Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2013 i Women's Health

Last month I touched on my recent trip to Africa and how it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me make a leap forward in my personal growth. I had tagged along with two friends—Ido Leffler, cofounder of the natural skin-and hair-care company Yes To Inc. (the company behind Yes To Carrots), and Nyla Rodgers, founding director of the nonprofit Mama Hope. Those incredible organizations have teamed up to form a partnership called Yes to Hope, with this main objective: to plant organic micro-farms in communities of need in Africa. We visited to check in on projects, which have been under way for nearly two years. At the same time, Women’s Health began researching a story on food deserts in the United States—areas with little or no…

PINK ON… Her favorite workout and social-media friends. Watch her video at Womens HealthMag.com/Pink. Win a Two-Night Getaway! One reader will win a gift certificate for a two-night stay for two at any Kimpton hotel—including Hotel Wilshire in Los Angeles, Ink48 in New York, and Hotel Monaco Philadelphia in Philadelphia. The winner will also receive a $100 gift card to use at any of the Kimpton Hotels restaurants, plus two Kimpton yoga mats—all worth $1,000! Enter for your chance to win at WomensHealthMag.com/KimptonTrip.…

Q My guy thinks I love football (I don’t) because I watched a game with him once. Now he wants to watch it every week. Should I fess up? —Valerie, Pocatello, ID Do you really think he didn’t notice that you failed to reference a single player by name? Val, I’m pretty sure your guy knows you don’t love football. He probably views your willingness to watch—and pretend to care—as a sign that you’re interested in spending time with him and learning more about his hobbies. If that’s the case, then keep watching. But if it’s truly painful to endure a game, come clean. As long as you don’t pass judgment on the time he spends shouting at the TV, your boyfriend should understand. Then start thinking about your shared…

Antidepressants are lifesavers for many—nearly 10 percent of 18-to 39-year-old women take them. But if you’re having major surgery, you may want to talk to your doc about stopping the meds for a few days. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine reports that antidepressants in the class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may up your risk for bleeding and readmission after an operation. “SSRIs affect serotonin, which helps platelets create clots that stop bleeding,” explains study author Andrew Auerbach, M.D.…

If your asthma is worse than usual, you may want to check your diet. When University of Newcastle researchers compared the diets of asthmatics to those without the condition, they found that severe asthmatics consumed more fat and less fiber. Every 10-gram spike in dietary fat was linked with a 48 percent increased odds of serious asthma. Fat may increase the inflammation linked to asthma symptoms, while fiber may help reduce it. Study author Bronwyn Berthon says that controlling your intake of fats, especially saturated ones, and upping the fiber in your diet could help lessen symptoms.…

Moms may glow during pregnancy, but dads get their turn postpartum. Research from the Journal of Gender Studies found that men feel more attractive right after their baby is born. “It may be due to the heightened sense of masculinity from having fathered a child,” says study author Alicia Cast, Ph.D., an associate professor of sociology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. “Or the attention that men get when they’re out in public with their infants.” THIS JUST IN The Eyes (Don’t) Have It Mad at your man? Don’t shoot him daggers; just tell him you’re angry. Recent research in the journal PLOS ONE had men look at images of both men’s and women’s eyes and guess what they were feeling. The guys had twice as much difficulty…

The right details turn this classic work staple into a figure-enhancing piece you’ll want to wear after hours. COLLAR A structured collar worn open makes your neck appear swan-like. DARTS Bust, waist, or back seams conform to your curves. CUFFS Wide cuffs tend to be more fitted, so wrists look graceful and feminine. SNAKE PRINT Strategic, hidden buttons prevent gapping, a big issue for big busts. SECRETARY A flouncy, oversize bow adds volume to A cups. BASEBALL Fittingly, dark raglan sleeves flatter athletic arms. TUXEDO Sequined epaulets make shoulders look strong. GILDED Glitzy detailing draws all eyes up—to a dainty collarbone. GRAPHIC Got a long torso? Wrap yourself in diagonal bands. PAJAMA A drapey fit: cool and forgiving. BANKER Vertical stripes are an instant slimmer. PLACKET Reinforced buttonholes put an…

I can’t push myself whenI’m working out alone. Any tips? —Taryn M., Warwick, NY If a new playlist or routine fails to get you working harder, consider this: Your mind is closely linked to your body. Before you start any workout, ask yourself: Why does this workout matter to me? Having a clearly defined goal will help you eke out an extra rep or grab a heavier weight, whether you’re by yourself or not. Don’t have a specific goal? That could be your problem. Pinpoint something that you want to achieve—anything from dropping a dress size to busting stress. How much stretching doI need per week? —Gina O., Chicago, IL Exactly how much stretching you need really depends on how flexible you are right now. Someone who is hypermobile, for…

We’ve got some news that will make you flip: Inverted yoga poses that position your heart higher than your head (think headstands and handstands) have been credited with banishing back pain and improving how well you breathe on a run—not to mention sculpting flatter abs. So-called inversion therapy doesn’t happen only in yoga class, either. Chiropractors have long utilized inversion tables to treat mild back conditions, and gravity boots have been around for decades (gaining popularity in 1980 when Richard Gere sported them in American Gigolo). Sound like too much of a head rush? You can score the body benefits of inversion therapy from just a few minutes of kicking your feet up.…

