Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2021 i Men's Health

TUNE IN TO FUEL-UP WITH: LUKE COUTINHO With 3 bestsellers and named one of 500 “most influential people in Asia” by the NY Press Agency, Luke joins us from his home in India. He is a holistic lifestyle coach globally known for his approach to Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine. Learn the 4 pillars of wellbeing that blend Eastern and Western thoughts and practices. Friday, August 6, 2021 10:00 am PDT / 7:00 pm CEST 6:00 pm BST / 10:30 pm IST SCOTT M. SMITH, PhD Nutritionist, Manager for Nutritional Biochemistry at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Determining the specifific nutritional needs for space exploration, Dr. Smith is one of the few people on the planet whose work ranges from Antarctica to Outer Space. Friday, September 3, 2021 10:00 am PDT…

“At this point, does it MAKE SENSE to seek jobs with a prerequisite of WFH THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME?” —@drsujol WAIT, WHAT’S THAT? I can’t hear you over the din of the hornet’s nest you just kicked. As I’m writing this, it’s early August, and between the low Covid-19 vaccination numbers (and the resulting high infection rates) in some parts of the country, the spread of the Delta variant, the confusion over who should be wearing a mask and when (and where!), and the Mars-Venus divide between the Work from Home Forever crowd and the Return to the Office ASAP contingent, it’s safe to say that “at this point,” we still have a few noisy things to clear up about our so-called post-Covid lives. Including what each of us…

MEN’S HEALTH MVP members have access to the best health and fitness articles out there. Each month, we survey our MVPs and choose one whose story catches our eye. Sign up at join.menshealth.com and you could see yourself here one day. How rugby changed my life I was 30, roughly 320 pounds, and the poster child for being unhealthy. Through rugby, I learned I liked being active. I’m down to 193 pounds. My fitness goals this year To PR my front squat at 3 x 150 pounds or more, my back squat at 3 x 215 pounds or more, and my deadlift at 1 x 300 pounds or more. What you’ll always find in my gym bag Nobull trainers, TWL Karbon grips, a jump rope, Griptek gym-chalk block, WODBalm Tear…

INSIDE A PROCESSING PLANT once used for dairy production in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, a machine hoists a cloth sack holding 2,200 pounds of pea flour and slices it open, releasing a plume of pastel-yellow powder that descends into the hopper. This is one of the least noisy rooms in an extremely busy facility, says Melanie Sumiec, a process engineer at Puris who is leading a virtual tour of the plant. That powder, which comes from yellow split peas that have been hulled and ground, is now on a conveyor belt headed to a different section of the plant for its final transformation: isolating the precious protein powder that makes up the fake burgers, vegan shakes, and protein-packed, muscle-building snacks that are invading supermarket shelves now. The pea-protein market is already…

IF YOUR joints don’t feel good, you don’t feel good. That’s because there are about 300 of these connection points in your body, and many of them depend on one another. Yes, genetics shape the strength of your cartilage (the stuff that cushions joints), but there’s still plenty you can do to stabilize, fortify, and pain-proof your joints. Here’s how Brett Toresdahl, M.D., 37, does it. YES, RUN I regularly run the two miles home from work. It doesn’t wreck my knees. In fact, it may help them. Some studies show that running may have some positive effects for joints, if your cartilage and alignment are healthy. That said, the more old trauma there is, the harder it is for our bodies to adapt appropriately. So if something hurts, get…

WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE—those blurry, bleary, chaotic mornings when we curse ourselves for not going to bed earlier or not getting up earlier. But what if it’s possible not only to make morning the best part of your day but to actually own it? Owning your morning isn’t about rising earlier than you usually do. It’s about using the first few hours after you wake up as a warmup that will prime you for all the twists and turns—and possibilities—in a day. No matter what your current beginning-of-the-day routine looks like (and whatever time “beginning” is for you), you have the power to transform it into a healthier, happier experience. “A solid morning routine offers you control and peace of mind,” says Mary Kelly, Ph.D., the CEO of Productive Leaders.…

