Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2013 i Women's Health

Cooking Up Better Choices Growing up, I had zero interest in learning how to cook. To be fair, I was raised by a single, working mother, so it’s not like gourmet meals were being whipped up in our kitchen on a daily basis. But I wasn’t even interested in mastering the basics. Back then I equated cooking with domestic servitude—and I wasn’t about to fall prey to it. On nights my mom wasn’t around to make something, I was happy eating a bowl of cereal for dinner or hitting the drive-through for some McNuggets. In college, of course, there were the dining halls responsible for packing those infamous 15 pounds onto countless freshman frames, including mine. Later, when I moved to New York City, I boasted to friends about how…

Wake Up and Work Out We’re exercising every morning for 30 days as part of our #RiseAndGrind streak, starting May 1. Tweet us a photo or shout-out of your a.m. workout, and we’ll retweet or post our favorites online. WeWant Your Beach-Body Tips! Have a workout or eating plan that you swear by when shaping up for swimsuit season? Tweet your tips with the hashtag #WHBikiniBody and we’ll share the best online. Visit WomensHealthMag.com/BikiniBodyTweet for details. One Minute to Weight Loss (for Real) In the new book 60 Seconds to Slim (Rodale), Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D., shares one-minute strategies for slimming down. Her big finding? Eliminating acid-forming foods can help balance your body’s pH levels and burn fat in record time. Find more of her tips at WomensHealthMag.com/60SecondsToSlim. Katie and…

KILLER COMBO Here’s something to know before you eat a grapefruit: According to a recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, a group of chemicals in the tangy fruit—called furanocoumarins—can prevent certain medications from being broken down in the body. Too much can increase the potency of some drugs by 330 percent and may cause acute kidney failure, cardiac arrest, or even sudden death (yikes!). Currently, 85 meds are known to interact badly with as little as seven ounces of juice or one grapefruit a day—including some that treat cancer, infections, and cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders—so ask your doc or pharmacist if this citrus is off-limits.…

PLANNING MAKES PERFECT Spur-of-the-moment romantic trip? No, thanks. A recent British Airways survey found that 60 percent of women feared their significant other wouldn’t give them enough time to prepare for an impromptu excursion. Here, the numbers behind being ready for a “surprise” getaway. 3 SHOPPING TRIPSNEEDED TO FIND THAT IDEAL, CAREFREE VACATION OUTFIT 9 OUTFITS (AT MINIMUM) TO BE PACKED—EVEN FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY 12 HOURSNEEDED TO HIT THE STORES TO STOCK UP ON “LAST-MINUTE” ITEMS TO BRING ALONG 8 DAYS FOR PREP, LIKE CANCELING OTHER PLANS, DECIDING ON OUTFITS, AND PACKING ONE-WORD ANSWER Gums The body part that, if inflamed, may mean a man is more likely to suffer erectile problems, according to a new report from The Journal of Sexual Medicine THIS JUST IN: His Brain on…

THE VEG EDGE Don’t forget the asparagus! When people were asked to rate four meals based on written descriptions of each, they ranked the one that included a vegetable as the yummiest, reports a study in Public Health Nutrition. “When vegetables are present, people anticipate the meal tasting even better, perhaps because it fulfills our notion of what a complete meal should look like,” says study author Adam Brumberg. You can find some great ideas for healthy, veggie-packed dishes at WomensHealthMag.com/Nutrition. THIS JUST IN Quality Control Careful, consumers: A new report shows the U.S. Department of Agriculture has cut back on audits of foreign meat, poultry, and egg inspections by 60 percent since 2008. There’s no guarantee domestic food is safer, but it’s often fresher. So it makes sense to…

Zerran Reform 2.0. The name sounds like a Pilates class, but it’s a new salon-only vegan hair relaxer. Certainly sounds healthier than formaldehyde-laced straighteners, but does it deliver? THE COMPANY REPORT: This retexturizing treatment is supposed to relax curls and waves without using damaging chemicals. Like keratin services, it’s applied to hair and set by a flatiron; hair can be shampooed the next day. This isn’t a straightener (the company is working on one), so if you have Mariah Carey curls, you can get loose waves, and if you have loose waves you can get them pretty straight. It’s odorless and so gentle that a salon pro can apply it without gloves. The company says results can last up to six months. Cost: $350 (zerran.com for salons) THE STYLIST REPORT:…

