Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2021 i Prevention

THERE’S AN EDITOR of ours I want you to meet. Marisa Cohen can take on any topic and create exactly the story that needs to be told, whether it’s about fake meat, the best massagers, or cancer. She’s also been a valuable voice as we’ve delved into brain health this year: Her mother suffers from Alzheimer’s, and a health reporter who is a daughter of someone with this disease is the wisest person you can have around. This month we decided to devote an entire section to brain health, and as Marisa and I talked about how to bring together the science and the emotions around this important issue, I kept wanting to know more about her family: What was it really like to see your mother fade into dementia?…

We’ve been masking up for over a year to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which has led to the disposal of an estimated 129 billion face masks each month worldwide, research shows. This is notable because disposable masks are made from plastic microfibers, and without guidelines for mask recycling, they could end up having an impact on the environment much like other forms of plastic waste such as bags and water bottles. Don’t stop wearing a mask! But make it your mission to don a reusable one whenever possible. 69% OF MILLENNIALS REPORT RELYING ON GOOGLE FOR HEALTH ADVICE INSTEAD OF GOING TO THE DOCTOR, according to a survey by Harmony Healthcare IT.…

Here’s a stat with some bite: Americans go through a whopping 400 million toothpaste tubes per year, the majority of which end up in landfills thanks to their multi-material packaging, which most recycling centers won’t accept. One solution: toothpaste tablets, which are compressed, waterless toothpaste formulas. Each tablet is equivalent to a generous squeeze of the traditional stuff—pop one in your mouth, chew it to break it apart, and as it mixes with your saliva, it turns into a paste you can brush with. “Look for ones with proven anticavity ingredients like fluoride and potassium nitrate or nanohydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative proven to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity,” says Armen Akopian, D.D.S., of the New York Smile Institute. Most come in recyclable or reusable packaging, and many contain boosters like…

Whether your 40s are just around the corner or you are enjoying the relaxation of retirement, there are simple steps to help you live a healthier and happier life at any age! 1 PRACTICE SELF CARE It’s important to take a step back from the stress of daily life to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Put down your phone and take 20 minutes to head outside for some fresh air, meditate, journal, or just enjoy a few minutes to breathe and recharge. 2 STAY ACTIVE Daily activity is an important part of healthy aging. Take the steps instead of an elevator, go for a brisk morning walk, or schedule an hour to enjoy an activity or sport that you love. Regular exercise helps with balance, weight…

If you had a nickel for every new skincare ingredient that has come on the market in the past decade, you could afford to slather yourself in La Mer from head to toe every night. But for all the CBD iterations and bee venom plumping creams, the ingredi-ents dermatologists recommend most often have remained pretty much the same over the years. And while you’ve likely heard of them, you may still be wondering what exactly they can do for you. Here’s what the pros say. ANTIOXIDANTS WHAT THEY DO First, a quickie lesson on free radicals. They’re ubiquitous molecules missing an electron; when they’re airborne, they can latch on to electrons from other molecules—such as the ones in our skin cells—and steal them. This damage speeds up skin’s aging process.…

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION! Join us on Tuesdays in June for our You & Your Brain webinar series, in partnership with HealthyWomen and the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. These events are free—learn more and register at yourbrain2021.com. Aging and Your Brain June 8 at 12 p.m. ET What’s normal and what isn’t? Experts share secrets to staying sharp. Navigating a Diagnosis June 15 at 12 p.m. ET Thoughtful guidance for you and your family so you can cope with any possibility. The Future of Brain Health June 22 at 12 p.m. ET Innovations in science, changes in policy, and how you can make a difference.…

Maria Shriver has asked a simple question—“Why?”—for as long as she can remember. When she was in elementary school and was told she couldn’t be an altar boy like her four brothers, her response was “Well, why not?” She asked the same question when she was told that girls couldn’t play football or become journalists. “I come from two relentless parents who not only expected their kids to do great things, but really demanded it of us,” says Shriver. “As a result, I’ve always wondered why things are the way they are—and challenged people’s assumptions and judgments when they just didn’t make sense.” This drive for answers (mixed with a hefty dose of “I’ll-show you!” attitude) led Shriver to a career in journalism, which meant she could turn her curiosity…

