Innehållsförteckning för May 2021 från Prevention

MY BEST FRIEND was supposed to be born in January (many a year ago!), and she was awaited with joy and trepidation: Her parents had lost their first child, a son, just days after his birth. The plan was to name this baby (if it was a girl) January Hope, to signify what she would bring to her family that year. Then she was born, healthy as could be, on February 1. They dropped the January, but stuck with Hope—and she believes her name has guided her all her life. For 25 years, I’ve witnessed the way she sees possibility where others don’t and been inspired by her ability to face sadness and setbacks with determination. It comes from believing, in her core, that she and the people she loves…

Afternoon siestas are good for more than a pick-me-up—they may help keep you sharp. Adults who napped regularly performed better on dementia screening tests that measured things like memory, attention span, locational awareness, and verbal fluency, according to a study by Chinese researchers in the journal General Psychiatry. Napping may benefit the mind because it compensates for not getting enough shut-eye at night (on average, study participants slept six and a half hours each night, which is less than sleep experts recommend). Sleep helps the body regulate its inflammatory response, and chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive troubles over time. 8 in 10 PEOPLE REPORTED MODERATE TO SEVERE ANXIETY IN MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA’S ONLINE SURVEY OF 315,000 ADULTS, according to the 2021 State of Mental Health in America report…

Worried about your memory? Vitamin B could halt age-related cognitive decline, according to a University of Oxford study. Over two years, people over 70 with mild memory issues who took high doses of three B vitamins (folate, B12, and B6) as well as omega-3 fatty acids showed an 86% slowdown in regional brain atrophy in areas responsible for learning and memory. A. David Smith, the study’s lead scientist (who also works with Elysium Health, maker of Matter, a supplement based on his work), explains that the vitamins essentially remove an amino acid that harms gray matter. Ask your doctor about your vitamin B levels.…

1| BEST BROW PRODUCT Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil, $8, drugstores This pencil has a micro-precision tip that’s easy to control and a formula that stays in place, says Fennell. It doesn’t leave that notorious waxy film behind, so “it mimics real hair, making a brow look extra full naturally.” 2| NATURAL SKIN TINT Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48, sephora.com Denno says this multitasking serum protects skin, gives enough coverage for sunspots and blemish scars, and “quickly melts in and disappears” once you find your match among the 30 diverse shades: “It’s on my face most days and gives a great glow.” 3| EVERYDAY EYESHADOW Aether Beauty Summer Solstice Palette, $58, sephora.com “The silky, easy-to-blend texture of these powders makes this a must-have,” Denno says.…

CLEAN YOUR CLEANING TOOLS Poison centers have experienced an increase in calls since COVID-19 as people have doubled down on cleaning routines, often without using the right gear or reading labels. In most cases, cleaning can be as easy as using water, a mild detergent, and a bristle brush. If you must disinfect, the EPA’s list of disinfectants for coronavirus breaks down categories into porous (e.g., laundry), hard nonporous (as in a bathroom), and food-contact surfaces, advising how long to leave the product on each. TURN ON YOUR BATHROOM FAN Is your bathroom more swamp than spa? Warm, damp conditions can breed mold, which can trigger a sore throat, wheezing, or more severe allergic reactions. Look under sinks, on curtains and walls, and in tile grout and caulk, and scrub…

Dr. Streicher is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Besides the most obvious benefit of taking the Pill, reliable contraception, there are a lot of other bonuses: glowy skin, light periods, elimination of menstrual cramps, and a significant decrease in the risk of certain cancers. The flip side includes warnings, some of them terrifying: risk of blood clots, stroke, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and anxiety (possibly about scary side effects). But there are also side effects that are less commonly discussed, and three of them affect your sex life. They’re not as dire as those above—and your doctor may not mention them—but they’re still important to know about: LACK OF LIBIDO Libido is complicated and influenced by many factors. But if your…

