Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i Women's Health

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @lizplosser There’s nothing as #WHStrong as embracing who you are and being open to who you’re becoming. Recently, my husband Matt and I were discussing our “superpowers” with each other. (The convo was inspired by the James Bond–level teapot he gave me for Christmas after watching me boil—er, splash—my hot water in a saucepan all winter. He is the Marvel hero of perfect presents.) Mine: hugging and snuggling the heck out of my kiddos, waking up really early, and handwriting heartfelt thank-you notes. A new one I intend to add to that list, though, is not something I would’ve thought of as a strength a year ago: vulnerability. And by this, I mean sharing my struggles and weaknesses, even if it feels uncomfortable or scary saying them out loud.…

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (WH’S SISTER MAG!) Follow the ups and downs on Insta @ayakanai. “It’s time to take my financial health seriously.” When I started this column, I knew I wanted to cook more and exercise regularly. But as I’ve worked on those aspects of wellness, I’ve come to realize there’s another area that needs a little shaping up: my finances. It’s not that I currently have money woes (I consider myself a fairly frugal person); I’ve just never had a long-term plan. I’ve always thought that if I have enough $$$ to get by, then I don’t need to give it much attention. But money doesn’t work like that. You need to “train” your finance muscles—as you would any other—to see them grow. Most important, I want to provide the best…

Need a circuit refresh? Train from the top down—it’s called vertical loading. You start with upper-body exercises (arms, chest) and end with your legs, moving from one muscle group to the next without rest. You get more done in less time (since the group above recovers while you work the next), which can lead to quicker results, says Hannah Davis, CSCS, creator of Body by Hannah. Do 12 reps of over-head press, lat pulldown, chest fly, squat, and single-leg deadlifts. Repeat twice for three total sets.…

There’s nothing seedy about this savory ingredient: Black seeds, a.k.a. black cumin, have been used medicinally for millennia. “They’ve been called the cure for everything but death,” says Robin Foroutan, RD. A tad dramatic, maybe, but a study shows they help lower high blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. The poppy-seed look-alikes also promote digestion and support your liver and kidneys. Find them in Asian or African spice blends or in oil form. “They’re delicious in curries, stews, and lentil dishes,” Foroutan says.…

If you think microblading and lash tinting (deets on page 36) are cool, you’ll love the latest beauty treatment: foundation that lasts up to six months. Sound too good to be true? It might be, according to some derms. The process uses a micro-needle to penetrate and drop pigmented serum into the upper layer of skin for light to medium coverage all over. But it hasn’t been FDA-approved, and it’s possible the “ink” could cause allergic reactions, scarring, and swelling; it also might worsen skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. If that happens, you can’t wipe off the foundation; you have to wait until it fades (eek). Have no-fuss, nonsensitive skin and still into the idea of saving time in the a.m.? Chat with a dermatologist, then ask a…

For years, men have had Viagra to give them an instant shot of, for lack of a better term, horniness, in the form of an erection. Meanwhile, women have had nada…until now. The FDA recently approved Vyleesi, an on-demand medication for premenopausal women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or a sudden and extended loss of sex drive (that’s 1 in 10 ladies, btw). Injected into your thigh or abdomen 45 minutes before an anticipated romp, Vyleesi targets melanocortin receptors in the brain, which are believed to spark higher libido and lower stress levels when activated. The shot can cause nausea (so docs might recommend it with anti-nausea meds), as well as headaches, vomiting, and a skin reaction at the injection site—not exactly fun, but all relatively low-risk. It’s…

I stopped wearing mascara two years ago, after I couldn’t find one that would stay put. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely missed it—I have blonde hair and fair skin, so mascara makes a major difference on my naturally light lashes—but the constant raccoon eyes (especially after Spin class) weren’t worth it to me. Then I heard about a lash lift and tint. It’s a semipermanent curl and dye job that promises length and pigment without smudges, smears, or fallen lashes. Sign me up! THE PROCESS I booked an appointment at Envious Lashes in New York City, where a lift with tint costs $175. As I lay in the chair, the technician brushed my lashes up onto a silicone curling rod (there are different sizes for every lash length and…

