Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Prevention

IT’S NO SECRET that I have a soft spot for nurses. My husband is one: He works in an emergency department in New York City, where we live. Like pretty much every nurse I’ve ever met, he has always downplayed the enormity of what he does. In recent months, friends from all over have been calling and writing to check on him and thank him. “I only work part-time,” he argues, to which one friend said, “Oh, so you only save lives some days, as opposed to never, like me?” Prevention also loves nurses: We’ve given out awards to them, and we rely on the smart counsel from the nurse practitioner on our advisory board. We know that nurses aren’t secondary to doctors—nursing is another field entirely, one of the…

BEANS “You can substitute canned or dried beans for ground meat in chili, tacos, or burgers, or add them to cold salads,” says Bauer. Lentils are also great and cook quickly; simmer them with diced tomatoes and your favorite seasonings for a hearty side dish. Both lentils and beans are an easy way to bulk up soups and stews. GRAINS “With both protein and fiber, oats are one of the healthiest breakfast options, and you can personalize them by adding fruit or nuts,” says Bauer. Oats can also be a binder substitute for meatloaf or meatballs if you don’t have breadcrumbs. Rice, quinoa, and pasta are other versatile go-tos; you can find noodles or rice made from whole-wheat flour, chickpeas, and more. Top with steamed or sautéed veggies. FROZEN PRODUCE…

Rachel Zar, LMFT, is a relationship and sex therapist at Spark Chicago Therapy and the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine & Menopause. When you’ve been with someone for a while, you know how your partner reacts when stressed out and what tends to help ease that, whether it’s a soothing foot rub or a break from the kids. But what if you’re in over your head too? If you’ve both had a rough workweek or you’ve been stuck spending way too much time together since the pandemic began, suddenly you may not have the patience for meeting your partner’s stressed-out needs or listening to him or her complain…again. KNOW YOUR STRESS RESPONSE The better you understand how tension shows up for you and for your partner, the earlier you…

1| BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $18, drugstores “This unique water gel hydrator with hyaluronic acid makes skin dewy but not greasy, which is perfect for combination skin: Apply a thin layer and massage it in well.”—Dr. Hu 2| BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion, $14, target.com “I frequently recommend this hydrating lotion to patients with multiple skin allergies—it’s free of many common chemical irritants.”—Dr. Hu 3 | BEST FOR OILY SKIN: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Mattifying + Pore Refining Moisturizer, $32, drugstores “This moisturizer is oil-free and noncomedogenic [won’t clog pores] and has a light matte finish, making it ideal for those with oily skin.”—Dr. Hale 4 | BEST FOR DRY SKIN: Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream, $18, target.com “Formulated with plant-based…

1| BEST SPF FOR FACE: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, $30, dermstore.com “A true multitasker. I use this as both daily sunscreen and moisturizer. It contains transparent mineral zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UV protection and hyaluronic acid for hydration.”—Dr. Hale 2 | BEST SPF FOR BODY: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sport SPF 30, $15, amazon.com “I love this sunscreen because the tube turns blue over time when exposed to UV light to remind you to reapply it. It also has great water and sweat resistance and is safe for sensitive skin.”—Dr. Hu…

AYA ISLAMOVA When we got the announcement that our unit would become a COVID-positive unit, it was very frightening. I wanted to leave to go home to my loved ones, but obviously you can’t, because you have patients to take care of. Now, when I’m on my way to work, I send a lot of positive energy that all of my patients will be stable. When they’re discharged, feeling well, and going home—those are the happy moments. There are low moments too, but I’m inspired by the people around me who love what they do. Self-care is important. You’ve got to stay healthy, not only physically but mentally, spiritually, and at work. You try to take those short breaks, leave the floor, hydrate yourself, eat well. But in real life,…

Sex may be the last thing on your mind now—or it may be just the distraction you need. Research shows that stress (and pandemics are stressful!) can decrease your libido. And even in calmer times, around 41% of women report having chronic problems with desire, arousal, or orgasm. If you’re bothered by a dropped drive, here are a few solutions to consider: RX DRUGS WHAT THEY ARE: Two meds have been FDA-approved for treating low sexual desire in premenopausal women: Vyleesi is injected into your abdomen or thigh 45 minutes before intimacy; Addyi is a pill you take every night. Testosterone may also be prescribed off-label to increase sex drive in menopausal or postmenopausal women. Choosing one is like picking a method of birth control, says Lyndsey Harper, M.D., a…

TRY A TRAUMA-SPECIFIC THERAPY Certain techniques may directly loosen trapped memories and emotions. These include Prolonged Exposure, in which you reexperience the trauma as a therapist guides you to stay grounded; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), during which a therapist uses one of various techniques to help you safely process traumatic memories; and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an eight-week program that teaches you to focus on the here and now rather than ruminating on the past or the future. SIT IN SILENCE Meditation may blunt your fight-or-flight reaction, help you think clearly, and rebuild brain connections ruptured by trauma. “The vast majority of people who do it for just 10 minutes notice a change right away,” Dr. Gordon says. SHAKE AND DANCE If you’ve ever seen ducks shake out…

