Latest news with #KaitlinReilly
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Stop drowsy driving, embrace ‘Sardine Summer' and put orange juice in your eggs — plus 7 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health and wellness enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share this week's best tips for living your most awesome life. Summer is right around the corner, which means you're likely putting some R&R on your calendar. This week, writer Amelia Edelman wrote about why you should take a staycation or use your time off to enjoy activities closer to home. You'll skip the stress (and cost) associated with planning a big trip while still experiencing new things (that just so happen to be in your neck of the woods). For the most feel-good benefits, psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Reddy recommends prioritizing 'novelty, nature and a little bit of wonder' during your staycation rather than just using the time to catch up on laundry or watch TV. Consider planning a picnic at a park on the other side of town or trying a new hiking trail. Check out a museum or art gallery you've never been to before. And don't rule out booking a hotel room for the night (or even just buying a day pass so you can chill out by the pool). While you're dreaming about all the things you can do with your time off, look at the local weather forecast and peek at your horoscope to see what you can expect this Gemini season. Then check out the small steps you can take to make the week ahead great. If you're not going the staycation route, be wary of 'drowsy drowning' when you get back from your travels, BuzzFeed warns. Jet-lagged (or just worn-out) travelers are getting behind the wheel when they're too exhausted to drive safely, putting themselves and others at risk. While it's tempting to drive yourself home from the airport after a trip, it could be deadly: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving contributed to crashes resulting in 633 deaths in 2023. Sleep expert Jeff Kahn points to the danger of nodding off for a few seconds while on the road. These 'microsleeps,' he tells BuzzFeed, 'might not seem like much, [but] on a highway traveling at 65 mph, those seconds can mean the difference between life and death.' If you're getting in late, coming back from a long journey or just feel sluggish (whether you've traveled or not), ask a friend to give you a ride home or order an Uber. Fashion is getting fishy. While sardine-inspired prints are having a moment right now, the best way to jump on the Sardine Summer trend in our book is to pop some tinned fish in your pantry. Sardines are packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s, plus calcium and vitamin D. They also make a flavor-packed addition to any basic dish, from pizza to pasta. Try sneaking them into your pasta salad or add a few to your next charcuterie board. Eggs and orange juice are a part of the classic American breakfast. But did you know you can use OJ to make your scrambled eggs extra fluffy too? Our friends at the Takeout say that whisking eggs with a splash of juice before cooking kicks off a chemical reaction: The acid loosens the proteins, helping them trap more air. The result? Light, airy scrambled eggs. Just keep in mind that these eggs will be a bit sweeter than average. If you want a more savory taste, try adding lemon juice instead. Is your junk drawer full of wired headphones you're not sure what to do with? Store them in your carry-on suitcase, a pro-organizer tells House Beautiful. That way, you'll be ready to tune in on your next flight, saving you the hassle and expense of buying a new pair. Many Americans do not get enough magnesium, which should be about 400 to 420 mg daily for adult men and 310 to 320 mg for adult women, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That's a problem, because magnesium supports your immune system, helps regulate your muscle and bone function, and maintains heart health. One solution is to snack on nuts and seeds or focus on eating more magnesium-rich foods, which include spinach, black beans, avocado, bananas and dark chocolate. Wondering if you really need to eat before hitting the weights? The short answer: Probably. While fasted lifting might work for early risers or those with extra-sensitive stomachs, most people will feel and perform better with some fuel. That means working out when you've had a meal in the last three to four hours or a snack in the last hour, dietitian Jason Machowsky tells Women's Health. Confused about what to eat? Avoid fatty foods right before your workout. And according to dietitian Mallory Aldred, it's best to skip 'new foods, spicy foods, high-fiber foods that produce gas and anything that you're intolerant to'; you don't want to run to the restroom while at the squat rack. Try something like an egg and a piece of toast or string cheese and a cracker. Tomatoes are in season. Do you know the right way to clean them to get rid of any potential dirt, pesticides and bacteria residue? Simply Recipes breaks it down: Start by rinsing them thoroughly under cool running water, then use clean hands to gently rub the surface of each tomato before drying