MUAY THAI BENEFITS WORTH FIGHTING FOR 1 Total-body training translates to major muscles in your arms, abs, back, and booty, says Chieng. 2 Those kicks improve balance and coordination, per the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 3 Constant movement boosts muscular endurance, according to a study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 4 The practice can help improve your flexibility and agility, the same study found. All it takes is one glance at Halle Berry to realize her gym routine is working. Lately, the actress has been dedicated to Muay Thai, a type of fighting that’s all about throwing elbows, executing kicks…and being completely badass. A longtime lover of mixed martial arts, she began Muay Thai training for her role in Bruised, an upcoming film…

1 Dress boldly. Contrasting colors, like cool tones against sunsets or warm shades in green spaces, will help you pop in a pic, adding a dynamic element, says Lisa Slagle, a sports photographer. 2 Shoot early or late. Snap pics during the “magic hour” around sunrise or sunset when “natural light is golden,” says Slagle. Doing so nixes harsh shadows or overexposure and gives you that ideal glow. 3 Snap from hip height. Prop your phone up on a bench or ledge (anything that’s not over water—RIP iPhone 8) so it looks like an actual human took the pic. Avoid setting your phone on the ground; you’ll see right up your nose. 4 Tap into that self-timer. Burst mode, which takes 10 pics per second, is your BFF. Position your…

PREP STEPS 1 Ace Your Base Load up on pantry staples like grains, wraps, and breads, plus potatoes and hearty greens, and mixing up your meals will become a no-brainer. 2 Pick a Protein Cook proteins in advance, but don’t slice until you’re ready to eat, to prevent ’em from drying out. And season simply, so you’re not stuck with spicy chicken five days straight (been there, hated that). 3 Choose a Veg In addition to your favorite raw salad options, choose hearty, versatile vegetables like broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, squash, mushrooms, green beans, asparagus, and grape tomatoes. Cook them to extend their shelf life and you won’t have to deal with a fridge full of food that has gone bad. 4 Switch Up the Flavor Wait till the end…

Sauté All Day Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Add olive oil, then veggies, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender. Peppers Sliced 6 minutes Green Beans 5 minutes Grape Tomatoes 4 minutes Mushrooms Halved or Quartered 11 minutes Roast With the Most On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss your fave veg with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 425°F until golden brown and tender. Broccoli Florets 22 minutes Asparagus 15 minutes Mushrooms Halved or Quartered 25 minutes Cauliflower Florets 20 minutes Peppers Sliced 14 minutes Grape Tomatoes 13 minutes Best for Blanching Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and veggie to boiling water and cook until just tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to…

SAY NO OFTEN. “Be selective about what you say yes to,” suggests Georgina Miranda, CEO of She Ventures, who has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest (twice). To make time for her training, she declines endless networking events and projects and chooses only the ones that support her life and company. From there, she prioritizes sleep and wellness. HAVE ONE PERSONAL OBJECTIVE AT ALL TIMES. Think marathons are hard? Montana mom Cynthia Laura Arnold set a new stroller record last year, pushing three kids 26.2 miles (at the same time!). She approaches running as she does brushing her teeth or showering: as a non-negotiable act of selfcare. “Being able to work on a personal goal is important for your mental health, which is just as important…

CARDIOLOGY Jennifer H. Mieres, MD Professor of cardiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; senior vice president, Center for Equity of Care, Northwell Health DERMATOLOGY Mona Gohara, MD Associate clinical professor, department of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine Ellen Marmur, MD Founder, Marmur Medical Joshua Zeichner, MD Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City FERTILITY Sheeva Talebian, MD Fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, CCRM New York FITNESS Ben Bruno, CFSC Certified functional strength coach and private trainer Betina Gozo, CFSC Certified functional strength coach; NASM corrective exercise specialist; Nike master trainer; creator of Women’s Health Woman’s Guide to Strength Training Sohee Lee, MS, CSCS Evidence-based fitness coach and certified sports nutritionist; author of Eat. Lift. Thrive. Stacy T. Sims, PhD Exercise…

