Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Women's Health

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @lizplosser Although I groan at my early alarm just like everyone else (right?!), I’m always better for it when I begin my day before the rest of the city is awake. My ideal morning includes coffee, a bit of work to get a jump on the day, a feel-good sweat, and some quality (chaotic!) time with my three young children and husband. According to my parents, I wasn’t always like this. My dad and I still laugh about how the only way he could convince me to jog or play tennis with him before 8 a.m. in high school was if he promised a very large latte afterward. (Clearly coffee has always been nonnegotiable.) I know I’m not alone: We’re not all born “morning people,” but if you’re reading…

Look up multi-hyphenate in the dictionary and you’ll likely find a photo of King next to the entry. The actress (she most recently fought zombies in the Netflix series Black Summer) also wears the hats of mother, model, activist, and fashion designer (her gender-fluid kids’ line with Gardner and the Gang, called The Lion’s Heart, launched in 2016). Phew! To keep her busy self balanced, both mentally and physically, King relies on a steady diet of yoga-based flows with trainer Mikey Budd, who tailors King’s routine to whatever her body craves that day. “He knows that if I’m tired, maybe I just need my ass kicked a little bit—but in a gentle way,” she says. Meditation also centers King, who has a master’s in spiritual science and psychology. But perhaps…

EACH RECIPE SERVES 2 The Cornelia ½ cup aged or spiced rum ½ cup fresh sweetcorn kernels 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp water 6 drops tiki bitters (optional) nutmeg or cinnamon In a cocktail shaker, muddle corn until it looks milky. Add rum, lemon juice, honey, water, bitters (if using), and ice; shake well. Strain into glasses; garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon. The mixologist: Jules Aron, author of Zen and Tonic and founder of TheHealthyBartender.com Red Beet Mule ⅓ cup gin 1 small beet, cooked 2 strawberries 3 Tbsp lime juice ⅓ cup ginger beer 3 Tbsp vanilla syrup (To make: Simmer ½ cup each water and sugar with ½ vanilla bean for 10 minutes.) 2 lime wedges curry powder In a blender, puree gin,…

The reason menstrual cups score points for the environment, your wallet, and your convenience is the same one that makes them just slightly more risky for your bod: They’re reusable. Anything that stays inside your vagina for a period of time, like tampons, can disrupt your pH and lead to infection—but a cup ups the chances because there could be surface bacteria still hanging around when you put it back in. To prevent problems, clean your cup every 12 hours by boiling it in water for 5 to 10 minutes. A simple wipe-down or soapy wash won’t remove all the pathogens (like staph, which in rare cases can cause toxic shock syndrome), per new research. Sources: Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn and author of She-ology; Gérard Lina, MD, PhD, study author…

As if you needed another reason to miss college (sorry!): Watching your school’s team win with a group of friends can raise your self-esteem for at least two days after the big W, a new study found. That’s because being with likeminded fans helps strengthen confidence in your identity and decisions. Join your local alumni club—many offer game-viewing parties. Or try a fan group of another stripe, like a weekly gathering for The Bachelor. Sources: Communication & Sport (study); Andrew C. Billings, PhD, executive director of the University of Alabama Program in Sports Communication…

ProPlan Calming Care Probiotic Starting at least a month before your trip, sprinkle this daily probiotic on their food so they’ll react less to stress (i.e., your absence). $50 for 45-day supply, proplanvetdirect.com Furbo Dog Camera You can check in on your pup at any time via an app on your phone—and talk to them (or toss’em a treat) if they look lonely. $199, furbo.com FOMO Bones CBD-infused treats can help doggies manage anxiety too. (Don’t worry, there’s no THC, so they won’t get high or confused.) $40, fomobones.com Feliway Classic Starter Kit This diffuser mimics the pheromones that help your cat feel safe in her territory, so she can rest easy while you’re away. $21, amazon.com Source: Marty Becker, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Fear Free Pets…