Most of us are mindful of which foods will benefit our hearts or waistlines, but certain things you eat can give your brain a boost by supporting or improving memory, concentration, and cognitive function. In fact, an easy way to maintain brain health is through your diet. “Incorporating many of these foods, especially fruits and vegetables, will help with mental function,” says Jerlyn Jones, R.D.N., a dietitian and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nosh for your noggin by keeping these four in rotation. EGGS Eggs deliver a double whammy of brain goodness—they’re high in lutein and choline, two compounds that support brain development in children and overall cognitive function in adults. Choline is particularly beneficial, as it’s needed to produce a neurotransmitter that plays an…

When is my child old enough to discuss vaping? It’s probably not too soon. “Start before middle school. Many e-cigarette products have such high nicotine levels that kids can show signs of addiction after only a few weeks of use,” says Susan Walley, M.D., chair of the section on tobacco control at the American Academy of Pediatrics. One of the most common reasons kids start is that they have a family member or friend who vapes, but nearly a quarter are drawn in by the flavors. Vaping companies have worked hard to push their products too, via social media, teen “influencers,” celebrity endorsements, and entertainment websites with ads targeted toward kids. Even if you think vaping isn’t part of your child’s life, it may be—so it’s worth a conversation. What…

CRYPTOGRAM NUMBER FIND Can you find the numbers below in the puzzle at right? 2020 314159 1618 1760 238900 BONUS: What’s the significance of each number you found? READING + MATH If you tore out pages 24, 25, 26, 41, 42, and 67 from a magazine, how many sheets of paper would you be holding? COLOR CONFUSION Read aloud the colors of the words below—not what the words actually say! How long does it take? Can you do it faster a second time? ANSWERS: Cryptogram: The greatest wealth is health. Number Find: 2020 is the current year. 314159 is pi without the decimal. 1618 is the golden ratio without the decimal. 1760 is the number of yards in a mile. 238900 is the number of miles to the moon. Reading…

1 PAUSE MID-MEAL When you sit down to eat, take a moment to physically divide your food in half before you begin eating. “Consider the divide a ‘speed bump,’” says Michelle May, M.D., author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. “When you hit the bump, it reminds you to pause and slow down to reassess your hunger and fullness level—and stop before you’re too full. It’s very helpful.” 2 BUILD STRONGER BONES Running for at least one minute a day is associated with 4% better bone health (compared with running for less than a minute), according to research in the International Journal of Epidemiology. “This is important, especially because after menopause the rate of bone mineral density loss is approximately 1% a year,” says study coauthor Victoria…

You might have started seeing ads for 5G technology—or your cell phone might use it already. It’s digital cellular technology that promises faster download speeds and fewer delays, but there’s some concern that it, and the antennas that allow it to function, may have negative health consequences. Here’s what to know. WHAT 5G IS The “G” in 5G stands for generation: the fifth generation of cellular technology to be released, following in the footsteps of 4G, which we’ve been using for roughly a decade. If you think of cell data as being like car traffic, we’re starting to have congestion issues as more devices, using more data, connect to networks. “The amount of data being transmitted is doubling every 16 months,” says Kenneth R. Foster, Ph.D., emeritus professor of bioengineering…

HONEYDEW-CUCUMBER SLUSHIE ACTIVE 15 MIN. TOTAL 8 HR. 15 MIN. (INCLUDES FREEZING) SERVES 8 Halve 1 large seedless cucumber lengthwise and scoop out and discard center; cut into pieces and place in a blender. Add one 4½-lb honeydew (rind and seeds discarded, melon cut into pieces; about 4 cups), 3 Tbsp agave nectar, and 1 tsp grated fresh lemon zest and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Puree until liquefied, 30 seconds. Add ½ cup mint leaves and puree to chop, 10 to 20 seconds more. Pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze until set, about 8 hours. When ready to serve, using a fork, scrape surface of melon ice to create large flakes and transfer to glasses. NUTRITION (per serving): 61 cal, 1 g pro, 15 g carb, 1 g fiber,…

CROCS TULUM OPEN FLATS These stylish sandals are made with the brand’s Croslite foam cushioning to provide comfort and support, and they cradle your heel for less slippage. ($40, crocs.com) CHOOKA SLIDE SANDALS Available in various colors and patterns and in materials like velvet, these slides feature a contoured footbed for arch support. ($25, shopchooka.com) BROOKS GLYCERIN 18 These sneakers are supportive and cushiony. They’re also the perfect treat for your feet during hot outdoor runs or walks because the specially engineered mesh is extra flexible and breathable to let air flow. ($150, brooksrunning.com) VIONIC BELLA TOE POST SANDALS Flip-flops get a bad rap, but these are so ergonomic and arch-supporting that they earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, given to shoes that meet the organization’s foot-health…