“Whenever I need a quick mood boost, I head to @chelsiehill’s Instagram. Her dance routines with the Rollettes wheelchair team are both fun and inspiring.”@JORDANGALLOWAY_ Jordan, Fitness Director “This podcast tackles big topics—STIs, equal pay—in a way that feels empowering, not depressing.” free, iTunes@KIERAMCARTER Kiera, Contributing Editor “Perfect for chilly runs! The removable interior means you can head straight to brunch without sitting in a sweaty jacket.” $228, lululemon.com@RISSYGAYLE Marissa, Features Director “Aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil make this body wash—in a refillable glass bottle!—super hydrating and soothing.” $35, bathingculture.com@CHELSEATRABERBURNS Chelsea, Senior Beauty Editor “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to eat a more plant-based diet. Good Foods’ versatile dips make the transition simple.” $5, target.com@LGELLS Lindsay, Associate Editor…

CLARIFIED A.k.a. ghee, this is the go-to for dairy-sensitive stomachs: Since the butter has been “clarified” to remove milk solids, it’s lower in lactose (the milk sugar that some can’t tolerate) and potentially less inflammatory. It tastes just like butter, so you can slather it on roasted salmon and plain toast (try Himalayan pink salt ghee from Fourth & Heart, $13, fourthandheart.com). Oh! And an open jar will keep in your pantry for three months (longer in a fridge). CULTURED Adding live cultures to cream and fermenting it before churning blesses your meal with a dose of gut-healthy probiotics. This imparts a richer, buttermilky texture, perfect for baking extra-fluffy everything. The smoke point (the SOS moment when it’s about to burn) is higher than with regular butter, which brings out…

Who doesn’t love brunch with their besties? Someone trying to eat better, that’s who. People who dine with friends tend to match their buddies’ food choices—not just in type, but in size and cost too—even if it goes against their eating intention and budget, research shows. Avoid social food pressure: 1. TELL YOUR FRIENDS. Good friends will support your goals, not mock them (even if they swear you look amazing…which you already do). By putting your plan out there (“No bread for me tonight!”), you’re taking ownership—a reminder that you have control over your order. 2. SNACK AHEAD. Nosh on a few apple slices with PB or a cheese stick before settling in at the table. A little protein or good fat will take the edge off, so you’re set…

Headlines all but declared a state of emergency regarding vapers late last year when more than 50 people died (and 2,400 were hospitalized) from “e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury” (EVALI). Though the numbers appear to be dropping, and e-cigs are technically safer than the normal type, THC versions can contain some sketchy stuff—namely, lipids (fats) and vitamin E oil—that can get into the alveoli, or tiny air sacs in your lungs. This triggers a rapid inflammatory reaction with flu-like symptoms (cough, nausea, fever) that can eventually damage lungs to the point of causing death—even in young, healthy peeps. Weed is still illegal in most states, so THC vape pens there aren’t regulated—you never really know what’s in them. Don’t vape, but hang with someone who does? Jury’s still…

Popular period-tracking apps (Clue, Flo) can help you stay on top of your cycle and provide useful intel, but when it comes to a diagnosis, they shouldn’t replace an IRL doc. Case in point: Last year, Flo concluded that 38 percent of users had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on reported symptoms, when medical data shows that only 5 to 10 percent of reproductive-age women likely have it. The diagnoses aren’t necessarily wrong, but they could be skewed, especially with confusing conditions like PCOS that manifest differently from person to person. (For example, irregular periods, acne, and struggles with weight could be PCOS probs, but they could also be from stress.) Before you freak over any medical feed-back, call your gyno and use info you tracked in the app to…

How many skin-care products do you own? Now, how many scalp-care products? *Crickets* Wel1, “your scalp is your skin,” says Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “And just like the skin on your face, it sweats and sheds dead skin cells, which is why it needs to be washed, exfoliated, and cared for in a similar fashion.” Only problem? Pretty much no one does this. In fact, only 28 percent of people wash their hair every day, according to Lightspeed/Mintel research, never mind practice any scalp care beyond that. This is especially important if you throw powder on your roots after a workout. “Using dry shampoo for days is like putting makeup on, sleeping in it, then waking up the next morning and applying it again,” says David Adams, trichologist…

