May 2010

Indoor Tanning is Toxic, Too

May 28, 2010 at 11:08 am, by Emily Chau

Not convinced that indoor tanning is dangerous? Better take a look at the findings of this brand-new, large-scale study in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Researchers from the University of Minnesota found that people who’ve tanned indoors are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) than those who’ve stayed away from tanning beds. Their findings add to mounting evidence that there’s nothing pretty about indoor tanning.

Want to learn more about skin cancer, tanning and its risks? Check out the first article in our three-part series on skin cancer.

Previous research demonstrated a weak link between tanning beds and melanoma. But this study establishes a much firmer association, supporting what many dermatologists have long suspected: Indoor tanning, regardless of what type of device used, increases your risk for melanoma. In fact, using high-speed/high-intensity devices doubles your risk; high-pressure devices can quadruple it. Moreover, the more you use tanning beds (whether measured in hours, sessions or years), the greater your risk. The FDA is so concerned, it’s considering a ban on their use among teens.

So are tanning beds worse than sun exposure? It’s unclear, but you can burn from both. “The real take-home message is that UV radiation, regardless of its source, is harmful,” says lead researcher DeAnn Lazovich, Ph.D.

Not convinced that pale is beautiful? Try our favorite sun-less tanners.

Photo courtesy Evil Erin

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Going to the Hospital

May 27, 2010 at 5:18 pm, by Sue Erneta

Earlier this week, my 5-year-old, Sophia, had hernia surgery. Yes, I know, I thought that was something that only old men get but apparently it’s quite common in kids.

I was reassured by her surgeon that she’d be in and out of the hospital in three hours and that the actual surgery itself would only take about 30 minutes. I was also told that I could be with her while she was being put out and that she wouldn’t even get an IV until she was asleep. This was all comforting to me but still, my baby was having SURGERY so I was pretty nervous.

Then I had to face the task of explaining what was going to happen to Sophia. Well, I must have sold it pretty well because she couldn’t wait to get there! I highly recommend this if you’re dealing with a young kid. Amongst the exciting things that would take place were: 1) You’ll get to wear a special nightgown that’s open in the back! 2) You’ll go to sleep like Sleeping Beauty! 3) I’ll be with you before you go to sleep and I’ll be wearing a funny suit, like the one Daddy wore in the pictures from when you were born! 4) You’ll get to ride down the hall on a bed with wheels! 5) You’ll get to pick out any toy you want at Target for being so brave!  And 6) After we get back from the hospital you can lay in my bed and watch TV all day!

Of course, I threw in “It’ll hurt a little bit but you’ll get to take pink medicine so it’ll feel better” and “There will be a little boo-boo near your belly button but it’ll go away” so she wasn’t totally upset when she learned that it wasn’t all fun.

In the end, she made it out like the brave little trooper she is and I hope that when she remembers this experience down the road, she’ll think about the fun adventure rather than the little bit of pain.

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Beauty Coach: Keep Your Cool

May 27, 2010 at 11:55 am, by Erica Metzger

I usually love being a beauty guinea pig—except when it’s time to test out the new antiperspirants and deodorants. It’s nerve-wracking to leave the house not knowing whether you’re going to end up with sweaty pit stains or stinky BO. Luckily, you don’t need to go through the same trial-and-error because I’ve put together a list of my favorite formulas, just in time for summer!

Need extra TLC? If you have sensitive underarm skin, avoid sprays and gels which can be  irritating.  Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Light Radiance passes my ultimate test because it doesn’t irritate freshly shaved skin and doesn’t leave marks on your clothes.

Are you a multi-tasker? Secret Smooth Effects AP/deodorant keeps you fresh and dry, and softens underarm hair so you can skip a shave or two without noticing stubble.

Do you sweat like a Super Soaker? Use an industrial strength antiperspirant that contains  higher levels of aluminum salts than the usual fare. I like BAN Clinical Roll-on or Certain Dry Anti-Perspirant Solid.

Are you anti antiperspirant? If you’re concerned about blocking your pores, skip traditional AP’s and stick to a deodorant. Just remember, it will protect you from odor, not from sweat. I love the honeysuckle and tea tree oil scent in Degree Women Natureffects Deodorant Solid. Lavanila Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla also has a natural, clean scent.

Want to try something like Botox? Did you know you can get Botox injections to prevent heavy sweating? It’s effective but expensive, so for an over-the-counter option try DERMAdoctor Med e Tate towelettes. Our assistant beauty editor Mandy loves this formula for high-sweat occasions like summer weddings, however she warns that you need to top it with deodorant because it only fights sweat and not odor.

Want more hot-weather beauty tricks and product picks? Check out our June story on the best ways to get your skin ready for summer.

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Five Great, Affordable Summer Wines

May 27, 2010 at 10:41 am, by Julie Bain

As the holiday weekend approaches to kick off the summer season, my thoughts turn to backyard grilling and summer wines. Yes, I’m your health director, but I also believe in the healthy power of good food and wine shared with friends and loved ones. Hey, there are studies to back it up!

I was a food and wine writer for many years, and I’ve tasted many bottles, from the greatest to the most modest. For summery backyard and picnic foods, I love light, crisp, good-value wines. Here are a few of my favorite warm-weather crowd-pleasers (prices vary, but all of these can usually be found for under $15), followed by a grilled chicken recipe that would go well with any of them.
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Go Ask Gab: Bathing Suit Care

May 26, 2010 at 4:14 pm, by Gabrielle Porcaro

What’s the right way to care for and wash your swimsuit? — Tara

Here’s what you should do—and what I should do to because (I’ll get real with you) I usually just rinse mine after a day at the beach or pool, dry it and then throw back in my beach bag. Do as I say, not as I do!

