Prevention September 2024

GET OUT YOUR PENCIL! Are you a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty person? People who have a hopeful viewpoint are healthier mentally and physically and live longer, happier lives, research suggests. Besides, multiple studies have found that positive thinking is associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. Negative thinking is not entirely in your DNA: You can shift your perspective, and mindfully focusing on the appreciation of, say, a fresh cup of coffee or a sunny afternoon can help make that glass feel a little more full. WRITE DOWN THREE GOOD THINGS THAT HAPPENED TODAY, THIS WEEK, OR THIS MONTH.…

SUP PORT A LOVED ONE. National Recovery Month is an opportunity to tell someone in recovery from substance abuse how proud of them you are. Or let it serve as inspiration to offer a nonjudgmental ear or some help to a loved one who’s struggling. If the person who deserves a “Keep up the good work!” is you, pat yourself on the back and take pride in your growth. SPICE UP WEEKNIGHTS. The pace of life is picking up again, so make hectic days easier by simplifying mealtime. When you don’t have the energy to think about dinner, grab a packet of Siete seasoning to infuse delicious, authentic flavor into any dish. Experiment with chicken or beef fajita, al pastor, lemon pepper, and more. MAKE A FALL “WELLNESS LIST.” Autumn…

1 True or false: Caffeine is bad for headaches. A True  B False 2 Which symptom(s), when occurring alongside a headache, could signal a more serious issue? A Stiff neck B High fever C Numbness or weakness on one side D All of the above 3 Is it OK to pop pain relievers any time you have a headache? A Yes B No 4 Migraines are just bad headaches. A True B False 5 Which of these can trigger headaches in some people? A Wine B Aged cheese C Salty foods D All of the above ANSWERS 1 GENERALLY, CAFFEINE IS GOOD. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in many headache and migraine medications. That said, quitting caffeine, especially cold turkey, can cause withdrawal headaches, so aim to strike a balance. If you love your lattes, don’t overdo it. Kylie Petrarca, R.N., education program director for the Association of…

A Catechins are the winning nutrient, and this apple variety has three times the concentration of another popular type. Catechins are known for protecting the heart and lowering heart disease risk. B The peel of this apple that’s packed with procyanidins is a different color than most. This antioxidant can have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, according to numerous studies. C You probably recognize anthocyanins as lending pigment to blue and purple foods, but they’re also responsible for this apple’s trademark deep red tint. Anthocyanins promote vision and brain health. D Plant compounds called carotenoids are responsible for its yellowy color. These plant compounds are known for supporting the immune system as well as eye, heart, and brain health. E Flavonols have potent antioxidant properties, and one study found that…

■ Rosemary oil is social media’s latest beauty fixation, hyped for its purported scalp and hair health help. Find out whether it’s worth trying or if this is one craze you should skip. AIDS HAIR G ROWTH Fights dandruff PREVENTS GRAYS Tames frizz HYDRATES Protects the scalp ANSWERS ▶ Rosemary oil really can improve scalp and hair health (though sadly it won’t keep grays away). It functions as an antioxidant to help protect the scalp from oxidative damage caused by UV exposure and pollution, soothes irritation via anti-inflammatory properties, and conditions and strengthens strands to reduce breakage and damage. Rosemary oil is thought to boost blood circulation, which may stimulate hair growth; one study found it just as effective at regrowing fallen locks as traditional medicated treatments. The oil’s antimicrobial…

■ Your fur child could offer clues that they need a little TLC, says Jennifer Bledsoe-Nix, D.V.M., a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, but would you spot them? #1 CHANGES IN ROUTINE CAN MAKE PETS FEEL LONELY. True False #2 SOME ANIMAL BREEDS ARE MORE PRONE TO LONELINESS THAN OTHERS. True False #3 A PET CAN SHOW SIGNS OF LONELINESS. True False #4 IF YOUR PET IS LONELY, YOUR ONLY OPTIONS ARE TO STAY HOME MORE OR TO TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU. True False ANSWERS 1 TRUE. If you’re getting out of the house more often than before, watch out for shifts in your pet’s mood: Like humans, they can get lonely. Pets experience loneliness when their daily interactions with others change drastically. They can have a wide range of emotional…