school misfits who overthrow the popular kids, and Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List, about a girl who's in love with a boy who's in love with a boy.
When I ask how she finds time to exercise, she leans in as if to share a secret: "To be honest, I used to hate working out, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that it gives me so much more energy, and it just makes me feel so much better. I love taking classes to switch it up, so I'll do a dancing class or a twerk class—"
Wait—a twerk class?
I'm not kidding. It's actually a really great workout. After 10 minutes of twerking, your thighs and your butt feel it right away. [Laughs] But it's so much fun. You feel free. It's like, "Who cares? I'm twerking!"
Do you have a trainer?
I do, and we basically work out everything. He has me doing push-ups, squats, crunches, lifting free weights, jumping rope and all that stuff.
Any moves you dread?
Squats—especially when I'm carrying weights.
What helps you feel good about your body?
I try to meditate every day. It's important to take that time, even if it's just 10 minutes, to block everything out and get grounded again. And I love to lie on my hammock and read things that are inspirational and motivational, whether it's a self-help book or an autobiography.
What books have you loved lately?
Ones from strong, smart, positive women. Tina Fey's Bossypants, Mindy Kaling. I also have Amy Poehler's and Lena Dunham's books on my list.
Is it true you're into natural health?
I'm all about the supplements. I take fish oil every single day, as well as vitamin D, magnesium, B complex, vitamin C. I drink lots of water, and I've been trying to do daily wheatgrass shots, but they're awful and I have to plug my nose. We also have this shake in my house that we pretty much have every morning. It's made of rice milk, bananas, Udo's oil and protein powder. I've been drinking it ever since I was little.
Where did you hear about this magical shake?
My stepdad was at work, and [Olympic diver] Greg Louganis' coach came in and said something like "Greg swears by this, he drinks this." My stepdad came home and told my mom, my sister and me about it, and for, like, 15 years we've been drinking this shake.
Did you ever meet Greg Louganis?
One time at an event, my mom was like, "Oh my gosh, that's Greg Louganis." So I went up to him and said, "Hi, Greg, you probably don't know who I am, but I just wanted to let you know I drink this shake you've been drinking that your coach told my dad about, and we all love it and feel great." And he was like, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
That's wild. Have you ever tried an extreme diet?
I actually have. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, which is a thyroid autoimmune disorder [that can interfere with thyroid function and affect metabolism]. This Korean acupuncturist put me on a super-strict diet, where I was a pescatarian [eating fish but no other meat]. I also couldn't eat any sugar, wheat or dairy. I did that for about two months, and it was so intense.
Did you feel better?
I think it made my skin clearer and glow more. They had put me on this thyroid medication, and I think the levels were too high for me because it caused my skin to break out. All my life I've always had great skin, so it was really devastating. Also, at first, I was losing a lot of weight, then I went on tour and I started gaining weight, and it was the most I'd ever gained in my life. I was, like, 115 pounds. Then when I filmed a movie last summer, I actually went under 100 pounds. It was crazy, but things have leveled out, and I'm back to normal.
How do you cope with public scrutiny of your skin or your weight?
It definitely did affect my confidence, and it made me a little bit more self-conscious. But at the end of the day, I had the support of my family and friends. I knew that the people around me had my back. Now I really empathize with people who have issues with their skin, because it can get you down.
Do you still deal with Hashimoto's?
I still have Hashimoto's. But my numbers are back to normal, and I'm not on medication. I feel good.
You have an incredible amount of social media influence. Do you have fun with posting on Instagram and the like, or does it feel like pressure?
At times it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different ways to use social media. But at the end of the day, it's just a great way to stay connected to the people who've supported me since the beginning. They've kind of grown up with me, and I know a lot of them by name and have relationships with a lot of these people. The best part is being able to share bits of my personality so they can see who I really am.
You never share too much; there's no dirt on you!
Thank you. And knock on wood! There isn't a lot of dirt, because what you see is what you get with me. I'm not pretending to be a different person on social media. I do it myself. I am who I am. I feel like if I was a diva or if I were doing all these crazy things on the side, people would find out. There's not much you can hide nowadays.
When are you happiest?