Dr. Weil is founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Noise pollution is nothing new: An 1856 editorial in London’s Times complained of the city’s “noisy, dizzy, scatterbrained atmosphere,” and in 1866, American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne groused that steam-train whistles “bring the noisy world into the midst of our slumberous peace.” But the sounds of our world today do more than just annoy us. Research reveals that the low-level thrum of constant noise from traffic, overhead jets, and the like—the common background of modern life—impairs health as well. THE WIDE-RANGING REPERCUSSIONS In 2019, an organization that tracks ambient noise levels in Paris found that an average resident in the noisiest regions lost more than three “healthy life-years” because of conditions caused or worsened by noise pollution.…

1| BEST FACE EXFOLIATOR: Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Purifying Cleanser, $36, sephora.com “The salicylic acid and willow bark extract help unclog congested pores, reduce oil production, and remove dead skin cells without overdrying skin.”—Dr. Hu 2| BEST BODY WASH: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $6, drugstores “This hydrating body wash contains more gentle cleansing ingredients than typical soap, making it less likely to strip the skin of moisture.”—Dr. Aguh 3| BEST BODY SCRUB: Kora Organics Body Exfoliator, $40, koraorganics.com “It contains bamboo stem extract and minerals to deep clean, exfoliate, and improve skin’s texture plus energizing and softening lemongrass oil.”—Marino 4 | BEST FACE WASH: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, $8.50, drugstores “This foaming face cleanser is gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet manages to remove every bit…

1| BEST LIP BALM: Bite Beauty Agave+ Daytime Lip Balm, $14, bitebeauty.com “This balm is rich in hydrating linoleic and oleic fatty acids, shea butter, and essential oils like moringa oil; when you apply it, rub your upper and lower lips together to help it get fully absorbed.”—Dr. Hu 2| BEST BODY LOTION: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream, $12, walmart.com “An affordable, effective body moisturizer formulated without fragrance, which is a top trigger for dry, itchy skin.”—Dr. Hu 3| BEST FOOT CREAM: CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream, $12, drugstores “It’s made with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, ceramides to moisturize, and a unique technology that releases these ingredients gradually to heal dry, cracked feet over time.”—Dr. Hu 4 | BEST HAND CREAM: SkinFix Eczema+ Hand Repair Cream, $18, sephora.com…

A single donation of blood can save as many as three lives: “It’s essential for taking care of people who suffer from cancer, bleeding disorders, or sickle cell disease,” says Lisa Logan, M.D., a pathologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. In normal times, workplace and school-supported blood drives keep supplies high, but right now the American Red Cross requires people who wish to donate to find one of its approved facilities or locations. Still, it’s worth making a special trip even aside from the satisfaction of helping those in need (don’t worry, it’s safe—extra precautions are being taken such as cleaning equipment more often and keeping donors six feet apart). Check out these healthy reasons to roll up your sleeve: YOU’LL GET A FREE HEALTH CHECK Before you give…

ACTIVE 15 MIN. TOTAL 20 MIN. SERVES 4 8 oz tomatillos (about 10 small), husked1 jalapeño, halved and seeded1 Tbsp olive oil Kosher salt8 small corn tortillas4 oz sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated8 large eggs2 cups fresh cilantro, plus more for serving2 Tbsp fresh lime juice Sliced radishes, for serving 1. Arrange 1 oven rack 6 in. from broiler and another about 12 in. from broiler; heat broiler. On rimmed baking sheet, toss tomatillos, jalapeño, oil, and pinch salt. Broil on top rack until tender and charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to blender. 2. Meanwhile, place tortillas on second baking sheet. Divide cheese among tortillas, leaving slight well in center; place an egg in each well. Broil on middle rack to desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes for…

1 Allergies Between 10% and 20% of dogs and cats have allergies, says veterinary dermatologist Andrew Rosenberg, D.V.M., of Animal Dermatology & Allergy Specialists. In dogs, allergies cause skin inflammation, which makes them lick their paws, scratch, and scoot on their bottoms. Cats will excessively groom, and plaques or crusts may form on their skin. As a result, both often get secondary yeast or bacterial infections, which are often the first sign owners notice. Rosenberg says bathing your pet with cool water and medicated shampoo can soothe itchy skin as well as rinse off irritating allergens. Antihistamines work in only about 10% of dogs, but can be more helpful for cats. Pets with severe cases can benefit from allergy shots as well. Rosenberg recommends consulting with your vet to determine…