HEALTHY HEART One study found that inversions can be effective at momentarily reversing issues like an abnormal heartbeat. BREATHE EASIER Breathing upside down strengthens your diaphragm, which can improve lung function during tough activities. EASE BACK PAIN Inversion tables can help take gravitational pressure off disks in your spine, says Frank Valente, a NYC-based chiropractor. And strengthening your lower back can help stave off future pain. SCULPT YOUR ABS These poses tone your upper body but zero in on your core. “If you don’t brace your core, you’ll fall over like a wet noodle,” says Budig. BEAT STRESS Research shows that inversions can decrease your body’s fight-orflight response.…

The first hint of an ache, pain, itch, or cramp is quickly followed by a pang of anxiety—after all, who can afford to feel anything but 100 percent in today’s crazy-busy world? Thankfully, research has uncovered a ton of natural ways to nix common ailments, if you act as soon as they pop up. Follow this fast-action guide to fending off minor health woes. As soon as you detect a… HEADACHE Put down your smartphone. A recent study found that people hold their mobiles way too close to their faces when texting or surfing online, which can strain the eyes. That, in turn, may lead to a head pounder. If that doesn’t work… Chug water. Just being mildly dehydrated can cause a severe headache, per a 2012 study in The…

Step on a cold floor. Or limp to your fridge for an ice pack, says Peterson. Studies show chilly temps block pain pathways in the muscles and can reduce spasms in your thighs, calves, or feet. If that doesn’t work... Swig some pickle juice. Weird but true: A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that sipping it can alleviate cramps within seconds. Researchers think an ingredient in the juice ignites a neurological reaction that helps calm muscle spasms. If that doesn’t work... Fill up on electrolytes. Low levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium often cause muscle cramps, says Peterson. Coconut water or a banana will help replenish these compounds within 10 minutes. Then stretch until the ache stops.…

Food—including what you eat today!—can determine your cancer chances. Your diet can lower or raise your risk, says Suzanne Dixon, R.D., M.P.H. For example, certain macronutrients and micronutrients in plants and seafood can help balance hormones, curb inflammation, and boost cell communication—all factors in limiting cancer-cell growth. Plus, research suggests that specific fare may block a process called angiogenesis, in which tumors grow by sprouting blood vessels to suck in more fuel. “Cutting off tumors’ blood supply prevents microscopic cancers from growing any larger, so they never become deadly,” explains William Li, M.D. Make plant-based foods up to two-thirds of every meal, and follow this eating advice:…

You already get that it’s great for your heart and mind; now research shows exercise could help ward off the big C. “More than 60 studies have shown physical activity reduces breast-cancer risk,” says Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., director of the division of cancer etiology at City of Hope National Medical Center/Beckman Research Institute. “In fact, exercising three or more hours per week could reduce your risk by 20 to 30 percent.” The how and why likely go well beyond weight management, says Lee W. Jones, Ph.D., an associate professor at Duke Cancer Institute. For starters, exercise is a powerful anti-inflammatory (many experts consider cancer an inflammatory disease); it also does wonders for your immune system, helping your built-in defenses wipe out suspicious cells. In addition, working out speeds up your…

Smoking started out as a way of preserving meat, but lately, chefs, bartenders, and anyone with taste buds have begun noticing that foods as wide-ranging as cheese and tequila taste great slow-cooked over wood chips. No matter what equipment you use (see “Put a Lid on It,” page 108), the technique involves heating wood chips so they release smoke to cook and flavor food. Soaking the chips in water first (about 30 minutes for two cups) creates steam to keep food moist. Wrap the wet chips in heavy foil, poke holes in it, and place on the hot coals of a charcoal grill (add a shallow, heatproof tray of water below the food), or put the chips in the tray of a smoker or smoke box designed to sit on…

A delicious twist to this classic Sunday-brunch cocktail. 1 medium head garlic, top sliced off to expose cloves 6 medium tomatoes, halved 4 cups tomato juice 2 lemons, juiced 2 Tbsp horseradish 1 Tbsp black pepper 4 oz vodka 4 celery sticks, for garnish 8 olives, for garnish Smoke garlic and tomatoes until they start to caramelize and darken in color, about 10 to 20 minutes. Peel garlic and place in a blender with tomatoes. Puree, then add tomato and lemon juices, horseradish, and black pepper. Add ice and 1 ounce vodka to each of four rocks glasses. Divide tomato juice mixture among glasses and stir with celery stick. Garnish with olives on toothpicks, if desired. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per serving: 170 cal, 0.5 g fat (0 g sat), 22…

Maple-Ginger-Glazed Root Veggies 1 lb small carrots with greens, peeled, greens trimmed to 1" ½ lb small parsnips, peeled, quartered lengthwise 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/8 tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger 1 clove garlic, minced 6 Tbsp pure maple syrup Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss carrots and parsnips with oil and salt and pepper. Spread veggies evenly on baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, turning once, or until golden brown and tender. In the last 5 minutes, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the maple syrup and stir to combine. Simmer until thick, 2…