Being in a larger body does not necessarily mean you’re unhealthy. But one kind of fat is definitely dangerous: visceral fat. Unlike subcutaneous fat (the stuff you see), visceral fat accumulates in your abdominal cavity and wraps around internal organs, disrupting the balance of some hormones and “significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, R.D., the author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies. Too much sugar and too many refined carbs mess with your body’s blood sugar regulation and insulin production, causing more fat to settle in your midsection. But there are foods that contain nutrients to help eliminate this fat and keep it away. BERRIES Anthocyanins give foods like blueberries vibrant colors, and studies suggest that they may be linked…

There’s new information to add to the Parkinson’s puzzle. Having type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of the brain disorder, and in people who already have Parkinson’s dis-ease, it may contribute to faster progression of motor-control issues and cognitive decline, says a new meta-analysis in the journal Movement Disorders. More studies are needed to explore the link, but insulin resistance and inflammation are two hallmarks of type 2 diabetes that also affect the brain. Stick with the lifestyle habits that help keep away diabetes, such as exercising regularly and eating healthfully, and if you do have either disease, check with your doctor to be sure you have the best tools to manage it.…

70% OF U.S. ADULTS SAY THEY’VE EXPERIENCED ONE OR MORE NEW SLEEP CHALLENGES (A.K.A. “CORONASOMNIA”) SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, according to the Philips 2021 Global Sleep Survey. A good night of shut-eye makes for a sharper, happier you the next day, and regular restorative sleep means a longer and healthier life. Yet not only is sleep a challenge for many of us, but our sleep styles and needs change as we age. Learn science-backed solutions from sleep experts and ask them your questions at the free webinar Live Better Longer: The Power of Sleep, hosted by Prevention and the American Federation for Aging Research. Join us on May 25 at 4 p.m. ET; sign up at afar.org/events.…

BUFF AWAY DEAD SKIN CELLS If you can get into the habit of giving your soles 60 seconds of weekly attention, you’ll keep calluses and alligator heels at bay, says Miss Pop. “Keep a pumice stone or a fine-grit foot file in your shower; once or twice a week toward the end of your shower, when skin is soft, use light pressure to run the tool along the bottoms of your feet and heels,” she says. PREVENTION PICK: Revlon Wet/Dry Foot File, $10.50, revlon.com MOISTURIZE HEELS A dab a day will keep cracked heels away, promises Miss Pop. “I have a tin of skin balm in my bathroom, and every time I step out of the shower, while my feet are still slightly damp, I lightly swipe the balm along…

if the uncertainties of the past year and a half have left you on edge, look no further than your mind. “The amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, is activated within a few seconds to respond to threats,” says Rashi Aggarwal, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “The prefrontal cortex—the logical, thinking part of the brain—takes much longer to react.” By then, your heart is pounding, your blood pressure is rising, and your respiration increases in a fight-or-flight response. That surge of cortisol and adrenaline was handy when we had to flee hungry tigers. But when we’re not in life-threatening situations and yet our brains repeatedly signal that we are, we run into trouble. “This type of chronic stress can have physical and psychological effects,”…

What’s a concussion, anyway? It’s a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body makes the brain move back and forth suddenly and quickly. “That jostling creates chemical changes that can temporarily impact brain functioning,” says neuropsychologist Kristine Keane, Psy.D., coauthor of Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life. While one concussion isn’t usually a long-term concern, several (especially if they occur close together) can be problematic. “That’s why it’s important to identify and manage concussions right away,” says Keane. What are the signs? “Your child or teen may appear con-fused or clumsy, they may struggle to answer questions, or their speech may be slow,” says Keane. Other signs: headache, nausea, dizziness, visual and/or sleep disturbances, light…

1. MINT Some bugs—such as spiders, ants, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes—dislike the scent of mint, which is why many commercial repellents contain peppermint essential oil. Try adding 10 drops each of peppermint, thyme, and rosemary essential oils to a water-filled spray bottle, then spritz the solution around your garden and outdoor seating area. 2. LAVENDER Lovely lavender has been shown to repel mosquitoes and other insects effectively. It’s unclear why, but this scent that’s so pleasant to humans is unpleasant to other creatures. 3. SAGE This aromatic herb may help repel certain types of beetles, fleas, and flies, and one study found that having potted sage nearby could offer protection against mosquitoes. 4. CATNIP It turns out this feline favorite that gives your cat a buzz can help keep buzzers…

