Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2015 i Women's Health

Every magazine (and blog, and advertisement, and friend, and mother…) heralds September as the time for reinvention. Hardly a revelation, I know. So has WH passed on the concept for our issue? No way! It’s a cliché because it’s crazy true! But here’s how WH does it differently: Each of our suggestions is relevant, vetted, and doable—no oh-you-simply-must-have-thisfeathered-bodysuit-from-the-runway vibe (there’s a nip—not insanity—in the air). And the advice appears on every page—tweaks to your food choices, fitness routine, blush color, even how many exclamation points you use in work e-mails (gotta stop that already—see “Ask Anything,” page 20). Ready to enroll in the School of Refreshment? Time to update… @amykellerlaird @aklaird…

SEX How long after getting waxed down there should I wait to have sex? A When hair is waxed, it’s literally ripped out of your pores, leaving them open and susceptible to bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases. If you’re having sex with your regular partner, wait 24 hours to minimize chafing and reduce the chance of developing a skin infection. Hold off on random hookups for at least 48 hours to lower your risk of exposing yourself to an STD. Even then, it’s still too early if skin feels irritated, sore, or tender. FERTILITY Is it okay to drink wine and eat sushi until I know for sure I’m pregnant? Or do I have to stop if I’m just trying? Moderate consumption of both is fine during the two-week “Am…

MOTHER OF ALL FADS “I ate my placenta after giving birth, and I swear it made me even more fabulous…” Celebs can rave about it all they want, but placentophagy—or the post-delivery practice of consuming your placenta, which may be cooked, eaten raw (yum), or dehydrated into pill form (for the squeamish)—hasn’t been proven to do squat. A new study in Archives of Women’s Mental Health found no convincing data supporting claims that dining al placenta prevents depression, eases pain, or boosts energy. Talk to your doctor about other postpartum practices that can truly help you bounce back. FINALLY! A Convenient Way to Track Your Period No one wants to be surprised by Aunt Flow. These new phone tools let you stalk your cycle quickly and easily. ANDROID Try the…

10-SECOND TEST IS YOUR WEIGHT HEALTHY? BMI isn’t everything. A new study found that more than one-third of those at risk for obesityrelated problems are considered healthy per the calculation. A superior marker? Your waist-toheight ratio, which accounts for extra belly fat (linked to heart disease and diabetes). Cut a piece of string to the length of your height, then fold it in half and wrap it around your waist. If the ends overlap, your waist is less than half your height— the ideal range. Snug string? Time to trim down. IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY… Policies that demonize fattening foods (ahem, soda taxes) may not help change our eating habits, according to new Cornell research. What may: celebrating smart choices and replacing “I can’t” with “I don’t.”…

FOR IRREGULAR PIGMENTATION SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair ($70, skinceuticals.com). Helps eradicate excess melanin via hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid (we won’t quiz you on the spelling), a gentle alternative to harsher skin-bleaching agents like hydroquinone. FOR WRINKLES Clark’s Botanicals Age-Defying Neck Cream ($104, clarksbotanicals.com). Cyathea cumingii leaf extract softens and blurs wrinkles within an hour of use, while retinol plumps ’em over time. FOR SAGGING Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté ($55, murad.com). A blend of natural fruit extracts, phytoestrogens, and a collagenboosting complex tightens skin and improves elasticity. FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE (we’re sorry): Clinique CX Neck & Chest De-Aging Cream ($110, at Saks Fifth Avenue). Whey protein amps collagen, wheat germ and squalane deeply moisturize and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and vitamin C brightens.…

THE NOTES Woody amber, spicy ripe peach, cinnamon bark, and tonka bean THE PAYOFF “I smell mystery and sweet tobacco. It’s edgy. This woman knows what she wants and how to get it. She’s good at her job. And if she returns your call, she’s into you.” —Clint Carter, senior associate editor “Sexy, yes, like wrestle-you-down-tothe-carpet sexy. Romantic? Not unless you think being wrestled down to the carpet is romantic.…” —Don Kinsella, deputy director of photography THE NOTES Sandalwood, Tahitian vanilla, and Casablanca lily THE PAYOFF “This is a calming, subtle floral, like soapy bathwater at an expensive hotel. I’m intrigued, though this girl probably has secrets I don’t want to know.” —Carter “Sexy, strong, direct, professional, ambitious—this woman has a packed Outlook calendar.” —Mike Darling, senior editor THE NOTES…