Level 1 MINIMAL COVERAGE 1/Ruffled edges won’t pull taut against your skin and cause unsexy spillover. Lenny Niemeyer, $209, lenny swimwear.com 2/Appeal to his primal senses in this cutout bralette, which looks best on a small chest. Acacia Swimwear, $101 per piece, thebikini market.com 3/No exotic vacay planned? Your tropical sunset is right here. Osklen, $179, 212-219-8250 4/Molded underwire cups let busty girls go strapless. Victoria’s Secret Catalogue top, $32.50, and bottom, $22.50, victorias secret.com 5/Copped from Princess Leia’s playbook: a gilded bikini. Marie France Van Damme, $280, mariefrancevan damme.com 6/An athletic bod can really rock these wide mesh straps and tiny briefs. Beach Riot x Stone Cold Fox, $67 per piece, beachriot.com 7/Neon accents edge up prim, dainty florals. Roseanna top, $135, and bottom, $155, at Ludivine, 212-249-4053 8/Bust-boosting…

I can’t hold lunging poses long. What’s better: lunging less deeply or taking standing breaks? —Lindsey, Boston, MA Back in the day, my thighs used to endure mini earthquakes during deep, long lunges, so I get it. Don’t worry about getting your thigh completely parallel to the floor; instead, lower to your “healthy edge,” where you feel challenged but not in pain, and try to hold it there. Focus on each breath rather than on the sensation in your quads. Remind yourself that what you feel isn’t permanent, and your body can do anything for a minute. It will get easier with practice. I’d love for my guy to take yoga with me, but he thinks it’s wimpy. Any suggestions? —Sydney, Atlanta, GA You’re not alone. Many men (and women)…

Following this five-point checklist before your next appointment will help keep you honest and on track, says LeanaWen, M.D., author of When Doctors Don’t Listen. > TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REFLECT. What has happened since your last visit? Have you changed schools or jobs, or been in or out of relationships? Have you switched up your eating habits or lost or gained a bunch of weight? > TAKE SPECIFIC STOCK OF YOURSELF. Stand in front of a mirror and work your way up, starting with your feet. For each body part, ask yourself, “Does everything feel OK here?” Then scan your mood: Have you been more down than up lately? More stressed than not? > JOT DOWN ANY RED FLAGS. Bring a written list and keep your comments specific—“I’ve…

Banana-Nut Waffle Sundae Slice half a banana. Toast 2 whole-grain frozen waffles. Top with ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt, banana slices, and 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts. MAKES 1 SERVING Per serving: 390 cal, 17 g fat (1.5 g sat), 49 g carbs, 480 mg sodium, 7 g fiber, 17 g protein SOLUTION: Make packaged food more enticing with a few on-hand ingredients to craft a new, delicious dish in minutes. Egg in a Nest In a pan over medium-low heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Place a slice of bread with a circle cut from the center in the pan. Crack 1 egg into the hole and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the egg is firm; add the cut-out bread circle to toast for the last 1 to 2…

Breakfast Bowl of Cereal* 1 cup Rice Dream Original rice milk 1 cup Nature’s Path Organic SmartBran cereal * This bowl is half full: Check off 52 percent of your daily fiber from the get-go and stay hunger-free till snack time. Total: 280 calories Snack* 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 2 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese 1 tsp olive oil 1½ tsp fresh oregano Top tomato slices with cheese, then drizzle with oil and sprinkle with oregano. * Like bruschetta, but better (for your waistline). This snack goes breadless to save you about 180 calories. Total: 230 calories Lunch Spicy Chicken Salad 1 cup roasted skinless chicken breast, cubed Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard ½ jalapeño, diced* ½ medium celery stalk, chopped Dash of black pepper 1 cup baby…

Start Before You’re Ready Want to ditch your job to start a business? Or plan a wedding with your long-term fiancé? Then why haven’t you done it? My bet is that on some level, you’re telling yourself “I’m not ready yet.” That you’re just a few more detailed lists, pretty Pinterest boards, or inquiring conversations away from being able to advance your agenda. But if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll see that all of this so-called planning is really just procrastination in disguise. You’re never going to feel 100 percent, rock-solid ready to dive into a project. Nobody does, not even those who seem to excel at everything. The trick is to train yourself to start before you’re ready. Think of it like working out. Showing up is hard, but…

