Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i Women's Health

No, that “C” up above isn’t a massive typo. It’s what makes those three words the best shower-gel name I’ve ever come across (and, as someone who spent 12 years as a beauty editor, that’s saying something). To be clear: I’m not typically a huge fan of puns—but this one is an exception. You simply can’t see this product in your shower and not start singing the chorus of “Lean on Me.” And when you belt out those lyrics, bobbing your head and swaying side to side, you simply can’t not feel downright happy. Motivated. Inspired, even. Go ahead. Sing a few bars right now and TELL ME YOU DIDN’T JUST START GRINNING. Beyond the warm emotional fuzzies (and soft skin) this creamy wonder imparts, it also helps make a…

HEALTH I can’t poop at work. Is it harmful to hold it in? A / Yep, but only if you feel the urge and ignore it. First, you can cause constipation. The longer the stool sits in your large intestine, the harder it becomes, which may mean discomfort and even bleeding when you finally let it out. Over time, you can get hemorrhoids or cracks in your rectal tissue, which can require creams, soaks, and even surgery. Exercising in the a.m. may help you poop before work, and eating fiber-rich foods like veggies for dinner can get things moving overnight, so you wake up ready to go. But when nature calls at the office—answer it. We all poop, so no shame! FITNESS Can boxing workouts mess up my hands? Boxing…

WORTH IT! Scent Extenders One of the most common fragrance gripes? They don’t last. Pre-perfume primer Linger ($32.50, hsn.com) and post-spritz FragranceLock ($34, fragrancelock.com) aim to change that. Both contain unique polymers that trap scents on skin, says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson, which forms “a molecular mesh” that the eau has to penetrate in order to evaporate. Wilson estimates they’ll add at least three hours of wear. Why isn’t more hair loss research focused on women? Currently, when women seek out hair-transplant surgery, they are frequently turned down as candidates because they lack sufficient donor hair in the back of their head that can be moved to the front. How would stem cell technology help? We isolate hair follicle stem cells from a small number of hairs taken from the…

GET IN MY GYM BAG! Tech it out: the new loot you need for your exercise tote 1. BELIF THE TRUE TINCTURE CLEANSING STICK To remove grime, swipe this chamomileinfused stick on a damp face, lather with wet fingers, and rinse. No potential for liquid seepage in your bag! $28, sephora.com 2. JABRASPORT COACH SPECIAL EDITION “Nine…10…love this song!…crap, what rep am I on?” Not anymore: These earbuds feature a motion sensor that automatically counts your reps and dings when you’re done, so you don’t have to keep track. $120, jabra.com 3. CARPE ANTIPERSPIRANT HANDLOTION Holding a plank is even tougher with sweaty hands. Rub a pea-size amount of this cream—the active ingredient is aluminum—onto your palms 10 minutes before your sesh to reduce sweat sans white spots. $15, carpelotion.com…

A.M. Step 1. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser that’s pH-balanced, meaning it won’t disrupt my skin’s barrier. Americans are so addicted to that squeaky-clean feeling on their face, but that means your skin has been stripped of its natural oils. SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, $34, skinceuticals.com Step 2. To protect against UV as well as infrared and visible light rays, I boost my SPF-moisturizer combo (of at least SPF 30) with a few drops of an antioxidant serum. I mix it together in my palm before applying it to my face, neck, chest, and the tops of my hands. The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Serum, $160, theorganicpharmacy.com; La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, $36, laroche-posay.us P.M. Step 1. I use the same cleanser I used…

Indulge us in an SAT-ish math problem, okay? If Jane works out for only 14 minutes a day, three times a week, how many dumbbells will she have to lift to get stronger and slimmer in two months? The answer: none. All you need is your own body weight as resistance, says a new study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. Researchers found that eight weeks of high-intensity bodyweight circuit training majorly improved women’s muscular endurance (shown by how many pushups they could do) and aerobic fitness (how well they utilized oxygen). And that just tops off all the previous science that has proven the method’s fat- and stress-busting benefits. “The beauty of body-weight training is that it allows you to jump quickly from one exercise to…