A soft breeze blowing through your ponytail. An epic tune lifting you up that epic hill. Feeling like you’re going to die at the seventh mile, only to zip through the eighth. Some people could pen Shakespearean sonnets about the “runner’s high.” No wonder there are 21.8 million female runners in the U.S., including 10.8 million race finishers (that’s almost 3 mil more than the fellas—word!). But what if you haven’t experienced these splendid things whilst on foot? Baby, as another poet (ahem, Bruce Springsteen) famously sang, we were born to run! With fall’s 5,000-plus races, perfect temps, and Insta-worthy scenery, there’s no better time to join the tribe—or if you’re already laced up, to kick even more asphalt. Think Minutes, Not Miles Whenever you’re getting into a running routine—…

Elle Macpherson reportedly tests the pH of hers. Bear Grylls has drunk his. A beauty fad has some women moisturizing with theirs. That’s right, pee is #trending. And though you might not give it much thought until you’re fidgeting in a bathroom queue, giving your urine a good look (or, dare we say, sniff ) could fast-track your well-being. Too bad many of us treat the toilet like Vegas: What happens there stays there, even when we have issues. More than half of us will get a urinary tract infection (UTI), up to 43 percent have an overactive bladder (OAB), and one in eight experiences stress incontinence (dribbling when giggling). But women are often embarrassed to bring up problems with their doc, says Richard Lee, M.D., an assistant professor of…

Lemon water and green juice—fab for mind-body everything. Right? Well, everything but your teeth. Dentists are seeing an epidemic of hypersensitive chompers linked to these trendy sips, which are full of natural acids that can attack tooth enamel. “When that outer layer is worn down, tiny tubes attached to nerves inside the teeth become exposed and vulnerable,” says Gigi Meinecke, D.M.D., of the Academy of General Dentistry. Even if you’re not a slave to wellness drinks, other eats and ostensibly smart oral hygiene can act like sandpaper on your smile. Protect it with these simple strategies. IN THE KITCHEN OUCH! Acid-rich grub like plums and pineapple can erode enamel over time and cause instant shooting pain. ORAL UPGRADE: Pair acidic fare with more alkaline foods (e.g., OJ with toast), or…

Games created by WH and verified for hotness factor by Claire Cavanah, co-owner of popular adult retailer Babeland, and Tristan Weedmark, global passion ambassador (yep, official title) at sex-toy company We-Vibe START IN THE A.M. Double Take The Object: Ignite your own libido and seduce him from afar. Pieces: A cameraequipped smartphone, your wardrobe, a private room INSTRUCTIONS Dress up in your sexiest outfit and snap a photo of yourself. Then change a few minor details (throw on some heels, switch your lipstick, add a prop in the background, etc.) and take a second selfie in the same pose and frame. Send both versions of the photos to your guy* (Snapchat is an old fave, but you can share pics without a time limit on an iPhone or Android via…

NEW COLUMN! THE “WELL-THY” HOME Women’s Health and Domino have joined forces to take you inside the gorgeous spaces of inspiring women—and bring you their top (totally attainable) home decor and wellness tips. Make yourself comfortable. “I’m going to have to stop for a minute,” Alanis Morissette says mid-interview. “My son, Ever, is crying.” It just goes to show that the woman who, 20 years ago, got—like, really got— our adolescent angst still shares our struggles, only now it’s juggling family, health, career, the whole shebang. Balance, for the 41-year-old, is often found in her meditation room, where she bookends her days. After waking, she typically spends up to an hour and a half writing, meditating, listening to music, or reading. Right now, she says, her practice centers on her…

When baby’s on board, so is doctor bias—in spades, unfortunately. How’s a mom-to-be to deal at the OB? By learning to navigate these dicey convos, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., an ob-gyn at Yale University. • YOUR WEIGHT IS OFF TARGET. Some docs zero in on weight as the sole measure of a healthy pregnancy, says Minkin. But hormonal changes affect each body differently; a woman routinely scarfing fast food could look more “normal” than one eating healthy everything. When you catch flak for your weight, be direct in return: Ask for specific nutrition and activity advice. Already following it? Feel free to say so. • YOU HAVE THE OCCASIONAL VINO. If your OB scolds you—perhaps even throwing in a horror story— for having wine from time to time, request…