Daily total: 1,500 calories Note: For optimal weight management, combine this nutrientdense meal plan with exercise. Snack 1 large banana* 1 Tbsp almond butter * Bananas contain a type of fiber called resistant starch, which may help burn fat. Total: 220 calories Breakfast Ricotta with Fruit and Nuts ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese 3 figs, sliced 3 strawberries, sliced 2 Tbsp pistachios* 1 tsp honey Top ricotta with fruit and nuts and drizzle with honey. * In a study, dieters who ate a daily handful of pistachios instead of pretzels lost more weight. Total: 400 calories Lunch Veggie Pasta 2 Tbsp chopped green bell pepper 2 Tbsp chopped yellow bell pepper 8 cherry tomatoes 6 broccoli florets 1 Tbsp chopped red onion 1 tsp olive oil 1 cup cooked whole-wheat…

Over the past four years, I’ve traveled from Manhattan to Okinawa, from Silicon Valley to Calcutta, unearthing the secrets of the world’s fastest learners. This was the basis for my latest book, The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life. I chose cooking—it involves all the senses, making it an ideal dojo for learning—but with my four-step process, you can master any skill, be it searing steak, speaking French, or shooting three-pointers in basketball. On this page, I’ll teach you the basics, using the acronym DiSSS as a guide. It will allow you to acquire any talent in no time at all. 1 Deconstruction First, focus on what might cause you to fail. Then sidestep these potential failure points for…

The maxim “He knows me better than I know myself”? Well, it probably doesn’t hold true when it comes to pleasure centers. If you’re like many women, you have had a long-term relationship with a vibrator and, with concentration, can get the deed done during a commercial break—without even muting the TV—if you so choose. All joking aside, masturbation is important because it “lets you take control of your satisfaction,” says Charlie Glickman, Ph.D., a sexuality educator. “It also gives you room to try new things without stressing about a partner’s expectations.” Add to that: Masturbation is a pressure release, a natural sleeping pill, and a plain old-fashioned good time (as if we needed to sell you on it). Still, even if you and your vagina are so in sync…

Fresh tips to help you get better results out of any group fitness activity Break It Down Unsure about an exercise? Do the most basic part of the move. “If it’s a squat with overhead press, focus on doing only the squat really well,” says Lisa Wheeler of Equinox. After class, ask the instructor to show you the exercise. Feel Focused Close your eyes while doing yoga, says Jen Oppenheimer, group exercise instructor at New York Sports Club. Notice how your body feels in each pose, not how it looks. Speak Up Tell your instructors about any existing pain or injury. “If they aren’t aware, they can’t warn you of exercises that might be dangerous for you,” says Paula Procida, a personal trainer and Power Sculpt instructor at CLAY Health…

Women’s Health partnered with the daytime syndicated talk show The Doctors to conduct an exclusive survey that probed a problem many modern women face—not getting enough rest. Among the alarming discoveries: We’re now so perpetually “on” that our bodies have forgotten how to relax, and that’s driving us toward a dangerous type of exhaustion. F For as long as Stephanie Peterson, 25, can remember, she’s lived in overdrive. The founder of a Colorado-based company that supports female entrepreneurs, she’s go-go-go from morning to night, week to week, year to year. When she does get a break, she does what makes her most comfortable: She works some more. Take her honeymoon to Antigua: The plan called for zip-lining, beach bumming, and candlelit dinners. The reality was Stephanie in her room on…

THE HUNGER FIGHTER Lauren Bush Lauren is cofounder of The FEED Foundation and CEO of FEED Projects (feed projects.com). In What It’s Like to Be Stranded in a Food Desert, page 154, she discusses hunger in the U.S. 1 HOW I GET ENERGIZED CHIA SEEDS I add these mildtasting seeds to my veggie juice (with kale, celery, pear, and lemon) to get an extra omega-3 boost. 2 HOWI REDUCE MY CARBON FOOTPRINT: FEED FOLDABLE BIKE On nice days, I ride my bike (from our recent FEEDUSA + Target collection) to my office in New York City. It’s an environmentally friendly way to commute—and get some exercise while I’m at it. WH ADVISORY BOARD ANTHROPOLOGY HELEN FISHER, PH.D. Research professor and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers University;…

In case you missed a moment of WH digital happenings, here’s a recap of the most buzz-worthy pins, likes, tweets, and other posts! Instagram Mmmm, you drooled over these fresh strawberries. Please do indulge: This sweet fruit is waist-friendly! Maria’s abs—a thing of envy! (Steal her moves at WomensHealthMag.com/MariaMenounosAbs.) This plush, organic bedding seduced you. Buy it (and more natural offerings) at Rodales.com. This tee would be even cuter at the gym, you told us. For more fun pics, follow us: @WomensHealthMag. Online Not sleeping? You were intrigued by new research blaming your allergies. WomensHealthMag.com/Allergies Playtime: 75 percent of you have used a sex toy in bed with a partner. WomensHealthMag.com/SexToys At it like rabbits? You were happy to read birth control clears acne too. WomensHealthMag.com/BC At it like rabbits?…

LICKING AN ENVELOPE SEAL The gum arabic in the seal’s glue is also found in M&M’s and marshmallows—and research has shown it isn’t toxic, says Charles McKay, M.D., a toxicologist in Connecticut. Likewise, no need to worry about licking up bacteria—the few microbes that may end up on the envelope seal during processing don’t present a serious health risk, says Michael G. Schmidt, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina.…