MOST OF US used to live two very distinct lives. There was Work You and Home You. We became whoever served us best upon arrival—even if we complained about the journey. But if you were one of the 70 percent of Americans who worked from home in April 2020, or even part of the 51 percent from earlier this year, you might actually be missing your commute—or at least missing the mental-health benefits of your commute that you may not have even recognized before. A commute can be a calming ritual that reduces anxiety and helps you be more productive or relaxed, according to researchers from Harvard, the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Zurich. Just thinking about the tasks ahead can lead to…

FOR MOST OF the past decade, Billy Eichner has operated at breakneck speed. “I have a very full, chaotic life,” he says. Eichner has filled that life with work—writing, pitching, acting, auditioning, producing, and screaming at strangers on his madcap game show, Billy on the Street—rarely taking a minute to breathe. So there was some panic when, four weeks before he was set to begin shooting Bros, a star vehicle for Eichner that he’d written with Nicholas Stoller and that Judd Apatow was producing, all production in Hollywood ground to a halt. But as he begrudgingly settled into quarantine, Eichner discovered something more productive: peace. “I remember in those first few weeks of Covid, I went back and I watched Groundhog Day and Broadcast News,” he says. “I was able…

THERAGUN THERABODY WAVE DUO “Sitting is awful for our health, and IT bands get tight,” says MH advisor Drew Ramsey, Ph.D. Whenever you need a break, three to five minutes on this Bluetooth-connected roller with five different vibration levels can fix that. $99; theragun.com EMBER MUG This app-controlled mug has a warming system that keeps your beverage at your chosen temperature. So you’ll never have to slurp cold coffee again. From $100; ember.com CUSHION LAB BACK RELIEF LUMBAR PILLOW This easily packable pad relieves back pressure and supports your posture in any seat, from the office to your car or sofa. $64; thecushionlab.com VICTURE WI-FI CAMERA Relax and keep an eye on your pandemic pup’s home life with this 360 degree camera featuring two-way audio, noise and motion detection, and…

7:00 A.M. GET UPBEAT AND AT ’EM Stress can cause you to reach for junk at breakfast. So kick things off with a mellow, positive vibe. “Graceland Too,” by Phoebe Bridgers “My Sweet Lord,” by George Harrison “Fireman,” by Katy Kirby 12:00 P.M. FIND YOUR MIDDAY MOJO Tune in to some relaxing, immersive music to slow your heart rate and help you take a much-needed breather. “Bonny Light Horseman,” by Bonny Light Horseman “Not in Our Stars,” by William Tyler “My Little Brown Book,” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane 3:00 P.M. AMP YOUR AFTERNOON Higher-BPM jams will get your heart rate jumping. “Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix),” by Tame Impala “All My Life,” by Foo Fighters “Levitating (Don Diablo Remix),” by Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby 6:00 P.M. SET A…

TRY A HEARTY SALAD IN A JAR, says Moore. Build it from the bottom up: Start with a vinaigrette, then add chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers. Add feta to the top for a salty, tangy finish. Close, and shake when ready to eat. REINVENT YOUR SANDWICH. Slapping protein and a salad’s worth of greens between whole-grain bread works well, too: Try sliced turkey or canned tuna, topped with sprouts, cucumbers, leafy greens, avocado, and tomato. MAKE A HEALTHY CHEESE BOARD, says Harbstreet. Go with hard cheeses like cheddar and Gouda and a soft cheese like cottage. Pair pita bread or crispy crackers with jerky or low-sodium deli meats. Then toss in pistachios and blueberries.…