You wouldn’t buy a blender on Amazon without first reading customer reviews, or book a hotel without scanning TripAdvisor. Virtual vetting is also a smart way to find a nonjudgy doc, which explains why about 60 percent of people now look to rating sites for the scoop on prospective caregivers. But browser beware: Some URLs hide paid-for positive reviews; others are free-for-alls on which even bots can post. So before you believe everything you read, run down this checklist, says Andrew Ibbotson, vice president of the physician-rating software biz National Research Corporation. 1 Seek out quality and quantity. Don’t pick a doctor with fewer than 15 reviews—even if they’re all five stars. A small sample size isn’t representative enough of a doc’s true M.O. 2 Pay attention to dates. A…

LOOK 1 PLUSH LIPS THE INSPIRATION Mother (Nature) knows best when it comes to lip stains. “Increased blood flow during exercise can cause your lips to deepen in tone, and heavier breathing can cause a little dryness,” says NYC dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D. In other words: a gorg matte mauve. LOOK 2 GLOSSY LASHES & BROWS THE INSPIRATION Aftereffects of a forehead drip-fest… or an edgy shine treatment? We won’t tell. Do the brow equivalent of slicked-back swimmer’s hair and brush them up for further definition. FRIZZ BENEFITS The F word you love to hate looks shockingly chic with a ponytail. Fingercomb dry hair to the back of your head, letting any lumps and bumps be (resist the urge!). After securing with an elastic, gently rub your hairline to release…

Ah, if only the push of a button could refresh your closet all at once. Consider these 19 pages just that. We’ve got bags! And shoes! Suits! Jewelry! Jackets! And, of course, the season’s most dominant jeans. Let’s start there.…

Shoe In Hefty, hefty, hefty! Tall, thick heels can go toe to toe with all that volume.…

1 Bauble Bar choker, $36, baublebar.com 2 Stuart Weitzman heels, $445, Stuart Weitzman New York, 212-750-2555 3 IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson satchel, $297, joygryson.com 4 Alexis Bittar brooch, $595, Alexis Bittar boutiques nationwide 5 Zadig & Voltaire top, $400, zadigetvoltaire.com 6 See glasses, $289, seeeyewear.com for locations 7 Topshop shoes, $75, topshop.com 8 Alexis Bittar Lucite brooch, $595, Alexis Bittar boutiques nationwide 9 ASOS scarf, $136, asos.com…

AND GONE OUT TO PLAY. SCORE POINTS TRENDIEST SPOTS IN TOWN. PRETTY POWERFUL, HUH? SHOT ON LOCAT ION AT THE SURREY HOTEL AND BAR PLEIADES IN NEW YORK CITY PATCHWORK How crafty! Spliced and diced in cool shades of gray, this eclectic pattern looks funky fresh. Keep it sporty with a white top and kicks. At work, replace the latter with leather booties. Norma Kamali jacket and pants, Halston Heritage sweater, Adidas Originals sneakers, Reiss hat, Black’d bag, T. Anthony luggage CROPPED Tailored to the ankle, dotted all around, and layered over a night-sky-print blouse? So dreamy over brunch. For a less whimsical take, swap out the twinkly top for classic navy. Reiss blazer and trousers, Zimmermann top, The Mode Collective pumps, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel bag OVERSIZE Look away,…

Picture this: You’re drifting off to sleep when suddenly, BOOM! You’re jolted awake by flashing lights and a loud noise like an explosion or gunshot. You look around and quickly realize that nothing can explain WTF just happened. This, friends, is exploding head syndrome, a very real condition in which your brain manifests phantom sounds and sights. A recent study from Washington State University found that 13.5 percent of participants had experienced at least one episode of the disorder, which can spike your heart rate and screw up your Zs. (It doesn’t mean your noggin is necessarily in trouble, though.) Studies suggest that certain medications (such as antidepressants) may be treatment options, but since anxiety in general might be a contributing factor, simply knowing the condition is harmless could reduce…

POP QUIZ! How long should broccoli be cooked? A 1–3 MINUTES B 3–5 MINUTES C 5–8 MINUTES D 8–10 MINUTES ANSWER: B. Yep, that quickly! And yet a study found that nearly 40 percent of us let it go for 10 minutes or longer. Overcooking can decrease its star compounds, including glucosinolates, which have been linked to cancer protection. Steam broc (rather than stir-frying or boiling, which depletes bennies whatever the cooking time) and punch it up with a hit of cayenne. Scale Snap from overhead to show the whole dish, but get close enough to see the deets. Lighting Indirect natural light is best for avoiding harsh shadows that can distort food’s hues. Color Add a pop with a garnish, like fresh parsley, to highlight the depth and texture…

