Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Prevention

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT all the people stuffng garlic up their noses to clear out their sinuses? It was a whole thing on TikTok, that social media platform full of kooky challenges and surprisingly delightful dance routines. But you should definitely not do that with garlic—it’s dangerous, and it doesn’t even work—nor should you get any ideas from another TikTok trend, filing down uneven teeth with a nail file. Eek! say approximately five out of five dentists. Now, dear reader, I know that you are not so foolish as to follow health advice from a bunch of teenagers on social media. But we wise grown-ups are not immune to the siren call of a wellness savior. That’s why we put together our report “Protect Yourself From Online Health Scams” (page…

…keeps heart disease at bay? Maybe. Regular yogurt consumption was associated with lower blood pressure among hypertensive people, found a study by researchers from the University of Maine and the University of South Australia; in fact, those who ate yogurt as part of their regular diets had systolic blood pressure readings an average of seven points lower than those who never did. Researchers think a couple of factors are at play—yogurt contains minerals key to blood pressure regulation (calcium, magnesium, potassium) as well as probiotics, which promote the release of blood pressure–lowering proteins. Yogurt is a smart part of a healthful diet, but if you have heart issues, talk to your doctor about what type would be best for you before loading up on it.…

Vegetarian Fried Rice SERVES 4 1 In bowl, whisk together 5 Tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar; set aside. 97¢ 2 Heat large, deep skillet on mediumhigh. Add 2 Tbsp canola oil, then 8 oz tiny shiitake mushrooms (or shiitake mushroom caps, sliced), and cook, tossing, until just golden brown, 2 to 3 min.; transfer to plate. $8.07 3 Return skillet to medium-high. Add 2 Tbsp canola oil, then one 1-in. piece peeled fresh ginger (cut into matchsticks) and 4 scallions, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 jalapeño (all thinly sliced). Cook, stirring, 1 min. 81¢ 4 Add 4 cups cooked rice and 1 cup frozen shelled edamame (thawed) and cook, tossing, 1 min. Add soy mixture and mushrooms and toss to combine. $2.20 5 Top each serving with…

Rachel Zar, L.M.F.T., C.S.T., is a relationship and sex therapist at Spark Chicago Therapy and the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine & Menopause. Maybe you’ve cried over countless pints of ice cream or angrily deleted all couple photos from social media…and now your friends are telling you it’s time to get back out there. But a part of you is asking, Am I really ready to put myself on the line romantically again? It’s true that jumping back into that world too quickly can leave you without time to fully honor and process the loss you’ve been through. But waiting too long may deprive you of the joy you deserve. So how do you know when you’re truly ready? Here are two questions to consider. Have you grieved your…

30% of people older than 65 suffer from dry mouth, says the American Dental Association. If your mouth ever feels like the Sahara, it might be xerostomia—or, more simply, dry mouth. The condition causes a sticky or sandpaper-like feeling inside the mouth, thick saliva, and sometimes soreness or a burning sensation. A lot of the time it’s temporary, usually appearing when we need to drink more water. “When the body isn’t adequately hydrated, it cuts back on producing saliva,” says Matthew Messina, D.D.S., consumer advisory spoke sperson for the American Dental Association. As we age, dry mouth may become chronic, as it’s a side effect of more than 600 medications that many people are likely to take at some point as they get older, Messina adds. And it’s more than…

■ DRY SCOOPING This advice suggests that ingesting protein powders dry helps you absorb them more quickly before a workout. “There’s absolutely no evidence that the protein in powders is more bioavailable when consumed dry,” says Cohen. “This can be dangerous, as it would be like dumping a half cup of talcum powder down your throat. The chance of choking or aspirating powder into the lungs is high.” ■ SAFFRON APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS These lollipops, gummies, and teas promise to suppress hunger with Satiereal, or saffron, a “clinically studied ingredient.” However, the study cited included just 60 mildly overweight women, who lost a whopping two pounds after eight weeks of use. Even more interesting: “The study was funded by the company that produced the supplements,” says Cohen. ■ APPLE CIDER VINEGAR…