EMBRACE FROZEN Look for pack-aged frozen fruit chunks or fill freezer bags with fresh picks—it’ll make your morning smoothie or oatmeal bowl easier! And frozen veggies are an effortless way to get those nutrients, no washing or chopping required. BULK UP MEALS Riced vegetables can stand in for traditional rice, and any veggie can be diced and tossed with meat or bean dishes to boost nutrition, says Elizabeth Shaw, M.S., R.D.N., owner of ShawSimpleSwaps.com. “Veggie-fy” noodles too: Try spaghetti squash, or spiralize zucchini, carrots, beets, or rutabaga. PREP EASY GRABS Keep prewashed veggie sticks in the fridge to dip into salsa or hummus, and have already clean fruit on hand for a pick-me-up.…

SERVES 4 1 In bowl, mash one 15-oz can no-salt-added chickpeas (rinsed) with 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Spread one-quarter of mixture on each of 4 warmed whole-wheat pitas. $2.71 2 Divide 2 cups mixed greens, 1 large tomato (diced), 1/small red onion (thinly sliced), and 1/cup pitted kalamata olives (chopped) among pitas. $2.41 3 In second bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/seedless cucumber (peeled and grated), 2 Tbsp chopped mint, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 small clove garlic (grated), and a pinch of salt. Spoon on top, then sprinkle with more mint and diced cucumber if desired. $2.06 PER SERVING 429 cal, 17 g pro, 58 g carb, 10 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 16.5 g fat (3.5 g…

I wasn’t always a tea lover. In fact, it was not until I traveled to Japan as a stu-dent that I was exposed to anything beyond the tea that could be found at the super-market. Today, though, you’ll regularly find me with a cup of tea in hand. The drink has so many health benefits that you can go ahead and enjoy a daily brew—or several. Just keep in mind that although all true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, all tea isn’t equal. Its content of beneficial polyphe-nols and other antioxidants, as well as its color, depends on the amount of processing and oxidation it undergoes. Gener-ally, the less oxidized a tea is, the lighter it is in color and the more antioxidants it has. Use this primer…

Sometimes we need extra help to get through hard times. “Stay in tune with your body. Do you have muscle tension? Are you clenching your teeth? This is your body saying, ‘Pay attention to me!’” says Wright. Other indications: You can’t get out of bed or you feel like you can’t function; nothing brings you joy; your appetite or sleep is disrupted; and/or you feel irritable all the time. If several symptoms persist for a week or more, talk to your primary care doctor, and check out the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org), which has a therapist directory and stress-management tools.…

FOR COMPREHEN-SIVE ALZHEIMER’S INFO: You can find answers to questions about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, care options, legal planning, and clinical trials at Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org); contact your local chapter for caregiving support groups and training near you, or try a virtual program. FOR CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Founded by actors Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, the nonprofit HFC (wearehfc.org) harnesses Hollywood power to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and care-giver support. Along with hosting online support groups, HFC has raised over $13 million in grants for family caregivers to let them hire help so they can take a break. FOR HOUSING OPTIONS OR IN-HOME HELP: Find your local Area Agency on Aging by typing in your zip code at eldercare.acl.gov or calling 800-677-1116; you’ll get a list of licensed nursing homes, assisted living…

1 We Make Healthy, Happy Companions When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you’re giving them a second shot at life. But the mixed breeds you’ll often find there can be healthier too. Purebreds may have higher risks of breed-specific ailments such as cardiomyopathy in boxers or hip dysplasia in German shepherds, says Mary Altomare, D.V.M., head veterinarian for Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. Adopting a pet also gives you more insight into their background than you’d get with one purchased at a pet store, says Lafaille. Because they’ve been examined by a shelter veterinarian and observed by their caretakers, their records will be more robust. “Many animals at shelters, especially older ones, have already lived in homes and have experience being pets,” she adds. If your new pet has…