Prevention April 2025

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD THAT? Whenever it was, I’m sure you could use an appreciation booster shot. I sometimes feel that way—we’re all expected to do waaaay too much, and we don’t tend to thank people for things we expect. But still… That’s why, on behalf of Prevention, I’d like to pull you into a giant (pretend) group hug in appreciation of the community you—our curious, skeptical, wise readers—inject with new energy every day. I’m Stephanie, and I head up the crack team that cranks out this magazine each month. Nothing makes us more jazzed than to help you parse the often complex, scary, or bogus health info being beamed into our brains via our devices. But the magazine is only one part of Prevention—prevention.com, led by Digital…

Mother Nature is good to us in so many ways, and we owe her big. To return the favor this Earth Month, consider contributing to the butterfly effect, or the idea that simple actions can have significant and far-reaching consequences. A few ways to flutter your wings: Buy products in biodegradable, recycled (and recyclable) packaging; walk, pedal, or scoot instead of driving whenever possible; conserve water; and volunteer in a community green space. WRITE DOWN THREE EARTH-FRIENDLY ACTIONS YOU PLAN TO TAKE THIS MONTH:…

HAVE A LAUGH. April is National Humor Month, a great excuse to seek out hilarity. Laughter can boost mood and mental health in the short term, and consistent cackling can relieve pain and improve immunity. Spread giggles: Tell jokes, share amusing videos, or reminisce with friends about crazy-funny experiences. MOVE YOUR BODY. Celebrate the end of sitting season by spending just an extra five minutes a day doing moderate to vigorous physical activity; research suggests that this may help lower blood pressure. Walking is an excellent way to lean into physical activity—if you’d like to spice up your regular routine, flip to page 36 for fun ways to rack up steps. GET DOWN AND DIRTY. Science shows that gardening can help relieve stress and keep you moving. Cultivating a bed of…

1 Women have a much higher risk of getting an autoimmune disorder than men. A True B False 2 What’s a known cause of autoimmune disease? A Family history B Environment C Infections D All of the above 3 Hair loss, joint pain, weight gain, and mood swings can be symptoms of: A Autoimmune disease B Perimenopause C Both D Neither 4 Autoimmune disorders are relatively rare. A True B False Which of these is an autoimmune disease? A Type 1 diabetes B Celiac disease C Multiple sclerosis D All of the above TURN THE PAGE FOR ANSWERS. ANSWERS 1 FOUR OF EVERY FIVE PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH AN AUTO IMMUNE DISEASE ARE FEMALE. “There’s no scientific conclusion about how hormones may predispose women to autoimmune diseases. For some, like lupus, research shows that the X chromosome could be a factor,” says Felipe Andrade, M.D., an associate…

■ Each of us has a collection of daily habits that drive us, and there’s always room to tack on more. “A healthy lifestyle is a foundation. It supports every aspect of our lives, enabling us to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. By making conscious choices today, we pave the way for a happier, healthier tomorrow,” says Vaughn Gray, NASM-CPT, a wellness expert and personal trainer in New York City. “It’s all about balance and finding what works best for you.” Here, inspiration straight from experts. Stretch more. It feels incredible and has tons of body benefits. “Stretching can improve your flexibility and posture to reduce the risk of injury and alleviate muscle tension, and it helps increase blood flow to promote recovery after exercise,” says Gray. Make it part…

JUKEBOX SOAP You’ll feel lusciously clean and smell awesome when you lather up with soap from Jukebox. The soaps are handmade using the traditional cold-process method, and sustainably sourced ingredients include moisturizing standouts like coconut and shea butter as well as essential oils and natural fragrances. Have fun with a fruity soap like Watermelon Disco or Mango No.5, or get lost in the nature vibes of Lavender Fields Forever or Sky Blue Malibu. ($7, myjukebox.com) CLIF FAMILY NUTS Snack greener by reaching for appetite-satisfying nut mixes from Clif Family. The brand shows its commitment to reducing its planetary impact through efforts like sustainable production and regenerative farming. Our favorites: Tamari Glazed Mixed Nuts and Hot Honey Cashews and Peanuts. (From $9, cliffamily.com) GRAZA OLIVE OIL Known for its popular squeeze…