One of the most cheerful flowers can also perk up dull, dry hair. Sunflower oil (which has long been used as a skincare ingredient) is making its way into shampoos and other hair products, thanks to its nourishing benefits and lightweight texture. “The nutrients and vitamins in sunflower oil can help moisturize the hair and scalp,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. The oil is rich in linoleic oil, a fatty acid that can help reduce water loss in hair and hydrate the scalp; oleic acid, which helps soften hair; and nourishing vitamin E. “Sunflower oil also contains antioxidants, so it’ll help prevent the oxidation process that fades color-treated hair,” explains King. Plus, it’s less greasy than other haircare oils such as coconut and avocado oil, she says. EDI TORS’ CHOICES:…

BLACK RICE Also known as forbidden or Emperor’s rice, it actually looks deep purple because of its high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidants that lend it color. “Research shows that the anthocyanins and other antioxidant compounds in black rice have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties,” Shaw says. FONIO This ancient grain is native to West Africa, has a nutty flavor, and resembles millet or couscous; that makes a great addition to pilafs, and it works well with a variety of sauces and flavors, Shaw says. It also boasts iron, B vitamins, and fiber. SORGHUM “A serving provides 10% of the daily value of protein and nearly 75% of daily complex carbohydrates to help you feel fuller longer, and it’s packed with fiber and antioxidants,” Shaw says. The cooked version has a bite…

THE DREADED AFTERNOON SLUMP. We all recognize the symptoms—drowsiness, foggy thoughts, and a total, utter lack of ambition—but can rarely fathom solutions beyond an IV drip of coffee. Maybe you’ve resigned yourself to accomplishing your best work in the mornings and drudging through your less important tasks at 1 p.m. and perhaps resenting anything new that comes up after 3 p.m. Some of this trouble is explained by circadian rhythms: Your body’s internal clock gives you a natural dip in energy in the afternoon (hence the culture of siestas, which hasn’t made it to the typical American workplace). But if you use your lunch hour well, the afternoon can be downright delightful. And while what you eat matters, it’s not the whole story. “Lunch is about not just refueling, but…

Does the end of American Heart Month (a.k.a. February) mean it’s time to stop giving your heart love? Of course not! After all, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and your risk tends to increase as you age, explains Nicole Weinberg, M.D., a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. The first step is always to talk to your doctor about risk factors like cholesterol and family history, Dr. Weinberg says. And you’ll never go wrong with the tried- and-true tips—eat healthy fats, exercise, and quit smoking—but add these tricks to keep your ticker in tip-top shape: TODAY ▶ TAKE A WALK AFTER DINNER There’s a lot of pressure to hit that 150 minutes of exercise a week, but Dr. Weinberg emphasizes that just 30…

■ “Medical theft occurs when an individual gets medical goods or services in your name,” says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). “If they have enough information about you, they can use your medical benefits to get a doctor’s appointment, prescription medication, durable medical equipment, hospitalization, or dental work.” You often don’t know your information has been stolen until you receive an Explanation of Benefits for an appointment you never had, an unexpected bill from a doctor, or a notice that you’ve met your benefits threshold, says Velasquez. Other signs include a medical provider sending a reminder for an appointment you didn’t schedule or saying you’ve already had a specific service, such as a colonoscopy, that you haven’t had. More subtle indicators are that…

Migraine headaches are not just incredibly painful, but also the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Thankfully, several new treatments, including a few that specifically target the mechanisms of migraine, are now available. Spoiler alert: They all show promise. “The word my patients use is ‘life-changing,’” says Rashmi B. Halker Singh, M.D., an associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Three to discuss with your doctor: CGRP BLOCKERS WHAT THEY ARE: A shot, an infusion, or a pill that interferes with the function of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that can cause pain and lead to inflammation around the brain’s covering. WHAT WE KNOW: At least 50% of patients find the infusion, Vyepti, received at a doctor’s offce every three months, very effective, reducing migraine frequency by 50% to…

ACTIVE 10 MIN. TOTAL 15 MIN. PLUS CHILLING SERVES 4 1 cup pomegranate juice⅓ cup chia seeds2 Tbsp honey4 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt6 oz blueberries6 oz raspberries½ cup pomegranate seeds (arils)¼ cup toasted almonds MAKE THE JAM In small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, chia seeds, and honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 min. Remove from heat, let cool 10 min., then refrigerate until set, about 2 hr. BUILD THE PARFAIT Working with four 6- to 8-oz jars, cups, or glasses, evenly layer yogurt, chia jam, berries, and pomegranate seeds. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.) Top with almonds just before serving. PER SERVING 379 cal, 28 g pro, 49 g carb, 10 g fiber, 33.5 g sugars (8.5 g added…

