Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2017 i Women's Health

During a debate on the House floor in September, an 84-year-old male representative called a 51-year-old female rep a “young lady” who “doesn’t know a damn thing.” Pramila Jayapal, the congresswoman, asked for his words to be stricken from the record, and she later told Vice, “There are lots of ways to compliment women of intelligence and substance, and calling them ‘young lady’ is not one of them.” When I tweeted this quote, most comments were of the “go, girl!” variety. But some suggested the congresswoman should “take the compliment” and that a 51-year-old woman being called a “young lady” was not condescending or sexist, but flattering. Politics aside, it got me thinking about compliments. And how, historically, women have been lauded not so much for their actions or their…

PONCHO For Charita, it was “love at first sight” with this cozy, chic topper—now a wardrobe staple she throws on post-workout because it’s warm without being too heavy. LEGGINGS “I am a sucker for fun prints to showcase my extrovert personality in the gym, and these Nike Pro HyperWarm leggings deliver.” SNEAKERS Charita rocks cleats on the field, but when it comes to working out and being on the go, she reaches for these lightweight kicks. Street Style FITNESS EDITION Charita Boseman, 38, Washington, D.C. As a global health manager for Special Olympics International, Charita focuses on creating a fit, healthy lifestyle for the athletes and people with intellectual disabilities around the world—as well as herself. While she sticks mostly to Nike for athletic wear (she’s not a spokesperson, she…

He’s Saying: Pet Me, Please! A pooch who wants you to get closer may come up to you, wiggle, wag his tail, and even rub his head or body against you, says veterinarian Emily Stenseng, D.V.M., of Jersey Village Animal Hospital in Houston. He’s Saying: Step Off He’s tensing up, cowering, or curling his upper lip. Look for less obvious signs too: ears down; big “puppy dog” eyes that well up (or that squint shut, as if to block you out); head turned away to avoid direct eye contact.…

REDDIT, TRIED IT, LOVED IT A LASH CURLER FOR YOUR EYES A post on the Makeup Addiction subreddit says lash curlers aren’t a one-size-fits-all sitch. NYC makeup artist Suzy Gerstein confirmed this, but instead of using the complex facial measurements in the post to find the right curler, she shares easy guidelines here. whbeauty So who needs which kind of curler? [-]suzygerstein Big eyes need one with a large arc such as (1) Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler ($30, sephora.com). Smaller eyes can try a half curler, like M.A.C Half Lash Curler ($22, maccosmetics.com); use it in two sections to fully cover all your lashes. whbeauty Is there a technique that works for all eyes? [-]suzygerstein Yes! Angle the tool toward your nose and lightly press lashes three times: by…

Oh, uke, you’ve become a guest star in meditation and yoga classes. When we heard your sweet, homegrown twang during savasana and were transported to a sandy shore in Hawaii (your birthplace!), we understood why. With our eyes closed, we could almost sense the waves between your delicate strings—instant relaxation. You’re such a li’l delight, we want to pick you up ourselves. Experts say that your teeny shape adds to your calming effects, because holding you feels like cradling a baby. You’re easier to learn than your rock ’n’ roll sib, the guitar, and at under $100, cheaper too. This could be the start of a tropical friendship. Shakes on a Plane You’re 35,000 feet up in the air, and should something go wrong, there’s no way out. That’s what…

STRETCHING THE LIMITS Originally a proven alternative to free weights and machines for the elderly and injured, elastic bands have beenconfirmed in a new review to boost muscle strength and functional performance in healthy folks too. But that’s not the onlyreason we love mini bands. Let us count the ways… 1 THEY INCREASE MUSCLE ACTIVATION Mini bands are unique among resistance tools because they place constant tension on your muscles, keeping them equally engagedfor both the contracting and lengthening phases of an exercise, saysAlexia Clark, a personal trainer in Scottsdale, Arizona. In fact, onestudy in the European Journal of Sport Science found thatusing elastics can increase muscle activity up to 15 percent morethan training with dumbbells. The stretchiness of the band alsoallows you to tap smaller stabilizing muscles that you…

An eye for an eye. Love at first sight. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. These centuries-old proverbs are powerful reminders that not only do our eyes help us view and understand the world around us, they’re fundamental to our most intense human experiences. Small wonder, then, that in a recent study, most people said they would rather forfeit a limb or their memory—even contract a potentially deadly disease—than lose their sight. But our vision is being jeopardized, and, ironically, at our own hands. The culprit is our addiction to digital devices. Cases of myopia, or nearsightedness—which is linked to sight-stealing conditions like macular degeneration—are skyrocketing. “At the turn of this century, only 1 to 2 percent of the population had myopia. Now we have rates nearing 50…