BRAIN HEALTH: P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D. CARDIOLOGY: John Elefteriades, M.D. Foluso Fakorede, M.D. David Wolinsky, M.D. DERMATOLOGY: Brian Capell, M.D., Ph.D. Corey L. Hartman, M.D. Adnan Nasir, M.D., Ph.D. EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Jedidiah Ballard, D.O. Italo M. Brown, M.D., M.P.H. Robert Glatter, M.D. ENDOCRINOLOGY Sandeep Dhindsa, M.D. EXERCISE SCIENCE: Martin Gibala, Ph.D. Mark Peterson, Ph.D., C.S.C.S.*D Brad Schoenfeld, Ph.D., C.S.C.S. The Daily is a staple, or the Prof G Pod. GASTROENTEROLOGY: Felice Schnoll-Sussman, M.D. INTEGRATIVE HEALTH: Brenda Powell, M.D. INTERNAL MEDICINE: Keith Roach, M.D. MENTAL HEALTH: Gregory Scott Brown, M.D. Thomas Joiner, Ph.D. Avi Klein, L.C.S.W. Drew Ramsey, M.D. NUTRITION: Dezi Abeyta, R.D.N. Chris Mohr, Ph.D., R.D. Brian St. Pierre, R.D., C.S.C.S. The Dr. John Berardi Show is my go-to podcast. I listen while walking my two dogs. PAIN MEDICINE: Paul…

Q How do you know when you should quit your job? A Ask yourself: Is the job worth your investment? Most challenging jobs come with stress; it’s the level of stress you need to be mindful of. Are you gaining weight or losing your appetite? Are you losing interest in hobbies, lacking motivation, or easily angered? (Burnout can look like depression.) Are you developing unhealthy habits, like eating more sugary foods, drinking more, and avoiding friends? All of this could be a sign that you’re under too much stress. Next, ask yourself: Are things likely to get better soon? If there’s no hope for the stress turning into gains (a promotion, a better job down the line, a respite after a project), it might not be worth “toughing it out.”…

DIRECTIONS: Do this full workout 2 to 3 times weekly. On all other days, do 3 sets of 10 pushups and 3 sets of 10 dumbbell rows. Once a week, go for a 20-minute walk or run. WARMUP WALKOUT TO SPIDERMAN LUNGE Stand (a), then put your hands on the floor (b). Walk them out into pushup position (c), keeping your core tight. Tighten your left glute and shift your right foot to outside your right hand (d). Return to pushup position, repeat on the other side, then walk your hands back to standing. Repeat the pattern for 40 seconds, then rest 20 seconds. Do 3 sets. WORKOUT DIRECTIONS: Do 3 sets of each exercise. Do 12 reps in the first set, 10 reps in the second, and 8 reps…

WHAT IT IS Unlike many popular weight-loss programs, the Military Diet doesn’t prohibit broad food groups. For the first three days, you eat between 1,200 and 1,500 calories a day, spread out over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The next four days “off,” it’s recommended that you stick to 1,600 calories a day, and you’re encouraged to eat healthfully. THE PROMISE The Military Diet leads to significant weight loss—up to ten pounds a week—and all you have to do is count calories. The name (wrongly) implies that it has been used to help U. S. soldiers get into shape quickly and that it’s proven in the field. WHAT YOU CAN’T HAVE Snacks and booze, to help keep calories low. But artificial sweeteners are also banned, because—and this is according to proponents…

Clip It First Wahl Elite Pro hair-clipper kit, $60 “Use adjustable clippers to cut your hair down as short as possible without shaving the surface.” Work your way down to the lowest setting (no guard) to create a close-cropped starting point. Shave Smarter Gillette Planet KIND starter kit, $20 “Prep your head with shaving cream and start a wet shave with a cartridge razor.” Go with the grain, not against it, to avoid irritating your fresh skin. Prevent Bumps Jack Black Bump Fix Acne, Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution, $27 “Ingrown hairs can be a problem when you shave your head,” particularly if you have curly, coily, or thick hair. Try a post-shave balm that loosens clogs and soothes swelling. Apply regularly. Hydration Is Key Shea Moisture Tea Tree…

For the Office You want something that’s warm enough to fight off the AC (why is it always on?) without causing mid-meeting sweats. An Armani Exchange sweater (1) is made of stretchy cotton, so it moves with you, but it’s thin enough that you never feel stifled. Throw on a blazer (2) and bring an unlined, lightweight raincoat (3) for your commute home. Raincoat ($140) by Baxter Wood; suit jacket ($220) and sweater ($85) by Armani Exchange; pants ($248) by Boss; T-shirt ($35) by J.Crew; watch ($325) by Citizen. For the Weekend Who has the time to change when you have things to do? Dress for a morning workout in a technical long-sleeved tee (1) and stretch fleece joggers—all you need is a colorful hoodie (2) for your post-gym meal.…