“One of the greatest tortures.” “The root of all evil.” Philosophers Erich Fromm and Søren Kierkegaard didn’t have the highest regard for boredom. Neither do most of us: Studies show nearly half of people will actually zap themselves with electricity rather than sit alone in a room with no distractions. Outside the research lab, frequent boredom can drain focus and raise your risk for anxiety, addictions, and depression. It’s enough to make you whip out your smartphone at the first hint of downtime. But hold those digital horses, woman, and give boredom a chance. “We’re addicted to stimulation. That’s part of the problem,” says Sandi Mann, Ph.D., author of The Upside of Downtime. Sitting with tedium helps you cope with stillness, which leads to less ennui in the long term.…

STACY’S® TOASTED CHEDDAR PITA CHIPS! Introducing Stacy’s® Toasted Cheddar Pita Chips! Each chip is crafted with real cheddar cheese baked into our pita bread for a delicious snack. Enjoy them with a glass of red wine or paired with our Avocado Feta Dip. StacysSnacks.com VEGGIE. TASTY. NEW. Say hello to SunChips® Veggie Harvest, the snack that combines real veggie and whole grain goodness with the deliciousness that makes life great. It’s a tasty new way to veg out! SunChips.com…

We all know the names, the protests, the hashtags. The widespread outrage that boils with every person we lose to deep racial divides and deadly force. But what’s been largely ignored in the search for a solution is police gender— something that could be a game changer. Consider the numbers: At press time, 684 Americans had been killed by law enforcement so far this year, but only about 2 percent of those incidents involved a female officer. And while police shootings may dominate the headlines, we hear less often about the times a cop defused a tense incident without violence— like the policewoman in D.C. who, in October 2015, broke up an armed fight between teenagers by initiating a dance-off with them. Or a female officer in Dallas who chased…

Which of the following has Indian actress Priyanka Chopra not done yet? A) Been crowned Miss World. B) Recorded a hit single with Pitbull. C) Produced a documentary. D) Written an op-ed for The New York Times. E) Starred in more than 50 film and TV productions. The answer? C. But only because the opportunity hasn’t arisen—yet. Priyanka is the Energizer Bunny of actresses, if, that is, the Energizer Bunny ran on drive, ambition, and conviction. As the 34-year-old sees it, though, her résumé is still in draft form. “Success is always about what’s next,” Priyanka says. “I don’t settle and I don’t stop.” Clearly, she’s a woman of her word. The previous day’s shoot for Quantico lasted 16 hours, well into dawn’s light. But here she is, perky, warm,…

WHAT TO KNOW... On your path to pet parenthood AVOID CRAIGSLIST. Online classifieds and message boards can be used by shady breeders who chase profit. Instead, support local rescue groups (typically volunteer) and shelters (often government-funded, with trained staff and on-site rooms). The latter are more likely to offer postadoption support. A quality shelter spays or neuters its animals and updates their shots. Check the organization’s score on Charity Navigator, an independent site that evaluates nonprofits’ transparency and financial health. PREPARE FOR LOTS OF Q’S. Shelter workers will ask about your daily schedule, why you want a pet, and which vet you’ll use. They’re seeking a safe home and a match between pet and owner— so don’t fudge! Saying “I’m lazy” won’t keep you from adopting; it just helps the…

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER “IDON’T” Thirteen women told us how their lives changed, for better or worse, after they called off their weddings. Read their stories at WomensHealthMag.com/November2016. HAPPY SNACKSGIVING! We’re turning Turkey Day flavors into healthy snacks on Facebook Live. Join us Wednesday, November 9, at 3 p.m. EST for food coma–free noms! Healthy Down Below Preventing yeast infections can be fun! Watch our animated video at Womens HealthMag.com/November2016 for quick tips on keeping your vagina as healthy as can be. One-Workout Wonders Muscles aren’t built in a day, but if you’re craving some instant definition, check out WomensHealth Mag.com/November2016 for seven simple exercises that garner results ASAP. PRIYANKA CHOPRA ON… Feminism, doing her own stunts, and giving back. Watch her video now at WomensHealthMag.com/November2016. COMFY-CHIC LAYERS Baby, it’s freakin’…