1. Solid Form “Lotion that won’t leak all over my tote? I’ll take three. This solid moisturizer warms up in your hands and melts into skin for a nonsticky finish.”—Chelsea Traber Burns, senior beauty editor 2. Hint of Tint “This gel-y lipstick goes on like a balm with a just-right color that’s basically foolproof—perfect for when I want to swipe something on without breaking out a mirror.”—CTB 3. Stay Fresh “I throw this pear- and freesia-scented disk in my carry-on and gym bag to keep my things smelling nice. It even works on my stinkiest clothes and lasts up to three months.”—CTB 4. IRL Filter “I loved this cult-favorite primer when it came in a jar, so I’m stoked it’s now in a mess-free bottle. I wear it to cut grease…

Moving Jump Rope Stand holding a jump rope. Swing rope in front of body and hop over. Continue swinging and hopping, moving two hops left, two right, two front, then two back. Keep moving for 3 minutes. Complete 3 sets, resting 30 seconds in between. Fast footwork and solid coordination will help you avoid an opponent’s strikes during a match. Squat With Shuffle Stand with dominant foot slightly back, toes and hips facing forward, fists by face. Lower into a squat, then stand and shuffle three paces left, then three right. That’s 1 rep. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps. Ducking is a crucial defense—plus this move builds leg strength and muscle endurance. Situp With Elbow Throw Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, and hands behind head. Lift chest…

I’ve had a contentious relationship with car rides for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, we used to collect airplane barf bags, then stash them in the car, just in case. I happen to be one of the many unlucky people prone to a level of motion sickness that messes with my day-to-day life. Motion sickness is triggered when the eyes, muscles, and balance controls in the inner ear send conflicting messages to the brain. The mismatch between the motion your eyes and muscles are registering and what your inner-ear system is experiencing—say, because you’re sitting in a moving vehicle—is why the nauseous feeling sets in, says Quinton S. Gopen, MD, an otolaryngologist at UCLA Health. Considering my stomach doesn’t like car rides, I knew…

Grains Always cook more, not less: Leftovers last in the fridge up to four days, and batches of brown rice, wheat berries, farro, and quinoa keep in the freezer for a month—at least! To cool grains quickly, spread them out on a baking sheet. When you’re ready to warm them up again, simply pop in the microwave. Greens Water is enemy number one if you want to keep your produce crisp. When you’re chopping and washing spinach or a head of romaine in advance, just make sure to pat everything dry. (Bonus for spin-drying first.) Buying prewashed? Check for moisture in the clamshell, and if needed, take the greens out and dry between dish towels. Pastas Opt for noodles that taste good cold (looking at you, soba) so you don’t…

Caper Vinaigrette MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS Combine 2 shallots, ½ cup parsley, ¼ cup drained capers (all finely chopped), 1 Tbsp lemon zest plus ¼ cup juice, and ½ tsp each salt and pepper, then whisk in ½ cup olive oil. Vegan Caesar MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS Whisk together 2 tsp lemon zest plus ½ cup juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 grated clove garlic, 1 tsp each low-sodium soy sauce and pepper. Whisk in 1 cup olive oil. Peanut Sauce MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS In a blender, puree ¾ cup each creamy all-natural peanut butter and canola oil, ½ cup water, ¼ cup each rice vinegar and fresh lime juice, 1½ Tbsp each low-sodium soy sauce and gochujang, and 2 scallion whites until smooth. Sriracha-Honey Vinaigrette MAKES ABOUT ⅔…

I fall down a lot. More than the average person, who might trip over a shoelace or the curled-up edge of a shag rug. For as long as I can remember, it’s always felt as if a gust of wind were trailing behind me, waiting for the perfect moment to blow me over. I fell so often as a kid that I developed a habit of immediately yelling “I’m okay!” from wherever I’d land in the house. My mom would listen for these words, then return to her task, anticipating the next thump or clang. Fast-forward to the evening of my high school graduation: As I prepared to walk with my graduating class of 70 students, I realized a trip would never go unnoticed. So I strapped on the safest…

