November 05, 2018 at 09:58AM Until a few months ago, I had clear skin. Then one day, I woke up and my cheeks had exploded with blackheads. Despite a diligent skin-care regimen, it looked like I was perpetually forgetting to take off my makeup before I went to bed and sleeping on a pillowcase that hadn’t been washed in eight months. I pulled out my usual arsenal of products containing glycolic and lactic acids, but nevertheless these clogged pores persisted. They’d go away for a few days, then emerge again like the regenerated heads of the Hydra. I relayed my woeful tale of cheek acne to celebrity aesthetician and Take Care Spa founder Sadie Adams. She reached down, felt my face, and told me something that I honestly wasn’t expecting: I had tons of tension in my jaw from clenching it all the time. And that, she said, was probably what was causing my cheeks and jawline to break out. Curious to know more, I consulted other pros to figure out just how common this could actually be. More on that now. Photo: Getty Images/Hill Creek Pictures Jaw tension and the lymphatic system To understand the link between jaw tension and acne, it’s important to first understand a bit about the lymphatic system. “The lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system responsible for the differentiation of fluids, waste, nutrients, and other materials between the cells, tissues, and blood,” says David Amron, MD, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and founder
Category: 2019 Health
3 dentist-approved ways to whiten your teeth—no bleach trays necessary
November 05, 2018 at 08:36AM Pearly whites are a beauty aspiration, for sure. (Cue the dental commercial featuring a woman smiling with brilliant whites directly into the camera.) But to achieve a glistening grin fit for TV and everyday life, you don’t necessarily need to book a heavy-duty fluoride treatment. One dentist says that there are three au naturel methods for diminishing years of almond milk latte stains. First thing’s first: Remember that (as usual) H2O will be your number one ally. “If you are enjoying foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, or pomegranates make sure to have a glass of water nearby,” says Alex Rubinov, DDS, PhD of New York City’s Real Smile Dental. “In addition to hydrating your body, rinsing with a glass of water immediately after consumption will help minimize stains.” The water helps to lift off stains that would otherwise set into teeth, so start with good ole H2O and then get your DIY on with these three teeth-whitening treatments. Photo: Stocksy/ Danil Nevsky 1. Spend 5 to 20 minutes each day oil pulling (while you watch Netflix, ofc) “The holistic approach of oil pulling from Ayurvedic medicine is growing in popularity in the western world,” says Dr. Rubinov. The idea is to swish with coconut oil for 5 to 20 minutes each day to pull toxins and bacteria off of your teeth. If you’re are able to commit to improving your oral and overall health, you will reap the rewards!” Oil pulling can feel a bit tedious at times, so
Sweet potato pesto poppers are the ultimate healthy game-day app
November 05, 2018 at 07:52AM Once fall hits, Sundays typically turn into an excuse for football fans to devour all things stuffed, fried, and smothered in cheese. While plate upon plate of loaded nachos and BBQ wings aren’t exactly the best choices for your well-being (unless you give them a healthier twist, that is!), there’s one body-boosting appetizer that’s sure to please everyone in attendance, health nut or not. Lauren Kirchmaier, the plant-based blogger behind Flora & Vino, recently shared a snackin’ staple that actually makes her a fan of football season: her sweet potato pesto poppers. The oil-free, gluten-free, vegan, and grain-free staple is a must-try for anyone at your gathering—plus, they’re super easy to make. “They’re a total ‘game-changer’—sorry, I had to—when it comes to feeding you and your football fans,” she writes. “You can whip up the pesto in advance, throw a pan of sweet pots in the oven just before halftime, assemble, and serve ’em warm on a giant platter.” View this post on Instagram Ok so I’m not the biggest football fan let’s be honest BUT you know what I am a big fan of?! Sports eats. Healthified. These SWEET POTATO PESTO POPPERS made an appearance this afternoon! Oil free, gluten free, vegan, grain free, and sooooooo succulently savory!!! Dan says he’s going to try to stay up for the patriots game tonight…and I’ll happily join if I can munch on these! #patriotsfanbymarriage Perfect for a game time snack or anytime snack! They’re also a fun variation for
Ariana Grande’s #girlpower anthem about her exes is so important for moving on
November 05, 2018 at 07:48AM It feels like I’ve been following Ariana Grande‘s love life closer than that of my own friends this year. When she broke things off with Mac Miller, I was sad, but understood. Then as she and Pete Davidson filled up my Instagram feed with an endless amount of BDE, adorable PDA, and matching tattoos, I couldn’t help but love everything about their unexpected relationship. But, unfortunately, not even adopting a cute little pig together could make their connection an everlasting one. After I heard about Miller’s death, I was completely taken aback just like the rest of the world, and it was painful to watch the downward spiral Grande and Davidson entered afterward, calling off their engagement and quickly covering up those tattoos. But amidst all the drama that came in the aftermath of the breakup, the singer did what she does best. She released a total #girlpower anthem filled with the powerful words she needed to say—and the rest of the world needed to hear. Anyone with a list of exes probably wants to forget they ever existed, but Grande used “Thank U, Next” as an opportunity to thank them for what they’ve taught her over the years—and reassure her fans she’s moving on in the best way. In the lyrics, she mentions her most talked-about relationships—Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and Mac Miller—who each gave her valuable life lessons of love, patience, and pain. And while times have undoubtedly been tough, with lyrics