For people who snore due to sleep apnea, the most common way to get relief is by adjusting sleep position or using a CPAP machine (not the most comfy experience). Now the FDA has approved a device that may help reduce snoring by strengthening the tongue. During sleep apnea episodes, the tongue collapses backward, partially blocking the airway; this device electrically stimulates the tongue’s muscles during the day so it’s stronger and less likely to droop back at night. It’s intended for patients with mild sleep apnea, but talking to your doctor first is a good idea. Possible side effects include tongue tingling, tooth discomfort, and excessive salivation, and certain people, such as those with dental implants, braces, or pacemakers, aren’t good candidates.…

For women who have suffered a miscarriage, getting pregnant again can be difficult both emotionally and physically. But here’s a bright ray of hope: Regularly taking low-dose aspirin was associated with more positive pregnancy tests and live births, as well as fewer losses, among women who had previously miscarried, says new research in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Pregnancy outcomes were greatest when women started taking aspirin prior to conceiving, then took it four to seven days a week once pregnant. Certain people, such as those with bleeding issues, shouldn’t take aspirin, so talk to your doctor about whether low-dose aspirin is safe and may benefit your pregnancy journey.…

Spring Minestrone SERVES 6 1 Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in Dutch oven on medium-low. Add 2 leeks (white and light green parts only, sliced into ¼-in.-thick half-moons), 1 small bulb fennel (fronds reserved, bulb cored and cut into ¼-in. pieces), and ¼ tsp kosher salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 min. $3.70 2 Add 31/2 Tbsp low-sodium vegetable base and 8 cups water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer while making pesto. $2.34 3 Make pesto: In blender, puree 1 cup each fresh dill and reserved fennel fronds, ¼ cup cashews, 2 oz Parmesan (grated), 2 cloves garlic, and 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth. With motor running, slowly add ¼ cup olive oil. $2.79 4 To soup, add 1…

SLOUCH OVERCORRECT It sounds counterintuitive, but hear us out: Sit upright and imagine that a string is pulling your head and chest up, up, up. Then slouch your body all the way forward before sitting back up as tall as you can, flexing your back and looking up toward the ceiling. “This exaggerated overcorrection helps you stretch out back muscles along the spine to improve posture,” says Walding. STANDING SIDE STRETCH This will elongate you from head to toe, promoting flexibility and good posture. Stand up straight and clasp your hands above your head. In one movement, stretch your body so you’re leaning over to one side; pump your arms. Trace the ceiling as you straighten and bend toward the other side of your body, pumping your arms again. ALLOVER…

1|INNOVATIVE RAZOR Gillette Venus Mini, $9, drugstores This ingenious mini razor comes with its own case for travel convenience. The design shrinks the original full-size handle but keeps the same effective three-blade head, so no separate purchase is required. 2|SMOOTHING BODY WASH Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, $33, glytone-usa.com “I love this exfoliating body wash,” says Dr. Levin, who recommends it for people who struggle with keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. “chicken skin”). It contains gentle surfactants to cleanse and glycolic acid to slough away rough texture. 3|ECO-FRIENDLY DEODORANT Native Plastic-Free Deodorant, $16, target.com Tapioca starch and baking soda keep you dry, coconut oil ensures smooth application, and a unique sugar-based ingredient derived from starch slowly releases a pleasant scent for odor-free wear—yes, even for those who sweat heavily. Best of all, it’s…

1| NONTOXIC LACQUER Nails Inc Plant Power Polish, $10, sephora.com This vegan polish is “free of almost every potentially questionable nail polish ingredient,” says Franzino—21 of them, to be exact. “But it still manages to come in a range of gorgeous, vibrant colors that look glossy and won’t chip in a day.” 2| MESS-FREE CUTICLE OIL Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab Oil Balm, $9, drugstores A cuticle treatment that doesn’t leave you with an oily mess? It’s possible, thanks to this solid balm, enriched with nourishing vitamin E and safflower oil, that you can easily glide on with no drip or spill risk. 3| SHINY TOPPER Olive & June Super Glossy Top Coat, $8, target.com Reach for this polish-perfecting top coat to give your at-home mani a salon-quality look and a…

