Latest news with #KaitlinReilly
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Walk 7,000 steps a day, use emoji and eat bulgur — plus 5 more health tips to help you have a great week
Plus, why you should consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm rounding up the best health and wellness tips from across the internet this week. One small thing you can do this week to bring some joy to your summer? Lean in to play. A 2013 Swiss study found that playful adults were happier, more satisfied in their lives and even healthier than their straitlaced peers. Consider this an excuse to challenge your pals to some pool noodle jousting, sign up for a wacky fitness class or simply put your phone down for 15 minutes and doodle with some crayons. Want to take it up a notch? Some people are going all in by signing up for adult sleepaway camps, where they can participate in classic camp activities like archery, boating and arts and crafts. (Many also have some more grown-up activities too, like toga parties and 'tini time.') Campers tell Yahoo's Meredith Begley that the experience has helped them find friendship and connect with their inner child. To get ready for the week, check your local weather forecast. Need some guidance from the stars? Take a look at your horoscope. Then pick your 'one small thing' that'll make a positive change to your well-being. Here are a few ideas … 👣 Rethink 10,000 steps Walking is good for you. But pushing for the lofty '10,000 steps a day' goal might be unnecessary. As the AFP reports, a study from the University of Sydney found that walking just 7,000 steps a day achieved similar benefits, including a 47% drop in risk of early death. The researchers, who looked at data from 57 studies worldwide, also found that 7,000 steps significantly reduced the risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes and depression. There's no harm in sticking to your 10,000-steps target (we love an overachiever), but the incentive to do more than 7,000 is pretty minimal, according to researchers. 😊 Use emoji Fire away those hearts and raised hands. Emoji can boost your social connections, Good Morning America reports. A recent study found that using emoji makes you appear friendlier and more likable, as well as more responsive — all things that can make people feel closer and ramp up relationship satisfaction. 🌾 Eat bulgur Here's a healthy grain to add to your plate: bulgur, which experts tell EatingWell can help regulate blood pressure and is packed with potassium, magnesium and fiber. Dietitians recommend adding cooked bulgur to a salad to make it more filling. You can also try using the whole grain (plus fresh herbs and chopped olives) to whip up a tasty tabbouleh. 🪥 Switch to an electric toothbrush Your dentist may send you home with a plastic toothbrush, but they'd rather you use an electric model. Dentists tell Men's Health that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque thanks to rapid bristle movement, and those that feature built-in timers can make sure you're brushing long enough. 'Most people think they brush for two minutes, but if you actually time yourself, it's often way less,' says Dr. Joyce Kahng. Plus, electric brushes take the guesswork out of brushing technique by providing consistent, powered motion. Also, using them makes it easier to clean along the gumline, which helps prevent gingivitis. Consider them worth the splurge. 🚿 Keep your shower routine simple Taking an 'everything shower' (in which you exfoliate, shave, deep condition, etc.) is super-popular on social media right now, but experts tell CNN it's 'overkill.' In fact, just five to 10 minutes of washing with gentle, fragrance-free soap in key areas — like your pits and groin — is enough to get clean, according to dermatologist Dr. Jules Lipoff. And while influencers may love lots of scrubs and lotions, dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb warns against overdoing it on products. 'Each new product you introduce provides another opportunity for something to go on your skin and potentially create an allergic or irritating reaction for you,' she says. What's more, stripping too much of your skin's good, protective bacteria can actually lead to more acne, not less. ⌚ Take off your Apple Watch at night Do you track your sleep with a wearable like an Oura ring or an Apple Watch? Good Morning America reports that wearing these devices could lead to 'orthosomnia,' an obsession with getting quality rest. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins says some individuals become so obsessed with tracking their sleep that the 'information they receive stresses them out, and then it causes them to struggle the next night.' But sleep simply can't be perfect every night, she says, as it is 'a function of all of the things that we experience in a typical day — and some of that might be stressful.' Instead of focusing too hard on what your wearable says, look at things you can control, like what time you go to bed. Another tip: Create a relaxing wind-down routine before bed with activities like journaling or taking a warm bath, which should help you ease into sleep mode. 