Prevention December 2025

WE’RE ALSO BIG ON HISTORY. When I was melting down about getting my shots as a kid, my mother painted a picture for me of her circumscribed childhood before the polio vaccine became available in 1955. To my mom as a teen, the transcendent miracle of the vaccine (aside from its sparing countless children from paralysis) was that it meant my grandma Pauline could stop being a hypervigilant, panicked Jewish mother and go back to being merely an overprotective, catastrophizing Jewish mother. As we know, though, catastrophes do happen. COVID-19 was one. Few of us in New York City will forget the freezer trucks that served as overflow morgues. When the vaccine became available, I swear we could physically feel our neighbors’ gratitude for all the genius, money, effort, and love…

This winter, seek out your inner kid and have some fun. Make snow angels, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight with your little or not-so-little pals. Don’t live where it snows? Make a festive sandcastle (or a sand “snowman”), or break out a board game or a Twister set for some indoor silliness. The key is to be playful—adult playtime can be a boon for well-being, research shows, as it triggers the release of feel-good endorphins, fosters relaxation, and works the brain in a way that promotes cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, creativity, and more. WRITE DOWN THREE PLAYFUL ACTIVITIES YOU HAVE ENGAGED IN (OR WANT TO DO) THIS MONTH.…

BRING THE BLING. Decorating does more than fill your home with holiday cheer. Engaging in nostalgic activities like making homemade ornaments and lighting candles can increase optimism and self-esteem and foster social connections—all of which can give you a health boost. Adding festive outdoor touches like string lights and a pretty wreath can strengthen bonds with neighbors because it signals that you’re social and approachable. SIP SOME BLISS. Hot cocoa isn’t just a seasonal way to warm up. The flavanols in cocoa may improve blood flow, aid in cognitive function, and help lower blood pressure. To wield control over the sugar and maximize the goodness, skip premade packets and DIY a mug: Mix sweetener, unsweetened cocoa, and hot milk using a frother. SLEEP WITH THE SHEEPIES. A good night’s rest…

Pulling a beanie over your head isn’t the only way to deal with dull or damaged hair—your strands may just need some TLC. Follow these steps to achieve a stronger and healthier head of hair. Get a trim You don’t have to lop it all off, but this will eliminate split ends that could break and cause your hair to lose length, shine, volume, and smoothness. Wash it less often It depends on hair type, but unless your scalp is super greasy, washing your hair only two to three times a week is a good rule; this allows natural oils to penetrate your hair so it can hydrate and repair itself. Coating strands regularly with a silky deep conditioner or hair mask can also help prevent damage. Detangle right Hair…

CURRIED CHICKPEA EGG BAKE ON TOAST ACTIVE 10 MIN. TOTAL 45 MIN. PLUS RESTING SERVES 4 Nonstick cooking spray8 large eggs½ cup low-fat cottage cheese1 tsp curry powder Kosher salt and pepper1 15.5-oz can low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed3 scallions, white and light green parts finely chopped, dark greens thinly sliced3 cups watercress (tough stems discarded), roughly chopped and divided2 Tbsp mango chutney4 slices whole-grain bread, toasted Olive oil, for drizzling 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 8-by 8-in. baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line bottom with parchment paper, leaving overhang on 2 opposite sides. Lightly spray parchment. 2. In large bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese, curry powder, and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Place immersion blender on bottom of bowl, then blend on high until incorporated. Stir in…

The Goal Cycle through each position once; that’s one rep. Aim for five to 10 reps two to four days a week. Y POSITION 1 Stand up straight, arms at your sides, then bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips. 2 Slowly lift your arms to create a Y shape, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you do this, raising your arms as high as they’ll go. 3 Hold for a few seconds; return to start. T POSITION 1 Stand up straight with arms at your sides, then bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips. 2 Slowly lift your arms out to each side to create a T shape, again squeezing your shoulder blades together. 3 Hold for a few seconds; return to start. W POSITION…