Temporary tattoos can seem like the perfect commitment-free alternative to real ink. But according to a recent FDA consumer alert, “black henna” tats—a version of the traditional reddish-brown type that contains black hair dye—can cause redness, blisters, raised lesions, increased sensitivity to sun, and even permanent scarring. (And you thought you were being noncommittal!) There’s no telling who will have a bad reaction to black henna, so steer clear altogether. Too late? See a dermatologist if you notice any irritation after getting inked.…

You know sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, but they may also hit below the belt, reports the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Although guzzling fluids is advised to help ward off kidney stones, people who downed one or more sugar-sweetened drinks such as soda or punch daily had up to a 33 percent increased risk for kidney stones compared with those who didn’t gulp those beverages. The fructose in the drinks may be to blame, as it has been found to increase certain risk factors for the most common types of kidney stones, says study author Pietro Manuel Ferraro, M.D. Swapping sugary drinks for water is your best bet, though the study found that coffee, tea, orange juice, beer, and wine were also associated with…

You hit the gym to be healthy and look hot, so it’s a bummer when you walk out with an embarrassingly bright-red face. Let’s not even discuss the backne, sports-bra-induced boob chafing, and hives. Or rather, let’s: “Internal factors such as allergies and skin type play a key role in how your skin responds to exercise, but external factors like clothing and the weather can help or hurt workout-related skin problems too,” says Jeannette Graf, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. Meaning, you have a lot of control over how irritated your flesh gets. Besides, working out can be good for your skin. “Exercise increases circulation, which makes your skin glow,” says Graf. Check out what you can do before, during, and after…

Here’s the thing about the relationship between time and exercise: Even if we could all find five free minutes each day (and it’s safe to assume most of us can), we likely wouldn’t use it to work out. That’s because many women assume that five minutes isn’t long enough to actually help drive results; plus, not many routines are created for super-short time frames. What ends up happening: The women with a something-isbetter-than-nothing attitude do a few minutes of crunches, pushups, and lunges in their living room. Better than nothing? Sure. Best they can do? Not even close. Whether you’re short on time or motivation—or you’re tired, or can’t make it to the gym—this routine will keep you on track to a hot body. It’s five exercises, five minutes, but…

1. Marching Glute Bridge Lie faceup with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (a). Lift your right knee toward your chest (b). Hold for two seconds; lower and repeat with your left leg. That’s one rep. 2. Inverted Shoulder Press Place your hands on the floor outside your shoulders and raise your hips so that your torso is nearly perpendicular to the floor (a). From that position, bend your elbows to lower your body until your head almost touches the floor (b). Pause, then push back to start. That’s one rep. QUICK TIP: Place your feet on a step or bench to increase the challenge. 3. Alternating Switch Lunge Step your right leg forward…

These poses increase in difficulty, so get comfortable with dolphin before moving to shoulder stand and headstand. Add ’em to your regular yoga practice, either after the standing sequence or toward the end (if you want to slow down and hold longer poses), or do them on their own (after a warm-up pose, like downward-facing dog), says Kathryn Budig, author of The Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga. You can safely do these poses every day—just be sure to come into a counter pose (like child’s pose, reclining twists, or fish pose) after each inversion. Start by holding each for eight full breaths, working up to holding headstands and shoulder stands for up to five minutes at a time. Supported Shoulder Stand Lie faceup on the floor and swing your…

Check with your doctor before starting. Whether you’re in a yoga pose or on an inversion table, inverting can lower your resting heart rate, says Loren Fishman, M.D., medical director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City. This can have long-term perks if you’re healthy—a lower resting heart rate may translate to a longer life, according to Harvard researchers. But if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or glaucoma (inverting causes the pressure in your eyes to spike), inverting is not for you.…

And It’s External… Switch your undies. Your lady parts are very sensitive to excess wetness, so keep them dry by wearing cotton. “It wicks moisture away from the skin, unlike most synthetic fibers,” says WH advisor Shari Brasner, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of gynecology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. If that doesn’t work… Apply an ointment. Frequent wiping or vigorous intercourse can annoy the delicate skin of your vagina, says Brasner. Head to your pharmacy’s baby-care aisle for a topical petroleum jelly–based diaper-rash ointment, which can help protect and heal the area. If that doesn’t work… Tame the yeast. Vaginal itching is the hallmark of a yeast infection, which is often accompanied by a cottage cheese–like discharge, says Brasner. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository to…

Feet Feet Normally, your feet act like spring-loaded, weight-distributing shock absorbers, cushioning your skeleton from crazy amounts of pounding. Jam these engineering marvels into high heels and… ouch. You’ve shifted much of your mass onto the balls of your feet and your tiny, delicate toe bones. The higher the heel, the bigger the impact: One study found that four-inch stilettos can up the amount of pressure on the front of the foot by 30 percent or more. Your heel-to-toe transition becomes abrupt, forcing you to swap your natural stride for a staccato walk. Strutting like this all the time could usher in bone and nerve damage (not to mention blisters and ingrown toenails). Ankles and Calves Wearing heels forces your ankles to bend forward, a movement that could restrict circulation…