Deluxe Deo “Feeling a thick, sticky antiperspirant under my arms when I work out? Ick, I hate it. That’s why I’m loving this serum formula. It goes on smoothly—its texture is like a fancy face primer—and dries stat.” —Marta Topran, beauty director Dove Dry Serum Antiperspirant, $12, at Target Thirst Quencher “When my skin is dehydrated, the first place it shows is the area around my eyes. This gel, packed with vitamins C and E and aloe butter–derived lipids, is like a tall drink of water, even plumping up fine lines.” —Maddie Aberman, beauty editor Clinique Moisture Surge Eye, $34, clinique.com Matte Maker “I’m a big fan of this brand’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. My oily skin, however, is not. This new version still has the nourishing green tea, rice, and algae I’ve come…

74 Percentage of Americans who live within a one-hour drive of a national scenic or historic trail. So accessible! Source: National Park Service “I really regret that hike…” said no one, ever. Hiking may be one of the most fun ways to get moving, not to mention one of the most underrated workouts: Uneven terrain increases the amount of energy your body uses by 28 percent compared with flat ground, according to researchers at the University of Michigan. In fact, just one hour of hiking can burn well over 500 calories, depending on incline and the weight of the pack you’re carrying. Then there are the muscle-building benefits. Hiking at any speed automatically revs your lower half, boosting strength with every single step. Trails also tend to be softer on…

Castelli Millerighe shorts Wide, grippy leg panels anchor this breathable pair in place without the squeeze effect. $90, castelli-cycling.com bike Heroine Sport Blade shorts These sleek and stretchy full-coverage bikers have a leather-like sheen that makes every booty pop. $125, heroinesport.com Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Escape shorts Soft, laser-cut hems, ample padding, and a wide waistband make for an über-comfortable spin. $170, pearlizumi.com Oiselle Long Pocket Jogger Can’t beat five (!) pockets and compression fabric that doesn’t ride up or roll down. $62, oiselle.com train Brooks Ghost 3" shorts Wear them for sprints or CrossFit—the quick-dry fabric feels weightless. $45, brooksrunning.com Nike Pro 3" shorts Whether you’re at boot camp, boxing, or barre, the performance spandex moves with you while wicking sweat. $35, nike.com Tracksmith Lane Five shorts Silicone grippers nix…

Theresa Epperly was getting ready for bed after a cookout in the summer of 2015 when her throat started to close up. The 38-year-old’s lips swelled and a rash sprang up across her skin. At the ER, doctors diagnosed idiopathic anaphylaxis—medical-speak for “You’re having a potentially lethal allergic reaction, but we don’t know why.” Weeks later, it happened again. Then she experienced a third attack, and blood tests revealed that Epperly had alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat caused by a bite from the Lone Star tick. Epperly began piecing it together: She had pulled off one of the bugs two years before her first reaction—which happened a few hours after she’d had steak at the cookout at Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. What’s the link? When a Lone Star…

WOMENSHEALTHMAG.COM Glowing Meets Firming – All in Your Shower Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer +Firming makes getting sun-kissed, firmerlooking skin a whole lot easier. Applied to wet skin just after showering, this lotion glides on to instantly lock in moisture, build subtle color and visibly firm skin! amazon.com/jergens New Tide PODS 2.0! Tide PODS are now upgraded with better stain and odor removal power for a surprisingly powerful clean—in one step! Keep your favorite clothes looking great with Tide PODS Ultra Oxi’s 4-in-1 technology: detergent, stain remover, color protector and built-in pre-treaters. tide.com Blooming with Flavor Brewed with real hibiscus flowers, Pure Leaf® Herbal Iced Teas are naturally caffeine-free. Available in Mango, Peach, Cherry, and Organic Teahouse Collection Passionfruit & Pineapple, each flavor is uniquely crafted to delight all…

Grilled Watermelon + Steak Salad TOTAL: 20 MIN SERVES: 4 lb sirloin (about 1 inch thick) kosher salt and pepper 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey ½ small red onion, thinly sliced 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved ½ small seedless watermelon (about 3 lbs) 1 cup fresh mint, leaves torn 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 small bunch arugula, thick stems discarded 1. Heat grill to medium-high. Season steak with ½ tsp each salt and pepper and grill to desired doneness (6 to 8 minutes per side for medium-rare). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest before slicing. 2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, honey, and a pinch each salt and pepper. Fold in onion and tomatoes. 3.…