Animals get many of the same eye diseases we do, but since they don’t do too much driving or cooking, it takes some diligence on our part to notice when they need our help. Here’s what to look for. Watch for Signs of Trouble Pets’ eyes should be clear and bright, so any cloudiness, redness, discharge, or squinting could be a concern, says veterinary ophthalmologist Kristin Fischer, D.V.M., DACVO, of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. In the case of an itchy or painful eye infection, your pet might rub their head against things or paw at their eyes, adds Sean McCormack, MVB, MRCVS, head vet at tails.com. If they are bumping into things or can’t find their toys, take note. If you see any of these signs, take them…

This is more than just an annoying problem: “Your cuticles protect the nails and act as a barrier to stop bacteria from entering your body, so keeping them in good shape is key to healthy nail growth,” says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. Try her tips for soft, smooth skin. LAYER ON OIL AND CREAM Cuticle oil softens and hydrates the skin to prevent it from drying out. “Look for one with healing and hydrating oil, such as buriti, coconut, maracuja, jojoba, or evening primrose oil,” says Lippmann. Follow that with a hand cream that contains shea butter and vitamin E, she suggests (and put it on every time you wash your hands too). If your skin is already cracked, try a cuticle cream to deeply condition, she suggests. EDITORS’ CHOICES:…

1 Stand up straight, with legs about shoulder width apart. Hold a dumbbell with one end in each hand. 2 Lift it up so it’s in front of your face, elbows at about chest height. Begin circling the dumbbell around your head by lifting your left elbow up over your head, then lifting your right elbow so the dumbbell hovers just above the nape of your neck. Next: Lift your right elbow up and over your head to circle the dumbbell back in front of your face. Keep your core braced and resist rotating your torso as you perform the movement. 3 That’s one rep. Continue circling the dumbbell in this direction for 10 to 15 reps, then repeat the other way. GET MORE MOVES! Have 10 minutes? You’ll love…

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1 Soft, Yet Productive Everyone’s breasts—yes, yours too, fellas—have all the equipment required to produce and secrete milk. The key to milk delivery, though, is the hormone prolactin, which triggers milk production, and men typically don’t have much of this. All breasts contain glandular, fatty, and connective tissue. When preparing to feed a hungry baby, the glands draw nutrients from the blood to create milk, then send it through the ducts and out the nipple. Of course, breasts are not just milk-making machines. The nipples are full of sensory nerves, which, when stimulated just right, can provide sexual pleasure. The fat cushions the glands and protects breasts from injury, while ligaments hold the fatty and glandular tissue to the chest wall. 2 No Size Fits All Bras range from AAA…

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Like many women with endometriosis, Yoruba Mutakabbir, Ph.xD., a 43-year-old education administrator at Texas Southern University in Houston, felt let down by her doctors. Each month since her first period at age 10, her belly had bloated to pregnancy size, and her pain was so intense that “it felt like a hot ball” in her abdomen, she says. Over the years, she was variously told that it was “just cramps” and to take ibuprofen, prescription narcotics, or birth control pills, none of which helped. Mutakabbir was 36 before a gynecologist even mentioned endometriosis and 40 when another recommended a hysterectomy to treat it. She resisted. “I felt pushed against the wall because I was concerned about the side effects. Plus, I knew that hysterectomies are overperformed, especially on Black women,”…

When you’re healing from a kitchen-knife mishap or recovering from surgery, your immune system goes into overdrive, sending repair cells to the scene of the problem. But there’s more to supporting this immune response than rest and protecting the wound. Step one: Guzzle liquids. Hydration is crucial to mending skin ouchies, and electrolytes and fluids need to be balanced so body processes function properly, says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Next, fuel up with foods rich in these infection fighting, damage-repairing biggies: protein, vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants. Four foods that are up to the task: STRAWBERRIES “They’re high in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress,” Prest says. Oxidative stress is a key player in skin damage, so zapping it may help with scarring.…