Nothing forecasts a bad hair day like gray skies, but shellacking on hair spray to safeguard your strands could make matters worse. Researchers at the University of Texas found that an excess of aerosols in the atmosphere was linked to bigger clouds and longer storms. “A cloud is composed of naturally occurring aerosol particles surrounded by water vapor,” says study author and climate physicist Sudip Chakraborty, Ph.D. The more man-made aerosols in the air, the larger the surface area for water particles to latch onto, so when it rains, it pours. Why aren’t we all pumpspray converts? Aerosols dispense a finer mist at a wider angle to prevent clumping. One exception: Leonor Greyl Spray Structure Naturelle ($42, leonorgreyl-usa.com), a nonaerosol with a soft, spread-out flow, says hairstylist Elisabeth Lovell, owner…

We’re giving chronic dry eye syndrome the stink eye: This irritating issue can arise when contact lenses, medications (like allergy meds and birth control), or immune system disorders interrupt tear production. Aging increases your risk, as does infrequent blinking (like when you stare at a screen all day), and the result is often a gritty or burning sensation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. An eye doctor can screen you for the problem, and prescription drops like Restasis can help lube things up. And since omega-3 fats promote a healthy tear system, two servings of coldwater fish (like tuna or salmon) per week may also put you out of your eye misery. Source: Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., ophthalmologist in Nashville and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology We Come…

YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE It's an annoying weight-loss saboteur: Studies have found that poor sleep can spike hunger and cause you to burn fewer cals during your workouts. But look alive, sleepyhead. A few surprising habits may help you add Zs—and drop lbs. 1. SLEEP WITH YOUR FUR BABY. Research from the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Sleep Medicine found that having a fluff ball in the bed may improve shut-eye, since snuggling up with your kitty or pup can help you feel more secure as you rest. 2. BOND WITH YOUR GUY. One recent study found that people were more likely to have a “restorative” sleep when they felt cared for by their partners, which means proposing mutual back or head massages is a smart—and potentially slimming—bedtime ritual. 3. SKIP…

For complete shopping information, see Where to Buy on page 163.…

You prioritize downtime for your overstressed mind, but for your body? Eh, not enough. While women naturally recover faster from a workout than men do (thanks, estrogen!), capitalizing on the advantage is crucial. Here’s the (ultra-condensed) reason why: You tear muscle fibers during exercise; you rebuild them during your time off. When you repair more than you break down, voilà: stronger, more defined muscles; a faster metabolism; and a leaner, tighter bod. There are four major ways (and tons of tools) to aid the process. Relax and reap the benefits! 1. COMPRESSION Yeah, we know it sounds restrictive. And it kinda is. But experts say secondskin gear (worn during or after a workout) can increase blood flow, which delivers more healing oxygen to your muscles so you can bounce back…

My first clash with depression and anxiety came five years ago, after the birth of my son. Since then, I’ve learned to keep my symptoms in check by meditating and getting outside every day (whether or not I feel like it). Until recently, when a series of crushing deadlines sucked me back down into the thick of it, crippling my ability to work. The perspective shift I knew I needed wasn’t going to come from a massage table or a couple of long runs. I began searching for a new kind of healing experience. Then a friend mentioned forest bathing, a therapeutic type of “moving meditation” big in Japan that has recently caught on in the U.S. (In 2013, North America got its own chapter of the International Society of…

