Prevention November 2025

THAT DEVICE I’M HOLDING at right doesn’t zap virtual villains but aims to lay out some cold, hard facts: my BMI and body-fat percentage. My company offered free heart-health risk screenings, so I thought, Why not? Then I remembered that not only would I have to step on a scale but they’d measure my waist (Gah!). Usually I ask not to be told my weight—I have a history of eating disorders, and knowing that number can trigger unhealthy thoughts. But at the appointment things moved too fast, and I clocked the figure. Nervous, I started babbling at RobinYoung, the lovely medical assistant: “I mean, last time my BMI said I was overweight, and I was like, Wait, what? I mostly eat right and exercise—what more does it take? And I’m postmenopausal!…

There’s a powerful medicine that you won’t find in a pill organizer: practicing gratitude. Loads of research suggests that feeling thankful is an effective way to improve mental well-being, sleep quality, and heart health, and it could even help you live longer, per data from a large, long-term study. Here’s a trick for getting into a gratefulness groove from Judy Ho, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist and the author of Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation: JOT DOWN KIND THOUGHTS ABOUT THREE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE—THIS PROMPTS FEELINGS OF APPRECIATION, THE FIRST STEPINA GRATITUDE RITUAL.…

RESTOCK SICKNESS SUPPLIES ’Tis the season of sniffles and coughing, so make sure you have what you need to feel better fast. Check the expiration dates on existing cold and flu meds (most of us have a vintage cough syrup in the back of the cabinet) and ditch and replace expired ones, as they can be less effective. Dig out the humidifier and check whether the filter needs to be replaced. And stock up on tea, Manuka honey (loaded with antioxidants), and soothing, nourishing bone broth. ANSWER EIGHT QUESTIONS Treating diabetes is key to mitigating its health effects, so diagnosis is crucial. This American Diabetes Month, head to diabetes.org and take 60 seconds to answer eight questions and find out your risk for type 2 diabetes. Then share the results…

The Goal Aim to do this move every day for a week. 1 Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. 2 Give yourself a big hug and hold on tight. 3 Keeping your feet firmly planted and without moving your pelvis or your lower half, slowly rotate your upper torso in a circle, breathing evenly. Pause and rotate in the opposite direction. 4 That’s 1 rep. Do 10, or as many as feels good. CHECK OFF THE DAYS YOU DID IT! SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY…

1 Which of the following can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the wintertime? A Cold temps B Reduced daylight hours C Eating too many carbs D All of the above 2 Taking lots of vitamin C when you start to feel sick can help prevent a cold. A True B False 3 Which is not a cause of winter eczema flare-ups? A Cold temps B Getting sick C Indoor heat from radiators D Lack of sunlight 4 If you don’t wear a coat in cold weather, you’ll catch a cold. A True B False 5 Which is the wrong move when you’re sick? A Drink more water B Exercise C Use up those leftover antibiotics ANSWERS 1 SEASONAL AFFEC-TIVE DISORDER (SAD) IS A TYPE OF DEPRESSION THAT USUALLY BEGINS IN LATE FALL when daylight savings time ends and the days become shorter. Studies suggest that SAD happens when lack…

■ The next time you need a little something to tide you over until mealtime, give this apple snack flight a try. Apple rings are versatile vehicles for both sweet and savory foods, and each of the examples below contains the perfect combo for more energy and greater satiety—protein, fiber, and healthy fat. Once you taste your way through our creations, experiment with your own toppings to hit the stayfull-’til-dinner spot. Pineapple Paradise COTTAGE CHEESE + PINEAPPLE + UNSWEETENED COCONUT FLAKES Ruby Fuel ALMOND BUTTER + POMEGRANATE SEEDS + CHIA SEEDS Green Goddess Bite MASHED AVOCADO + HYDROPONIC WATERCRESS + LEMON ZEST Choco-Nana Crunch PEANUT BUTTER + SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS + SLICED BANANA…