You gotta love routines. They get you out of the house in the morning or into the gym at the end of the day. But relying on a routine to get off in bed? Not so sweet. Here’s why: There’s more than one blissedout, body-tingling way to a happy ending, and the more paths you travel, the more exciting sex will be (and stay). According to a recent study published in the journal NeuroQuantology, women have four distinct routes to climaxing (through clitoral, vaginal, blended, or multiple orgasms). You should try them all—starting tonight. Clitoral Orgasm You know the external sweet spot is highly sensitive, thanks to the 8,000 nerve endings that congregate there. And if you’re like most women, it’s the go-to point of stimulation to send you over…

1 What’s one profession that you find extremely attractive? I’ll say a singer. There’s something about a woman who sings her heart out that’s beautiful. 2 What’s the best way to make up after a fight? You have to laugh; that’s the best thing. After that moment when you have a disagreement and you’re angry, you just have to catch each other’s eyes. Let’s say 99 times out of 100, the argument is about something trivial and stupid. 3 Do you think that’s the secret to a happy relationship? Well, I think it’s one of the many fundamentals, like mutual respect—that’s the beginning and end. 4 If you could tell your single self one thing, what would it be? Don’t search too much; it will come. 5 Is there anything…

A FAVE INGREDIENT: Gochujang Slightly sweet but spicy, this fermented Korean hot-pepper paste is a complement to soups, stir-fries, and marinades; it also makes a great dipping sauce. $5.50 for 100 grams, hmart.com quick & easy bibimbap SOUTH KOREA When Kim Sunée traveled to her birthplace in South Korea on a research trip, she was delighted by the cuisine, how it could be both rustic and beautiful, and how eager people were to share it. She founded KimSunee.com soon after. She loves what modern Korean-American cooks are doing with the cuisine, infusing familiar dishes with what she calls “Korean sass.” A FAVE INGREDIENT: Fresh Curry Leaves Unrelated to the spicy powder that probably comes to mind when you think of curry, these aromatic leaves have a bright, lemony flavor that’s…

POT is burning under a hot national spot light—viewed by some as an UNREGULATED substance with risky-side effects, and by others as a pain-crushing, mind-calming CURE-ALL. Gretchen Vossventuresto Colorado, the frontier of MAINSTREAM marijuanause, to investigate why more and more WOMEN are puffing away in the name of HEALTH. Photographs by Andrew Hetherington Sitting in her modest brick home in Denver, Lannette Johnson, 44, says she’s really just a nerd, a square—even though she has used marijuana nearly every single night for more than four years. Oxycodone and Vicodin. Ambien and Percocet. These are the pharmaceuticals she once swallowed for her intense fibromyalgia-induced muscle and joint aches that left her in agony during the day and wide awake at night. But none of the pills worked, and the relentless pain…

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN FORBES TANWI NANDINIISLAM, 30, of New York City, was open to experimentation for most of her twenties—at least when it came to work. Jumping from job to job, she eventually found purpose at a nonprofit focusing on youth empowerment. While Tanwi loved the warm and fuzzy feeling of making a difference, it didn’t pay the bills. So when she was offered a job at a startup that involved a major title promotion and a $20,000 salary hike, she leaped at it. But the excitement of the new gig didn’t last. Small things like the communal desks and the hard selling she was encouraged to do bothered her, and she spent hours in therapy trying to sort out her feelings about her dissatisfaction with work. “They had this…

IF YOU HAVE... 1 MINUTE Weigh yourself—but don’t do it again for another week. Experts say that’s just enough to stay accountable without driving yourself nuts. “Look Better Naked,” page 148 5 MINUTES If you don’t have a pooch of your own, offer to walk your neighbor’s. Just five minutes with a dog can lower your stress level, according to research. “Your Body on…Hanging with a Pet,” page 98 7 MINUTES Find your best (most flattering) swimsuit ever. No dressing room (or spray tan) needed. “Suit Yourself,” page 66 10 MINUTES Whip up cover star Keri Russell’s a.m. smoothie (blend kale, spinach, yogurt, coconut water, and blueberries) for a healthy start to your day. “Keep Calm and Keri On!” page 111 WH ONLINE > Join the WH reader panel at…

Q Well, you should definitely have some wiggle space—about half an inch, or a thumb’s width—between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the shoe, says Clara Kerley, a footwear expert with Asics in Irvine, California. “Your feet swell when you run, so a little extra room in the toe box helps reduce pressure on the toes and prevents blisters and other foot issues,” she says. Since size can vary between different brands, you shouldn’t rely on your go-to number. Instead, try on a pair with running socks toward the end of the day when your feet are at their largest, advises Kerley, and pick the size that feels best. If you plan to run long distances (say, a half or full marathon), you may want to…