How to talk with your S.O. about exchanging gifts—without making things super awkward
November 05, 2018 at 07:35AM Ah, the most wonderful time of the year, when that Mariah Carey tune plays on repeat, everything smells warm and nostalgic, and—oh yeah—you’re tasked with the couldn’t-be-more-stresssful job of finding the perfect gift for your significant other. Unfortunately, this annual gift exchange exercise doesn’t get easier with time; being thoughtful, and creative, and knowing just what to get is complicated hard work whether you’ve been in a relationship for 10 days or 10 years. And when gifts don’t match up in terms of price, size, scope, and any other quantifiable measurement, things can get uncomfortable—fast. They say no good deed goes unpunished, and if you receive, say, a fancy piece of jewelry after giving a personalized, sentimental book of special coupons…geez, does that maxim ring true. If this happens, you’ll both expend copious energy trying to pass off an awkward grimace as an authentic smile while gazing at your present. Meanwhile, you’re both likely just wondering how this wild gifting miscommunication even transpired. The resulting stress might even be enough for your partner to cash in that back massage coupon on the spot. To make sure your well-intentioned gift-giving ceremony ends happily for all parties involved this year, I called in an expert: Below, Fati Marie, a life coach, shares tips for making sure you and your S.O. are on the same page about prezzies this season—so you can enjoy each other and your new goodies. 3 tips for broaching gift-giving expectations with your S.O.
Transgender clothing closets are a major win for self-expression—and mental health
November 05, 2018 at 06:32AM Clothing is a form of communication—it lets us share who we are without having to say a word. A black turtleneck bodysuit exudes a classic, fuss-free vibe, a vintage band tee flaunts an obsession with the ’70s punk scene, while sharply pointed heels that authoritatively click-clack between cubicles say “I’ve got this—and I’m ready for that promotion whenever you are.” And while many people take for granted that they can walk into a store and leave with a garment that reflects how they feel on the inside, it’s not so easy for those who identify as transgender or non-binary. Cost and sizing of clothes can be a barrier, as well as stares from other shoppers (or worse), and many dressing rooms are still labeled as strictly male or female, making it awkward to try on new things. With this in mind, a growing number of LGBTQ+ resource centers and universities are opening free clothing closets for trans and gender non-conforming people, giving them a place to explore and express their identities through fashion. Such programs are cropping up in all corners of the US, from Georgia (Kennesaw State University) and West Virginia (Marshall University) to Missouri (The Center Project), Pennsylvania (Penn State University), New Mexico (The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico) and California (UC Santa Cruz), to name just a few. According to Aydin Olson-Kennedy, LCSW, clothing closets like these are super important for the wellness of the LGBTQ+ community. And these safe spaces are particularly important now,
Pigeon pose isn’t the only move that will loosen your hips
November 05, 2018 at 05:55AM Comprised of an array of muscles (shoutout powerful glutes and mighty adductors), the hips reign over most of our movement patterns. And yet, Americans sit an average of 13 hours a day (#desklife), which forces the hip flexors into a “shortened” position and ultimately leads to tight adductors, abductors, and hamstrings. Research also suggests that when the hip muscles tighten, a chain reaction occurs and the surrounding muscles are affected— especially the glutes. To counteract the sit-all-day lifestyle, it’s smart to dedicate a decent amount of time to stretching before a sweat-sesh and TBH, whenever else there’s time—like after the shower or when the vegan pumpkin mac & cheese is in the oven. While pigeon pose may be the go-to hip-opener—it isn’t the *only* move that will loosen your hips. In fact, dance sculpt instructor, Megan Roup, who happens to be leading our next Well+Good Retreat in Miami this December, actually prefers an active hip-opening stretch which is humorously known as the “fire hydrant” (because it looks like a pup taking a pee on a fire hydrant). To try it, start in tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor, shoulders stacked over your wrists and hips stacked over hips. Keeping your spine neutral and core engaged, lift your right leg to the right as high as you can, then lower it back down with control. The goal is to get your leg to hip height, but no matter how high you can reach your leg, it’s still a good stretch.