1 YOUR CHILDHOOD INTERESTS What did you geek out over as a kid? Early interests can spark ideas you can translate into a new career. (I led spiritual youth groups when I was 13, so it’s no coincidence that this evolved into my life’s purpose!) If you enjoyed volunteering to clean up parks, start a community garden or monthly beach cleanup effort, or even look into a job in your local parks and rec department. 2 YOUR CURRENT HOBBIES I’ve heard many people say they don’t want to make money on their hobby because they fear it’ll suck all the joy out of it. In fact, the opposite is true! When you love what you’re doing, you can get into a state of flow where ideas come to you more…

The Ultimate A.M. Guide Every single one of us has 24 hours in a day (yes, even Beyoncé). And how you handle the first few can set you up for success in the rest, making you more proactive and better able to deal with what’s thrown your way, research shows. “A solid morning routine offers you control and peace of mind,” says Mary Kelly, PhD, CEO of Productive Leaders corporate advising. “That way, if something unexpected happens later, you can flex with the situation. You’ve already taken the time to accomplish some important things on your to-do list.” Truth. At Women’s Health, we’re mildly obsessed with maximizing our early hours, so we wanted to take a closer look at the a.m. habits of powerhouse ladies. These women are experts in…

A mom of two, Dawson, 30, is up around 6 a.m. for some metime before her son and daughter wake up. “Knowing I have limited minutes, I prioritize what makes me feel best: the ritual of picking a mug, pulling an espresso shot, and slowly sipping it,” she says. “I wish I could fit everything into my morning—a jog, stretching, answering emails—but I make the most of what I can sneak in and really own that. It puts me in a lovely mindset.” BOWL GOALS Dawson has been mixing up this banana-avocado “ice cream” smoothie bowl in the morning for years—and it feels like a treat every time. MAKE IT Blend 1 frozen banana, ¼ ripe avocado, 2 handfuls spinach, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp wheatgrass powder, and ½ cup…

Foley sticks to a reliable system each morning. She makes the same oatmeal, rocks a Steve Jobs–esque work outfit (a black blouse, jeans, and high-top Nikes), and follows the same foolproof beauty routine daily. “I have so many decisions and surprises with the business and my kids throughout the day that I try to make everything as easy as possible in the morning. It’s this fundamental need to take out the decisionmaking process for myself so I have more bandwidth for choices later on.” She’s obsessed with quality skin care and starts off her regimen with only a splash of cold water—no face wash needed. “I don’t like to undo all the good work from my nighttime routine!” FACE TIME “I use a roller to help my facial oil absorb…

When trying a shade on (a.k.a. swatching), look for one that disappears into the rest of your skin. See that bottom swipe? No? Perfect—we have a winner! COLOR CARE Turns out the tone of your skin not only dictates your foundation shade but can also affect your skin concerns. Uoma Beauty (a new brand focusing on inclusivity) just launched a line of foundations formulated with different benefits based on shade category—they’ve broken them down into six “skin kins.” Their Say What?! Foundation ($29 each, at Ulta) helps treat things like premature aging for fair skin tones, oil production for olive ones, hyper-pigmentation for tan tones, and dullness for deep gals. score the perfect shade 1 START WITH A CLEAN FACE Wearing makeup can skew your coloring, so head to the…

TENNIS PLAYER AND ENTREPRENEUR Bethanie Mattek-Sands 9 The number of major tennis titles she holds, including 5 women’s doubles Grand Slams, 3 mixed doubles Grand Slams, and an Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles CELEBRATE SMALL WINS “The a-ha moments are the ones that help propel you forward, and they tend to be spread out. Your journey is incremental—and it’s a process.” SCHEDULE SELF-REFLECTION “Every day I have an hour in my calendar that never gets moved. I meditate, I read, I journal. This time is key.” “YOUR LIFE ISN’T A HIGHLIGHT REEL, AND THAT’S OKAY. WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN PATH.” MUSCLE THROUGH “When you’re in a place where you can take risks and chances, I feel like you’re really strong in that moment.” TRUE COLORS Bethanie was 5…