Classic but Edgy “A little uptown meets downtown—a sweet pony finished off with this leather tie,” says hairstylist Allen Wood of NYC’s Bumble and Bumble. WEAR IT…from weekend errands to a cocktail party TO PULL IT OFF… 1/On damp hair, apply a thickening mist from roots to ends. Try Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray ($29, bumbleandbumble.com). 2/Create a center part, then blow-dry hair sleek with a paddle brush. 3/Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with a hair-color-matching elastic. 4/Spritz hair spray onto fingertips and smooth down any flyaways. 5/Wrap a half-inch-thick strip of black leather (from a fabric store) around the base of the tail; knot it so a couple of inches are left hanging. Straight but Wavy “The hair is natural…

Here’s the thing about going to the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel with a Kardashian—you’re guaranteed a great seat. You’ll snag one of the rarefied booths outside, resplendent with privacy foliage, far from the prying telephoto lens of any paparazzo. It also happens to be a pilgrimage to the bathrooms, which is a pain in the ass if you guzzle vats of water, like Khloé Kardashian does. In fact, if you’re among her more than 26 million followers on Instagram, you’ll know she recently came under fire for overhydration. Which is a real condition— not that she has it. No, Khloé drinks five to six liters of fruit-infused H20 every day under the advisement of her nutritionist, but you’d think she was personally responsible for the California drought,…

YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR OWN STRENGTH Runners aren’t exactly famous for racing to the weight room. (“I’ll bulk up and slow down! Waaah!”) That’s a damn shame. Not only will lifting actually help improve your lean body mass (so you have less fat weighing you down), it’ll also do three more awesome things: KNOCK SECONDS OFF YOUR TIME Research shows that a plyometrics (explosive resistance) program can boost your finish time (for a 5-K specifically) by 3.1 percent, thanks to a surge in muscle power. Try dumbbell jump squats. HELP YOU RACE SMOOTHER, LONGER Heard of “running economy”? It’s akin to how many miles per gallon a car gets. Strength training can improve yours up to 8 percent, meaning you can last longer before pulling off the road. PREVENT SIDELINING…

Froth Alarm Foamy bubbles can signify protein in the urine, an early sign of kidney disease. Sniff Test Food (asparagus, garlic, coffee) and meds can temporarily make your yellow smell less mellow. But get checked out if your stench is often sweet, which can indicate diabetes, or foul (think pond scum), which may be your sole red flag for a UTI. CLEAR You’re probably downing more H20 than you need. In rare cases, overhydrating can be fatal, so see your M.D. if you’ve been chugging loads, fast (say, during a high-intensity activity) and have muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, or confusion. LIGHT YELLOW You’re perfectly hydrated. You go, girl. DARK YELLOW TO BROWN Drink a glass of water ASAP. If a brown hue persists, see a doctor—this can be a sign…

GRILLED PORK-MANGO KEBABS ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp chili powder ¼ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes 1½ mangoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ¼ cup loosely chopped cilantro 1 Whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add canola oil and mix well. 2 Place pork in a large zip-top bag with marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours. 3 Thread alternating pieces of pork and mango on four 12-inch metal skewers, brushing with remaining marinade. 4 Grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from grill and top with chopped cilantro. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per serving:…

1 What do you think when you look in the mirror? God, I wish I could get more sleep. Usually, if I’m looking in the mirror that means I’m not in bed, and I usually want to be in bed! I want you all to know that I don’t have a mirror over my bed, though. 2 The sexiest quality a woman can have is Self-awareness. And kindness. I think kindness would be a product of being self-aware. 3 Which is harder: getting dumped or doing the dumping? The obvious answer is it’s better to break up with someone, but if you’re in communion with your heart, that can be pretty painful too. 4 Is it ever okay to lie to your partner? [Laughs] I mean, yeah. “Colin, are we…