But what’s worse is not knowing the reason you feel crappy. Finding a diagnosis for some conditions can mean traveling from doctor to doctor and enduring a slew of tests, some of which may be un-comfortable and invasive. Negative results can mean starting back at square one—a new guess at what the illness might be, a new set of providers, and even more poking and prodding—like the world’s worst game of Chutes and Ladders. Most of the people experiencing this confusing health-care back-and-forth are women—who are more likely to suffer from hard-to-diagnose conditions ranging from fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases to reproductive issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Scientific research has historically excluded women, which piles onto the problem, explains Alyson J. McGregor, MD, cofounder and director of the…

In the days leading up to the worst breakup of my life, something terrible was brewing in my skin. It started with a colony of tiny whiteheads. Then, right at my emotional breaking point, they expanded into bulging cysts. In the span of 48 hours, I ended a four-year relationship, moved out of our shared apartment, found a friend’s couch to crash on, and hosted a beauty video series at work as if nothing had happened. As my life exploded, so did my skin: I woke up one morning and counted 22 stubborn cystic pimples on my chin and jawline. It was the worst I’d seen in my decade-long struggle with acne. As if my self-esteem weren’t already low, the helplessness and shame that came with the breakout made me…

STRONG TO THE CORE If a midriff-exposing top feels too extra, wear with high-waisted bottoms. “YOU DON’T NEED PERMISSION TO WEAR REVEALING CLOTHES.” Growing up, my self-esteem came from the trophies I’d earned as a swimmer and runner. But by the time I reached college, I’d found other passions, like writing, which glued me to a computer most days. Fast-forward three kids and three novels, and I’d lost the body—or more accurately, the body confidence—I once had. I’d glance wistfully at pictures of myself in crop tops and think my belly-baring days were over. Oh boy, was I wrong. I began working with a trainer, who had me lifting heavy weights for the first time. Within weeks, my glutes got rounder; my abs became defined and my back chiseled. Again,…

Amazon Alexa Guard It picks up sounds like breaking glass and alarms, then sends audio in real time so you can take control based on what you hear. From $25, or free with Echo devices, amazon.com Google Nest Protect So advanced, it can sense how minor or major an issue (smoke, fire, etc.) might be, alerting you with a color-coded signal. $119, store.google.com SimpliSafe Got pets? This wireless monitoring system can tell the diff between your pup and a human, and if something sets off the alarm, operators tune in and send help ASAP. From $229, simplisafe.com…

Carli Lloyd’s mornings are almost as impressive as her soccer career. In less than an hour, the U.S. Women’s National Team cocaptain, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (to name a few feats) is dressed, fueled, and ready to train with her home team, New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC, for yet another win.… MAXIMIZE THOSE MINUTES “I wake up at 7:30 and check my schedule, email, and social media from bed. I need to limit myself to five minutes or risk being rushed to training.” DRESS FOR SUCCESS “I shower and moisturize at night, which saves some time in the morning. And getting dressed is simple since I wear my team’s training gear.” STYLE SMARTLY “I’ve mastered putting my hair into a secure bun with…

“You need to be happy to feel confident.” Growing up, I had very low self-esteem. I moved around a lot, and I always felt different. I was insecure into my 20s, unsure of who I was. That changed by the time I did my first Hollywood audition, for the show Quantico. I was nervous, but I walked into the bathroom, looked at myself in the mirror, and was like, “You’ve done about 50 movies. You do not need to worry.” And it worked! I got the job. You’re not born with confidence; you have to teach yourself to be confident. I told myself every single day that I’m good at my job. There’s a confidence that comes from knowing you’re good at something. That’s not to say I don’t feel…

CONFESSION “I switch up skin-care products a ton.”—Courtney, Austin, TX HOW BAD IS IT, REALLY? This isn’t the worst thing you can do, but you might be shorting yourself some benefits. “Generally speaking, it takes weeks or even months of continuous use for a product to exert its full effect on the skin,” says WH advisory board member Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital. “Constantly changing up your routine means you’re not giving the ingredients enough time to do their job.” Worse, you could develop an itchy, red rash from the irritation, adds Shari Marchbein, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone. Yeah, not ideal. EASY CHANGE Stick with new products for two months before you decide whether they’re worthy. “Your skin regenerates every…