My alarm goes off 5:17 A.M. I sip a mug of coffee (with a splash of whole milk) while checking my Slack, Instagram, email, etc. 5:23 A.M. Head outside for a workout (usually a run or strength training at the local YMCA) 5:47 A.M. Sweaty, happy, home 7:00 A.M. Quick shower using my favorite products from Aesop 7:15 A.M. Breakfast (usually a peanut butter and banana smoothie) with the kiddos and my husband, Matt, before rushing out the door 7:30 A.M. At bus stop brushing my daughter Lucy’s hair, because I never seem to get it done before then 8:01 A.M. On the subway listening to music—sometimes energetic, sometimes chill, depending on what vibes I need 8:07 A.M. At the office with another coffee, caffeinating and getting sh*t done 8:55…

“Before I saw the insanely colorful toasts from @oatmeal_stories, I never considered putting avocado on top of hummus. But now that I’ve seen the possibilities, I will forever stack spreads on spreads, on spreads, on spreads…” @ARYELLESICLAIT Editorial Assistant “Love @fittybritttty’s honest reminder here that it’s okay to have negative thoughts—psh, I know I do—as long as you don’t let them overwhelm you.” @AMBERBRENZA Health Editor “Bright and rubbery, this silicone case ensures that I always find my AirPods—can’t miss that red even in a deep bag.” Coffea, $9, amazon.com @HANNAH.ELLISE Photo Assistant “With a fresh floral scent, this candle never fails to brighten up every room—and mood!” $30, snowehome.com @EKBACHARACH Assistant Editor “These moisture-infused balls turn my tub into a spa and don’t break the bank, even if I use…

Good news for all the 10-minute milers out there: The slower you run, the more you’ll improve your pace when you make changes to boost your running economy (how much energy you use to run), found a new review from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Example: If you’re a 4:30 marathoner, a 1 percent advance in running economy would take three minutes and seven seconds off your time. So…how do you become “economical”? Try these three research-backed methods. BE LIGHT ON YOUR FEET More technical running shoes will do you more good than they will a pro runner. Invest in a pair of lightweight sneaks that support your particular gait, which a running store can help you analyze. A sick pick: ASICS MetaRide ($250, asics.com). SIP STRONG Nitrates in…

Cool fact: Your body temp naturally drops at night to signal drowsiness, then rises in the a.m. to help you wake up—which explains why it’s hard to pass out and stay snoozing if you tend to run hot. These products can lower your temp a degree or two…enough to keep you resting comfortably. Start with the sleepwear and work your way up to the cube if you need more sweet slumber relief. LUNYA COOL ROMPER Made of an airy, antimicrobial cotton blend, this romper has an open back, meaning there’s one less layer of warmth between your body and your bed. $178, lunya.co BEDGEAR VER-TEX SHEET SET Woven with metallic fibers that deflect heat, these sheets have a supercrisp, almost slippery texture, for the coldsideofthepillow feeling all over your bed.…

Positive self-talk isn’t just a hippie-dippie thing to do. It actually zaps stress—which boosts your long-term health (chronic stress = chronic illness). How? Kind affirmations in moments of panic deactivate the body’s fight-or-flight response, lowering your heart rate so you can mentally and physically relax, per a new study. Mantras to try: “I’m doing my best; no one is perfect,” if your stress stems from others’ criticism. Overwhelmed? Recall what went well today (“I crushed an a.m. workout”). If you’re frazzled by a health scare or work challenge: “I can’t control the outcome, but I’m strong enough to handle it.” Because trust, you are. Sources: Clinical Psychological Science (study); Mary Karapetian Alvord, PhD, psychologist and director at Alvord, Baker & Associates; Anke Karl, PhD, senior lecturer in clinical psychology at…

You swim in it, kayak on it, lounge by it, and generally think about escaping to it year-round. So celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8 by supporting brands dedicated to water preservation. Welcome to the blue beauty revolution. WHY BLUE IS BETTER Our oceans are at risk, with experts predicting there will be more plastic than fish in them by 2050. Coral reefs and animals are dying. So is there anything you can do? Shell, yeah! Reducing plastic use, recycling, and being conscious of ingredients that get into the water supply can all make an impact. Here are some buys that’ll help you dive right in. 1 Studies have linked the sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate to coral reef damage (prompting Hawaii to approve a ban on them by…