THE (MEATBALL) MATRIX We don’t need your help, Keanu; we’ve got chef Daniel Holzman in the house! He owns The Meatball Shop in New York City, and his recipe is simple: For every pound of meat, add a teaspoon of salt, an egg, and a quarter-cup of breadcrumbs. Then go all out with add-ins, like Holzman’s Reuben (ground corned beef, Swiss, and pumpernickel bread served with Russian dressing and sauerkraut). This mix-and-match chart can help you create something equally unique. Or turn the page for combos we love. OUR FAVORITE RECIPES MEXICAN ALBÓNDIGAS WITH HOMEMADE SALSA Ground pork + ancho chili powder + cumin + paprika + grated onion + minced garlic + chopped cilantro PER SERVING (3 MEATBALLS): 220 cal, 7 g fat (2 g sat), 12 g carbs, 2…

Krysten Ritter, 5'9" and lanky, is clad in her Jessica Jones uniform: simple white tee, torn jeans, and black combat boots, the better to match her jet-black hair. That is, she’s, you know, intimidating. In her office on the outskirts of Manhattan, just upstairs from the set of the Marvel/ Netflix megahit, the 35-year-old is talking about going HAAM. What’s HAAM, you ask? Hard As A Motherf-cker. Is she going HAAM on nailing a stunt? Throwing a bad guy into a wall? Try coming off a 16-hour day crafting the final pages of her first novel, Bonfire (a psychological thriller out this month), chased with a session of knitting. Wait, what?? The phrase stems from her sister’s comment on Krysten’s work ethic. (“She said, ‘Sissy, you go HAAM.’ I almost…

ON WHAT SCARES HIM: I’m terrified of the ocean. I think it’s beautiful and magical, but I never go in. That deep, dark water, with no understanding of what goes on behind it—I think that’s a metaphor for a lot of things. I’m terrified of the unknown, which is a driving force for me. I like this idea that the things that terrify us also draw us in. ON WEIRDNESS: I feel like the most human among us are the weirdest among us. Those voices can be the most creative and the most special. You look around at your parents, your friends, your aunts and uncles, and you realize nobody is normal. This idea that you can cherish your weirdness, your brokenness, and love yourself because of those things has…

On the Cover Kat Cashmere cropped sweater, $142, katcashmere.com Veronica Beard Jeans Kate jeans, $198, veronicabeard.com Alex Woo 14K white gold and diamond Princess Star necklace, $948, alexwoo.com John Hardy modern chain silver band ring, $295, modern chain band ring with diamonds, $1,450, and classic chain overlap ring, $450, johnhardy.com 15-Minute Workout: Progressive Plyometrics PAGE 66 Adidas halter bra, $45, adidas.com Adidas By Stella McCartney run sprintweb tights, $120, adidas.com Adidas Pureboost x Trainer zip sneaker, $130, adidas.com Badass with a Heart PAGES 93 TO 96 Page 93 MICHAEL Michael Kors crimson and black star-print chiffon dress, $140, michaelkors.com Page 94 Marciano Los Angeles Aylin leather jacket, $398, marciano.com Topshop satin slip dress, $170, us.topshop.com Page 95 Rebecca Minkoff moto jacket, $498, rebeccaminkoff.com H&M dress, $80, hm.com Pandora black braided…

LIFE Each of the packets contains a single serving of matcha—the grand pooh-bah of green tea—making ’em easy to slip into your handbag, gym bag, or flight carry-on. Just pour the contents into three ounces of hot water or your choice of milk (or “mylk”). BODY Because you’re ingesting the grounds of the whole tea leaf (rather than simply tea-infused water), you get the motherlode of polyphenols, souped-up antioxidants that have been shown to steady blood sugar and lower blood pressure as well as fight off bad bacteria and viruses. MIND The matcha magic? Alertness and focus without jitters. That’s thanks to the combo of caffeine (more than other green tea, less than coffee) buffered by L-theanine. This amino acid may also reduce stress and anxiety by boosting levels of…