🎻 Play music Musical training could help you stay sharp, new research published in PLOS Biology finds. According to the study, older adults who play music show brain activity similar to much younger people when processing sound in noisy environments. Experts tell Women's Health there are a few reasons why. Neurologist Dr. Clifford Segil notes that playing an instrument involves 'multiple brain region activations,' and exercising them can help you build a stronger brain overall. Learning to read music is another boon for the brain, he adds. While the adults in the study had long-term musical training, challenging yourself to pick up an instrument can only be a good thing. 🍉 When life gives you lemons, make watermelonade A glass of lemonade is refreshing on a hot summer day, but it can also be full of added sugar. Simply Recipes has a healthier, pink twist on the beverage. Instead of sweetening your lemonade with sugar, puree some watermelon and mix it with your lemon juice. You'll be getting health perks like vitamin A, vitamin C and blood-pressure-regulating minerals like magnesium and potassium in the process.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Toss your expired sunscreen, walk at least 78 minutes a day and try Scandinavian sleeping — plus 8 more health tips to help you have a great week
How separate duvets can benefit your sleep. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share the best wellness tips from around the internet. Everybody wants to be healthy and fit. And, hey, maybe your summer vacation entails detoxing at a swanky wellness spa in the Alps. If it doesn't, that's OK too. Healthy living doesn't have to be a huge overhaul (which feels super-daunting); it can be making a series of simple, easily achievable changes that add up to major improvement. Like eating baby carrots three times a week or spending 30 minutes 'Japanese walking' before dinner. One small thing you can start with: Change your popcorn order the next time you're catching a summer blockbuster at the cineplex. As dietitian Lauren Manaker recently wrote for Yahoo, it's easier than you think to make healthy snack choices at the movie theater. Instead of nachos with bright orange cheese dip or a slushie, go for chocolate-covered raisins (which, Manaker notes, 'provide natural sugars for energy along with small amounts of fiber and potassium'). And go ahead and enjoy that popcorn (it's got fiber!); just make it a small, and skip the butter. See? You're off to a healthy start already. To see what the week has in store, take a look at your local weather forecast, and peek at your horoscope too, if you're inclined. Now pick your 'one small thing' that'll make a positive change to your well-being. A few ideas … ☀️ Toss that expired sunscreen Want to declutter this summer? Start with your expired sunscreen, decluttering expert Marissa Hagmeyer tells Good Housekeeping. Expired sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time, offering less protection against harmful UV rays and increasing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. 'Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work,' Hagmeyer says. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and use it daily. Don't forget to reapply! 🛌🏿 Try Scandinavian sleeping Share a bed with a partner? If one of you is always hogging the sheets, consider the Scandinavian sleep method, which some people on social media are crediting with saving their marriage and their rest. As Apartment Therapy reports, the method is super-simple: Use two separate duvets (one per person) so that you can better control your sleep temperature and how much blanket you'd like to use throughout the night. No more midnight tug-of-war! 🚶Walk at least 78 minutes a day The latest reason to lace up your sneakers: Avoiding back pain. As Science Alert reports, a recent Norwegian study published in JAMA Network Open found that people who walked between 78 and 100 minutes a day on average had a reduced risk of developing chronic low back pain when compared with people who walked less than 78 minutes. This remained true even for people who walked at a slow pace. While 78 minutes may seem like a lot, you can break the minutes up across your day. Consider taking a half-hour stroll in the morning before work, going for a 20-minute walk after lunch (which is also great for your digestion) and wrapping the day with another 30 minutes of strolling in the evening. Too hot outside? Try a walking pad and do some 'cozy cardio' by watching your favorite shows as you get your steps in. Want delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter here. 👟 Size up your shoe If your feet ache after a long run or hike, your shoes might be to blame — even if they're technically your correct size. Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician, tells HuffPost that it's 'normal' for feet to swell after a prolonged time standing, which can make snug shoes feel even tighter. That's why he and other experts recommend sizing up a half-size — or even opting for a wider shoe — if you notice post-workout tightness. 