SKINTENTION YOUR MONTHLY MANTRA FOR HEALTHIER, HAPPIER SKIN Your sunscreen game? Pro level. Now it’s time to take it up a notch. (Yes, there’s more to sun protection than just SPF.) To really guard your skin, you have to address the two main issues with sun exposure: UV light (check!) and the collagen- and elastin-destroying free radicals it produces. That’s where antioxidants come in. “They’re like little Pac-Men that go around eating up free radicals,” says dermatologist and WH advisory board member Mona Gohara, MD. “Antioxidants work synergistically with SPF.” STEP ONE Pick Your Power Player While there are tons of great antioxidants out there (vitamin E, green tea, and resveratrol, to name a few), Dr. Gohara is a huge fan of vitamin C: “It’s tried and true in terms…

1 MARMOT WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT JACKET Don’t let anything rain on your outdoor parade (a.k.a. hike). Though it weighs just five ounces, this waterproof jacket will keep you warm and dry when it’s pouring. It also stuffs effortlessly into an internal pocket, making it easy to stow when the sun’s shining. $275, marmot.com 2 LEKI WOMEN’S MICRO VARIO CARBON POLES A super-lightweight structure makes these collapsible poles—which can fit inside any backpack with the click of a button—ideal for long treks and trail running. $200, leki.com 3 DANNER WOMEN’S TRAIL 2650 Named after the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, these hikers are built to move quickly and confidently on any terrain—no matter how much mileage is on deck. $150, danner.com 4 BIOLITE HEADLAMP 330 If your trail plans are…

Nausea, heartburn, indigestion? Upset stomach? Diarrhea? Sounds a lot like, yes, the Pepto-Bismol commercial (ugh, so catchy). This symphony of symptoms also brings to mind one of our favorite activities here at Women’s Health: exercise. Wait, what? Despite its mental and physical benefits, of which there are plenty, working out can also wreak havoc with your gut. The good news: “These activity-induced GI troubles are self-limited—meaning they shouldn’t continue after you’ve properly treated them in the moment or stopped the exercise,” says Kathryn McElheny, MD, a sports med attending physician at Hospital for Special Surgery. An even better translation: There is absolutely no need to slash your time spent sweating (or to chug the pink stuff right away). With these techniques, you can prevent, prepare for, and treat whatever, er,…

Being a health and nutrition correspondent means that companies frequently send me their products, and ask for my stamp of approval. Most of the time I dive into research, give the product a try, and send the company honest feedback about what they’ll need to change before I’ll recommend it. Plus my hectic job and my determination to stay fit means I’m always hunting for a quick and nutritious way to fill up on nutrients my body needs. So I can confidently say, “I’ve tried it all”. Last Tuesday work was especially hectic, but I’d booked with my $200 an hour personal trainer, Tony, a triathlon winning, organic-to-the-bone fitness guy with a ten mile long track record of whipping the “who’s who” into shape in record time, so I had…

Okay, we’re not actually hating on kale—heart you, OG supergreen!—but it’s time for a little shake-up. The stalls at your farmers’ market are overflowing with unique yet ignored crops that are big on flavor and health and can easily become the best part of every dish. Let’s go… Head Case Look for beets, radishes, and carrots with tops attached so you can use the leaves! Name Game! Scallion and green onion are used interchangeably on menus and in stores.…

There were dozens of reasons why I didn’t want to jump off the back of the boat, grab on to a rope, and balance on a wakeboard in the Atlantic Ocean. Among them: sharks, freezing water, and a wayward bikini top. Mostly, I was simply terrified. But I knew I had to face my fear, because my son and daughter, at the impressionable ages of 8 and 6, were watching to see what I’d do next. And the last thing I wanted was for them to see me afraid—because what if my panic spilled over and became theirs too? That thought might sound unreasonable. But I suspect my worries about drowning started when I was 5 years old and my grandpa scooped up a handful of the turquoise pool we…