1 All Dem Bones Your feet are so complex that they account for nearly a quarter of the bones in your body. Each foot is made up of 26 bones that form 30 joints and has more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This intricate design gives your feet flexibility and stability. The three major sections of the foot are the forefoot, comprising your toes and the long bones called metatarsals (responsible for push-off and landing); the arch, which acts like a shock absorber; and the hindfoot, which includes your heel and the talus (the bone that allows your ankle to flex, extend, and pivot). All this machinery gives you the mobility and strength to walk, run, jump, and find your balance. 2 Finding Your Fit One of the keys…

Keeping your mouth in tip-top shape isn’t just about polishing your smile—practicing good oral hygiene might also lower your risk of serious health conditions. Advanced gum disease, for example, is linked to stroke, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. We can’t take shortcuts on the basics, like brushing teeth twice a day and seeing a dentist regularly, says Ruchi Sahota, D.D.S., a family dentist and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association (ADA). Still, plenty of products claim to keep teeth healthy with less effort. Which ones work, and which are just mouthing off? FLOSSING DEVICES WHAT THEY ARE: Interdental cleaners that shoot water or mouthwash between teeth, like floss without the string. WHAT WE KNOW: Cleaning between teeth at least once a day is crucial for preventing bacteria-filled plaque from…

ACTIVE 20 MIN. TOTAL 40 MIN. SERVES 4 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for ramekins1 medium onion, sliced5 oz baby spinach1 14.5-oz can whole tomatoes, chopped1 tsp ground cumin½ tsp sweet paprika Kosher salt and pepper2 tsp hot sauce (optional)4 large eggs¼ cup crumbled feta cheese 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Grease four 10-oz ramekins. Heat oil in medium saucepan on medium-high. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 min. Add spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2 min. Remove from heat. 2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, cumin, paprika, 1 tsp each salt and pepper, and hot sauce, if using. Add onion-spinach mixture and mix to combine. Divide among ramekins. 3. Crack 1 egg into center of each ramekin, then sprinkle on feta. Bake…

Sometimes a calm bedtime routine can prevent problems before your kiddo even lies down for the night. “When caregivers express frustration or concerns about their child’s sleep, it’s often very helpful to take a look at the evening routine first,” says Rachel Busman, Psy.D., senior director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Try her tips below to ensure that your child settles in for a restful night. CREATE A ROUTINE. “Consistency signals to your child ‘These are the things I do before bed,’” explains Busman. For little ones, this may involve a bath, stories, and cuddling. Older kids still benefit from knowing what’s expected but may need less parental attention, notes Busman. BE DIRECT. “Saying ‘Go to bed’ might mean different things to different kids,” says…

We promise you can kick this habit, but “don’t expect to do so overnight,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “Like any habit, it requires commitment to overcome.” Because chronically gnawing at your skin can make nails weak and brittle and even boost your risk of infection, start now with these expert-approved strategies: KEEP NAILS NEAT Filing your nails short or getting regular manicures makes your digits look pretty—and you’re likely to want to keep them that way “because you’ve spent money on them,” says Dr. Nazarian. Another tip: Apply hand cream often so you’ll have fewer dry bits to pick at or chew on. TRY A BITTER TREATMENT Certain nail treatments taste bitter (like, really bitter) after they’re applied, so…

APRICOTS The fresh version of this fruit is tangy, juicy, and loaded with potassium to support healthy blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Apricots work in sweet and savory dishes—try adding them to a turkey and cheese panini or to meat and veggie kebabs, Stamm suggests. BROCCOLI RABE This dark leafy green is an Italian staple that has a slightly bitter taste and delivers strong doses of calcium and iron, both beneficial to bone strength and energy. “It’s excellent in hearty soups or stews,” says Stamm—or go traditional by sautéing it and tossing it with pasta. ASPARAGUS These tender stalks come in a rainbow of colors—green, white, purple. If you can find them, try all of them. All are high in fiber, but green asparagus also contains folate, which…