DO THE WORST CHORE EARLY IN THE WEEKEND Knock out your have-to-do-it-but-really-don’t-want-to chores first thing on a Saturday morning. “Tackling your most dreaded tasks as soon as possible will give you a feeling of success early in the weekend and prevent anticipatory anxiety from stealing joy over those two days,” says Katherine King, Psy.D., an assistant professor of clinical psychology at William James College. PLOT OUT YOUR WEEK Proactive Sunday-evening calendar management is one of the best ways to own the following Monday morning. A key: Develop the skill of figuring out how long tasks actually take, and slot them in realistic time frames. For me, knowing that writing and editing need uninterrupted blocks of time helps me look out for myself so I don’t get overbooked with meetings and…

RETURNING TO in-person work may feel exciting, overwhelming, annoying, who knows. Personally, anytime I’m feeling sensory overload—and I live in New York City, so this happens often—I do this very simple meditation based on a single word: and. There’s no need to sit cross-legged, close your eyes, relax—none of that. Just be right where you are, eyes open, in the midst of the stress and overwhelm and noise and crazy, and feel your chest rise and fall with one single breath. Realize that both of these things are happening: both the craziness and the simple feeling of being in this body, breathing, in this moment. You’re here; it’s now. Stuff is buzzing around and the mind is awake and aware. There can be a moment of stillness even in the…

STAGE YOUR COMEBACK Your home “office” was just the right temperature and you could play tunes as loud as you wanted. A few personal items can make any work zone feel like home. “A framed picture of my mother and myself. We lost her in August 2020 due to a long battle with cancer. I remember the great things about my past while also looking towards my future.” Josh Vervack, San Diego, CA “Coffee mugs. Virtual races have been all in on these in the gift bags. I have a collection that’s not welcome in the house, meaning they don’t match.” Brent Davies, Toronto, ON “I brought a lamp into my office from home with a warm white lightbulb. I feel much more relaxed and at ease in the morning.”…

Has working from home shown us how to be more productive? People are realizing the importance of little breaks throughout the day. If you’re an Olympic athlete training your body, or you’re a knowledge worker focusing on a spreadsheet, the sweet spot for work is between 30 and 90 minutes, followed by breaks of five to 30 minutes. It’s almost like interval training. How can we treat work like interval training in an office? Instead of one-hour meetings, schedule 50-minute meetings. Instead of 30-minute meetings, schedule 20-minute meetings. Use these ten-minute periods to take a walk around the office. Do the stairs once or twice. Listen to music. It doesn’t have to be physical. What are some other productivity hacks? Power naps work for some people, absolutely. Do we have…

SQUATS AT YOUR DESK? KINDA. Making work its own workout can burn an extra 800 calories per day, says trainer Joey Thurman, C.P.T., author of 365 Health & Fitness Hacks That Could Save Your Life. *According to the Compendium of Physical Activities, using 200 pounds (the average U. S. man’s weight) as the baseline. INCHWORM TO SCORPION STRETCH Place your hands on the floor and gradually shift into pushup position. Lower your chest to the floor, then lift your left leg in the air and reach it over to your right side, twisting your hips as you do. Aim to touch your left leg to the floor. Reverse the leg movement and repeat on the other side. Do 3 to 5 reps to fire up your core and loosen your…

MANY PEOPLE may feel “a bit lost” and “unsettled” as they transition back to the office, says Darcy Gruttadaro, the director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health. But you’ve got this. And in case you have any doubt, Men’s Health asked more than 100 MH MVPs—our term for the subscribers to our exclusive membership program, which provides access to premium videos and workouts and expert advice—for their own return-to-work mantras. (Read the rest of their answers on MensHealth.com.) Here are three of the greatest to remember—and repeat as needed: “I can do anything from anywhere.” Christopher Simone, Portland, OR “Don’t go back just to have things be as they were before; go for better.” Scott J. Clark, Oshawa, ON “Stick to the schedule and leave ‘work’ at ‘work.’” Ken…