Do hangovers actually get worse as you age—or is it just you?
November 05, 2018 at 05:07AM If you’re anything like me, you used to be able to bounce back from a hangover with startling ease. When I was in college, I once even sluggishly completed a 10K in the rain following a full evening of beer pong. I was running (well, literally just walking) on just two hours of sleep and a coffee. Now if I have more than two glasses of wine one night, I’m almost guaranteed to be laid out in bed for at least half of the next day. So do hangovers get worse with age? A quick Google search yields tons of evidence it’s not just me pining for the answer to this question. But if you’re looking for medical confirmation that your two-day hangover is age-related, you’re likely going to come up short. “The research seems lacking in this area,” says Monya De, MD, an internist in Los Angeles. “But age can affect the performance of the liver in making some drug-related metabolizing enzymes, which could explain the effect.” The longer those enzymes take to break down the alcohol, the longer the booze stays in your body. More alcohol, then, is absorbed into your body, which results in higher levels of intoxication and—you guessed it—worse hangovers. While the idea that your liver gets more sluggish as you age seems to have legs, there isn’t evidence that points to exactly when the process starts. “The liver is self-cleaning to a certain extent, but if you overwork it, it
Why this coffee add-in is going to replace your go-to creamer (plus the latte recipe you need)
November 04, 2018 at 06:30PM There’s nothing that says peak fall quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming latte and snuggling into your favorite hoodie. The quickest way to bring that dreamy image back to reality? (Insert record scratch noise.) Realizing said latte is actually loaded with sugar. But don’t swear off fun, seasonal drinks just yet. We found a hack that’ll let you have your hygge-inspired beverages, and actually drink them, too. Vital Proteins new Collagen Creamer is the alt-milk powder of your wellness-ified dreams—and, you guessed it—it’s got next to no sugar (just one gram per serving). Instead of the sweet stuff, the powdered creamer is loaded with creamy organic coconut milk and grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen, so you’re supercharging your morning coffee without having to pull 12 different containers out of your pantry every time you want to make a cup. In the official Well+Good taste test, the Mocha flavor came out on top, especially because you can turn any old cup of joe into a fancy mocha latte with just two scoops of Collagen Creamer and a few spices. Scroll down for the Mexican Mocha Latte recipe—plus 3 collagen creamer benefits that you’ll want to get in on ASAP. Photo: Unsplash/Michael Fenton 1. Consider your beauty #goals Walk into any beauty store and you’ll find shelves stocked to the brim with products that boast their collagen-promoting properties. But one of the best ways to up your intake of the beauty booster naturally is to go straight to
Should you be freaking out if you wake up with numb fingers?
November 04, 2018 at 06:00AM If you’ve ever woken up with numb, tingly fingers, you already know it’s kind of (okay, very) scary. Even if it’s not necessarily painful, it is alarming when your hands feel paralyzed and you can’t seem to wake them up. The good news is that there’s probably no need to panic. This is actually pretty common and most likely has a simple explanation, says Raleigh-based orthopedic surgeon Joseph Schreiber, MD. See, when you fall asleep in a funky position with your elbows and wrists bent, the passageways containing the nerves in your arm get tighter. This can cause the nerves to get pinched, Dr. Schreiber explains. The resulting pins and needles sensation is basically your body’s way of telling you that something’s not right. The solution is fairly simple: Just reposition your arm, give it a little shake to get the blood flowing again, and you should be good to go. That being said, if you’re waking up with prickly fingers on the regular or it’s disrupting your sleep and comes along with other symptoms, Dr. Schreiber recommends paying your doctor a visit. It can be a sign of something more significant, such as diabetic nerve pain, issues with your spine, pregnancy, or—the most common culprits—carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. The difference between the two syndromes is distinguished by exactly which fingers are feeling tingly. With carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s usually the thumb, index, and middle fingers that lose sensation. And with cubital tunnel syndrome,