July 10, 2019 at 06:30AM by CWC Raise your hand if this scenario is familiar: You’ve asked to be tested for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and your doctor responds with a few intimate questions about your behavior in the bedroom. You want to tell the truth because you know it’s important, but you’re embarrassed or ashamed or anxious, so you lie. (Anal? Little ol’ me? Why I never!) As a result, your doc runs the mildest of STI panels—urine, possibly a vaginal swab—and calls it a day. If your hand is in the air, you’re not alone: STI rates nationally are on the rise (reported cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia combined are at their highest levels in two decades), yet experts say that people aren’t getting tested as they should. There are lots of barriers that keep people from getting tested, from lack of awareness about risk to enduring stigma that makes it hard for patients to be open with their doctors about their behaviors. ad_intervals[‘404006_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404006_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); That’s why virtual healthcare company Nurx (which is best known for its online birth control, emergency contraception, and HIV PReP services) is launching a bevy of at-home STI tests today that can be ordered online and administered in privacy. The tests offerings include: The Full Control Kit, which tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia (throat, rectal, urine swabs), syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV (blood sample), and is $75 with insurance or $220 without; The
Category: 2019 Health
Make those slow AF weeks speed up using a few psychological tricks
July 10, 2019 at 05:00AM by CWC A week is seven days or 168 hours no matter how you slice it, but Mondays spent in the office still feel as though they must surely cover more minutes than Saturdays spent literally anywhere else. Turns out that sensation isn’t just time and space gaslighting you. Rather, there are many factors that make certain days and weeks feel longer and shorter. The most interesting reason, though? Fear. “If you’re in a state of fear or anxiety, time seems to stretch longer,” says psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. “That’s probably because fear causes you to pay very close attention to detail, and the more complex and detailed your perception of events, the longer things seem to take.” Ah, so that’s also why—whether or not you’re in a state of fear or heightened anxiety—if there’s ever a week when you’re hustling to get through your to-do list that’s longer than those CVS receipt coupons you never use, it can feel like a century’s worth of time is passing. You have a lot of details to remember, and it takes a lot of time to take stock of each. Same goes for tasks that require attention to detail to ensure everything gets done well. And believe it or not, boredom can have the same effect because searching for any sort of stimulation necessitates close attention that makes time feel like time it’s slowing. “When you’re more relaxed and not that attentive, things seem to go faster,” Dr.
Asking for a friend: Are ‘expiration dates’ just totally bogus?
July 10, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC There’s no denying that food waste is a major problem. Thirty to 40 percent of food in the U.S. goes to landfills, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. For anyone who cares even just a little about sustainability, it’s a sobering stat. One major grocery chain in the U.K. has even started selling expired dried food at a discount in an effort to cut down on waste. Eating expired food would certainly lead to less food waste (because come on, some of those dates just seem so random!), but is it safe? After all, I’m definitely not into the whole idea of salmonella. And while we’re on the subject, what is the difference between “sell by,” “best by,” and all those other terms that are used for expiration dates? I called up food safety expert Jeff Nelken for answers. First, Nelken gave me a little history lesson. “Forty years ago, companies got together and had consumers answer questions about their products. They would try a food when it was three days old, five days old, seven days old, and so forth,” he explains. “They did this to find out when consumers started to think the quality started to go.” Taste, appearance, odor, and texture all played a part, and companies used the intel to determine the best-by dates for their products, which indicates that it’s still safe to eat, but might not taste as fresh as before the date. ad_intervals[‘406690_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function
I found a skin-care ingredient that’s 5 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid
July 10, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC When it comes to hydration, hyaluronic acid has always been king. Sure, ingredients like ceramides and squalene can get the job done, but they don’t hold a candle to HA—which as any beauty geek will happily tell you “holds 1,000 times its weight in water.” But theres a new ingredient in town that’s going to give the OG hydrator a run for its money. Meet polyglutamic acid, the buzzy new kid on the skincare block that quite literally blows hyaluronic acid out of the water. Research has found that it can absorb up to 5,000 times its own weight in water—for anyone keeping track, thats 5 times what hyaluronic acid is capable of—and with that brings a whole lot of skin-tastic benefits. The peptide, which comes from fermented soybeans (the more you know!), is an A+ humectant that also helps to increase the production of natural moisturizing factors in your skin. So basically, it creates more hydration while also locking in what’s already in there—think of it as a sort of moisture seal. It also enhances elasticity and plumps skin, giving it an instant smoothing effect that would otherwise require an Instagram filter to achieve, and helps to treat fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. According to Janelle Vega, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of BIA Life, there’s also promising research related to PGA’s use in blocking and repairing pigment, but nothing conclusive has emerged on this (yet). ad_intervals[‘402403_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]
5 unexpected reasons it’s worth adding some strength training to your fitness game
July 10, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC I used to naively equate exercise with cardio. And that’s precisely why I’d spend my workout time solely on the treadmill or on the pavement, running to sweat it out—and running was all that I did (and I thought I was a workout queen). Now I look back and shake my head, because we all know that cardio is merely one slice outta the whole pie of what healthy fitness encompasses. Another slice that’s equally important? Strength training. Which isn’t just pumping weights—it’s essentially anything you do that works on strengthening your muscles with either machines, weights, or your own bodyweight. “Strength training is training where you use resistance to burn calories, improve your cardiopulmonary health, and build muscle,” explains Kit Rich, celebrity trainer and founder of KICHGO. So that even includes what you do in Pilates and sculpt classes, too. Some people shy away from it though because they just prefer avoiding the weights rack or think their cardio is enough, without realizing that building muscle is key to a strong (ahem) fitness game. “Strength is the foundation for all other physical endeavors,” says Eric Johnson, co-founder of HOMAGE fitness. Besides getting stronger, though, there are a slew of other reasons why strength training is key, which you probably don’t even realize. Below are the unexpected reasons to incorporate it into your sweat regimen, stat. ad_intervals[‘406672_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘406672_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); The benefits of strength training that extend
Yep, experts say you can be allergic to the sun
July 09, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC As the days get longer and the mercury begins to rise, it’s pretty much common knowledge that not only is sun exposure in the summer greater because we tend to spend more time outdoors, but the UV indexes (AKA the strength of the sun’s rays) are more intense making time spent in the sun more capable of leaving your looking crispy. While some people can easily catch some rays on the beach with sunscreen protection, others tend to be a bit more susceptible to burned, and an even more susceptible group finds themselves with sun allergies such as polymophic light eruption, which results often in a painful rash on the body. What is it and who’s most at risk? “Polymorphic light eruption is known as a sensitivity to certain parts of sunlight exposure,” says board-certified medical doctor Janette Nesheiwat, MD. This condition commonly happens in the spring and summer months when certain parts of the body (neck, chest, backs of hands, arms, legs, and feet) are suddenly exposed to sunlight for the first time in many months. This usually causes a skin rash, she explains, as the immune system perceives the sun’s rays as an outside allergen, and reacts to protect the body. ad_intervals[‘399780_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘399780_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); According to board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, a rash associated with polymorphic light eruption won’t exactly show up right away; usually, it occurs hours or several days
10 companies that give back so you can feel extra good when you shop
July 09, 2019 at 04:01PM by CWC It used to be that the fashion industry existed in a completely different realm, offering little in terms of solutions to pressing societal issues. But now, thanks to an influx of social- and eco-conscious companies that have baked giving back right into the business model, every dollar you spend goes a little further to combat problems like homelessness, unemployment, and hunger. Whether you’re in the market for slick sunglasses, new skivvies, or a fresh pair of kicks, these are the brands that are stylish, cool, and charitable, too. 10 of the best companies that give back Warby Parker Warby Parker spreads the gift of sight all over the globe with their one-for-one program. For every pair of glasses sold, the company give a pair to someone in need through brand partners and nonprofit organizations such as VisionSpring. To date, Warby Parker has donated over 5 million pairs of glasses, which have helped children see better in school and adults increase their productivity, income, and quality of life. Oh, and did we mention they have an at-home try on program? Lazy online shoppers rejoice. ad_intervals[‘403085_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘403085_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Feed The aptly named Feed is a lifestyle label that provides food for school children in 63 countries around the world, including the United States. They’ve supplied over 107 million meals and counting thanks to sales of their functional bags, accessories, and home goods imbued with their