What We Missed the Most “Having a structured ‘lunch hour’ is much better for my diet than an ‘I’ll eat something in the afternoon when I’m hungry’ approach.” Michael Walsh, Avon Lake, OH What We’ll Happily Leave Behind “Constantly riding the mute and video-off buttons to keep a screaming naked baby from interrupting my call.” Joseph Juhnke, Chicago, IL The Best Part of Work-Life Separation “Home will feel more like home.” Keith Johnson, Lipan, TX For additional answers to these questions and more, head to MensHealth.com.…

On page 76, we dive into something we’ve gotten quite familiar with: working from home. So we asked on Twitter, What’s one WFH habit you hope to keep forever? Washing of my hands regularly or should I say religiously.@cobsgee Not shaking hands…@mbeachbum Cold showers, meditation, yoga and reading…@krisplonsky Checking on people I haven’t heard from and asking if they are ok or need anything. Instead of a #gratitudelist I make a “who can I help?” list.@robbeeej Gallon of water a day & fasting 24 hours once a week.@breakingtad Running 2-3 miles a day. Don’t know why it took a pandemic for me to decide to start running again but@SJPCLE Slow down and read the whole page, post, letter, article etc.@WMApache14…

I told @menshealthmag I’m repping for ALL the 4 Pack Muthafuckas in the World who Drink & Smoke Everyday!! LIFE IS ABOUT BALANCE!! Men’s Health Mag New Issue Out NOW! Link in my Bio @ludacris Caption of the year right here! But I see 6 my G! Keep raising the bar on the over 40 group! @davidalexander Strong as hell! @jordanabrewster @scotteastwood Everything Ludacris had said… is how I feel too. Hate working out, but the benefits pay off. Be strong mentally and that’ll make you strong physically. TH Collect “You can never run outta eggs.” That’s the truth. Marvin Kelley “If you fart, you break yourself out of ketosis.” Moleen M…

TRAINING YOUR MAJOR muscle groups regularly is hard enough. The last thing you have time to do is train the little guys—your rotator cuffs, your hip stabilizers, and your external obliques—that support your main core muscles. But what if you could target these neglected muscle groups while still blasting major ones like your chest, back, and legs, too? Finish off your next workout with some “chaos band training” and you can pull that off. And sure, this emerging trend looks like a #gymfail waiting to happen. But it’s a chance to force every muscle in your body to work as one as you battle an unstable, unpredictable resistance band. Chaos band training works by integrating classic resistance bands into basic moves—except the bands aren’t providing resistance. In some moves (such…

THREE YEARS AGO, New York City physician Abraham Aragones, M.D., did two things he thought he would never do: He got divorced from his wife of 14 years, and he got a vaccination to protect himself from HPV. Dr. Aragones, then 41, had dedicated the previous 15 years of his career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to promoting vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). That’s the rampant virus that’s generally spread via skin-to-skin contact during unprotected sex and is linked to multiple kinds of head, neck, and genital cancers in men. Until his marriage ended, he didn’t think he needed the shot. He’d been with the same partner, after all. But with divorce came reentry into the dating pool and the realization that he could easily become part of…

MICHAEL JORDAN is an iconic power bald. So are Shrek and RuPaul. These trailblazers from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and style shaved the way for a whole crew of men who are glistening in glory right now. Drummer Travis Barker is the tattooed power bald squiring Kourtney Kardashian. Stanley Tucci is the elegant power bald at the center of CNN’s Searching for Italy. Don’t forget the bald-domination film franchise Fast & Furious, whose hairless heroes include Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, and Vin Diesel—with Gibson and Diesel shining again in F9. Even singer and former Voice coach Adam Levine recently adopted the no-hair-as-self-care look. Welcome to the world of power balds, a harried yet hairless community in a state of transition. For the uninitiated, power bald is a surging…