When I'm with the people I love and trust. I'm such a homebody. I love watching movies with my dogs by my side. I also love discovering new music and making music, and to be onstage and let loose and have fun. To have people know the words is one of the best feelings ever.
The stuff that rocks her world.
In my hair kit
"Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. They are really good and sulfate-free, which is nice. I'll put in a pea-size bit of oil to smooth down the flyaways, then blow-dry."
Skin savers
"I try to use the Clarisonic every other day because it really deep-cleans. Your face feels like it's glowing. I have a gel cleanser from Avalon Organics that I get at Whole Foods. And since I live in L.A., it's so important to protect my skin from the sun, so I apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF by Revision Skincare."
Makeup musts
"Burt's Bees pomegranate lip balm is my favorite. I love this Bobbi Brown lipstick pencil in rose-brown. And, oh my God, I always have blotting sheets!"
Dream meal
"I'm a huge sushi fan. I have it every couple of days. Also Cuban food, like roasted pork and rice and beans. And tostones, when they're flattened and fried and you dip them in garlic sauce."
Favorite things in my closet
"I'm a jeans fanatic. It's ridiculous how many jeans I have. I love DL1961 because they hug my body really well. Also Joe's, Citizens of Humanity, Paige. But I recently gave a lot away to Goodwill." http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 15, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Beauty & Style - Health.com http://ift.tt/1LGSe2w
7 Celebs Who've Said Goodbye to Breast Implants
These famous women went back under the knife to return to their natural shape. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 13, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1VOGDJI
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1VOGDJI
Friday, 9 October 2015
Healthy Snacks for Every Craving
Learn how to make the most of that power snack, whether you're craving something salty, sweet, crunchy, or creamy. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
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October 10, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 10, 2015 at 12:15AM
28 Healthy Chocolate Recipes
Chocolate, especially antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, can be good for you. These recipes maximize chocolate-y goodness, while minimizing sugar, fat, and calories. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/15RpJwz
October 10, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 10, 2015 at 12:15AM
20 Health Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Before You Turn 40
Nixing bad habits now can help you live a healthier life down the road. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 10, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1OpeWCT
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1OpeWCT
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Best and Worst Foods for Sex
Here are a variety of foods that can put some sizzle—or fizzle—in your sex life. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/16dAXhd
The Best Foods for Every Vitamin and Mineral
Want to get your nutrients the natural way? We break down the best food sources for 20 of the most important. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/YdhzbD
October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
What Can You Make With Greek Yogurt?
Superstar chefs turn this protein-packed dairy treat into three delicious dishes. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from Food & Recipes - Health.com http://ift.tt/10KVJRF
October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
Big Perks: Coffee’s Health Benefits
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
5 Surprising Things You Don’t Have to Buy Organic
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
6 Foods to Get You In the Mood
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1D0hlhD
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Best Superfoods for Weight Loss
Superfoods build bones, prevent chronic diseases, improve your eyesight, and even keep your mind sharp. But did you know new evidence suggests these foods can also help you get—and stay—slim? http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 09, 2015 at 12:15AM
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from Diet & Fitness - Health.com http://ift.tt/XvRruR
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
High Protein and Fiber Energy Bars
Energy bars are a convenient and healthy snack option to bring along while you work-out or while you're on-the-go. Watch this Cooking Light video to learn which energy bars are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 08, 2015 at 12:15AM
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Friday, 2 October 2015
18 Foods and Health Supplies to Buy Before a Hurricane or Snowstorm
Don't be caught unprepared. Here are the essential supplies you need to ride out a storm. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 03, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1VvnmHO
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1VvnmHO
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Why Some Women Are Choosing Not to Treat Early Breast Cancer
Doctors are rethinking the way they treat breast cancer after years of what some say is overtreatment. This TIME video highlights this alternative form of treatment that relies on active observance for the earliest types of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 02, 2015 at 12:15AM
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from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1L7SZ8K
20 Allergy-Control Products for Your Home
Bedding, air purifiers, and vacuums that will help you stay sneeze-free through allergy season. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J October 02, 2015 at 12:15AM
from Healthy & Happy - Health.com http://ift.tt/1ML8kvf
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