“ROOM TO IMPROVE” On page 98, we explore “wellness architecture,” a design trend using colors and textures to make your surroundings healthier. Below, WH advisor and integrative internist Pamela Yee, M.D., shares how she makes her home a place of well-being. “Promoting open, flowing spaces by decluttering creates an energy that frees me from burdens like the need to constantly fix things that are broken or to redecorate, which actually makes me feel as if I’m never satisfied with what I have. Instead of becoming a slave to objects and not being present for what matters— family—my husband and I go from room to room cleaning out and donating what’s no longer pertinent to our lives. Once done, my home and heart feel lighter.”…

HEALTH Q I have acid reflux and drink tons of coffee. Am I making it worse? You might be. Acid reflux, or GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, happens when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus and irritates the lining. That can give you heartburn, a sore throat, a dry cough, and even chest pain. Certain foods and drinks—such as alcohol, mint, spicy foods, and yep, coffee—can trigger it because they relax the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and the stomach that normally prevents acid from regurgitating. Coffee does so due to compounds called methylxanthines. Switching to espresso drinks that contain less overall coffee, like lattes or cappuccinos, might help a bit. But coffee is still an acidic drink, meaning it can aggravate symptoms, so cutting back on…

HOW I DIY BUILDING TRUE BODY CONFIDENCE Nutritionist and personal trainer Sophie Gray (@wayofgray) wants you to “accept the shit out of yourself.” We’re here for it…but where to start if you’re feeling shaky? Be kind to a body part you neglect, or one you have bad associations with. “Give it a mini massage and say to yourself, ‘I am enough,’” says Gray. “We so often feel shame about—and disconnected from—our bodies. Showing them a little love is soothing and relaxing.” A New CSA The kind where you buy locally grown veggies is a boon for your health, yes. But we’re talking about Cognitively Stimulating Activities. A recent survey found that they can boost your memory, attention, and problemsolving ability, and you don’t even have to do sudoku! Experts say…

REDDIT, TRIED IT, LOVED IT HEELS DOWN ON THE ELLIPTICAL Ever wonder how to prevent your toes from going numb on the popular cardio machine? Tons of people on Reddit do too. Their main fix: Distribute weight into your heels. We asked Melanie McNeal, manager of physical and occupational therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, to chime in. whfitness Why does numbness even happen? [-]melaniemcneal Because you’re pedaling up and forward and your soles aren’t fixed in position, you might throw your weight onto the balls of your feet. This compresses the nerves, cutting off oxygen to your toes—not dangerous, but not comfortable either. whfitness Does changing your foot stance actually work? [-]melaniemcneal When your heels and toes are flat on the pedals, no one area gets less oxygen, so…

1 THE MISCONCEPTION: “MY SKIN IS SENSITIVE— NO WAY COULD I USE A RETINOID.” THE REASONING: Retinoids (the umbrella term for all forms of the vitamin A derivative, including the popular OTC version retinol) are the Screech of the skin world: irritating. So women who have had reactions to other skin products—or who have tried a retinoid in the past and ended up tingly and flaky— think it’s not for them. THE FACTS: Unless you’re one of the small fraction of people with übersensi skin, you probably just haven’t given this guy enough of a chance. “Everyone is going to experience at least two weeks of retinoid dermatitis—that’s the redness, flaking, dryness everyone is afraid of—but once the skin adjusts to regular use of the ingredient, those side effects will…

PROGRESSIVE PLYOMETRICS What it is: A total-body, abs-blasting workout with lots of jumping (the plyometric part) that builds in intensity (the progressive part) How it works: The routine gets harder as your body “awakens” on a neuromuscular level. (In other words, as you warm up and become more coordinated, you’re better prepared for the next move.) Plyos spike your heart rate to burn serious cals while activating your fast-twitch muscle fibers to improve strength. Because your upper- and lower-body muscles are working in tandem, your deepest core muscles fire over time. What to do: Once or twice a week, do this circuit in order, performing each exercise for one minute before moving on without resting. After you’ve completed all four moves, rest up to one minute, then repeat twice for…

“You’re definitely a mess,” remarked the ENT casually, examining the ulcers dotting my throat. “But I have no idea what’s wrong with you.” He was the third doctor to be stumped by my symptoms, which, over the preceding two months, had ranged from bloody stools to random fevers to daylong bouts of vomiting. He scribbled a prescription for a throat-numbing spray, charged me a co-pay, and sent me on my way. I was fed up with these pitiful attempts at diagnosis. So I went home, researched physicians online, and booked an appointment with another ENT. She scoped my nose and throat with a tiny camera, then sat down with me for an hour and explained why she felt my problem was related to my gut (she was right; two years…

