Prevention March 2024

I’M GOING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING that makes a lot of people look at me as if I have three heads, so I hope it doesn’t make you trust me less: I don’t drink coffee. I know this means I’m missing out on a significant piece of American culture and a major topic of conversation: how people take their coffee, where they get it, opinions on oat milk. I have nothing to say on these matters! My husband doesn’t either—we’re two latte-less people against the world—so we have one tiny coffeepot that we keep way up high and bring down for guests. If I admit in public that I don’t drink coffee, most people say, “So you must drink tea.” And for most of my life I had to further…

GET OUT YOUR PENCIL! Longer days are here—finally!—with daylight saving time on March 10 and the spring equinox on March 19. Turning the clocks forward means we get more feel-good sunshine in the evening, and the equinox means we’ll have more daylight to do all the things that make us feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. Welcome back after-dinner walks, picnics, and bonus chances to soak up that circadian rhythm–regulating sunlight for better sleep. HOW WILL YOU FILL YOUR LONGER DAYS? WRITE DOWN THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR EXTRA TIME.…

1 Your primary care doctor is the best person to talk to about hearing concerns. A Of course! B Don’t waste their time—look up a hearing specialist yourself. 2 Which of these noisemakers has the potential to damage your hearing after two hours (or less) of exposure? A Motorcycle B Gas-powered lawn mower or leaf blower C Sporting event or concert D All of the above 3 Which of these nutrients supports healthy hearing? A Phosphorus B Omega-3’s C Probiotics 4 You need to clean out earwax regularly for the clearest hearing. A True B False 5 Your ears are home to a hearing system that consists of how many working parts? A 3 B 5 C 8 D 12 ANSWERS 1 WHILE YOU COULD TECHNICALLY SEARCH ONLINE for a…

Ever wondered what “healing your inner child” means? It relates to “attachment theory”—emotional bonding with early primary caregivers impacts how we approach life and other relationships. “Your attachment style becomes the foundation of your self-concept and what makes up who you are—your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, attitudes, likes and dislikes, and values,” says neuropsychologist Judy Ho, Ph.D., author of the new book The New Rules of Attachment, which explores this concept. Once you discover your attachment style, the book gives you tools to make actionable changes to help you navigate life and become an even better you. CHECK THE ATTACHMENT STYLE THAT SOUNDS MOST LIKE YOU. (YOU CAN CHOOSE MORE THAN ONE IF THAT FEELS RIGHT.) ▢ SECURE Connected Explorer ▸ You have a generally positive view of yourself and others;…

If pets could talk, our lives would be a lot easier. But, surprise: Dogs and cats are actually experts at body language, so learning their signals can help us communicate with them. CHOOSE WHICH OPTION IS THE BEST ANSWERS 1 BOREDOM OR ST RESS Try leaving them with an interactive toy to keep them occupied. 2 SEPARATION ANXIETY Pets often whine or vocalize to express their anxiety about your leaving. Try distracting them with a puzzle toy or soothing music. 3 ASKIN PROBLEM Over-grooming can also be a sign of anxiety, but skin problems are common, especially if the area is red or inflamed. Take them to the vet to confirm the situation. 4 TRICK QUESTION: It could be either. If your cat isn’t using the litter box or your…

START ALLERGY MEDS… …if you haven’t already! Allergy docs say it’s best to start taking allergy medication two to four weeks before peak pollen levels hit (in much of the U.S., that’s March). Your doctor can help you figure out which product is best for you—there are allergy pills, nasal sprays, and prescription eye drops and inhalers. UNPLUG FOR 24 HOURS. On March 1, Global Day of Unplugging challenges us all to power down and enjoy life without the help of digital devices. Have a family game day, get lost in a new book, or go on a long walk with a friend. GET PUMPED FOR SPRING CLEANING. Treat yourself to a new nontoxic cleaning product. We love Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps—made from clean ingredients and scented with organic…