1|UNIVERSAL FACE WASH La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+, $15, drugstores This gentle foaming cleanser has a special ability to keep oil at bay without irritating sensitive skin. It packs rich shea butter and calming niacinamide (vitamin B3) while ditching harsh soaps and fragrances. 2|RESTORING SERUM Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum, $23, drugstores Serum in an unconventional form, this “pressed” formula maintains a thicker consistency, helping repair skin while you sleep. Franzino points to its “rich, bouncy texture” and “gold standard” moisturizing agents, which work extra hard to relieve parched patches when sealed in with your go-to night cream. 3|WEIGHTLESS MOISTURIZER EltaMD AM Therapy, $35, dermstore.com Dr. Levin backs this product because it is “super lightweight, but has great moisturizing ingredients,” including niacinamide to help soothe redness and hyaluronic acid to…

1| MOISTURIZING HAIR MASK Verb Hydrating Mask, $18, sephora.com A mask that fights dryness, tames frizz, and repairs damage all at once? Believe it. Work it through damp hair, let it sit, and rinse away for shinier, softer strands that are much easier to style. 2| FRIZZ-FIGHTING SERUM Kérastase Paris Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, $56, kerastase-usa.com This dry-hair savior is “the perfect way to condition while you sleep,” says Garcia-Planck, so you wake up with smoother strands instead of tangles and frizz. Just comb a pump through dry or damp hair before bed, then wash and condition the next day for best results. 3| VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO L’Oréal Paris Ever-Pure Volume Shampoo, $8, drugstores If you want an affordable shampoo with salon-quality results, this is the one to try. “It…

62% of people treated for acne are grown-ups, and two-thirds of patients are female. Some women who never had acne while younger develop their first breakouts as adults. Just when you thought your pimple-popping days were over—yikes!—you wake up to an angry red splotch on your chin. Good morning—you’ve got adult acne. Blemishes arise when oil and dead skin cells clog pores. Fluctuating hormones can also stimulate oil glands and cause flare-ups, which is why women often experience acne linked to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. And stress can trigger outbreaks in both men and women. “We’re seeing even more acne during the pandemic due to stress and from wearing masks,” says Susan Massick, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Keep wearing those…

Chugging coffee number four or ransacking the pantry to deal with the 3 p.m. snack attack…whatever your afternoon power-up is, we all need something to get through those late hours of the day. But guzzling caffeine or snarfing sweets provides only a quick jolt of energy. Long-lasting zip is achieved with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein, which combine to provide the nutrients your body needs for energy as well as the digestion support to help your body use them properly. “Consistency with meal timing is important” to ensure that energy stores are constantly filled, says Yasi Ansari, M.S., R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Try to eat meals and snacks three to four hours apart to help maintain your…

SLEEP SABOTEUR Nightmares Occasional nightmares are common, especially for newly imaginative 3- to 6-year-olds. For older kids, stress (like test anxiety or watching a scary movie) and being overtired can spur nightmares. “Sleep deprivation increases the chance of longer periods of REM sleep the following night, which can up the number and the intensity of dreams,” says W. Kyle Mudd, D.O., a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s in Akron, OH. Adequate rest means 10 to 13 hours (including naps) for 3- to 5-year-olds and nine to 12 hours for 6- to 12-year-olds. Also, try to keep the 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime easy-breezy, with no upsetting shows, stories, or conversations. “You might even want to have your child create a dream box filled with pleasant dream ideas to go…

One type doesn’t fit all If you see pet food designed for different life stages, that’s legit. Just as you wouldn’t feed your baby a steak, puppies and kittens shouldn’t eat the same food formulation as adult animals, explains Heidi Cooley, D.V.M., of Banfield Pet Hospital. Your pet’s activity level, unique medical needs, and lifestyle all play a role in which food is best. Couch potatoes may need less calorie-dense food than working dogs, and pets with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or allergies may need specially formulated food too. Bring a list of the food and treats your pet eats to each vet visit so you can discuss whether it’s time to switch. Look for the “AAFCO statement” The fact that a pet food is cheaper doesn’t mean that…