Over the past 13 years, Women’s Health has documented hundreds of women’s weight-loss journeys in our “You Lose, You Win” column. And while each story is complex and personal, one common thread weaves through all of them: a eureka moment. The scientific world has long been familiar with these “aha” insights, but researchers are newly seeing them as pivotal catalysts for losing weight. “In terms of health, it has to do with realizing a behavior change fits with your life goals,” says Elliot Berkman, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at the University of Oregon in Eugene. That, he says, jolts people into action. So are the odds of having one of these inspo bursts akin to those for winning the Powerball? Happily, nope. By understanding what happens in your…

YOU WANT: A MEDITATIVE, CALMING SPACE WHERE YOU CAN GET ZEN Ariel Farmer, an interior designer at Homepolish (an online design service) created the cool, tranquil Brooklyn and Manhattan locations of meditation studio MNDFL. Both spots offer guided group classes, one-on-one instruction, and community spaces where anyone can go to chill. Her tips for establishing a soothing palace of your own: 1. COLOR & TEXTURE “To me, that ‘white box,’ überminimal look feels sterile and uninspiring, and not like somewhere I’d like to spend my time,” says Farmer, who skipped the all-white scheme for a neutral palette of creams, taupes, and beiges. She used the texture of earthy materials like wood (found in a study to feel “homey”) and jute to spark visual interest. 2. ART Views of nature have…

PANTRY Campbell’s Well Yes! Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Soup When you want a break from chicken noodle, this under-300-calorie can is food for more than just your soul. Lentils add cholesterollowering fiber to make a filling vegetarian meal. HOW WE CHOSE OUR WINNERS Hundreds of products, dozens of taste tests, scores of nutrition labels—we went through them all to narrow down our list to this stellar selection. Our criteria: Each winner had to be fast and convenient (meaning no more than 10 minutes goes into preparing or cooking it), absolutely delicious, and super good-for-you. To make sure of that last bit, we ran every single one of the candidates past our expert team of nutritionists: Karen Ansel, R.D.N.; Maureen Callahan, R.D.; and Rachel Meltzer Warren, R.D.N. Enjoy! PANTRY These…

WHPLANOFACTION.COM @WHTAKEACTION Kashwére… Creating Comfort Beautifully Kashwére believes lifestyle products should bring you comfort and beauty and be easily cared for–which is why all Kashwérebranded products of robes, throws, blankets, slippers and baby blankets are machine washable and dryable, beautiful and sumptuous to the touch! kashwere.com The Buccaneer, St. Croix: Gracious, Elegant, Legendary The Buccaneer has welcomed guests to play and relax for 70 years, and offers St. Croix’s finest services and accommodations (138 rooms plus six-bedroom villa), three beaches, golf, tennis, two pools, superb cuisine, free children’s program, spa and water sports on 340 secluded beachfront acres. A member of Historic Hotels of America. thebuccaneer.com Better Taste. Better Nutrition. Better Eggs®: Eggland’s Best Only Eggland’s Best eggs can provide better taste and better nutrition. Compared to ordinary eggs, EB…

I never told my boyfriend that I’m meh on one thing he does in bed, and it became part of his repertoire of moves. How do I tell him now, a year later? MAKE A SWAP. A year?! You’re a trooper. But really, it just shows you care about his feelings. The next time he goes in for his signature move, rather than telling him you don’t like it, guide him toward something you’d “like even more.” He’ll remember. SPEAK UP. Whenever he’s about to do The Thing, gently guide his hands/hips/feather boa into a position that you feel more excited about. If he’s still not getting it, say what isn’t working—and suggest something that will. BE POSITIVE. Instead of saying what you are so-so on, tell him what you…

HOW I DIY HEALTHY (AND FILLING!) SNACKS Rachel Graham (@losinggravity) lost 90 pounds by cooking nutritious, satiating recipes she found online. She bakes these hearty muffins in double batches when the mood strikes, then keeps half in the freezer for when she’s feeling less inspired. ½ cup coconut oil ½ cup maple syrup (or honey) 2 eggs 1 cup mashed ripe bananas(approximately 2 bananas) ½ cup almond milk 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon, plus more for garnish 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour ⅓ cup oats, plus more for garnish Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease the cups of the muffin tin with coconut oil. Whisk remaining coconut oil and maple syrup together. Stir in eggs. Mix in mashed bananas and almond milk,…