😋 Pick the right midnight snack Yes, you had dinner. Yes, you're still hungry. And yes, it's time for bed. While midnight snacks can be dicey — sabotaging your sleep and, occasionally, your digestive system — there are safe options, says dietitian Katie Drakeford, a Yahoo contributor. Drakeford suggests going for a snack that supports your sleep, such as foods that contain snooze-inducing magnesium, zinc, tryptophan or melatonin. Consider a cup of Greek yogurt (which contains magnesium and zinc) and a small glass of tart cherry juice, or whip up a turkey and cheese sandwich. What you want to avoid is anything spicy, high in fat or acidic; these can be particularly harsh on your GI system and therefore keep you up. 🚿 Shower at the perfect time — for you What's better — showering in the morning or at night? The answer depends on your health needs, Harvard sleep expert Shahab Haghayegh tells Time. When you shower at night (ideally for 10 minutes about an hour or two before bed), your body has to cool itself down, making you more ready to sleep. And you may also feel more creative as you suds up, as your brain feels calmer and more uninhibited as you wind down. Plus, Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist, adds that it's ideal 'for cleaning the dirt of the day,' including sweat and allergens that can irritate your skin and leave your sheets 'filthy.' But if you struggle to wake up in the morning, Haghayegh says, you can keep your AM routine, but try lowering your water temperature. Taking a cold shower means your body will become more alert as it warms up, and you can take that energy with you throughout your workday. 🫚 Take a ginger shot for an energy boost Ginger shots aren't just trendy; they're good for you too, Prevention reports. Ginger contains gingerol, a bioactive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property that may help with digestion, immunity, joint pain and even menstrual cramps. Plus, while ginger shots don't contain caffeine, the strong flavor of these can wake you up, Dr. Yoshua Quinones explains, calling them 'the best energy booster you'll ever make.' 🍋 Pickle your lemonade Lemonade is a refreshing summertime beverage, but if you want to kick its hydrating abilities up a notch on a particularly hot day, consider this pickle lemonade recipe from Good Morning America. Dietitian Maura Donovan tells GMA that pickle juice helps maintain fluid balance in the body thanks to its sodium and potassium content. We know what you're thinking: Pickle juice? No thanks! That's where mixing it with lemonade comes in, making the drink sweeter and more palatable. 🫧 Hand-wash your plastic It's tempting to toss every kitchen item into the dishwasher for easy cleaning, but you should rethink throwing your dirty plastic containers and utensils in with your load, experts said in a Prevention report that cited a study linking this to microplastic pollution. That's a problem because more and more research is coming out about how these tiny pieces of plastic can increase our risk of various health issues, from heart disease to reproductive problems. If you've got plastic items, grab a sponge and wash them by hand (dishwashers are more abrasive and likely to degrade plastic). Or better yet, phase out the plastic stuff, and look for kitchen basics in materials like glass or bamboo. 📓 Write down your wins Does it ever feel like you have a harsh inner critic who just won't quit? If you constantly dismiss compliments, feel crushed by even the gentlest feedback or compare yourself to everyone else's highlight reel, you might have an 'inferiority complex,' experts tell Self. One way to combat that? Therapist Charmaine Bryant says you should write down your wins. That way, when you have times of self-doubt, you have something tangible to go back to that will show your brain you're more than what you're struggling with in the moment. Start with a list in your Notes app that you can access throughout the day — like, say, after a stressful work meeting. 🍈 Eat more cantaloupe Cantaloupe may seem like a fruit salad filler, but you shouldn't overlook it, experts tell USA Today. This summer fruit is loaded with nutrients that support hydration, immunity and digestion. Many of those benefits come from the very same thing that gives the melon its beautiful orange color: beta-carotene, dietitian Monica D'Agostino explains. Once in the body, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which promotes eye health and blood cell production and helps 'fight free radicals,' she notes. Plus, one cup of cantaloupe exceeds your daily vitamin A needs — and it has lots of fiber and water, which can aid your digestion. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Toss your expired sunscreen, walk at least 78 minutes a day and try Scandinavian sleeping — plus 8 more health tips to help you have a great week
How separate duvets can benefit your sleep. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share the best wellness tips from around the internet. Everybody wants to be healthy and fit. And, hey, maybe your summer vacation entails detoxing at a swanky wellness spa in the Alps. If it doesn't, that's OK too. Healthy living doesn't have to be a huge overhaul (which feels super-daunting); it can be making a series of simple, easily achievable changes that add up to major improvement. Like eating baby carrots three times a week or spending 30 minutes 'Japanese walking' before dinner. One small thing you can start with: Change your popcorn order the next time you're catching a summer blockbuster at the cineplex. As dietitian Lauren Manaker recently wrote for Yahoo, it's easier than you think to make healthy snack choices at the movie theater. Instead of nachos with bright orange cheese dip or a slushie, go for chocolate-covered raisins (which, Manaker notes, 'provide natural sugars for energy along with small amounts of fiber and potassium'). And go ahead and enjoy that popcorn (it's got fiber!); just make it a small, and skip the butter. See? You're off to a healthy start already. To see what the week has in store, take a look at your local weather forecast, and peek at your horoscope too, if you're inclined. Now pick your 'one small thing' that'll make a positive change to your well-being. A few ideas … ☀️ Toss that expired sunscreen Want to declutter this summer? Start with your expired sunscreen, decluttering expert Marissa Hagmeyer tells Good Housekeeping. Expired sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time, offering less protection against harmful UV rays and increasing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. 'Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work,' Hagmeyer says. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and use it daily. Don't forget to reapply! 🛌🏿 Try Scandinavian sleeping Share a bed with a partner? If one of you is always hogging the sheets, consider the Scandinavian sleep method, which some people on social media are crediting with saving their marriage and their rest. As Apartment Therapy reports, the method is super-simple: Use two separate duvets (one per person) so that you can better control your sleep temperature and how much blanket you'd like to use throughout the night. No more midnight tug-of-war! 🚶Walk at least 78 minutes a day The latest reason to lace up your sneakers: Avoiding back pain. As Science Alert reports, a recent Norwegian study published in JAMA Network Open found that people who walked between 78 and 100 minutes a day on average had a reduced risk of developing chronic low back pain when compared with people who walked less than 78 minutes. This remained true even for people who walked at a slow pace. While 78 minutes may seem like a lot, you can break the minutes up across your day. Consider taking a half-hour stroll in the morning before work, going for a 20-minute walk after lunch (which is also great for your digestion) and wrapping the day with another 30 minutes of strolling in the evening. Too hot outside? Try a walking pad and do some 'cozy cardio' by watching your favorite shows as you get your steps in. Want delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter here. 👟 Size up your shoe If your feet ache after a long run or hike, your shoes might be to blame — even if they're technically your correct size. Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician, tells HuffPost that it's 'normal' for feet to swell after a prolonged time standing, which can make snug shoes feel even tighter. That's why he and other experts recommend sizing up a half-size — or even opting for a wider shoe — if you notice post-workout tightness. 😋 Pick the right midnight snack Yes, you had dinner. Yes, you're still hungry. And yes, it's time for bed. While midnight snacks can be dicey — sabotaging your sleep and, occasionally, your digestive system — there are safe options, says dietitian Katie Drakeford, a Yahoo contributor. Drakeford suggests going for a snack that supports your sleep, such as foods that contain snooze-inducing magnesium, zinc, tryptophan or melatonin. Consider a cup of Greek yogurt (which contains magnesium and zinc) and a small glass of tart cherry juice, or whip up a turkey and cheese sandwich. What you want to avoid is anything spicy, high in fat or acidic; these can be particularly harsh on your GI system and therefore keep you up. 🚿 Shower at the perfect time — for you What's better — showering in the morning or at night? The answer depends on your health needs, Harvard sleep expert Shahab Haghayegh tells Time. When you shower at night (ideally for 10 minutes about an hour or two before bed), your body has to cool itself down, making you more ready to sleep. And you may also feel more creative as you suds up, as your brain feels calmer and more uninhibited as you wind down. Plus, Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist, adds that it's ideal 'for cleaning the dirt of the day,' including sweat and allergens that can irritate your skin and leave your sheets 'filthy.' But if you struggle to wake up in the morning, Haghayegh says, you can keep your AM routine, but try lowering your water temperature. Taking a cold shower means your body will become more alert as it warms up, and you can take that energy with you throughout your workday. 🫚 Take a ginger shot for an energy boost Ginger shots aren't just trendy; they're good for you too, Prevention reports. Ginger contains gingerol, a bioactive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property that may help with digestion, immunity, joint pain and even menstrual cramps. Plus, while ginger shots don't contain caffeine, the strong flavor of these can wake you up, Dr. Yoshua Quinones explains, calling them 'the best energy booster you'll ever make.' 