THE EXPERT: PAUL KITA is the food and nutrition editor of Men’s Health and the author of the cookbook A Man, a Pan, a Plan. 1 SEASON THE STEAK Liberally season both sides of a 1-inch-thick steak (T-bone, strip, whatever—the technique works with them all) with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Like several big pinches of each seasoning on each side. Some of this S&P will fall off in the pan, and because the steak is thick you won’t be able to season the meat all the way through anyway. 2 GET FLIPPIN’ HAPPY Heat the pan on high. When it begins to smoke, add 1 Tbsp canola oil and swirl. Add the steak and sear, flipping every minute, for a total of about 6 minutes for medium rare.…

YOUR PROBLEM: Back and chest acne CAUSE: Just like the pimples on your face, pustules on your body are caused by excess oils collecting in your pores, which then attract bacteria called P. acnes and result in whiteheads—and more bacteria. “It’s a vicious cycle,” says W. Elliot Love, D.O., a North Carolina–based dermatologist. Sweat, oil, hormone fluctuations, and even irritation from your clothes rubbing can cause blockages that lead to zits. SOLUTION: Start by washing your body with a benzoyl peroxide body wash, especially right after you work out or play sports. “Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial, but it also helps break down clogs,” says Dr. Love. Then apply a retinoid to the pimply area daily until it clears up. Retinoids help reset your skin cells’ cycle to release clogs and…

Many of us turn to screens for relaxation, but digital engagement can be a hidden source of stress, says Chris Bailey, author of Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction. The worst faux recovery options: CHECKING THE NEWS “The news is designed to be engaging enough to keep you watching, but that often means it’s anxiety provoking—the last thing most of us need in the middle of a stressful workday,” says Bailey. BINGE-WATCHING ANYTHING An episode or two of Forged in Fire can distract your tired brain and keep you entertained. But hours of it can interfere with sleep, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine that found an association between frequent binge-viewing, poor sleep quality, and increased fatigue. “The one indispensable…

DIRECTIONS: Do this as a circuit, keeping rest between sets minimal and using light to medium weights. Do 3 rounds. Rest 60 seconds between each round. UNDERHAND BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS Sit on a bench, holding a barbell at your shoulders with an underhand grip. Without arching your back, straighten your arms, pressing the weight over your head. Pause, then lower it back to the start. That’s 1 rep; do 15. PULLUP Hang from a bar using an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Pull up until your chin is nearly even with the bar. Lower. That’s 1 rep; do 10 to 12. Struggling? Do as many as you can, return to the floor, take a breath, then do more reps. INCLINE-ANGLE CLOSE-GRIP PUSHUP Get in pushup position, hands…

“Instead of commuting, I started running each morning before work. I’ve dropped 30 pounds. Now that I’m back at the office, I am continuing my morning runs.” Tim Anderson, Norwalk, CT “I started making my daughter pancakes for breakfast. It made me feel so good to make her happy. Now I make a batch Sunday night and heat some up each day [so they’re] fresh.” Christopher Beardsley, Blue Bell, PA “Writing in my journal: I’ve found that I have better clarity to reflect on the previous day in the morning, to help me think through what accomplishments or challenges I got done.” Bill George, Raleigh, NC…

YOU’VE ALREADY proved you can work smarter and remain productive. To avoid getting sucked back into always-on mode, here are nine work-life hacks that we use in the Men’s Health office. 1. Keep your work calendar updated, including blocks of time for heads-down work. Less “free time” equals fewer time sucks. 2. Set your phone’s alarm for the scheduled end time of any meeting that might run over. When it goes off, it will signal that time is up, alerting the meeting organizer in a way that won’t blow back on you. 3. If you get an hour for lunch, stop working for an hour and recharge! The workday is a marathon, not a sprint. 4. Set a hard leave time by booking a workout class or joining a carpool.…

You Have Long Hair Now Shape and control your mane with a styling cream. It gives you structure, hold, and flow. Try This: Fellow Styling Cream, $25 You’ve Gone Gray Lean into the distinguished salt-and-pepper look with a gray-highlighting pomade. Try This: Oribe Silverati Illuminating Pomade, $39 You’ve Become a Beard Guy Smooth your scruff by working beard oil through your whiskers and into the skin below. Try This: Jack Black Beard Oil, $26 Your Skin Is Looking a Little Tired Perk it up with a sheet mask to exfoliate and hydrate. Try This: HeTime Revitalizing & Hydrating Sheet Mask, $6 You Grew a Beard, but You’re Over It First, trim it to stubble. You’ll see your face again and reduce irritation when you shave it off. Try This: Panasonic Precision Power Beard, Mustache and…