Certain toxins you’re exposed to on a daily basis—in stuff you breathe in, ingest, and slather on—have been linked to breast cancer. Perhaps the most troubling belong to a group of synthetic chemicals called endocrine disruptors. These nasties can accumulate in fat cells—and especially in fatty, vulnerable breast tissue—where they mimic or block the body’s own hormones, including estrogen. And while every woman needs estrogen, chronically high circulating levels can spur cancer growth. Cutting down on endocrine disruptor exposure can slash your breast-cancer risk. > Be a conscious consumer. “If you don’t know what a chemical ingredient is or does, or if you Google it and still can’t understand it, don’t buy that product,” says Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., of the Breast Cancer Fund. Keep a special eye out for bisphenol…

It’s the one thing most doctors agree on: If you can do only one thing to lower your lifetime risk, it should be maintaining a healthy weight. Packing too many pounds can increase your breastcancer chances by 30 to 60 percent, says Carolyn Aldigé, of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. (Particularly worrisome is often-hidden abdominal fat, which can raise your risk by a stand-alone 43 percent.) See, fat cells don’t just sit still; they can pump out extra estrogen, says Karen M. Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. So the more fat cells you have, the more estrogen is likely coursing through your body. And the more of that circulating estrogen you have over the course of your life, the higher your breast-cancer risk, says…

Each type of wood infuses food with its own signature flavor, so have fun experimenting. 1 MESQUITE Strong earthy notes stand up to beef, nuts, and richly flavored game meats like bison. 2 HICKORY The bacon-like flavor of this versatile wood complements most any meat, cheese, or vegetable. 3 ALDER The muskiness is a good match for bold flavors such as salmon, swordfish, strong cheeses, and dark chocolate. 4 CHERRY Mild fruit undercut with tartness pairs well with poultry and pork, as well as rum-based drinks. 5 APPLE Fragrant and milder than most woods, it won’t overpower poultry, pork, or vegetables.…

Find the right tool for any smoking job. The Smoking Gun by PolyScience, $100, williams-sonoma.com Point and shoot it at cheese, cocktail glasses, ice, or anything else you want to hit with smoky flavor sans cooking. Camerons Original Stovetop Smoker $55, target.com Don’t have a patio or yard? A stove-top smoker lets you work on your stove’s range without setting off any alarms. Master Forge 36" 1,600-watt Red Porcelain Coated Smoker $79, lowes.com True devotees can invest in a dedicated electric smoker that can reach 250°F and offers two shelves of space. Moistly Grilled Smoking Platform $40, surlatable.com A stainless-steel smoker box sits on top of your gas or electric grill.…

Kim Schoenfeldt, a hairstylist in Miami, was a thin and active teenager. Even after having a baby at age 21, Kim, now 39, easily bounced back. But as her daughter grew, Kim did too. Meeting her future husband didn’t help—they ate out often and shared comfort food at home. After her wedding in 2000, Kim tried dieting for a decade, but nothing stuck, and her weight climbed. At just 5’0", she’d reached 225 pounds and had all but given up. The Change On a trip to Disney World in December 2009, Kim was mortified when she couldn’t wedge through the park’s turnstile. But rather than risk failing at weight loss again, she says, “I tried to forget it.” And she did, for a year. The next winter, Kim went to…

Imagine you’re in a box suspended high above the stage at an outdoor music festival, hovering over an audience just anticipating the intentional 200-foot free fall you’re about to plunge into. Stop there. You’d never put yourself in that position, right? Most of us wouldn’t. Then again, we’re not Pink. “It’s always scary, every single time,” says the multiplatinum singer, who opened shows on her last tour with this crazy stunt. Still, night after night, there she was in that box. (For her current The Truth About Love Tour, which returns to the U.S. in October, her wild stunts involve Cirque du Soleil–esque moves and a bungeestyle drop.) The word fearless gets thrown around a lot when it comes to Pink, with her toughgirl reputation and outsize personality—not to mention…

Infidelity happens—often. Twenty-five percent of people admit to an extramarital affair, per the Journal of Comparative Family Studies (some experts put that figure even higher). But counselors no longer advise extreme coping methods, like ignoring the cheating or automatically splitting. So whether you were caught with your pants down or he was, ask yourself whether the relationship is worth saving. If so, this advice can help you work (and we really do mean work) through the wreckage to come out a stronger, happier couple. Sever Ties with the Other Lover Start with the obvious: End the affair for good. The first and most crucial step is to remove the other man or woman from your lives, says Scott Haltzman, M.D., a psychiatrist in Naples, Florida, and author of The Secrets…

I’m so happy and in love that I constantly worry it will come crashing down. How can I just enjoy it? —Hannah, Birmingham, AL Worrying shifts your focus from the good things actually happening to the bad that may never occur. To put what you’re afraid of in perspective, examine your fears—what’s the worst-case scenario and how would you handle it? Once you see that you can manage that situation, the next time those thoughts come up, you can more quickly dismiss them as distractions and concentrate on something else—like enjoying what’s happening in your relationship in the present. The other night my guy couldn’t get it up. Should I try to get him to talk about it? —Megan, Moscow, ID Unless this happens regularly, don’t push talking about it.…