First, you should rinse your suit with tap water right after swimming whether you were in a pool, ocean or lake. Then lay it out flat to dry.

Later when you get home, you should hand wash your suit with a delicate soap like Soak, Forever New or my personal pick Tocca (Florence is my fave scent.) Then hang to air dry.

You should always wash your suit after every wear. Chlorine, salt and your body’s oils and odors can all destroy your swimsuit because they can lead to the breakdown of the elasticity of the fabric. Another rule of thumb: Never put a swimsuit in the washing machine or dryer, which will create pilling and ruin your suit.

Need a new bathing suit? Check out our swimsuit guide in our June issue, or online!

Photo via LHJ 1932.

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How To Find A Pet-Friendly Hotel

May 25, 2010 at 12:20 pm, by Amanda Wolfe

If you’ve ever tried to travel with your cat or dog, you know that it can be tricky to find hotels along your route (or at your destination) that accept your furry travel buddies. Whether it’s a vacation or a road trip to visit family, it’s important to do a little research before you leave to make sure your pet is welcome. First step: watch our adorable pet-friendly hotel review video with Sophie, assistant food editor Khalil Hymore’s super-cute pup. Ok it’s not really a necessary step, but it is a cute video so you should watch! Then use these tips to plan your trip.

* Most national chains have pet-friendly programs. We visited the Muse (part of the Kimpton group of hotels) and the Hilton New York. Both of these companies have pet-friendly hotels across the country. The key is to call the hotel at your specific destination to make sure they’ve opted in to the pet-friendly program (some don’t).

* Ask if there’s a fee for Fido to stay. Some hotels charge a flat rate and some fees are nightly. Prices vary, so definitely check before you book because you could save a bundle (or get stuck with some hefty “hidden costs”).

* Ask about what kind of amenities are provided for your pet. Some hotels hand out pet beds, bowls, treats and even super-cute toys. Some just accept pets but don’t provide any extras. The extras can, of course, be fun and convenient—but if you’re charged more for them they’re not always worth it.

* Find out what the policies and rules are. Lots of hotels with restaurants or bars attached don’t allow pets in those areas, and some hotels prefer that you keep pets in their carriers or on their leashes when you’re in public areas.

* Search online. There are several sites that help you pinpoint the right hotel for you and your pet. Petswelcome.com has a great database with amenity and fee info, plus websites and phone numbers. Pet-Friendly-Hotels.net also has a good search.

* Last but not least, if you can’t find a traditional hotel at your destination, check out B&Bs and vacation home rentals. Policies are set by the individual owners but we’ve found that “mom and pop” places often welcome pets.

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A Heart to Heart with Emily Giffin

May 21, 2010 at 5:35 pm, by Jennifer Castoro

I happen to be a huge fan of chick lit. Not the sappy, preachy, predictable-ending kind where the heroine gets the man and the job and the cake and eats it too, but the realistic, emotional, relatable kind where the heroine finds herself and her happiness and maybe a man, if he’s lucky. So I was excited to get the chance to talk to Emily Giffin, author of Something Borrowed (currently being filmed in NYC) and Something Blue, about her new book, Heart of the Matter, which hit stores on Tuesday. It’s the intertwined story of a single, working mom, a stay-at-home mother and her pediatric surgeon husband, the event that links the three of them together and what happens when they all make decisions they can’t take back.

This book is a little more serious than your earlier novels.

My characters have grown up as I’ve grown up. I think as you get older and you make the decision to have children,  things become more serious in that your mistakes can impact somebody else. But I don’t see this as a radical departure from what I’ve done. I’ve always written about the complexities of relationships. As I wrote this book I thought a lot about how we tend to view our lives as these fairy tales, these picture-perfect stories, and when something doesn’t fit within that – when somebody disappoints us or a relationship isn’t exactly what we thought – we tend to panic. I write a lot about redemption and forgiveness, because I think forgiveness and empathy are the keys to so much in life. I also think it’s important sometimes to say, okay, there was a mistake made or a misturn, and we need to embrace it. I think there can be beauty in the mistakes.

Where did the inspiration for the new book come from? Did you know what would happen when you started writing?

I definitely start out with a premise, like what if you ran into your one who got away, or what if you and your soulmate suddenly wanted very different things, or if you fell in love with your best friend’s fiancée. From that premise I come up with characters, and the characters really drive it. That said, I definitely have a sense of beginning, middle and end when I write. I have this very basic outline of a story, it’s just fleshed out so much as I get to know the characters.

How’s the movie, Something Borrowed, coming along? Are you involved in the production? [It's currently filming in NYC, and stars Kate Hudson, John Krasinski and Ginnifer Goodwin.]

I’ve been very involved. They have included me in everything from discussions about the script to casting and everything in between. It’s been really fun. When I saw the set design for Rachel’s apartment, and I went back and read the book, I hadn’t even described some of the things yet it was exactly how I pictured it to be. It’s crazy how much it feels like my vision is being brought to life. So it’s really exciting. And I have a cameo!

[BOOK SPOILER ALERT!!!! Well, semi-spoiler alert. The bit I'm giving away happens pretty early! Read on after the jump.]

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