I WAS SHAMED FOR…HAVING 10-PLUS SEX PARTNERS. EMILY LINDIN, 29, SAN FRANCISCO Emily had never even been intimate with a boy when her middle-school classmates cast her in the role of school slut. The unwarranted label stuck, and while she eventually grew to expect such random cruelty from peers, she never thought she’d hear it from a doctor.¶ But there she was, at her college health center for an annual checkup. She’d been candid on the medical questionnaire. Number of sexual partners: 10-plus. Vaginal, oral, or anal sex? Check, check, check. Safe sex? Always. STI tests? Up to date. Number of partners since last visit? One.¶ “One? Are you sure?” asked the doctor.¶ “Positive,” said Emily.¶ “But are you sure,” the M.D. pressed, waving Emily’s health history in her face.…

The tricky thing about sensitive topics? Legit tough love can sound eerily close to judgment (and vice versa). Here’s how to sort out hard truths from uncalled-for shaming in four common scenarios. STRAIGHT TALK STIS “STIs are very common and your sexual behavior is putting you at risk. If you don’t use protection every time, there’s a chance you could get HIV or end up infertile.” SMOKING “I’m sure you realize smoking is bad for you. Quitting is hard, but if you want to stay healthy, you need to stop lighting up.” CHRONIC PAIN “I know you want relief, but prescription meds aren’t a long-term solution. Other treatments, like psychotherapy or meditation, have been shown to help.” DEPRESSION So many people suffer from depression—but there are ways to get back…

Miss Know-It-All She’s not the instructor (or a trainer), yet she’s correcting your form. With a smile, say, “Thanks for the tip”—and keep doing what you’re doing. 1. Thou Shalt Not Use All the Hot Water You don’t want to be the reason the girl five back in line is late to her client meeting, right? (Correct answer: “Of course not!”) Leave the conditioning mask at home. 2. Thou Shalt Not Raise Thy Voice Keep your phone calls quick and quiet, your in-person chats audible only within a few feet, and lord, remember that it’s a cell, not a boom box. Want to jam? That’s why headphones were invented! 3. Thou Shalt Not Leave Shit Everywhere Memberships don’t include maid service: Pick up your dirty towels (this is one of…

Shoe In Keep it casual with flats, or cuff your jeans and finish with booties for some edge.…

What’s in Ginger Zee’s Workout Bag? Good Morning America’s meteorologist won’t let the weather derail her runs or outdoor TRX sessions. “They give me that reset I need on my longest days.” Another thing she won’t miss? Hosting our RUN 10 FEED 10 event in NYC on September 20! See what else Ginger packs in her silver duffle (like Under Armour’s Packable Duffle Bag, $35, underarmour.com) at WomensHealth Mag.com/Celeb WorkoutBag. Street Style: Fitness Edition REBEKAH MARCANO, 39 Personal trainer in Chicago, IL “In this outfit, I was headed to brunch and shopping with my younger sister, and then to a lunchtime workout class that I teach,” says Rebekah, who owns Define Personal Fitness. Score her fun top (Onzie Bustier Bra Top in Copa Cabana, $56, yogaoutlet.com) and get deets on…

BACK LASH! Fluttery faux lashes... or featherdusters of doom?! New research from the Georgia Institute of Technology found that superlong fake fringe could help channel dust into your eyes, causing dryness and irritation. The ideal length is considered one-third the width of your entire eye, from outer to inner corner. No need to get out your ruler, though: Simply stick to the shortest fakes or use a lashboosting mascara like CoverGirl The Super Sizer ($8, at drugstores). GLAMSQUAD (GLAMSQUAD.COM) Perfect for: worrywarts. These pros must ace a background check and get tons of training by a former Frédéric Fekkai stylist. VÊNSETTE (VENSETTE.COM) Perfect for: brides and their posse. The company’s stylists have worked on movie sets, so they know what works on camera. BLOWNAWAY (BLOWNAWAYAPP.COM) Perfect for: budget minders. A…

Let’s pretend you’re 33 and you’ve been slathering SPF and retinol on your mug for years. From the chin up, you look 26. But head south and all of a sudden you’re 45. Huh? “Your face, neck, and chest register as one entity,” says New York City derm Francesca Fusco, M.D. “So they must be uniform in texture and tone to look youthful.” Ruh-roh. While facial anti-aging is now mainstream, the neck is often still overlooked—not great, considering this: “The epidermis there is delicate, scars easily, and has only a thin fat layer underneath,” says Harold Lancer, M.D., a Beverly Hills dermatologist. Plus, with fewer oil glands, it’s super thirsty for moisture. And finally, there’s the very current problem of “Tech Neck,” in which constantly looking down at your phone…