Power Nut Butter SMOOTHIE BOWL Extra perk: All-day energy This cool concoction may look (and taste) like dessert, but we recommend it for breakfast so you can top off your fuel tank first thing. The right ratio of quick-acting carbs, more slowly digested protein, and healthy fats— with a moderate caffeine kick from the cacao—adds up to a steady blood sugar level and a satisfied stomach. 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, cashew milk, or almond milk 1 large banana 2 Tbsp nut butter 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ tsp vanilla extract Handful of ice Toppings 2 Tbsp granola 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts 2 Tbsp cacao nibs 2 Tbsp coconut flakes 1 Tbsp flaxseeds In a blender, combine the first six ingredients. Blend until the desired consistency is reached, then…

TAMARA WINSTEAD grew up trim and active, playing tennis and simply thinking of food as fuel. A buzzy metabolism kept the 5'3" North Carolina native a steady size 6 and 115 pounds through college. But at age 23, she needed surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid gland. Post-op, her doctor put her on a synthetic hormone. Tamara soon felt tired and prone to emotional eating. As she slowly ticked up to a size 14, she convinced her physician to put her on natural hormones. Though the new treatment restored her energy, she channeled it into caring for her two kids rather than exercise. In February 2015, sick of the weight, she made real lifestyle changes to reclaim her presurgery body. WH Online Get inspired by more success stories at WomensHealth…

1What’s your first thought when you wake up in the morning? I’m late! I should get up! Strictly paranoia. I also try to write a little bit, just to exhaust my brain and get all the other stuff out, so I can actually do some creative work. 2 The most romantic gesture you’ve ever made? Oh my goodness. I took a cigar box and put memories in it, like photos and objects from places we’d been, to make a collage. When you opened it, it was like a little world. 3 When was the last time you were really scared? When I was getting my scuba license. We had to swim out to this buoy and back. It was pretty far, and I’m afraid of sharks. But then you start…

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GROCERY FOODS We had hundreds of eager recruits, but we chose only the elite of the elite. After scanning countless nutrition labels and going through a rigorous taste-testing process, we narrowed our corps of finalists down to the tastiest, easiest, healthiest buys, then ran candidates by our expert team of nutritionists: Karen Ansel, R.D., Maureen Callahan, R.D., and Rachel Meltzer, R.D. We hope you enjoy the results. SPECIAL POWER: SUPERFAST! Speeding bullet? That’s nuthin’. These kitchen shortcuts are so swift, they practically exist in another dimension. Drink Chobani Mangolicious When you have no time to even throw together a sandwich, grab this tropically sweet Greek yogurt smoothie-in-a-bottle. Its abundant stores of protein will do battle with the munchies, while its live probiotic cultures will help keep…

THE FORECAST Mild When chilly is, like, 50 degrees, you just need a little something-something. I CAN’T FEEL MY FACE Frigid temps zap much-needed moisture from your complexion, leaving you raw and patchy. Switch to a face cream rich in occlusive ingredients, which seal in hydration, says dermatologist Kim Nichols, M.D. Particularly effective: ceramides, lipids found naturally in the skin. Try First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer ($24, sephora.com). THE FORECAST Freezing Frostbite isn’t a theoretical concept; it’s a thing that can totally happen. THE FORECAST Unpredictable Feels like Florida one day and Maine the next. These combo coats cover both.…

Read ‘Em and Eat! Fall is to cookbooks as summer is to blockbuster movies. But with so many titles, which to choose? Daniela Soto-Innes, chef de cuisine at hip Mexican spot Cosme in NYC, tells you when to buy or pass. TED CAVANAUGH (CHALKBOARD, CORNUCOPIA), FOOD STYLING: JAMIE KIMM, PROP STYLING: The Happy Cook, by The Chew cohost Daphne Oz Buy if… You love ingredient and prep details (Oz gets very specific) and whole-food fare. Recipes like Roasted Plums with Tahini Dressing are simple but have fresh twists. Pass if… You want authentic international cuisine. There’s some Mediterranean and Asian influence, but most recipes are American-ish. The Seasoned Life, by home cook (and wife of NBA player Stephen Curry) Ayesha Curry Buy if… You’ve got a fam to feed. There…

scalp You’re happier and healthier surrounded by supportive friends, right? Ditto for your hair. In a recent report, P&G scientists found that a strand growing in a bad scalp environment—one with flakes, inflammation, or itchiness—is less equipped to deal with stressors like heat styling or sun damage later on. Which means it’s more likely to break than one sprouting from a healthy zone. Unfortunately, docs are seeing a lot more of the former these days. One reason: Dyeing our hair blonder and blonder (the peroxide—ouch!). But even more common, a newfound dependence on dry shampoo— like, using it for a week straight. This creates so much buildup at the roots, it’s causing scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis (inflamed, oily scales) and folliculitis (tiny red pimples). While a spritz of powder…