If there’s any movie that has become seriously outdated over the past couple of years, it’s Wedding Crashers. The hookup culture and silly humor still relate (sadly for the former, happily for the latter), but the idea that there’s a wedding season? Not. A. Chance. “Weddings are happening all throughout the year, now more than ever,” says Jeffra Trumpower, creative director at WeddingWire, a planning platform for the big day. “Couples are seeking personalized experiences, choosing a certain month or holiday weekend that speaks to who they are.” Cost could also be a factor—venues and vendors tend to be less expensive and more available during less popular months—but either way, “people want a memorable, unique event, and a nontraditional date is an easy way to achieve that,” Trumpower says. Morgan…

As an ultramarathoner and coach, Woods is often up before the sun at 5:30 a.m., training for her next race or leading athletes through their workouts. Still, she makes time for a few fast indulgences before heading out the door. Woods swears by a five-minute detox foaming face mask from Malin+Goetz, as well as oatmeal with dried fruits, nuts, and raw honey for a breakfast that’s balanced with carbs, protein, and fats. On her runs, she typically skips music so it doesn’t become a crutch. “I think getting lost in your thoughts on the trails is better than getting lost in your music.” But when she does need some extra oomph, it’s The Greatest Showman soundtrack on repeat. “Those are my power songs, and it feels like a treat for…

Kotb wakes up at 3 a.m. to make her first Today shift at 7, before joining Bush Hager during the fourth hour. She hops in the shower, then tiptoes downstairs (careful not to wake her partner, Joel, and daughters Haley and Hope). She lights a fresh linen–scented candle and journals. “I write three things I’m grateful for and one great thing that happened in the past day,” Kotb says. “It level-sets me so I’m not starting off the day thinking about everything I need to do. It fills my head with goodness.” She has a playlist of “happy morning tunes,” with artists like Jason Mraz, James Taylor, and Stevie Nicks, that she listens to as she writes. When she’s done, she finds a quote to share on Instagram. “It usually…

WE THE BEST PHONE BED CHARGING STATION “I put my devices in here every weeknight around 9 p.m. My phone is too stimulating, and I need to be able to calm down.” $65, thrivexwethebest.myshopify.com A REALLY GREAT READ “I like to wind down with some fiction because it helps me get out of my own life and turn off my brain for a while.” $16, amazon.com PHILIPS WAKE-UP LIGHT “The light comes on before your alarm. For me, it gradually gets brighter from 4:30, which means the eventual 5 a.m. nudge isn’t so much of a shock.” $140, usa.philips.com…

Me, last year? I was getting dinner and drinks often with friends, vegging out with family, and going on foodie vacays with my boyfriend. Life could not be more different now. And… because of that, my relationships are too. As my fitness improved and I got hooked on early-morning training, I found myself saying no to nights out. “When you prioritize your health, those things become less appealing,” explained my strength coach, Adriana Couvillion. As bad as I felt for bailing, seeing how far I’d come (I can’t even remember my last glass of wine!) reinforced that it was all worth it. “When you have goals in mind and are looking to take care of yourself, the person in your life who needs to come first is you,” Adriana reminded…

The days of cramming our cabinets with spices we barely use—only to toss the half-empty jars years later—are over. Now we’re cooking, baking, and shaking with Occo: perfectly preportioned spices in stay-fresh pods. The foil stickers shut out light and oxygen to preserve the life—as in, the flavor and nutrients—of your go-to grinds. Shop mini collections (Heat, Sweet, Savory, etc., $15) or get all the essentials ($40) at occospice.com.…

We know the glory that is waking up with a flat stomach. But—don’t hate us!—those morning abs you love could actually be a red flag. “We look tighter when we don’t have as much water sitting under the skin, so unusual definition could be a sign of dehydration,” explains Landon Poburan, a personal trainer and nutrition coach in Edmonton, Alberta. On days you wake with an abnormally trim tum, follow the pee test: If the color is more yellow than clear, start chugging ASAP. Temporary abs aren’t worth the headache (or fatigue and eventual bloat) that dehydration brings.…

“I’m all for a night of PornHub and chill, but the videos can be a little…much. So when I heard about a new app called Dipsea [$48/year], which narrates erotic stories, I was intrigued. I cued up ‘Let’s Run,’ about a woman who meets a hottie in her running group. It was easy to visualize: There was some dialogue, but mostly the woman revealed her every thought—like how her running partner’s sweaty, shirtless body got her going. By the time the two went back to her apartment to hook up, I was totally immersed in the narrative, which escalated into steamy descriptions and soft moans. With porn, the sound effects often take me out of the moment, but these felt more realistic. I easily finished before the story did.”…