🍋 Pickle your lemonade Lemonade is a refreshing summertime beverage, but if you want to kick its hydrating abilities up a notch on a particularly hot day, consider this pickle lemonade recipe from Good Morning America. Dietitian Maura Donovan tells GMA that pickle juice helps maintain fluid balance in the body thanks to its sodium and potassium content. We know what you're thinking: Pickle juice? No thanks! That's where mixing it with lemonade comes in, making the drink sweeter and more palatable. 🫧 Hand-wash your plastic It's tempting to toss every kitchen item into the dishwasher for easy cleaning, but you should rethink throwing your dirty plastic containers and utensils in with your load, experts said in a Prevention report that cited a study linking this to microplastic pollution. That's a problem because more and more research is coming out about how these tiny pieces of plastic can increase our risk of various health issues, from heart disease to reproductive problems. If you've got plastic items, grab a sponge and wash them by hand (dishwashers are more abrasive and likely to degrade plastic). Or better yet, phase out the plastic stuff, and look for kitchen basics in materials like glass or bamboo. 📓 Write down your wins Does it ever feel like you have a harsh inner critic who just won't quit? If you constantly dismiss compliments, feel crushed by even the gentlest feedback or compare yourself to everyone else's highlight reel, you might have an 'inferiority complex,' experts tell Self. One way to combat that? Therapist Charmaine Bryant says you should write down your wins. That way, when you have times of self-doubt, you have something tangible to go back to that will show your brain you're more than what you're struggling with in the moment. Start with a list in your Notes app that you can access throughout the day — like, say, after a stressful work meeting. 🍈 Eat more cantaloupe Cantaloupe may seem like a fruit salad filler, but you shouldn't overlook it, experts tell USA Today. This summer fruit is loaded with nutrients that support hydration, immunity and digestion. Many of those benefits come from the very same thing that gives the melon its beautiful orange color: beta-carotene, dietitian Monica D'Agostino explains. Once in the body, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which promotes eye health and blood cell production and helps 'fight free radicals,' she notes. Plus, one cup of cantaloupe exceeds your daily vitamin A needs — and it has lots of fiber and water, which can aid your digestion. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eat 2 kiwis a day, skip that afternoon energy drink and avoid this color on sweaty days — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health and wellness enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to round up this week's tips for living your best life. This week, Yahoo's Natalie Rahhal took a look at how the pandemic impacted the physical activity levels of many Americans. Americans were moving more than ever pre-COVID — and then the world shut down. While lockdowns may be long over, we haven't yet gotten back to those pre-pandemic levels of activity. That's a problem, because too much sedentary time is linked to health risks such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. One way to avoid these problems? Move more, whenever possible — even if you have a job that keeps you stuck at a desk for most of the day. Drink your coffee while on a morning walk, or take a lap around the office (or your home!) in between meetings. You can also make socializing time more active: Instead of meeting a friend for dinner or drinks, consider a workout class or evening stroll. And don't overlook 'exercise snacks,' bursts of movement you do to break up time sitting down. Just 30 seconds of jumping jacks or air squats can get your heart pumping and blood flowing. Want to see how warm it will be during your next walk? Check out your local weather forecast — and, hey, take a glance at your horoscope too, if you're interested. Then check out the small steps you can take this week to make it your best yet. In a column for the Washington Post, Dr. Trisha Pasricha shares that she has been 'prescribing' two kiwis a day for the patients at her gastroenterology clinic. These small, fuzzy fruits pack a big punch. Not only are they loaded with vitamin C, but just one kiwi contains 2 to 4 grams of fiber, something most Americans aren't getting enough of in their diets. And kiwis also contain actinidin, an enzyme that helps break down protein and therefore aids in digestion. So if you're feeling a little backed up (ahem), or just want a refreshing summer snack you can feel good about, kiwis are a great go-to. When the afternoon sleepies set in, it can be tempting to reach for something highly caffeinated — like an energy drink — to help you stay alert. But think twice, cardiologist Dr. Bhavna Suri tells Parade this week. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' Suri explains, resulting in palpitations. Another downside? Drinking caffeine later in the day can interrupt our sleep, which can lead to heart issues down the road. So what can you do about that post-lunch energy slump? Suri recommends taking a 15-minute walk — and getting some fresh air — to feel more refreshed. It's hot out there! You're probably sweating a lot this summer — but that doesn't mean you want everyone to know. Stylist Sophie Strauss has this top tip for the Guardian: Avoid wearing heather gray, which has black undertones that make it appear much darker when wet (and making those pit stains way more obvious). Navy and dark green tops are more forgiving, she adds, while busy patterns can offer a nice distraction. Making margaritas for a summer party? Beware so-called margarita burn. Our friends at Today say that the lime juice in margs contains furanocoumarin, which can react with sunlight and cause a type of skin inflammation known as phytophotodermatitis. This type of rash, which can show up hours after you touch lime juice, may leave behind red marks that fade into brown patches and can take up to eight weeks to fade. Still want to squeeze some limes for a fresh batch of margaritas? Make sure to rinse your hands immediately after juicing. Dermatologist Dr. David Kim tells Today that if you're already feeling the burn, use a steroid cream followed by brightening serums with kojic acid and arbutin, which can prevent brown patches from forming. According to Self, you might be sabotaging your workout gains with poor nutritional habits — like waiting too long to eat after you exercise. Unfortunately, doing so can delay muscle repair and increase soreness, leaving you feeling wiped out, dietitian Alex Larson explains. If you're not eating a meal after your workout, go for a snack that combines carbs and protein. A glass of chocolate milk and a turkey sandwich are solid options — or, make a fruit smoothie with a scoop of protein powder or some Greek yogurt. Interior designer Bri Macdonald tells Business Insider that one thing that cheapens the look of a home is low-quality fake plants — but it's not just aesthetics you should be concerned about. Fake plants also collect dust, which means you'll have to clean them regularly in order to maintain their look and avoid allergens. Use real plants, many of which help with air purification. A diet too high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can cause heart disease. And since cheese tends to be higher in salt, it's often on the chopping block for folks looking to eat healthier. If you're a cheese fan, though, you don't have to cut it out entirely. Instead, experts for EatingWell recommend avoiding higher sodium cheeses and opting instead for Swiss cheese, which is less salty than other varieties. For example, a one-ounce serving of Swiss cheese contains about 52 mg of sodium, while cheddar has about 185 mg. Plus, Swiss is rich in bioactive peptides, which may actually benefit blood pressure. Want to sneak in a daily workout that's actually safe? Your core is the one body part you can work out every day, no rest days needed, trainer Stephanie Mansour tells Today. Because your core muscles — think abs, lower back, hips and pelvis — are smaller, they recover faster than larger muscle groups like your quads or biceps. Plus, building a strong core improves posture, reduces back pain, helps with balance and makes everyday movements easier. Start with a five-minute routine of exercises like planks, crunches and mountain climbers. Since there are dozens of core exercises out there, beat boredom by switching things up when the routine gets stale. (Flutter kicks or Russian twists, anyone?) The summer months mean more time out in the sun, but if you're on certain medications, you need to be extra-cautious, USA Today reports. Certain meds — like some medications for anxiety and depression — cause excessive sweating, which means you could become dehydrated more quickly. Others, like many antibiotics, antihistamines and even oral birth control medication, cause sun sensitivity. If you're taking these medications, make sure you have water on hand (an electrolyte packet for extra-hot days can also be helpful) and are wearing sun-protective clothing, including sunglasses and a big hat. You should also make sure to regularly apply sunscreen.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eat 2 kiwis a day, skip that afternoon energy drink and avoid this color on sweaty days — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health and wellness enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to round up this week's tips for living your best life. This week, Yahoo's Natalie Rahhal took a look at how the pandemic impacted the physical activity levels of many Americans. Americans were moving more than ever pre-COVID — and then the world shut down. While lockdowns may be long over, we haven't yet gotten back to those pre-pandemic levels of activity. That's a problem, because too much sedentary time is linked to health risks such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. One way to avoid these problems? Move more, whenever possible — even if you have a job that keeps you stuck at a desk for most of the day. Drink your coffee while on a morning walk, or take a lap around the office (or your home!) in between meetings. You can also make socializing time more active: Instead of meeting a friend for dinner or drinks, consider a workout class or evening stroll. And don't overlook 'exercise snacks,' bursts of movement you do to break up time sitting down. Just 30 seconds of jumping jacks or air squats can get your heart pumping and blood flowing. Want to see how warm it will be during your next walk? Check out your local weather forecast — and, hey, take a glance at your horoscope too, if