Firefighters. Architects. Pool boys. Some professions just attract handsome men—and as any beauty editor knows, master perfumers are at the top of the list. We’re talking scruffy beards, chiseled jawlines, piercing eyes—oh, and an unparalleled expertise in the notes that drive the opposite sex wild. Five of the hottest guys—uh, we mean: the most knowledgeable fragrance experts in the biz— lend their prowess in selecting a hot fall spritz. Erwin Creed Before he was 18, Creed thrived on risk (helicopter skiing, car racing). Joining the family business—the House of Creed, founded in 1760—felt as inspired as a one-note scent. But like any good fragrance, the idea grew on him, and these days, the seventhgeneration perfumer is at his father’s side in their lab outside of Paris, collaborating on best sellers…

KIM “She wants people to always look good and is like, ‘When you get your first wrinkle, I’ll let you know.’ And I appreciate it. But I haven’t done fillers,” Khloé says of her crease-free, maddeningly poreless face. “I’m not against it, though.” KANYE “Kanye was like, ‘I want you to come and be a fit model,’” she says of her brother-in-law’s New York Fashion Week presentation of Yeezy Season. “And I was like, ‘Did you mean to call Kylie?’ And he was like, ‘No, I’m calling you. Your body vibes are my influence this year.’” CAITLYN “I know she’s Caitlyn now, but she’s still my father figure [in the same way that] single mothers can also take on both roles. We want her to be as happy and free…

Summer is closing up shop, but we’re still selling tickets to the gun show, baby! Here’s why: Few things are more empowering than having strong arms. (Busting out real pushups; lifting your carry-on into the overhead compartment in one fell swoop.) Last time we checked, that type of confidence never goes out of season. We’ll even throw in a killer set of shoulders at no extra cost. (They’re considered among the easiest muscles to define, since they’re less likely to store fat than the lower body.) “This workout is designed to tax the large muscle groups first to build serious strength, then shape with higher-volume reps using lighter weights,” says trainer Ashley Borden. When they’re not pumping up your tris and bis, these moves are firing up your core (hello,…

They’ve been in and out of vogue more often than overalls. Years ago, antioxidants were touted as anti-aging, diseasefighting magic bullets; noshing a boatload meant neutralizing harmful free radicals linked to DNA damage. That is, until science later found the “miracle” compounds weren’t all that after all—ingesting them might even cause cancer. Then came the backlash to the backlash: Antioxidants are just about the healthiest thing you can swallow. Huh?! The real deal is this: Unless you OD on supplements, antioxidants are good for you…but not necessarily in all the ways you’ve heard. Yes, They Can… Boost Your Brainpower Prep for (near) total recall. Antioxidants can sweep your gray matter of toxins that mess with short-term memory and cognition. Over time, this noggin scrubbing may help stave off dementia and…

There’s beer. There’s wine. And then there’s hard cider. The classic middle child of the drink world has recently seen the kind of popularity boom that Jan Brady could only have dreamed of. “For the last several years, ciders have been the fastest-growing part of the alcohol industry,” says Joel VandenBrink, owner of Seattle Cider Co. There are now bars nationwide devoted to the stuff, and women in particular are fans. No wonder: The fermented craft brew is lower in sugar than most mixed drinks (and mainstream ciders!), so it’s a pint that’s conscious of calories. Who wouldn’t want to tap that? Hard Times The explosion of cider styles means there’s one for every palate. Check out our fave bottles and cans in six categories, then pick your poison. BARREL-AGED…

WHEN AN EX CUTS YOU OUT He has a new woman, so it might mean auf wiedersehen to your friendship! You may want to lash out at him (or his new girlfriend) for th e snu b, but it’s b etter to accept his decision and wish h i m well, says Katherine Woodward Thomas, author of Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Ever After. You’ve always been told to have a backup plan. That’s why you applied to a second choice college, copied all of your important docs onto a flash drive, saved some coin in case of an emergency, and have kept a few guys on retainer in case your current relationship crashes and burns. Wait, wha?? Romantic “Plan B” options are actually shockingly common. A recent…

Phase One: Holy. Crap. Negotiate. Don’t sign anything right away. “You have more power than you think,” says career transition expert Louise Kursmark of Best Impression Career Services in Reading, Massachusetts. “Your employer doesn’t want this to be a long, uncomfortable process.” Things you can ask for: an increased severance, payment on a freelance basis to finish projects, or a neutral reference (confirming dates of employment). Only ask if you can resign instead of being fired if you can afford to forgo unemployment; you’re not eligible to collect if you quit. Mourn the loss. Go ahead and unload on a good friend over a slice of molten chocolate cake (or three). But keep it off-line. A survey found that 38 percent of laid-off or fired workers bad-mouthed their former employer,…