THE SELF-TANNING KIT THE PRO TIPS Courtesy of Kristyn Padras, New York City spray tanner The day before you self-tan, remove dead skin cells by using body wash mixed with a superfine sugar scrub. To prevent tanner from pooling in lines on your hands and feet, apply a basic moisturizer before the tanner. Moisturize again post-glow, blending out excess between fingers with a pointed makeup sponge, moving in the direction of your fingertips. Squeeze a half-dollarsize dollop of the tanner (oil, lotion, gel—it’s your choice) onto a tanning mitt to prevent streaks, and work from your toes upward. To cover your back, stick the tanning mitt on a long-handle shower brush, fastening it with a rubber band. After applying tanner, dust on a talc-free baby powder to crease-prone areas (such…

YOUR GO-TO WORKOUT: CARDIO (RUNNING, CYCLING, ELLIPTICAL) The Issues: Your body works as a unit, also known as a kinetic chain. When one muscle group gets lazy or tense (say, your ankles), another picks up the slack. That can cause painful inflammation issues including IT band syndrome (hip to knee), Achilles tendinitis (calf to heel), and plantar fasciitis (foot), as well as stress fractures, says Malindi Elmore, an Olympic distance runner and coach at the Run SMART Project in Canada. Your Prehab Plan: Take the two-pronged approach of loosening and strengthening. These dynamic stretches and body-weight moves will help ease tightness and improve mobility in your lower body while activating and solidifying your core and glutes so they’re ready to fire during your sweat session. Add these exercises to your…

WHPLANOFACTION.COM @WHTAKEACTION Youtheory® Turmeric Supports Healthy Inflammation Response* Turmeric is one of nature's best-kept secrets! The vibrant coloring comes from curcuminoids, which also supply the majority of its health benefits. Youtheory® Turmeric is carefully sourced with the highest-quality ingredients available providing you antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.* youtheory.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Looking for a Simple Way to Save Some Money? Did you know that GEICO is the second-largest private-passenger insurance company in America? For over 75 years, we’ve been helping people save money on car insurance–see how much you could save by getting a no-obligation quote. geico.com Disclaimer: Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in…

LOST 80 lbs Daniell Nielsen Jenkins, 41 Gramercy, Louisiana HER AHA MOMENT On the morning of August 16, 2012, Daniell received word that her husband, Brandon, a police officer, had been killed on the job. Mired in grief, she experienced a flash of clarity that told her she had to get healthy and strong for their five children. HOW SHE HARNESSED IT Daniell had struggled with weight most of her life and had yo-yoed in the past. This time, though, at 215 pounds, she approached things differently: “as something I was doing for myself, not to myself,” she says. Six weeks after Brandon was killed, Daniell joined a gym and began working out with a trainer. She also started tracking her food with the MyFitnessPal app. Eliminating added sugar and…

We’ve all heard that mindfulness is a mental-health holy grail: the answer to lack of focus, a blah mood, and even stress (which leads to physical benefits such as better sleep and a boosted immune system). But who has all that extra time to sit around being mindful with a schedule full of appointments and social obligations? Here’s the thing: We’re getting the concept all wrong, says Pedram Shojai, a Cali-based former Taoist monk, doctor of Oriental Medicine, and author of The Art of Stopping Time: Practical Mindfulness for Busy People. The idea that you must meditate to be mindful is a mistranslation of Eastern philosophies, he says. In his book, Shojai suggests 100 “microhabits,” small actions that can Zen you out and save you time by helping you use…

DIANA ZIEGLER, 25, of York, PA, six months pregnant, was stabbed with a sword. Her husband is charged with murder. VALERIE WILLIAMS, 27, of Springfield, MO, four months pregnant, died of a head injury. Her boyfriend is charged with murder. CANDACE PICKENS, 22, of Asheville, NC, was shot after learning she was pregnant. Her boyfriend is charged with murder. CHRYSTAL GARCIA ESPINOSA, 29, of San Antonio, six months pregnant, was stabbed. Her boyfriend is charged with murder. LYUBA SAVENOK, 23, of St. Paul, MN, 26 weeks pregnant, was stabbed. Her husband pleaded guilty to murder.…