GET OFF THE FLOOR Standing upper-body exercises activate your core, tone multiple muscle groups, and increase functional strength, which helps with everything from opening a heavy door to swinging a tennis racket, says a new study. To get a power boost, try lateral raises: Hold dumbbells at your sides, then slowly raise them out to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight. Do 10 to 12 reps. SWEAT INCENTIVES Having a supportive training buddy or class instructor can increase your workout’s effectiveness, according to a new study: Receiving verbal praise can actually help you perform exercises even better next time. It seems to activate the same reward circuits in the brain as major incentives (like cash) and to help solidify your muscle memory for that particular skill, say researchers. THIS JUST…

THE WHOLE TRUTH Choosing whole grains is a healthy way to pack your diet with protein and fiber, but buyer beware: A Harvard School of Public Health study shows that, on average, foods with the Whole Grain stamp (regulated by a council of food companies, not the USDA) have more calories and sugar than products that contain grains but don’t have the sticker. Instead of stamps and seals, look for foods whose labels list whole grains, and not any form of sugar, as the first or second ingredient. THIS JUST IN Social Noshing This finding deserves a “dislike” button: People who browsed Facebook for five minutes were more likely to choose an unhealthy snack afterward than were those who spent the same amount of time scanning a news site instead,…

Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., 43 Tanzi has a private dermatology practice in Washington, D.C., and serves as codirector of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery. What’s aging her: Sagging and loss of volume. “In my forties I’m dealing with sagging skin, especially along my jawline and around my eyes. It’s that little waddle under the chin—the jawline isn’t as well defined and chiseled as it used to be. The skin just doesn’t snap back.” Must-have products: > Antioxidant serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (1), $146, skinceuticals.com. “I use two drops of this antioxidant serum that contains vitamins C and E and ferulic acid. This combination is potent and really helps keep away any inflammation that you get from the environment and the sun. That inflammation breaks down collagen and elastin,…

THE TREATMENT: Bang Trim Want new bangs? See a pro. But for little trims, wouldn’t it be so much more convenient to do them at home? Why it used to be a DIY don’t: If your fingers are unsteady or crooked—highly likely—you risk an uneven cut. “It can be hard even for hairdressers to hold their fingers straight!” says Nathaniel Hawkins, a hairstylist in New York City. In with the new: The Bango Hair Cutting Kit ($16, at Ulta) comes with a long clip that holds your bangs as you cut, making it easier to lop off an even amount from both sides. Plus, the notches give you slightly choppy, sexy bangs. Just do it! STEP 1: DIVIDE... Start with dry hair. Comb bangs downward, then clip the rest of…

Here’s something that may be hard to believe: Just because the scale is dipping doesn’t mean your fitness routine is working. If you’re logging hours and hours on the treadmill, you’ve likely seen the numbers on the scale decrease, but you may not be losing body fat. In fact, a 2011 review in the Journal of Obesity found that the effect of regular aerobic exercise on body fat is negligible. Instead, shorter, high-intensity workouts—some that don’t even include traditional cardio—have been shown to be more effective at reducing fat than any other type of exercise. These workouts have also been shown to significantly increase your fitness level, lower insulin resistance, and improve glucose tolerance. Case in point: When comparing the effects on women of high-intensity exercise versus steady-state exercise, one…

No disrespect, dumbbells—you’re great and we heart you—but the kettlebell is kind of stealing our adoration. To be honest, this isn’t a new crush: We’ve always been fond of the kettlebell’s shape, which creates an uneven distribution of weight and makes basic dumbbell exercises more challenging. But now researchers say that kettlebell training can improve your balance and reaction time—and that seals the deal. “When you’re swinging, passing, or flipping the bell, your body intuitively counterbalances the weight,” says Lorna Kleidman, the three-time kettlebell world champion who created this workout. “This teaches your muscles to respond faster in other situations, whether you’re playing tennis or trying not to fall on a slippery surface.” What’s more, the moves in this routine also train multiple muscle groups at once and on every…