“It’s been hard to get back into super-fit shape. Somewhere between getting married at 40, and then at 42-43 we just kind of got off track and stopped eating healthy. I worked really hard to get my waistline back, so I like that I can wear pieces that show I’ve got a waistline. For me, it’s so important to dress for my shape… I love a sheath because it’s body-conscious, but not so tight-fitting, especially the Calvin Klein dresses, which are cut well… I like a tailored blazer or vest. I just keep buying vests. I like their simplicity, but they also bring a little extra sass to any outfit. Put on a black tank top and black jeans with a long cream vest, and I’ve suddenly changed that look……

One-sided relationships are rarely healthy—unless you’re talking about unilateral training. Supporting weight on just one side of your body at a time offers benefits that evenly loaded strengthbuilding moves inevitably miss. “When you work each side independently, you’re able to laser in on just those muscles, so you can perfect your technique, spot weaknesses, and really control each rep,” says certified strength and conditioning specialist Mike Robertson, president of Robertson Training Systems in Indianapolis. And while your legs, butt, shoulders, and back are the main stars of this routine, they’re not the only ones being challenged. “Your core is working twice as hard to correct a rotational pull from the weighed-down side,” says Robertson, who created the workout here. Two or three times a week, complete this circuit using a…

Heart Those way-larger-I than-life balloons f (Snoopy and Woodstock are 67 feet long, 27 feet wide, and 38 feet tall) instill awe, a goose-bumpy emotion that has been shown to lower levels of cytokines, inflammation-causing proteins linked to heart disease. One moment of wonder per week may be all you need to net the long-term benefits. Bam—you're set till I next Thursday! Relationships Watching the festivities with the fam (or a few pals) brings you closer by sparking conversation and laughter, and the shared experience can prompt you to talk about things you'd normally stay mum about (like, say, how you're disappointed your ' S.O. couldn't make the trip home with you). Meaning: It's the bondcementing antidote to the traditional family Thanksgivingdinner-table drama. Stress Level The familiar childhood scenes light…

Bigfoot. The deadly combo of Pop Rocks and cola. Uncontrollable holiday weight gain. Turns out, not even that last one was ever real. When National Institutes of Health researchers looked into the oft-repeated claims that most people pack on five or more pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s (some estimates have gone as high as 10!), they found the actual average gain was less than a pound. “The concerns are very ex hggerated," says Traci Mann, Ph.D., of Secrets from the Eating Lab. “Yes, your scale might show a temporary blip, but it's unlikely you’ll move up to a higher weight and stay there unless you start and maintain a new habit, like drinking eggnog with dinner every night." A once-a-week nog habit, though, not only won’t hurt, it might…

Ready for Any Adventure You Can Imagine With its stylish design, responsive handling and high-tech features, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a standout in a sea of CUV sameness. Available All-Wheel Control delivers performance under a variety of road—or slightly off-road—conditions. MitsubishiCars.com LuMee The LuMee smartphone case was designed to create perfect on-the-go lighting in any situation. LuMee case is the original illuminated smartphone case with a reputation for world-class quality. Invented by pro photographer Allan Shoemake, the case creates perfect lighting for selfies, video chats and much more. Since 2014 it’s been the go-to case for celebs and influencers around the world. Grab a LuMee in gold, rose, white, marble and many more fun colors. LuMee.com The New Era of Shoelaces Never tie your sneakers again! Custom-fitted lacing…