Sony WH-1000XM4 You’re paying for high-tech noise cancellation, plus smart features like speak-to-chat technology and adaptive sound control. All with enough battery life for a full day of work. $350; amazon.com Embrava Blynclight This beacon syncs with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack to show if you’re on a call or in a virtual meeting. Or just use it as an obvious “do not disturb” signal. $50; embrava.com Amazon Echo Frames These smart glasses have a blue-light filter to reduce eyestrain, so you can focus on your screen longer, and audio capabilities that’ll let you take a call without messing with a headset. $270; amazon.com The Noisli App Career coach Stacey Staaterman suggests white noise to tune out distractions. She likes Noisli because its natural sounds (river, rain, wind) increase engagement…

BALANCE CHO AND PRO Combine carbs and protein for long-lasting energy, says Marisa Moore, R.D.N., an integrative dietitian. Mix roasted, lightly salted sunflower seeds and dried blueberries in a small jar for a snack that’s sweet, salty, and crunchy. Bonus: The unsaturated fats in the seeds will keep you feeling full. HAVE A MINI MEAL A favorite of Cara Harbstreet, R.D., of Street Smart Nutrition, is protein and omega-3-rich tuna or salmon (StarKist makes packaged versions) spread on sliced cucumbers or mini bell peppers. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for a tiny yet protein-packed meal. MAKE LUNCHABLES Jordan Mazur, R.D., director of nutrition for the San Francisco 49ers, suggests these key ingredients: shredded rotisserie chicken for lean protein; pistachios, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried tart cherries, and dark chocolate chips…

VINO UNDERWOOD PINOT GRIS (13% ABV) This crisp, crushable canned wine hails from Oregon, which has become a haven for small-scale wineries focused on craft and sustainability. BEER BREWDOG ELVIS AF NON-ALCOHOLIC GRAPEFRUIT IPA (0.5% ABV) Skeptical about near beer? We were, too, until we tried this hoppy, zesty NA alternative that won’t make you miss the “real” thing. COCKTAIL DOGFISH HEAD DISTILLERY CHERRY BERGAMOT WHISKEY SOUR (7% ABV) Tart but not grimace inducing, this low-octane cocktail can be its own adventurous conversation starter.…

It was winter 2015, and Diane Cotter was in the cellar, tearing through boxes. Upstairs, the inside of the tidy southern New Hampshire home she shares with her husband, Paul, is something of a shrine to firefighting—Paul’s commendations on the armoire, photos, boxes of swag and mementos accumulated from a lifetime on the rescue truck in Worcester, Massachusetts. But Paul’s firefighting gear was packed away in the cellar. It was too hard to look at. Even at 55, Paul was in top physical shape. Thick and barrel shaped, with close-cropped hair, he is a bear of a man. At his peak, he could deadlift 495 pounds, and he liked to boast, in his heavy Worcester accent, that he was one of only two guys in the firehouse who could climb…

STOPPED MICROWAVING ALL PLASTIC. Heating certain food containers and wrappers is a great way to leach PFASs right into your food, says Linda Birnbaum, a retired U. S. government toxicologist. She also brings glass containers to restaurants for takeout. FILTER ALL THEIR WATER AT HOME. Up to 110 million Americans may have PFAS-contaminated water, but filtering helps. Reverse osmosis systems are best at removing these contaminants, but some pitchers with a charcoal filter can also be effective. Ask your municipal water district for PFAS test results, suggests the University of Arizona’s Jeff Burgess, M.D., so you know what you’re dealing with. STOPPED BUYING WATERPROOF CLOTHES. Totally water-repellent clothes contain higher amounts of PFASs. Look for “water resistant” instead, Birnbaum says, or apply wax-based waterproofing to your boots the way your…