Prevention January 2018

THIS YEAR, instead of making New Year’s resolutions—which, let’s be honest, are usually shelved by January 15—think about creating a strategic plan. Resolutions are punitive—do this or you’re a failure. A plan feels hopeful and motivational, compelling you forward with something bright and shining at the end. Here’s the idea: Start with a vision (I will be healthier in 1 year) and translate that into broadly designed goals: Eat more nutritiously, get more sleep, exercise several times a week. Then break the goals into steps: Shop at my local farmers’ market every Saturday for a week’s worth of vegetables. Turn off the light an hour earlier at night. Take half of that hour every other day for an early morning walk. The secret lies in these small changes, which cascade…

“I THOUGHT I HAD ALZHEIMER’S” This headline caught my eye, as alzheimer’s is something we’re concerned about with my mother. Thank you for giving my family a sliver of hope that she might have something that’s more treatable. Melissa Maleri / Salisbury, CT The discussion about causes of dementia was of special interest to me, as i have normal pressure hydrocephalus. As with mr. peel in your article, it took almost 3 years to get a correct diagnosis. After a shunt was inserted, my recovery was rapid. I know of no other publication that comes close to yours in providing muchneeded information. Doris King / Albrightsville, pa THE POWER TO TRANSFORM This story tells us that with effort and change, we can improve. I hope to take up yoga in…

Merry Citrus ’Tis the season to boost your immunity. The sunshine state’s signature orange can do that, along with boosting your fiber intake, heart health, and more. Despite the damage wreaked on Florida orange groves by Hurricane irma and a tree disease known as citrus greening, oranges remain a staple superfruit. We suggest cutting one open on New year’s day for a fresh start to the year. 27 Flavors of Feeling Scientists have long believed that human emotion falls into six categories: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. but a new university of california, berkeley study of more than 800 men and women found that participants responded to more than 2,000 video clips with 27 distinct categories of emotion. the full list: admiration, adoration, aesthetic appreciation, amusement, anger, anxiety,…

A recent study found that 362 species of bacteria lurk on kitchen sponges, sparking a debate about how best to disinfect them. microwave damp sponges for 1 minute on high or run them through the dishwasher set to include the dry cycle. both methods kill more than 99% of bacteria. A Safer Hormone Treatment A new study backs the use of low-dose vaginal estrogen via insertable tablets, creams, or rings to combat postmenopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Results show it’s safer than systemic hormone therapy because it keeps blood levels of estrogen within the normal range.…

A Deeper Look at ultrasound Ultrasound technology has long been a safe diagnostic tool, but now the FDa has also approved its use for treating some ailments. much as lasers do, new devices use heat to treat uterine fibroids, essential tremor, and certain types of cancer—and there are more innovations in the pipeline. but the FDa is still scrutinizing the potential hazards of these new tools and procedures. “there’s great promise, but the devices are going above the safe levels when used as a treatment, and in doing so, there’s some risk,” says michael bailey, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the university of Washington. potential side effects of one device that treats essential tremor include blood clots, skin burns, scar formation, hemorrhage in the treated area, and tissue…

1 Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add 2 cups baby kale. $1.45 2 Add 1 scallion, sliced. $0.11 3 Add 1 clove garlic, minced. Sauté until kale wilts, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove mixture from pan. $0.05 4 Smash ¼ avocado and spread on 1 slice whole wheat bread. $0.81 5 Place 1 slice cheddar on top of avocado. Top with kale mixture and second slice of bread. $0.87 6 Coat skillet with spray and heat to medium. Cook until bread is golden and cheese melts, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Total: $3.29 NUTRITION (per serving) 354 cal, 17 g pro, 34 g carb, 9 g fiber, 4 g sugars (3 g added sugars), 17 g fat, 6 g sat fat, 30 mg chol, 495 mg sodium Collagen Snack…