you're interested. Then check out the small steps you can take this week to make it your best yet. In a column for the Washington Post, Dr. Trisha Pasricha shares that she has been 'prescribing' two kiwis a day for the patients at her gastroenterology clinic. These small, fuzzy fruits pack a big punch. Not only are they loaded with vitamin C, but just one kiwi contains 2 to 4 grams of fiber, something most Americans aren't getting enough of in their diets. And kiwis also contain actinidin, an enzyme that helps break down protein and therefore aids in digestion. So if you're feeling a little backed up (ahem), or just want a refreshing summer snack you can feel good about, kiwis are a great go-to. When the afternoon sleepies set in, it can be tempting to reach for something highly caffeinated — like an energy drink — to help you stay alert. But think twice, cardiologist Dr. Bhavna Suri tells Parade this week. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' Suri explains, resulting in palpitations. Another downside? Drinking caffeine later in the day can interrupt our sleep, which can lead to heart issues down the road. So what can you do about that post-lunch energy slump? Suri recommends taking a 15-minute walk — and getting some fresh air — to feel more refreshed. It's hot out there! You're probably sweating a lot this summer — but that doesn't mean you want everyone to know. Stylist Sophie Strauss has this top tip for the Guardian: Avoid wearing heather gray, which has black undertones that make it appear much darker when wet (and making those pit stains way more obvious). Navy and dark green tops are more forgiving, she adds, while busy patterns can offer a nice distraction. Making margaritas for a summer party? Beware so-called margarita burn. Our friends at Today say that the lime juice in margs contains furanocoumarin, which can react with sunlight and cause a type of skin inflammation known as phytophotodermatitis. This type of rash, which can show up hours after you touch lime juice, may leave behind red marks that fade into brown patches and can take up to eight weeks to fade. Still want to squeeze some limes for a fresh batch of margaritas? Make sure to rinse your hands immediately after juicing. Dermatologist Dr. David Kim tells Today that if you're already feeling the burn, use a steroid cream followed by brightening serums with kojic acid and arbutin, which can prevent brown patches from forming. According to Self, you might be sabotaging your workout gains with poor nutritional habits — like waiting too long to eat after you exercise. Unfortunately, doing so can delay muscle repair and increase soreness, leaving you feeling wiped out, dietitian Alex Larson explains. If you're not eating a meal after your workout, go for a snack that combines carbs and protein. A glass of chocolate milk and a turkey sandwich are solid options — or, make a fruit smoothie with a scoop of protein powder or some Greek yogurt. Interior designer Bri Macdonald tells Business Insider that one thing that cheapens the look of a home is low-quality fake plants — but it's not just aesthetics you should be concerned about. Fake plants also collect dust, which means you'll have to clean them regularly in order to maintain their look and avoid allergens. Use real plants, many of which help with air purification. A diet too high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can cause heart disease. And since cheese tends to be higher in salt, it's often on the chopping block for folks looking to eat healthier. If you're a cheese fan, though, you don't have to cut it out entirely. Instead, experts for EatingWell recommend avoiding higher sodium cheeses and opting instead for Swiss cheese, which is less salty than other varieties. For example, a one-ounce serving of Swiss cheese contains about 52 mg of sodium, while cheddar has about 185 mg. Plus, Swiss is rich in bioactive peptides, which may actually benefit blood pressure. Want to sneak in a daily workout that's actually safe? Your core is the one body part you can work out every day, no rest days needed, trainer Stephanie Mansour tells Today. Because your core muscles — think abs, lower back, hips and pelvis — are smaller, they recover faster than larger muscle groups like your quads or biceps. Plus, building a strong core improves posture, reduces back pain, helps with balance and makes everyday movements easier. Start with a five-minute routine of exercises like planks, crunches and mountain climbers. Since there are dozens of core exercises out there, beat boredom by switching things up when the routine gets stale. (Flutter kicks or Russian twists, anyone?) The summer months mean more time out in the sun, but if you're on certain medications, you need to be extra-cautious, USA Today reports. Certain meds — like some medications for anxiety and depression — cause excessive sweating, which means you could become dehydrated more quickly. Others, like many antibiotics, antihistamines and even oral birth control medication, cause sun sensitivity. If you're taking these medications, make sure you have water on hand (an electrolyte packet for extra-hot days can also be helpful) and are wearing sun-protective clothing, including sunglasses and a big hat. You should also make sure to regularly apply sunscreen.