What is it about coffee that seems to cure a headache? —Courtney, Birmingham, AL There are two theories. The first: A headache happens when the body releases adenosine, a chemical that inflames blood vessels, causing throbbing and pain. The caffeine in coffee puts the kibosh on adenosine and helps constrict blood vessels. The second theory posits that caffeine increases the effectiveness of pain relievers, helping the body absorb them more quickly for faster relief. Hence, many pain pills contain caffeine, and that’s why popping Advil with your joe can help your noggin. My gums bleed whenever I floss. Is it gingivitis? —Kristina, Orlando, FL Most likely, yes. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is super common and rarely painful, so not all sufferers realize they’re affected. If you just see…

As a high schooler in Barrie, Ontario, Christina Taylor, now 25, didn’t eat your standard bagged lunch. When she wasn’t hitting the drive-through with friends, she was chowing down on pizza from the restaurant her mother owned. “She would send the delivery guy to my school,” says Christina. By the time she was 15 and stood 5’7", Christina weighed 380 pounds. The Change In 2003, Christina joined her high school choir on a trip to Italy. But a week in, she was forced to spend the day in bed while her classmates explored Rome. “I was too heavy and tired to move,” she recalls. Humiliated but determined, Christina resolved that she would never again let her weight limit what she could do. The Lifestyle Back home, Christina started doing her…

Keep Calm and Keri On! When you’re crazy-busy, something’s gott a give—and often it’s the healthy stuff: regular workouts, good eating habits, a decent amount of shut-eye. But actress Keri Russell has found an entirely different set of sacrifices to make—in the wardrobe and late-night-TV departments. She wears one outfit a week (“My number one style rule,” she says with a laugh) and tries to turn in before her own TV series, the hit FX drama The Americans—in which she plays a KGB spy living in 1980s suburban Washington, D.C., with a husband and two kids—comes on at 10 p.m. But for all her joking about being spent, Keri is more than keeping it together. She films five days a week, with some of the shoots creeping into the early-morning…

I SURVIVED… BEING LOST INTHE WILD Late last summer my brothers and I went boating with some friends on Pitt Lake (about 40 miles east of Vancouver), as we did several times a week. We’d wakeboard, swim, or just hang out listening to music. Sometimes we’d park the boat and hike down a steep path to access hot springs; to get back up we used a rope someone tied to a rock long ago. That day, as the sun set and the air cooled, the water in the springs felt awesome. Eventually I had to pee, so I climbed the rope and headed for a tree. A Sudden Drop About 50 feet from the springs, I fell backward on a slippery rock and hit my head, knocking myself out. When…

Tantric sex sounds intimidating (or best left to Sean Diddy Combs, who has been known to tweet about his 10-hour sex marathons), but taking some tips from the ancient practice sets you up for electrifying full-body orgasms that you can feel from your fingertips down to your toes. And who wouldn’t want that? 1/THINK BIG. Stop focusing only on what you’re feeling below the belt. “Imagine all that energy running up your spine, down your arms into your hands, and up into the top of your head,” says Barbara Carrellas, author of Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century. “Once you learn to open yourself up, you can let more sexual energy flow through you.” 2/BREATHE. It’s natural to hold your breath when you’re on the brink of climax,…

Along with salt and pepper, the most important kitchen staple to have on hand these days is a Wi-Fi connection. Smartphones and social networking have done way more for the world of food than merely allowing us to ogle one another’s plates on Instagram. The digital revolution has sparked an appetite for culinary innovation, especially among women, who make up more than half of the food-blogging community. So whether you’re seeking exotic new recipes or tried-and-true advice, the answers are only a click or tap away.…

chef’s knife If you own just one knife, make it this one. The midsize blade with the stocky, reinforced base that thins into a delicate tip is a multi-tool in disguise. Each part has a different talent that you can coax out with the tiniest tweaks. Choke Up A knife should be held by its bolster, where the handle meets the blade. Carefully balance the flat part of the blade on your finger; the fulcrum is where your hand goes. Rock Out As you chop, slice, or dice, anchor the knife tip to the cutting surface and make a rocking motion, as if using a paper cutter. Feed food into the blade. Go All In Move your whole arm, shoulder and all, instead of just your wrist. Your strokes will…

The biggest pot-related shocker yet? There is no apparent correlation between occasionally inhaling marijuana and lung function. This was shown in a 2012 government-funded study that followed more than 5,000 people for over 20 years. That’s good news for medicinal users, as INHALED smoke is the fastest, most effective way to get weed into the body. Some patients prefer to use a vaporizer, which heats cannabis just enough to turn it into vapor without actually burning it. In other words, they get the helpful cannabinoids but no thick smoke or ashy residue. Weed can also be INGESTED in baked goods—such as “pot brownies”—or liquid tinctures (“herbal” teas). The upside is that the pot’s effects last up to eight hours, versus one to four hours when smoked. But because anything that…