Doctors know their patients aren’t flawless. Patients, on the other hand, often expect mind-body perfection from M.D.s. When they see something less than ideal (a doc with a beer gut, a physician who smokes), they can serve up knee-jerk judgment of their own. Sixty-six percent of respondents in our WH survey copped to this behavior, which can seriously backfire, says Val Jones, M.D. Biased people are more likely to dismiss their doctors’ treatment or advice. One patient, for example, refused stitches from Jones because she was a woman; others failed to take Jones seriously when she was in her thirties, saying she was “too young to be a doctor.” Shaming a physician can also mess with the care you get, says Sara Troyer, M.D., a pediatrician who’s been told by…

Being cut down by a doctor can be an isolating experience. These groups have your back. The UnSlut Project strives to fight sexual bullying and “slut”-shaming among young women. UNSLUTPROJECT.COM; @UnSlutProject Black Women’s Health Imperative is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to the health and wellness of America’s more than 22 million black girls and women. BWHI.ORG; @blkwomenshealth The Transgender Law Center works to eradicate discrimination and advance the health-care rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. TRANSGENDERLAWCENTER.ORG; @TransLawCenter Association for Size Diversity and Health was founded to promote health care free from weight-based assumptions and discrimination. SIZEDIVERSITYANDHEALTH.ORG; @ASDAH Exhale runs the country’s leading nonpolitical, judgment-free post-abortion support line. EXHALEPROVOICE.ORG; @ExhaleProVoice…

Wipe Down Equipment C’mon, you’d think we were asking you to reupholster the flippin’ seat. Many facilities have a towelette dispenser, and almost all have hand towels. Grab one and quickly run it along any surface you touched, including mats. Full disclosure: Some research has found that doing so may not significantly clear away germs, but we’re standing by it because every bit helps. And, ick, because sitting in other people’s sweat is just gross. Ditch Your Baggage We get it—you’re popping in for a quick sesh, you’re already changed, and you’d rather not make a pit stop to the locker room. But bringing your bag as a plus-one isn’t just annoying, it’s a safety concern: Don’t make fellow exercisers hop over your crap. Put It Back No one came…

BREAD As concerns about carbs, gluten, and high-fructose corn syrup pile up, loaf labels have become more loopy than a cinnamon-raisin swirl. Cut through the confusion with four words: 100 percent whole grain (since wheat is a grain, 100 percent whole wheat is okay too). Your body works overtime to digest these unrefined grains, which can lower your risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Don’t trim the crusts—they may pack more cancerfighting antioxidants than the middle of the bread. Use a total of 4 oz of cooked salmon. Wild sockeye or coho, fresh or canned, has loads of omega-3s. Hold the mayo and go with a better-for-you fat: Mash 1 avocado with 1 tsp lemon juice and ⅛ tsp salt. SPROUTED-GRAIN SALMON CLUB 490 cal, 16 g fat (2…

A.M. BUZZKILLS TIRED? STRESSED? ALWAYS RUNNING LATE? STOP DOING THESE THINGS. Snoozing Pop up right away. Drifting into a new sleep cycle and waking up again can interrupt your normal Zs pattern. (Read: You’ll drag ass for the rest of the day.) Avoiding natural light Expose yourself to sunlight. The yellow dude wakes you up, regulates your circadian rhythm, and may even help you shed pounds. Checking e-mail Or Facebook. Or Instagram. Starting your day this way puts someone else’s priorities ahead of yours. Plus, those distractions could stress you out. PRETTY FAST NOT LOVING WHAT YOU’RE SEEING IN THE MIRROR AND NEED TO GET OUT ASAP? MAKE FOUR HOURS OF SLEEP LOOK LIKE EIGHT. 1 / Hair For insta-volume, spritz on dry shampoo to banish greasies that make hair…

Shoe In Height is essential. Straps or texture lend that Bianca Jagger vibe. Or Try… Culottes not cool-otte in your book? (Sorry.) Slip into the season’s ankle-cropped skinny. They fall short only in inseam.…

Shoe In Flaunt your ankles with stilettos, sheen, sparkle—or hey, all three.…