Table of contents for April 2023 in Prevention

WALKING MY DOG, Penny, has become an exercise in patience. Nearly 16, she moves at a pace so sedate that I know every sidewalk crack like I know my own fingers. For a while I was feeling sad and frustrated about how things had changed. I was missing the days when she ran for miles with me—and also the ones when we could make it around the block in less than 20 minutes. But then a friend described our new routine as “walking meditation,” and that brought the perspective shift I needed. Tugging at her to get a move on only made us both disappointed with our walks. Instead, I can note my memories of our joyful times in the park together but not get sidetracked by them. Focusing on…

In the U.S., some 40% of greenhouse gas emissions fall into five basic household categories, says Lisa Altieri. Her website, BrightAction (brightaction. app), offers steps for mitigating each and can save families up to $3,000 each year. ◼ ENERGY Choose electric and energy-effcient appliances, weatherize your home, and turn off unnecessary lights. ◼ HOME FUELS When your furnace or hot water heater needs replacement, consider an electric heat pump instead. ◼ GETTING AROUND Walk, bike, take public transit, and make your next car electric—cheaper than ever with new Fed credits. ◼ DIET Eat more plant-based meals, whose production emits one-twentieth of the methane of red meat’s. ◼ FOOD WASTE We each toss 200 or so pounds of scraps yearly—diminish that by planning meals before grocery shopping.…

Approximately 10 million pets go missing each year in the U.S., says Leslie Poole, executive director of Pet FBI, a free database and information center for missing pets. If yours does, the first thing to do is tell as many people as you can: Post on social media, put up flyers around your neighborhood, and notify veterinarian clinics, Animal Control, shelters, and the police department. Next, ask neighbors to help search on foot and by car using flashlights, which will illuminate animals’ eyes in the dark. Remember to check under decks, in sheds, and in garages. Never chase a lost pet if you see them; you may chase them out of familiar territory and into danger. Instead, calmly approach them and offer treats to entice them to come toward you.…

STAND OUTSIDE on a dark, cloudless night and dare yourself not to be awed by the sky above. “When you’re looking up and seeing the stars, you often feel inspired and find some sort of creativity or deeper understanding,” says Blair Belt-Clark, the planetarium director at Mayland Community College’s Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville, NC. It could spur you to paint, draw, or even dance. BEYOND THE CREATIVITY BOOST (which anyone, not just artists, can feel), there are benefits to spending time outdoors in the dark. Everything in nature—humans, animals, and plants—needs adequate exposure to darkness to help regulate circadian rhythms, says Belt-Clark. In fact, studies show that artificial light at night can throw off entire ecosystems and hurt human health (which is a good reminder to turn off your porch…

There are a zillion reasons humans eat beyond capacity: We’re bored, tired, distracted, or starved for kindness, to name just a few. Or maybe we think leaving food is wasteful, or we were once food-insecure and eat too much instinctively. Plus, if you’ve ever dieted to lose weight, you know that restricting particular foods makes it really hard not to overeat on the rebound. As for me, I had a serious eating disorder in my teens and early 20s. With therapy and practice, I figured out healthier ways of managing my emotions than bingeing, purging, and obsessively dieting. My weight has been stable and midrange for decades. Still, until I began eating intuitively a few years ago, food was always a thing I had to be careful with, the way…

I understand why many women sometimes consult “Dr. Google” rather than calling their own doctor, especially when it comes to certain “taboo” topics like sex and drugs. It’s quicker, and they may be embarrassed to bring up questions in person. But the Internet isn’t always correct—and even some doctors don’t have expertise on these topics. As an expert in sexual medicine and menopause, I do have inside information on some of the more “unusual” topics. Here are a few of the questions that routinely come my way. “Can I use my partner’s Viagra to help me orgasm?” It’s so tempting! Clearly those little blue pills work wonders for him. But does Viagra (sildenafil) work in women? And is it safe? Based on the premise that a penis is just a…

Sagirah Ahmed Norris finished the San Francisco and New York City marathons last year, and she’s training for another one. So you might be surprised to learn that she has multiple sclerosis, which causes numbness, tremors, and fatigue. Because she doesn’t always walk with a cane or use a wheelchair, she’s been yelled at for using a disabled parking space. Rich Casias has worked for years as a hydrogeologist and an environmental consultant, but one summer he survived an airplane crash and fire. Now one-third of his body is covered with burn scar grafts; he also suffered a traumatic brain injury that affected his ability to focus. He is a “hidden burn survivor,” since his clothes often cover the scars. With the help of speech and cognitive therapists, he has…

THERE’S BEEN SO MUCH REPORTING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN RECENT YEARS, and experts’ alarm is not in the least misplaced. The window for taking critical actions is quickly narrowing, according to the latest report by a group of international experts known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). But the crisis has fueled impressive and necessary momentum among scientists, organizations, and individuals aiming to slow the planet’s warming. “I’m absolutely optimistic. When it comes to innovation, there’s a good amount of progress being made,” says Anna Stefanopoulou, Ph.D., a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan and an expert on advances in battery energy storage. Here are some technological break-throughs and new approaches we can all get behind—and participate in—to keep the progress rolling and mitigate the impact…