What you have for lunch today? Think about that meal—the salad, or hurriedly grabbed sandwich—and imagine that it’s your last one for a while. That you don’t know when, or what, you’ll eat next. This is the reality that roughly one in seven Americans lives with daily. It’s crazy to think that in a land where food seems almost too accessible most of the time, food insecurity—the term used to describe when people don’t know where their next meal will come from—exists, and the rate is the highest ever documented. “Roughly 50 million people in this country are food insecure,” says Maura Daly, chief communication and development officer for Feeding America, the country’s largest domestic hungerrelief charity. “We’ve seen a 50 percent jump in food-bank participants in the past five…

Contrary to popular beauty belief, toning down your look as you get older is not the way to turn back the clock. Read on to find out what researchers have discovered is the key. WOMEN WORRY ABOUT WRINKLES and struggle with dark spots. But a new study brings to light a more subliminal aging cue: a lack of contrast. Scientists at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania tweaked the tones of facial skin in photos of women 20 to 70 years old, then asked volunteers to estimate the age of each. Turns out, those with minimal contrast (a monochromatic appearance with little color difference in the lips, eye area, and skin) looked the oldest. Makes sense, since with each passing birthday, lips, lashes, and eyebrows naturally lighten. Before you make a beeline…

Get a VIP look into RUN 10 FEED 10—Women’s Health and The FEED Foundation’s 10-K runs, held in various U.S. cities to help fight hunger—with GMA weekend weather anchor Ginger Zee (above). See her run the race and chat with special guests live from our kickoff event in New York City on September 22! Go to GoodMorningAmerica.com for details. Ginger’s Race Must-Haves: 1. Nike Free Flyknit shoes. “The bright color makes me want to hit the road.” 2. A KIND bar. “I enjoy peanut butter, and the protein keeps me energized!” 3. “Holy Grail” by Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake. “It distracts me.” 4. Lululemon running shorts. “The key/credit card pocket is perfect.”…

— Lorraine, Newark, NJ Every month or two. When your toothbrush gets wet, bacteria jump on board—“and the longer you have the brush, the more bacteria accumulate,” says Sherri Worth, D.D.S., a dentist in Newport Beach, California. (And bacteria can come from anywhere—including your mouth and even the air!) But time isn’t the only gauge: Worth says to toss a brush that has worn, frayed, or bristles going in different directions; ditto after you’ve had the flu or a cold. To lengthen the life of your brush, rinse it thoroughly after each use and allow it to dry completely before popping a clean cover over the bristles. Should you exercise if you’re still sore from a previous workout? —Kaitlin, Lakeland, FL Unless you’re aching from a hugely intense effort—like a…

Tackle exercise and diet together for best results. In a study, participants who began fitness and food plans at the same time met national guidelines for exercise (150 minutes weekly) and nutrition (five to nine daily servings of fruit and veggies, and less than 11 percent of total daily intake from saturated fat) one year out. Those who exercised first, then started a diet a few months later, or vice versa, didn’t measure up. “Doing both from the start keeps one from becoming a priority,” says study author Abby King, Ph.D.…

Parties are more fun with a plus-one, and now, the same goes for your foundation. Here, three formulas with an added bonus. FOUNDATION PLUS… Blush The product: Givenchy Teint Couture Compact, ($55, at Sephora) Two powders—one, a foundation; the other, a petalpink blush—make this compact multipurpose. Apply separately, or swirl the two together and apply all over for a pearlescent glow. Concealor The product: Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Makeup Duo ($60, lancomeusa.com) The vitamin C–rich concealer undoes dark spots, while the fluidlike foundation imparts a seamless, airbrushed (read: lightweight!) coverage. Anti-Aging Serum The product: YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation ($69, yslbeautyus.com) This creamy, smooth, medium-to fullcoverage foundation contains glycanactif, an ingredient complex that may stave off wrinkles and sagging. Pretty and powerful!…

A custom-workout planner who provides nutrition guidance and support and selects classes to match your goals and personality, says Megan Hoffman, a concierge and groupfitness director at Oxygen Fitness Club in New Canaan, Connecticut. Some gyms offer the service; websites such as Fitist.com and SinWorkouts.com curate a routine across a range of studios (available in New York and Los Angeles), starting at around $120. KEEP IT MOVING The dangers of sitting too much may drill all the way down to your DNA: Australian researchers sampled thigh muscle from people who sat constantly and those who took two-minute walking breaks every 20 minutes. The latter group showed positive changes in 75 genes, including ones involved with new muscle growth and the destruction of free radicals. Sneak in standing breaks while you…

Go into hiding? Not a chance with these stylish clothes, accessories, and makeup. Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara in Khaki Bronze, $30, chanel.com 1. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mysterious, $27, chanel.com 2. SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Comfort, $12, sparitual.com 3. Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Loden Green, $8, at Target 4. SinfulColors SinfulShine Nail Color in Rebel, $3, at Walgreens CoverGirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencils in Ashen Glow Flame and Lime Green Flame, $6 each, at drugstores Fantas-Eyes sunglasses, $12, fantaseyes.com Bellerose jacket, $375, at Dot Reeder, 973-744-7410 Express belt, $34.90, express.com Nanette Lepore pants, $278, shopbop.com C. Wonder clutch, $178, cwonder.com Givenchy Le Prisme 4 Color Eye Shadow in Khaki Egerie, $57, at Sephora C. Wonder clutch, $178, cwonder.com Ash wedges, $275,…

