Top Health Posts of 2017
We’ve been through a lot this year, from policies that damage our mental health to wellness providers trying to sell us what we don’t need. Here are some of our top tips, clarifications, and mythbreakers of 2017.
Children’s wearables selling “peace of mind” are just bad medical devices
Earlier this month, we saw a bunch of new smart gadgets for kids debut at the Consumer Electronics Show . While some may prove useful – I’d kill for a breast pump like Willow – others are more likely to drain parents’ wallets without providing anything of value.
How to know if you are ready to start preparing for a marathon
There’s nothing like an ambitious goal of focusing on your training, and a marathon definitely fits the bill. Many mortals have completed the 26.2 mile race, but it takes time, planning and, of course, an appropriate level of fitness. Here’s how to find out if a marathon is a realistic goal for you.
How to survive with a high deductible health insurance plan
If you’re stuck with a high-deductible health plan, you’re not alone: 39 percent of us (under age 65) have a plan with at least $ 1,300 deductible. For years, I had a whopping $ 8,000 family franchise plan. However, you haven’t completely screwed up. You can still get help without breaking the bank if you know a few tricks.
What I learned to do push-ups every day for a month
In early January, I came across a video you may have seen of a young womandoing push-ups for 100 days . At first she is “thin”, but she is getting stronger. I wanted to do this. I did, and you can too.
Sunscreen ratings that scare people every year are bullshit
When we go out in the sun, we just need sunscreen that will protect our skin, not kill us. That’s not much to ask, is it? But the Environmental Working Group (ERG) wants to pick the best sunscreen, and is nagging us with the true, but not very helpful, facts: This one contains an ingredient that causes cancer in mice once. This one is labeled SPF 100, but probably only SPF 85. Leave me alone, EWG, okay?
Here’s what to do with gluten
There are two types of people in this world: those who talk about gluten like the devil and those who can’t roll their eyes enough to show the world how tired they are of gluten-free labels. Is gluten worth the controversy? Let’s dig in.
I went looking for legitimate health advice at the Gwyneth’s Goop Summit
Gwyneth Paltrow used to be best known as an actress, but over the past decade she has earned an even greater reputation as a health guru. Her newsletter Goop promotes enviable lifestyles – travel, fashion, anything that looks great in photos – but with a central message to lead a clean and healthy life.
What we do and don’t know about the safety of marijuana during pregnancy
Marijuana has a healthier lifestyle than many other drugs (or, depending on who you ask, alcohol), and it can relieve symptoms such as nausea that commonly occur during pregnancy. But we are accumulating evidence that marijuana is probably not the best option for pregnant women. Specifically, the THC component can affect a child’s brain in ways that you might not notice until they get older.
Eating clean will not solve any of your problems
Nobody brags about eating junk. A healthy diet includes vegetables and avoids too much sugar , and if you eat this way, you can be satisfied that you are eating “clean.” But you know what? Eating clean is a trap.
Everybody lies about how to flatten your belly
Basic exercises will strengthen your abs, but they won’t affect the layer of fat on your abs. Likewise, no amount of leg exercise will make your thighs slimmer. And yet, headlines and tweets about shrinking certain body parts abound – even when the articles themselves contradict the headline.
Should you get an epidural?
Having a baby is inherently painful. During childbirth, a number of decisions are made to minimize risks and overcome pain that is unpredictable in both intensity and duration. Epidural anesthesia can help with pain, but how will it change the risks you and your child face?
Therapists tell us how the Trump era affected our mental health
If you hate looking at today’s Facebook memories of missing an election, or fear tomorrow’s memories of your reactions and those of your friends after the election, you are not alone. We spoke with five therapists about how choices and their consequences affected the mental health of their clients.
What you need to know before starting a ketogenic diet
Five people recently told me they were going to “try keto” – the last time after talking about a mutual friend who was on the keto diet, also known as the popular ketogenic diet, and had amazing results. You’ve probably heard the buzz about keto, but what the hell is it? Is it too good to be true?