Would your menu selections be influenced by labels that told you what their climate impact was? For many people, the answer would be yes, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. Menus with “high-impact” and “low-impact” labels resulted in more climate-friendly orders (such as veggie-forward options) compared with traditional menus sans labels. The Johns Hopkins research team says adding these sorts of labels, similar to ones with calories, could be an effective way to help individuals lower their footprints. Next, studies in a real-world setting.…

SERVES 4 1 Heat oven to 425°F. On rimmed baking sheet, gently toss two 14-oz cans artichoke hearts (halved and patted dry) with 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1/tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Arrange cut sides down and roast on bottom rack until golden brown, 10 to 12 min. $6.92 2 Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in large oven-safe skillet on medium-high. Season four 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1/tsp each salt and pepper and brown, 2 to 3 min. per side; transfer to plate. $3.84 3 Reduce heat to medium-low, add 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), and cook, stirring, 30 sec. Add 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, 1/cup dry white wine, and 6 sprigs thyme and simmer 1 min. Nestle chicken amid tomatoes, transfer to oven, and roast until…

1 Stand on a towel with your feet flat. 2 Lift your toes off the towel, then spread them and try to gather or pull in as much of the towel as you can with your toes. 3 Repeat this scrunching and gathering as you raise your toes and lower them back onto the towel, moving along its length until you reach the end. 4 Do this for three to five towel lengths; that’s one set. Do two to three sets.…

Plant-based diets have recently spiked in popularity. Last year, about 65% of people surveyed said they planned to eat more meatless meals. That’s a good sign: While evidence is mixed, a number of studies have linked eating a lot of red or processed meat to an increased risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. What’s more, the livestock industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, one study found that if everyone ate 25% less beef, pork, and poultry, we could reduce emissions by more than 1%—about 82 million metric tons annually! What types of meat are we talking about? Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, and goat. Processed meat has been salted, cured, fermented, smoked, or otherwise processed and includes hot dogs,…

Sustainability starts at home—literally. “No individual can save the planet, but no action we take at home is too small,” says Mary DeMocker, author of The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution. The more action, the greater the impact. The average U.S. citizen’s carbon footprint is about four times larger than the rest of the world’s, contributing significantly to climate change. “Planet care is self-care; what’s good for the earth is also good for us,” DeMocker says. Big things matter—flying less and using solar-powered energy—but your daily routine is crucial too. And you don’t have to change it overnight. Take a week at a time to tweak these habits, and you’ll help our planet for years to come. THIS WEEK ▸PURGE YOUR PLASTIC Nearly 400 million tons of plastic—half of which…

DISABILITY IS NOT A BAD THING ◼ “I have several disabilities and I have a rewarding career, a supportive relationship, and a fulfilling life,” says award-winning writer Wendy Lu, who has bilateral vocal cord paralysis, GERD, migraines, and anxiety. “Those things are all compatible with disability, unlike what many of us are taught to believe from a young age.” Many disabled people also experience joy, pride, and a sense of community as a result of their disabilities. SHARING CAN BE TRICKY ◼ “Because I have both visible and invisible disabilities, often people assume my physical, visible disability is the only one that exists,” says Wendy. Disclosing the invisible disability can often feel like a risk and can change the dynamic between friends. If a disabled person chooses to share, then…

Some foods are simply kinder to the planet. And happily, certain ones that are produced, sourced, or harvested to put minimal strain on the environment are also super nourishing for our bodies. “How we grow and produce food reflects back directly to our own health,” says Kate Geagan, R.D., cofounder of Food + Planet and author of Go Green Get Lean. “Organic and regenerative agriculture practices translate into a higher nutrient density in foods—including essential minerals like selenium and magnesium in plants, omega-3 fatty acids in animal products, and antioxidants across all categories.” Grab these good-for-the-Earth go-tos, which are grown in an especially sustainable way. TOASTED NORI AND SESAME BARLEY ACTIVE 5 MIN. TOTAL 45 MIN. MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS Cook 11/cups barley per pkg. directions. Meanwhile, heat heavy skillet…

ALL ABOUT APRIL Use the clues (all related to articles in this issue!) to fill in the blanks, then unscramble the highlighted letters to reveal the final answer. 1. There are promising innovations to help solve this crisis. 2. What you might be if you don’t check out our Sleep Awards! 3. There are lots of myths about this months-long condition. Prevention’s favorite type of exercise: LETTER PATTERN Which letters are missing from this sequence? O T T __ F S S E N __ FUNNY MATH Figure out the final answer using the clues in the previous problems. MISSING PIECE Which of these belongs in the empty spot (rotated if necessary)? ANSWERS: All About April: climate, awake, pregnancy, walking. Letter Pattern: F, T(thefirstlettersof thenumbersonethrough10spelledout). Funny Math: 3 (multiply the…