We’re calling it the new “retail therapy”—donning your mental health diagnosis for all to see (on a cute tote, hat, or necklace). Doing so might sound kind of scary, but “it’s a way of facing your fears or challenges head-on and practicing being vulnerable—something that typically keeps us from sharing our struggles in the first place,” explains Elizabeth Cohen, PhD, a clinical psychologist in New York City. Owning your mental health can help others too, inviting conversations on the topic and reminding people they are not alone. So pick your piece—each of these contributes to a relevant awareness org.…

BRING THEM WITH YOU! IF YOU’RE FLYING… Book way in advance. Most flights allow only a few pets on a plane, so the sooner you buy your flight, the better. Call the airline first to ask about their specific policy (for size, ID, etc.). FYI, JetBlue has a great one (called JetPaws). Ask your vet for calming meds. Anti-anxiety drugs lower your pet’s state of awareness and distress. To make sure your nugget tolerates them well, pick up a sample dose to test beforehand. IF YOU’RE ROAD-TRIPPING… Get them used to the car. Start taking your pet on short rides that aren’t to the vet or groomer, and give treats to reinforce good behavior. Each week, make the ride a little longer. Cover the car seat…with a bath mat that…

Just one strand of dry hair is stronger than copper wire of the same diameter. You can thank the protein-rich inner cortex for that strength. But when you add water—from showering, swimming, or sweating—a chemical change occurs that makes hair weaker. “Water allows the proteins to relax and stretch more,” says cosmetic chemist Joe Cincotta, PhD. “Stretch hair too much and you permanently damage its internal structure.” This in turn makes it more fragile, wet or dry. Here’s the right (and wrong) way to treat your soaked strands. Do… BRUSH FROM THE BOTTOM UP Starting at ends, gently work out knots using short strokes and a brush designed for damp hair. “They tend to have bristles that are flexible, so there’s less resistance,” says Stephen Thevenot, a hairstylist in New…

GET HER GLOW 1. Leading Ladies “I am very lucky to play both Sansa and Jean. It’s so awesome to walk on-set every day with these empowered, headstrong female characters. It makes me feel like such a badass.” 2. Power Roles “Since Sansa wears very heavy costumes, I have to work out. Boxing is my go-to. Everyone seems to think Jean is a physical role, but I find myself more exhausted after working on Game of Thrones than I do after X-Men. Jean is telekinetic, so she really doesn’t have to do any stunts.” 3. All About Eyes “Normally, I don’t wear much makeup, but if I do, I like playing with eye shadow. I just bought three new palettes, and Urban Decay Heat is my favorite.” Urban Decay Naked Heat,…

WHY WE LOVE IT The inner thighs are one of the hardest muscle groups to work, and this genius hip thruster variation makes it easy. Instead of placing a barbell across your hips or holding a weight in your lap, this thruster calls for a weight plate between your knees. “This causes adduction, which means you’re moving your hips and legs toward the middle of your body,” says Rob King, a trainer and owner of Heavy Weights Training Center. Not only does adduction fire up the hard-to-reach muscles in your inner thighs and hips, but thrusting engages your glutes and hamstrings too, so you’re toning your whole lower body, and building power, in one move. HOW TO DO IT 1 Sit on floor in front of bench, feet together, holding…

What is DUPIXENT? • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: – to treat adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. – with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in people aged 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. • DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of inflammation that plays a major role in atopic…

WORTH THE SPLURGE Midwestern ice cream queen Jeni Britton Bauer just entered the dairy-free game—and is already crushing it. Her take on chocolate, made with coconut cream, is ultra chocolaty and über rich. $12, jenis.com NOSTALGIC NOSH If you’ve been dying for this classic variety, we found the almond milk version that stands up to the one you had as a kid. Bonus: It’s vegan! From $4, breyers.com PB PERFECTION Looking for a scoop sturdy enough for a cone? This nut-based peanut butter winner is dense, decadent, and full of fudgy swirls. $5.49, haagendazs.us CLASSIC CHOICE Sweet, creamy, and so delicious (really), this cashew-based pint is the quintessential sub for ice cream purists, perfect on top of fruit crisp, pie, or on its own. $5.49, sodeliciousdairyfree.com MOST BUZZWORTHY As if…