WHY WE LOVE IT Ready to supercharge your upper-body workout? This exercise combines a badass strength move (single-leg decline pushup) with a classic yoga pose (down dog split) to give you the best of both worlds: total-body toning and a good stretch. What’s more, elevating your feet makes this a 2.0-level pushup that’ll work your shoulders and upper arms from a different angle for max sculpting, says Michelle Marques, CPT (showcasing her skills here). Do this move properly and you’ll hit all the major abs groups—as in your obliques, six-pack muscles, and deep stabilizers. Kind of om-azing, right? HOW TO DO IT 1 Begin in a high-plank position with left foot on six-inch box and right foot hovering slightly above it, toes pointed. 2 Brace core, push left heel back to engage…

The dental industry doesn’t exactly have the sexiest track record. There’s the whole stuffy-office thing. The harsh scrubbing. The pointy objects stabbing at your gums. It’s no wonder that 70 percent of people report having experienced anxiety in anticipation of dentist appointments. But luckily for anyone who’s ever known dental dread, the industry is getting a makeover. See: millennial-adored dental studios that feel like spas, not torture chambers, and products from oral-care companies like Quip and Hello with display-worthy packaging and buzzy new ingredients. The result? Looking after your teeth and gums now feels like a self-care ritual, not a chore. And this transformation is a good thing, considering there’s a strong link between oral health and your overall well-being. The catch? Not every mouth-care practice in style right now…

Chicken Breast GRILL Rub chicken with olive oil, then season and grill on medium-high until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side. ROAST Heat oil in an ovenproof skillet on medium. Season chicken and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to oven; roast at 425°F until just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Salmon SAUTÉ Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high. Season salmon and cook until golden brown and opaque throughout, 5 to 6 minutes per side. ROAST Place salmon on a baking sheet. Season and roast at 425°F until opaque throughout, 10 to 12 minutes. GRILL Season salmon and grill on medium-high until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes per side. BROIL Season salmon and broil until opaque throughout, 7 to 10…

You’re nailing the 9-to-5, slaying after-school pickup, and killing that 10-step Korean skin-care routine. Yet amid all this high-functioning hustling, something is getting lost: your Big Dream. Maybe you want to train for a triathlon but can’t imagine swinging two workouts a day right now. Or you have an awesome idea for an app but feel you need a less crazy job in order to develop it. (Insert your grand plan + totally understandable excuse here.) To be fair, we want to devote our best efforts to our highest goals, so we often wait until conditions are ideal in our life, our mind, or our body before going all in. This sort of Goldilocks mentality with ambitions is common, says Carolyn Russo, PhD, a mental health counselor in Seattle. Plus,…

I will never forget the day my bestfriend, a physical therapist with a doctorate from NYU, called me after her first session with a big-deal international celeb(so maj, I can’t even spill the name). We were both super excited—this was monumental for her, just three years into her career!—so I was shocked when she broke into tears. “I feel like a fraud,” she said. “What am I doing here?” I cried with her, because those same words had run through my head a few days earlier. I’d just been promoted, and while I believed I deserved it, I wondered if other people thought I did too. At 29, with nearly a decade in publishing under my belt, I still have moments of trying to persuade myself and the world that…

When dealing with your health issues, you want your doc to really hear you—but it can be intimidating to speak up or push back on a professional opinion. “It becomes very difficult to trust yourself when an expert in a white coat who’s been to medical school for years is saying that your own experience of your body is not accurate,” says journalist Maya Dusenbery, author of Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick. We asked Dusenbery what to say to get your doc to listen. And if you still don’t leave satisfied, don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion, “or as many opinions as it takes to get the right diagnosis,” Dusenbery says. IF YOUR PROVIDER SAYS…

EMBRACE THE POWER OF YOU “Being #InCharge is never about acting aggressively toward others. The only thing you have control of is your character. You can lose your health and your wealth, but never your character.” EXERCISE YOUR BODY AND MIND “I’m a big swimmer, and I spend quite a few months a year in a boat. When I swim a mile, that’s my best meditation—there’s the sea, the sky, and I’m in between.” SEEK INSPO FROM YOUR SISTERS “I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t strong, even if she didn’t always show it. More and more, I’m inspired by women: women throughout history, women writers, women characters, women’s stories.” 1974 The year DVF created her now-iconic wrap dress. She would go on to sell 5 million of the classic…