The workout couldn’t be simpler: Choose one of the interval patterns here and complete the following exercises in order. Both of them burn calories, build muscle, and blast fat, but the different work-to-rest ratios generate a slightly different metabolic response. Alternating between them can help speed up results and offer just enough variety to fight mental fatigue. 30:30 Complete as many reps as you can in 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. (Rest 60 seconds at the end if you’re doing more than one round.) 50:10 Complete as many reps as you can in 50 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. (Rest 60 seconds at the end if you’re doing more than one round.) TO…

Look Five Pounds Lighter Adjust your posture with these effortless alignment cues to trim visual inches (and feel more confident!). Ears Over Shoulders: Rounded shoulders can shorten your torso, making it look thicker than it really is. Picture wearing long, dangly earrings; they should always touch the tops of your shoulders. Rib Cage Up: Weak upper-back muscles often angle your chest downward and make your boobs look droopy. Lift your sternum (the breast bone in your chest) a few inches to elongate your torso. Pelvis Parallel: Think of your pelvis as a bucket full of water. When your hips tilt forward or you lift your butt, water spills out the front; it also pushes your stomach out and accentuates the look of a belly pooch. Focus on making the bucket…

These accessories will get you bottoms up—the right way. Stretchy Strap Place it around your upper arms to help prevent your elbows from splaying in poses like handstand, where the arms should be straight, says Budig. Yogitoes Lapis rStrapStretch, $17, yogitoes.com Inversion Table Decompress your spine for back-pain relief. Start with two to three minutes at 20 to 30 degrees of inversion, going up to 10 minutes. Gaiam Inversion Table, $249, gaiam.com Yoga Blanket Use it on your mat for more support in shoulder stand. Manduka Recycled Wool Blanket, $32, manduka.com…

EXERCISE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Upgrade your bodyweight routine with this simple idea. You don’t need a pricey new fitness class to shake up your workout routine. Case in point: This total-body workout—which uses nothing but a household hand towel—created by Melissa Paris, a New York City–based personal trainer. “The key to seeing continued results and avoiding plateaus is to keep challenging your body in different ways, whether that’s with new moves, a new environment, or new equipment,” says Paris. “Incorporating a towel into your routine is a no-cost and efficient way to take your workout to the next level.” That’s because with every exercise, the towel provides either friction (as in the lateral lunge) or tension (as in the seated oblique twist) to help engage muscles that would otherwise be missing…

Stand up. Since heartburn is often caused by acid reflux—i.e., stomach acid creeping up your esophagus—you’ll want to stay vertical to slow or subdue the upward flow. If that doesn’t work… Grab some gum. The Journal of Dental Research reported that people who chewed sugar-free gum for 30 minutes had reduced amounts of acid in their esophagi. The reason? Constant chewing creates more saliva, which makes you swallow more, which helps wash down the reflux. If that doesn’t work… Seek an OTC aid. Head to the closest pharmacy for some over-the-counter antacids in tablet or liquid form. Their main ingredient, aluminum hydroxide, neutralizes acid. (Just be warned: Popping these like candy can lead to gnarly side effects like diarrhea or, in rare cases, kidney stones; see your M.D. if you…

This February, the National Institutes of Health published a 230-page report on breast cancer. The key finding: It’s time for women and their doctors to prioritize prevention. Like, right now. And the key to that prevention is knowing why some women get sick and some don’t. For now, it comes down to a series of risks. Some are genetic or very hard to control. But others, so-called modifiable risks, you can do something about. “You can make a big difference by doing just one thing,” says Melissa Troester, Ph.D., of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Breast cancer is really a complex puzzle, a network of risk factors that fit together. Changing just one of those factors could prevent the puzzle from…

How much do you know about your mom’s health? What about her mom’s? Or your dad’s mom’s? A genetic predisposition seriously ups your own cancer risk. What’s more, while only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary, they can be way more aggressive than non-inherited types. What you find might be scary, but as Angelina Jolie proved, you’ll still have risk-reducing options. Here, your pressing gene questions, answered. How do I know if I inherited a high breast-cancer risk? A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is the biggest red flag. The closer the affected relative—and the younger she was when diagnosed—the more alert you should be. Oh no! There’s a bunch of breast cancer in my family. Now what? Talk to your M.D. about a blood…

Being permanently frazzled can steer you toward risk-boosting behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or overeating. But research suggests long-term stress might open an even bigger door to breast cancer by increasing blood flow to tumors, triggering hormones that encourage tumor growth, and sending your body into a state of constant inflammation. Need yet one more reason to chill? Chronic stress may increase the growth and spread of one of the most deadly forms of breast cancer—“triple negative”—for which there is no proven treatment. Work a few of these tension tamers into your weekly routine: Bust a move. In a study, people who took six 90-minute dance lessons reported lower overall stress levels. Sign up for a class or boogie in your own way on your own time. Soak up some…

4 tsp Nutella 4 graham crackers, halved 4 marshmallows Put 1 teaspoon Nutella on 4 of the graham cracker halves. Top each with a marshmallow and a graham cracker half to make a sandwich. Perforate 12 inches of tinfoil a few times with a fork and wrap s’mores completely. Crimp the edges to make a tinfoil pouch. Smoke until marshmallow melts, about 3 to 5 minutes. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per serving: 80 cal, 2.5 g fat (0.5 g sat), 15 g carbs, 40 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein…