Shortly before Christmas 2017, Antonio, my boyfriend of almost four years, got an amazing job offer in San Jose, California. We lived in Boston at the time and totally loved our life. I had a great marketing job and many friends nearby in the city, and my immediate family was also within an hour’s drive. Still, I’m not one to turn down an adventure, so I quickly agreed to the move. But the reality of relocating across the country was much more intense than I expected. It took a few months to find a job, and I struggled with homesickness and loneliness, especially since the time difference made calling friends and family in Boston difficult. I found myself in tears many nights. I felt like I was having an identity…

If the term morning sex sounds like an oxymoron, then no offense, but you’re in need of a wake-up call. Don’t worry, though…it’s a fun one. “Most couples habitually have sex at night, because that tends to be when it’s most convenient,” says Vanessa Marin, a sex therapist in San Francisco. “But our bodies are actually primed for stronger orgasms right after we wake up.” The a.m. brings surges of testosterone to both men and women, increasing libido and heightening genital sensitivity—particularly the strength of his erection. (It’s called morning wood, not morning cork, for a reason.) Not to mention, it should be easier to reach climax in the first place, since Murphy’s Law (anything that can go wrong will go wrong) hasn’t had a chance to set in. But…

In 2011, Cho was a successful bankruptcy lawyer with a very rushed a.m. routine. “I used to wake up and be in such a frenzy to get through everything. I found that sense of hurriedness carried throughout the day.” It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder that she started to really slow down during the early hours and focus on her health. “Now, I’m more intentional about self-care. I create a morning buffer, spending an extra 10 minutes on things like meditation, showering, and checking emails. It gives me a sense of spaciousness, calms me down, and helps me recognize that negative thoughts from my inner critic, like No one wants to hear me give this speech today, aren’t true.” Cho practices insight meditation (a form that…

5:15 a.m. Wake up; make coffee. “I add almond milk, Moon Juice Brain Dust and Beauty Dust, and cinnamon to get some more nutrients.” 5:30 a.m. “Each year, my dad, sister, aunt, and I read a different devotional together. Every morning we read the same new passage and then text each other our favorite part, illustrated by emojis. It sets my priorities straight.” 5:45 a.m. Shower. 6:00 a.m. Make a greenveg smoothie to go, then set out bowls and cereal for my girls. “I leave little notes in their backpacks before I head out the door. Since I can’t see them in the mornings, it’s my way of connecting with them.” 6:10 a.m. Ride to work. “I listen to a guided meditation on the Calm app. Each day there’s a…

COOL DOWN FAST “You can’t apply makeup on still-perspiring skin,” says makeup artist Mali Thomas. If you’re hot after your shower, splash your face with cold water or blast it with the cool shot on a blow-dryer. FACE MIST IS YOUR FRIEND “It instantly refreshes and hydrates skin, and it’s a great way to cool down your face,” says makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. Garnier Skin-Active Balancing Facial Mist ($9, at drugstores) has clarifying green tea and salicylic acid to prevent any sweatinduced acne. CANCEL A RUDDY COMPLEXION If you have any residual redness, prep your face with green primer (like Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer in Redness Correcting, $13, at drugstores), which will neutralize flushing. COVERAGE FOR THE GYM—YEA OR NAY? Here’s the deal: Sweating is basically a facial steam.…

BRIGHT SPOT Slip into all the flashiest colors, then add some more…just for fun. HIGH ROLLER Elevate your look with a high-waisted set. Best part: no slippage when you get moving. STYLE ED Prefer preppy? Consider a collared top and track-inspired briefs total winners. BEAUTY TIP News flash! There’s an easier way to get beachy waves. Mist John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray ($10, at drugstores) through damp or dry hair. TIED UP Nothing like a swimmable top to beat the heat, then wear to postswim drinks. CUT IT OUT Who said slaying meant separates? Sun, meet core, via this one-piece. GOOD IN A HOOD Catch waves in a headturning hoodie complete with a deep zip to flaunt your body glow.…