You shouldn’t lie, says Karen Yasgoor, Ph.D., a psychologist at Capella University’s Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. But your answer should depend on how well you know the person asking—and where they fit in your life. With old colleagues, be cautious about saying too much. Just as having coffee with an ex-boyfriend can open plenty of wounds, getting into the details with a former coworker can cause tension and resentment on both sides. “Some former colleagues may envy you, even if you’re not happy, because it’s a ‘better’ job with more pay or it offers new opportunities,” says Yasgoor. With close friends or family, Yasgoor says it’s OK to be more open. For Susannah,* the assistant producer, being honest with her parents about her melancholy feelings helped…

Tips Our Experts Give—and Follow THE E.R. DOC Leana Wen, M.D., is an emergency physician and author of When Doctors Don’t Listen. In “7 Lies We Tell Our Doctors,” page 92, she gives advice on how to get the most out of your next checkup. 1 HOW I SOLICIT OPINIONS: TWITTER “I tweet questions, often about controversial medical things, and get immediate responses. Follow me @drleanawen.” 2 HOW I GET VEGGIE VARIETY: COMMUNITYSUPPORTED AGRICULTURE “A box of veggies is delivered from a local farm each week. They’re always random, so I can sample all sorts of produce.”…

Q My husband dresses like he’s in high school. How can I get him to upgrade his style? —Elizabeth, Provo, UT Most men don’t care for shopping. We tend to approach stores as hunters: We know what we’re after, and we venture just deep enough into the retail jungle to grab it. If you want him to improve his wardrobe, you’re going to have to make it easy. Start by coming home with a pair of suede wingtips that you “just happened” to find on sale. After a few weeks, surprise him with something more substantial, like a slim-fit pair of jeans to replace his baggy stonewash denim. Don’t let him know what you’re up to, and when he tries on his new duds, drench him in compliments. In time,…

POWER UP YOUR ENGINES Less than a quarter of American adults engage in active transportation (walking or biking for at least 10 minutes at a time), reports a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. By spending more travel time in motion—about 20 minutes a day, or 2.5 hours a week—you may be able to reap these benefits: 1.2 KG/M2LOWER BODY-MASS INDEX (BMI) 1.2 INCHES SMALLER WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE 31 PERCENT LOWER RISK FOR HYPERTENSION 31 PERCENT REDUCED RISK FOR DIABETES PERCENTAGE OF PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE DISTRACTED BY LISTENING TO MUSIC, USING A PHONE, OR TEXTING WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION Source: Injury Prevention 298 THIS JUST IN Multipurpose Pap Your scheduled rendezvous with an ice-cold speculum may soon become even more crucial: Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that…

PRECIOUS EMERALDS Pantone’s jewel-toned hue of the year looks great in your closet—and on your face and hands. Here, the most flattering ways to paint it on: LIDS Pair gold eye shadow on your lids with emerald liner along your top lash lines, or for drama, brush emerald shadow onto your lids and creases, and along the lower lash lines, says makeup artist Troy Surratt. Try Tarte Skinny SmolderEyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner in Emerald ($19, at Sephora) and Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Shimmering Emerald ($18.50, elizabetharden.com). NAILS “Emerald nails are chic and sophisticated, as long as they’re short and groomed,” says New York City manicurist Julie Kalandec. Choose a shimmery shade to lighten the mood for spring. Try Sephora + Pantone Universe Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers…

Friendlier Home Color > Permanent hair dyes use ammonia to force the hair’s cuticle layer wide open to allow large color molecules inside. Unfortunately, that layer never gets back to its original smoothness (meaning it’s left dull, dry, and frizzy). Now Garnier has come up with an ammonia-free permanentcolor alternative that leaves hair less damaged. Using an ingredient called MEA (monoethanolamine), the company’s Olia Oil Powered Permanent Haircolor (1), $10, at drugstores, raises the cuticle’s cells only a tiny bit. Because the formula has an oil delivery system—a first on the at-home market—these natural oils literally propel the color pigments into the tight space, then coat to condition the hair. And one more thing: Ditching ammonia means no odor or burning sensation when the color touches your scalp. Supercharged Mineral…