Finding reasons to throw more parties is a smart wellness move—yes, really. Celebrating positive life events (big or small) with food, drinks, and good company can be great for your mental well-being even when done virtually, says a new study by Indiana University researchers. Part of the reason is that it helps everyone feel supported, and research tells us that a strong social circle/support system is good for physical health and can dial down mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Expand your celebratory spirit beyond monumental occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays—other events like a raise or a new job, your little one kicking the winning soccer goal, or your college kid making the dean’s list are also worthy reasons to gather folks together and say, “You rock!”…

BLUE STRIPES URBAN CACAO Reach for these chocolate-covered whole cacao beans (dark chocolate or hazelnut butter) next time you need a sweet pick-me-up. They’re made using parts of the cacao fruit that normally go to waste, like the shell and the meat, resulting in luscious chocolatey pods with just the right crunch. Each five-piece serving has just 5 g of added sugar. KAZOO TORTILLA CHIPS These crispy, delicious chips are made from 40% upcycled corn germ, and the fact that less corn needs to be grown to produce them saves at least 20 gallons of water per bag. SOLELY FRUIT SNACKS The company has worked with Latin American farmers to divert roughly 20 million pounds of food waste so far. Damaged or imperfect produce is turned into chewy whole-fruit snacks…

APRICOTS These tangy, sweet orange fruits are filled with vitamin C, vision-supporting vitamin A, and the powerful antioxidant that creates their pretty hue, beta-carotene. Apricots are delicious on their own or in sweet breakfast or dessert dishes—and perfect paired with chicken, pork, or fish for a savory twist. SNAP PEAS These crunchy pods are a source of two blood-building nutrients: iron, which helps with red blood cell production, and vitamin K, a necessity for blood clotting. They also contain vitamin C and plenty of fiber and protein. Snap peas are great dunked in hummus and your other favorite dips. RHUBARB You can eat only this plant’s colorful stalks (the leaves are toxic), and they’re most frequently cooked into pies and other desserts. But their fairly neutral flavor also makes them…

I used to have thick, Ali MacGraw–like eyebrows. Then I lived through the 1990s, when all the makeup artists were plucking brows into barely-there lines, so I had someone make mine thin. Sadly, they never grew back. My mother’s generation used to shave theirs off to pencil them in, and they really didn’t grow back! But there are also more natural reasons for thin brows; as we get older, we lose hair all over. It’s normal, but you can fake your way to fuller brows—just know that it’s easy to overdo it, so be strategic. Here’s how. FIND YOUR COLOR Fill in your brows with makeup—the hue is crucial. Picking the best shade really comes down to your natural eyebrow color, which is essentially the same as that of your…

BRUSH, RINSE, spit, and… bleed? Consider those pink droplets in the sink a red flag. The state of your gums (and how prone they are to bleeding) can let you know that something is going on with your health, or at least with how well you brush, says Richard M. Lipari, D.D.S., a board-certified cosmetic and restorative dentist in Chappaqua, NY. Here, why gums are so sensitive and how you can keep them happy and healthy. WHY DO GUMS BLEED? ◼ Some people simply have less resilient gums or thinner mouth tissue than others do because of genetics, so they are more prone to gum issues, says Lipari. But the most common reason gums bleed is gingivitis (a.k.a. inflamed gums), which is the result of irritation caused by plaque buildup…

FIND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ▸ “My first recommendation, which I wish someone had told me eight years ago, is to seek mental health support,” says Warner, who has mal de débarquement syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. “It’s challenging living in a body that doesn’t work the way many other bodies do, and it’s challenging living in a world that can’t see that you’re struggling.” Your first step might be to look for a therapist or licensed mental health expert who either specializes in working with patients who have chronic illnesses and disabilities or has experience with a disability themselves. Databases such as those from PsychologyToday, TherapyTribe, Zencare, and-Therapy-Den might be good places to start. While you’re deciding if a mental health professional is the right fit for you, remember that…

1 SWEET FAVORITE Watermelon Road Watermelon Lemonade, $24 for four bags, watermelonroad.com The brand adds a squeeze of lemon juice before dehydrating perfectly ripe watermelon to create chewy, jerky-like strips of fruit. Every bag offers sweet summer flavor at any time of year with 4 g of protein and a hit of iron. 2 TART CHOICE Whole Foods 365 Organic Dried Golden berries, $7 for one bag, wholefoodsmarket.com These puckery picks resemble plump raisins with their chewy texture but also have a sour bite and 20% of your daily potassium per serving—important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of kidney stones and bone loss. 3 SNACK WITH SPICE Crispy Green Piña Picante Chili Lime, $3 for one bag, crispygreen.com Dried pineapple pieces get a flavor-packed kick from…