In this autumn salad, crispy smoked capers are the vegetarian answer to bacon and pair beautifully with the richness of caramelized smoked apples and tart chèvre. 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 jar (3.5 oz) capers, drained 2 red Anjou pears, sliced 6 cups arugula 4 oz chèvre 4 Tbsp walnuts Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add capers and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the capers pop and get crispy, about 4 minutes. Perforate 12 inches of tinfoil with a fork and wrap it around capers to make a smoking pouch. Place pouch and pear slices in smoker and smoke until pears darken in color, about 4 to 6 minutes. Divide arugula among four bowls, with remaining ingredients. Serve with a balsamic maple vinaigrette. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per…

1 Your Thermostat If you’re not careful, the layers you put on this winter could be permanent. Research has found that people tend to eat more during prolonged cold temperatures than during hot periods because it takes more energy (i.e., calories) to maintain our standard 98.6°F. (That may be why some sly restaurants dial down the heat.) Plus, says Nanette Stroebele, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado at Denver’s Center for Human Nutrition, people make different menu selections depending on the state of the mercury: gooey high-fat, high-carb comfort foods when it’s cold versus cool foods like salads when it’s sweltering. THE FIX: Feeling chilly? Start with a bowl of brothbased soup, which will warm you up (and help cut overall calorie consumption at that meal, according to studies). Also…

Last December, my 2-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, and I had been visiting my parents in Atlanta for the holidays. I had to get home to Minneapolis for work, so we planned to fly back the day before, with a layover in Detroit. My dad works for an airline and I fly for free, but I have to go on standby. That day everyone, it seemed, wanted to get home, and during the layover in Detroit I kept getting bumped from one flight to the next. Eventually I learned it might be a couple of days until I could fly out. I was tired at that point and Ashlyn was cranky, so what I should have done was book a hotel room and get some sleep. But then I would have missed…

Patrick Dempsey, 47, star of Grey’s Anatomy, which celebrates its 200th episode in October 1 What’s the perfect date night for you and your wife? Just being able to have one! It’s usually dinner at a nice, quiet restaurant—and a chance to talk without any interruptions. 2 Favorite present you’ve ever received? I got a car from [my wife Jillian], which was pretty remarkable. It was very nice—a little antique car that she knew I’d like. She was very clever. I didn’t know I wanted it, but she did. 3 How do women underestimate men? I think they sometimes underestimate our sensitivity. We’re listening; we’re sensitive. Also, it’s always nice to be complimented and appreciated. It goes both ways. 4 What’s the best way to make up after you have…

Many women tend to settle into a comfortable pattern, sticking to a certain group of weights or equipment, even beelining to the same bike in cycling class. While familiarity can boost your confidence, never straying from your comfort zone can leave you with waning motivation and stalled results. Time to rev it up! Tap into the full range of what your gym has to offer and you’ll optimize every minute of your sweat session. THE BEST EQUIPMENT YOU’RE NOT USING Dynamax Medicine Ball Because it’s softer and easier to throw than a smaller, denser medicine ball, it’s more effective for developing power and core strength, says Boyle. Get a well-balanced workout by using it for chest passes, overhead slams, rotational throws, and squats. Plyo Box These sturdy boxes come in…

WIDE LEG SHOWCASES TALL FRAMES GREAT FOR HOURGLASS PROPORTIONS ELONGATES LEGS SWEAT PANT-STYLE FLATTENS THE TUMMY HAS ROOM FOR STRONG LEGS PENCIL STREAMLINES LEGS FLATTERS PETITES CARGO CREATES SHAPELY THIGHS ENHANCES STRAIGHT FIGURES HIGHLIGHTS YOUR REAR MENS WEAR WIDE WAISTBAND SMOOTHS MIDDLE DRAPES NICELY ON CURVES ADVICE FROM ONE SMARTYPANTS As VP of merchandising for Loft, Devina Foley is an expert on finding the best-fitting, best-looking pants. We asked her how to score a winning pair. Q: What’s the biggest challenge women face when shopping for pants? A: We often sacrifice look for comfort or vice versa, because it’s so hard to find both. Q: Some women hate the way their thighs look in pants. What’s the fix? A: If you have fuller thighs, don’t squeeze into a smaller size…

CHEATER’S GUIDE Pumpkin-carving tips from Marc Evan, winner of Food Network’s Halloween Wars. > Draw your idea on the pumpkin in pencil or a washable marker before carving (download free patterns at Pumpkin Masters.com).>Use a paring (not kitchen) knife or X-Acto.>Scrape the inner walls with the head of a spoon—it helps the light shine through. Start with the more intricate areas (say, a crooked nose) and work your way around to the bigger features (like those large round eyes). Who Knew? Samhain ophobia is a fear of Halloween. LAST-MINUTE DIY COSTUMES Eric Daman, costume designer for The Carrie Diaries, explains how to throw something together…with stuff that you already own. BLOODY MARY Wear a red dress (or any all-red outfit) and add a celery stalk to your updo. (Skip the…