WON’T TIP OVER Mar Y Sol for Tommy Bahama tote, $95, tommybahama.com; Oakley sunglasses, $120, oakley.com; Echo towel PLOT YOUR NEXT FARAWAY TRIP Echo tote, $128, echodesign.com WATER-AND SUN-GOO-PROOF! Buji Baja tote, $80, hatattack.com TRENDY TROPICAL BIRD DESIGN Hoss Intropia tote, $96, at Treasure & Bond, 646-669-9049 DEEP ENOUGH FOR FLIPPERS BeckSöndergaards tote, $112, at Kisan, 212-475-2470 DOUBLES AS A PURSE Rafe tote, $98, 800-543-1039 for select Anthropologie stores SAND SHAKES RIGHT OUT Roxy tote, $32, roxy.com Shades of Great BUTTERFLY The round, oversize style softens a square face and balances a long oval. Kate Spade sunglasses, $138, solsticesunglasses.com WAYFARER This update on the retro frame flatters an angular jawline—as long as it’s not too mini for your features. Quayeyeware Australia sunglasses, $40, quayeyeware.com.au AVIATOR Candlelight. Eight hours of sleep.…

Tossing a Frisbee. Hitting the dance floor. Crushing your friend in Wii tennis. They’re all great ways to pass the time and let off some steam, but it turns out that some of your favorite hobbies might qualify as actual exercise too. Even light physical activities—things you view as more fun and leisurely than “fitness”— can reduce stress, punch up your metabolism, and add years to your life. They can also help speed up recovery from traditional workouts and ease sore muscles. Now, don’t go canceling your trainer just yet: Eighteen holes of mini golf or tug-of-war with your pooch doesn’t necessarily match the muscle-building, fat-blasting potential of a 20-minute strength workout. But there may be ways to turn your hobby into a genuine sweat session. Bowling FUN. Let’s be…

In theory, your doctor’s office is a safe place to lay it all out there: your health triumphs, your health lapses, your nagging health concerns. But many women omit details, twist facts, or blatantly lie when being grilled by an M.D. Big mistake. Withholding the truth can be dangerous, if not deadly. “And your doctor can’t help you if she doesn’t have all the info,” says women’s-health expert Jennifer Ashton, M.D. Guilty of any of these little white-gown lies? It’s time to come clean. YOUR DOCTOR ASKS: “How are you doing?” YOU SAY: “Good! Fine! Everything’s just fine.” THE REALITY: You’ve been feeling sad for a while. THE FIB RISK: High. The longer you let depression symptoms linger, the more likely you are to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or…

Mood Just half an hour with a pooch can trigger your noggin to release brain chemicals linked to happiness. (Bonus: The pup gets the same feel-good lift!) Cats can also help ease the blues. Kitty owners can be less lonely and have higher morale than those who don’t have a cat—likely because cuddling with an animal can unleash oxytocin, the body’s “love” hormone. Stress Being with a dog for five minutes can lower your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The effect is so pronounced that, in one study, frazzled people said they felt it was more relaxing to be around their pets than their spouses. It even works at the office: Research found that people who brought their dogs to work had lower stress levels throughout the day (meanwhile,…

What’s the difference between carbs and net carbs? Which one matters? —Jennie, Chapel Hill, NC “Net carbs” is the amount of total carbs minus fiber, which helps you gauge the impact a food will have on your blood sugar. That’s because fiber, while technically a carb, slows digestion and lessens the post-meal blood sugar spike and crash that can lead to cravings. If net carbs aren’t listed, you can still look at grams of carbs and fiber. In general, the higher the ratio of fiber to carbs, the less of an impact a food will have. Is omega-3–fortified milk a legitimate substitute for foods like salmon? —Marie, St. Louis, MO Omega-3–fortified milk does contain a dose of heart-and brain-healthy O-3s. But we don’t know for sure if the body processes…

In order to play a tough KGB agent, Keri worked out with Avital Zeisler, a Krav Maga instructor who moonlights as a hand-to-hand combat consultant. “Working out [this way] makes you feel fierce,” says Keri. “I tend to be very internal—getting on the subway and keeping my eyes down. But I would leave those workouts looking people in the eye, like, ‘’Sup,’” she says with bravado. For each of Zeisler’s moves, do three sets of 12 reps. Striking Squats Get into a squat with your elbows bent, hands open at cheekbone level, and palms facing in. As you stand up from the squat, strike with your left hand and then immediately strike with your right. Return to start. That’s one rep. Elbow Striking Abs Do one crunch, with your elbows…