A registered dietitian reveals the 10 cheap healthy foods she always snags at Whole Foods
July 09, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4aGeQEf0_I] Want to shop like a dietitian at Whole Foods? Watch the video. No matter how many times your mom says “don’t go grocery shopping while you’re hungry,” we all still do it. A bajillion dollars and 675 snacks later, you’ve got enough to ensure you never feel hunger again…at least, for the rest of the week. So your next trip doesn’t break the bank (and offers some better-for-you fare to boot), Tracy Lockwood-Beckerman, RD, reveals her favorite healthy Whole Foods buys—all for under $30—in our newest episode of You Versus Food. 1. 365 Creamy Organic Peanut Butter, Unsweetened and No Salt ($3.99) “This jar of goodness needs to have a permanent place in your pantry ASAP,” Beckerman says. The only ingredients? Dry roasted peanuts. Beckerman explains that peanut butter is packed with vitamin E, healthy monounsaturated fats, and a bit of iron. (She loves PB so much, we dedicated an entire episode of You Versus Food to it.) ad_intervals[‘406797_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘406797_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); 2. Perfect Bar ($2.99) These bars are so fresh that they’re stored in the refrigerated section, Beckerman says. “They have a solid balance of healthy fats, whole food proteins, and carbs,” Beckerman says. “And they provide high-quality vitamins and minerals at your convenience.” Bonus: They’re a low glycemic index food, so they cause a slower, lower rise in blood sugar. (Read: No sugar crash!) 3. Hilary’s World’s Best Veggie Burgers
The only body lotion that won’t make you uncomfortably sweaty this summer, according to a derm
July 09, 2019 at 12:57PM by CWC After three blissful sun and sand drenched days over the Fourth of July, my skin is d-y-i-n-g of thirst. Like, it’s so dry that it legitimately hurts, despite the fact that I was a fairly dedicated SPF user over the course of the weekend. In an attempt to give it the hydration it’s craving, I literally bathed myself in a heavy moisturizing cream this morning after I got out of the shower. And it was a big mistake. Huge. The minute I walked out the door, my entire body was drenched in sweat—it felt like my pores were being suffocated by saran wrap and couldn’t breathe on their own, and the result was an intense bout of overheating. If I thought my dry skin was unpleasant, this was so, so much worse. And now that I think about it, putting a heavy cream all over my body in the middle of the summer is basically the skin-care equivalent of bundling up in a heavy coat. “What’s key is to choose a lotion or gel, not a cream or ointment,” says board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, explaining that while creams are richer and more moisturizing, they’re also more likely to leave behind a film. “Also, consider in-shower moisturizers, which allow you to absorb the moisture while your skin is wet and most susceptible.” These are great because once you get out of the shower, you can just towel off any leftover grease. ad_intervals[‘406812_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function ()
The triceps-busting move that will light your entire arm on fire
July 09, 2019 at 12:10PM by CWC Name a workout move that sounds more badass than a skull crusher. Whether you’re on a bench at the gym or on the floor at home, this next-level tricep extension will give your arms a serious burn, so grab a weight and get ready to add it into your push-day repertoire. The move builds strength through back of your arms, which Isaiah Harmison, a Houston-based Barry’s Bootcamp instructor, says helps you perform bigger movements.”Your triceps are very good for pressing movements,” he explains. “So working your triceps is going to help you with your bench press, it’s going to help you with push ups. It’s going to help you with basically anything you’re pushing away from yourself.” A skull crusher is different than a normal tricep extension because instead of standing upright, you do it lying down on your back on a bench or the floor with a weight above your head. To ensure you don’t literally crush your skull (because, uh, yikes), there are a few form-related things worth keeping in mind. ad_intervals[‘406694_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘406694_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); Grab a dumbbell, and lay on your back with your hands interlocked around one of the rubber ends of the weight. “The only muscle you should be working in this movement is your tricep,” Harmison says. Start with your arms extended above your head, and then hinge at the elbows, bringing the weight down towards your head.