Tips from Steve Dessinger, program director at Boulder Outdoor Survival School: 1. Stay put. Stop as soon as you realize you’ve gone astray. 2. Form a circle. Stefanie was smart to do lunges: Exercise helps you stay warm. Do it in a circle so you don’t end up more lost. 3. Don’t act like prey. If you encounter a large animal, move away slowly. Glance at it, but don’t stare. If you’re attacked, fight back—unless it’s a brown bear. In that case, play dead.…

My boyfriend cheated on me, but I don’t want to break up with him. Can we get past this? —Leanna, Columbia, SC It’s hard work, but your relationship can survive. He needs to tell you the truth about any infidelities and recommit to monogamy. But you should also talk about any relationship issues that may have contributed to his being with someone else. In the short term, you’re probably also going to need more accountability from him. And if you find your relationship isn’t exactly where it once was, be patient. It takes time to rebuild trust. I like to shower before sex, but my guy wishes I were more spontaneous. Should I just give in? —Macaile, Mesa, AZ You may want everything to be perfect every time you have…

Photograph by Dan Forbes 1. YOU CAN LEARN A LOT BY READING THE COMMENTS OTHER PEOPLE LEAVE ABOUT ONLINE RECIPES. I’ve made super-salty soup one too many times! Reading feedback from others who say “Be sure to reduce the salt” can really save a recipe—and reduce its sodium content! —Julie Fagan* 2. ALWAYS CRACK AN EGG ON A FLAT SURFACE, never the edge of a bowl. Otherwise you’ll risk shell shards and possible contamination of your food. —Aida Mollenkamp 3. DON’T THROWOUT THOSE LAST DRIPS OF JAM IN THE JAR; shake up a fruity vinaigrette instead. Add equal parts oil and vinegar to the jar, give it a good shake, and season with salt and pepper to taste. —Marisa McClellan 4. COOKING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ENTIRELY FROM SCRATCH EVERY…

Photographs by Donna Trope As a grown-up, being naked doesn’t always feel as liberating as it did when you were 3. Thanks to weight fluctuations, scars, cellulite, aging skin—to name a few things—most of us start to have some mixed emotions about how we look in the buff, secretly pleased with some parts and frustrated with other areas. To find out exactly how females feel about their reflection in the mirror, we asked women to weigh in on everything from stretch marks to nude photos. Then we rounded up expert advice that will get you looking sexier in your birthday suit and, we hope, will rejigger your definition of naked into one of its positive synonyms: natural. BODY BUMMERS—SOLVED Body flaws really get under your skin (64 percent of you…

Photographs by Tom Schirmacher flow rider A floaty halter dress keeps you cool but sizzles too! Diesel dress, $258, diesel.com for stores; Vanessa Mooney bracelet movers and shakers For a casually chic moment, pair a simple white tank with a sparkly mini in a sandy hue. ON HER: Splendid tank, $38, splendid.com; Ambre Babzoe skirt, $283, at Haven Boutique, 214-969-1005; Avec Modèration sandals, $297, shopbop.com; Me&Ro necklace. ON HIM: Alternative Apparel T-shirt, Notify jeans, John Varvatos sandals, Atelier Clothing belt optical illusion Where high-tech meets low-key: A dot-matrix pattern makes a surprising appearance on a slip-style maxi. Zimmermann dress, $520, zimmermannwear.com; Me&Ro necklace, Joseph Brooks Jewelry bracelets beauty bonus Get gorgeous, glowing skin with a bronzing oil, the perfect marriage of color and moisture. Massage a few drops onto your…

Do This First Once you’ve zeroed in on a guy you want to meet, make eye contact, hold it for three seconds, smile, and then approach, says dating expert Marni Kinrys. THE LIST Scientists say there are 52 ways to flirt, but researchers watching 100 women’s nonverbal courtship behavior for half an hour never observed… 1. Lipstick applying 2. Arm flexing 3. Knee touching 4. Skirt hiking 5. Face caressing 6. Buttock patting 7. Breast touching 8. Whispering CRIB SHEET DO THIS, NOT THAT: BODY LANGUAGE Kinrys explains how to express yourself without words. You want to… Show him you’re having a good time. DO THIS: Briefly touch his hand lightly. NOT THAT: Shift your weight from foot to foot. (You’ll look bored.) Get him to ask for your number.…