them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Just make sure you skip any soap or detergent, as tomatoes can absorb them. Want to ensure you're getting a deeper clean? Soak tomatoes in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups of water for 12 to 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse them well under running water and pat dry. Now you're ready for your pico de gallo or BLT. Packing can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to travel light. One easy way to make sure that all the clothes you pack will get multiple wears? Stick to a color palette so everything matches and you can get several outfit combos out of just a few items, style editor Joseph Cheatham writes in Men's Health. Neutrals like gray, black and tan are a safe bet, and you can jazz your clothes up with lightweight items like scarves, headbands or jewelry. Why would you possibly need a spatula in the bedroom? Some people are using the kitchen tool to help them make the bed, per House Digest. A spatula's flat, sturdy shape makes it ideal for sliding between the mattress and frame. The result? Crisp, hotel-style tucks. You brush your teeth. You even floss! Now, consider adding another step to your oral hygiene routine: scraping your tongue. Dentists tell Women's Health that tongue scraping removes bad bacteria from your mouth, improving your breath and even enhancing your sense of taste. 'Without enough saliva to naturally cleanse the mouth, debris lingers and accumulates on the tongue's surface,' dentist Dr. Chloe Tsang tells the outlet. Get started by brushing and flossing, then using a tongue scraper until you notice the film on your tongue is gone. Just make sure to be gentle; as with brushing and flossing, going too hard can cause trauma to the mouth.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Skip the instant oatmeal, cuddle at night and don't make this BBQ mistake — plus 8 more tips to improve your health
Hello, health and wellness enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share tips from around the internet that can help you live your best life. Get sticker shock every time you hit the grocery store these days? You're not alone, according to a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll. This week, Yahoo spoke to moms who feed their large families on a budget — and some are getting very creative. While installing your own restaurant-quality salad bar (like one mom did) may be out of reach, there are lots of cost-cutting secrets you can learn from them, like: shopping in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club, strategic meal planning (including snack planning!) and skipping prepackaged convenience items. Another hack to consider? Start your own veggie garden. With a little time in the dirt, you'll have fresh produce for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase at the store. And there's even evidence to show that gardening is good for your health — a win-win. Peek at the local weather forecast and look at your horoscope if you're so inclined. Then see what small steps you can take to make the week ahead awesome. There's a lot to like about oatmeal: It's hearty, and also packed with fiber, B vitamins and minerals. But we get it — when you're short on time in the morning, grabbing a packet of instant oats that you can quickly whip up makes a lot of sense. As Real Simple reports, however, instant oatmeal typically includes loads of added sugars and less of the nutrients you'll find in whole oats. 'This breakfast will likely be quickly absorbed and digested, and lead to some short-term energy, but leave you feeling hungry just an hour or two later,' dietitian Amy Davis tells the outlet. Want to save time in the morning and get all that good stuff? Consider prepping some overnight oats the night before. Jazz up a scoop of rolled oats with some milk and top it with fruit like blueberries or raspberries for extra fiber and vitamins. A scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt mixed in ups the protein content and keeps you feeling full for longer. Or, add seeds or nut butter, which contain healthy fats. Cuddling up to your partner while sleeping can help lower stress and strengthen your bond, according to new research from Auburn University. The study, which looked at 143 heterosexual couples, found that more snuggled up sleeping positions — think spooning, sleeping intertwined or even just face-to-face connection before dozing off — led to these benefits. But researchers also noted that being up close and personal doesn't necessarily translate to a good night's sleep (just ask anyone who runs hot or likes their space), in which case you might just want to settle for a quick hug before you nod off ... on your side of the bed. Hot dogs and hamburgers are warm-weather staples, but if you're firing up the grill for Memorial Day, don't clean it with a wire brush. Why? It turns out those metal bristles can break off and get into the food you're cooking, which is a major health risk. Not only can consuming one potentially harm your mouth and throat, but swallowing a bristle could cause a serious emergency. Data published in the journal Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery found that 1,700 people visited the emergency room due to wire grill brush injuries from 2002 to 2014. Trust us: A punctured stomach or intestine is not how you want to end a three-day weekend. While it's still important to clean your grill (you'll help prevent food buildup and reduce the risk of flare-ups, another potential hazard), you should opt for a non-wire brush instead. Taking a trip this Memorial Day? It may not be at the top of your packing list, but a pillowcase can come in handy when you're traveling. It's got a ton of uses: You can stuff a hoodie inside of it for a makeshift travel pillow, use it as a laundry bag or even have it double as a packing cube to keep your suitcase organized. One thing you might want to avoid, however, is the viral social media hack of trying to sneak it on your flight as a carry-on stuffed with clothes. While most airlines don't consider pillows part of your luggage, flight attendants are catching on and you could end up having to pay a fee. The Friday before Memorial Day is National Don't Fry Day, created by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention as a reminder to stay safe while spending time in the sun. Honor the holiday by wearing your sunscreen — yes, even if it's cloudy outside. Protective clothing, like rash guards that block UV rays or wide-brimmed hats, is also a great idea when enjoying time outside. And don't forget your sunglasses, which are more than just for the vibes: Pick sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, block both UVA and UVB rays and are labeled 400nm or UV400 for full coverage. Love making pepperoni pizza at home but struggle with the oil that comes with those little discs of flavor? To cut down on grease, precook your pepperoni before adding it to your pizza. Lay the slices in a single layer on a paper-towel-lined plate and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, which renders the fat. Then, blot the tops with another paper towel before transferring to your pizza. This step reduces excess oil and helps the pepperoni crisp up for a way better mouthfeel, minus the grease puddles. You know that nuts are good for you, but did you know that almonds can keep you regular in the bathroom? According to the experts over at EatingWell, this nut has a few things going for it: It's rich in magnesium, which helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract, and it has lots of fiber — about 3.5 grams per ounce — which adds bulk to your stool. Plus, almonds contain healthy fats, which help alleviate constipation. Eat almonds as a solo snack, mix them into trail mix or top your yogurt, salads or grain bowls with them for a digestive boost. Want to boost your mood? Try positive expressive writing — like jotting down what you're grateful for or imagining your best possible future. A systematic review published in PLOS One found these writing exercises consistently improve well-being, happiness and life satisfaction. The strongest benefits came from gratitude and 'best possible self' prompts, though the researchers believe the results may vary depending on the person. Try it out: Start a gratitude list, send a thank-you note to a loved one or write a letter to the best version of your future self. Taking a breather before you blurt out your next sentence can save your relationship during times of conflict, couples therapist Sinead Smyth tells Today. 'Don't fire off when you're in conflict,' Smyth says. 'Take a break, even if it's just a few seconds, and make a decision about whether it should be said or not and how you're going to say it.' Smyth suggests giving yourself a pause to find something positive you can respond with, rather than a snappy retort that, while maybe even technically right, could hurt your partner. Why is this such a big deal? Well, chances are this isn't the first (or last) time you'll argue about the same issue; many long-term couples revisit the same core conflicts over time. And if you respond with criticism in the heat of the moment, that pattern can build resentment and chip away at the relationship. Choosing your words carefully, even if it means pausing to bite your tongue, protects the connection you've built and makes space for more constructive communication. Forget cutting carbs — staying sharp in your 70s starts with adding high-quality ones to your plate, according to a study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. Per the research, women who ate more fiber and high-quality carbs — like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes — had a 31% greater chance of aging in good physical and mental health. That meant they lived to age 70 free of 11 major chronic diseases (including cancer, diabetes, stroke, arthritis and osteoporosis), had no memory or physical impairment and were in good mental health. An easy way to start? Instead of grabbing a candy bar as a midday snack, grab a banana. Not only will you get high-quality carbs and good-for-you fiber, but you'll also get a healthy boost of vitamins C and B6 as well as potassium. Wake up wanting to hit the snooze button? Break that bad habit by keeping a big glass of water next to your bed to sip on when you open your eyes. Experts tell EatingWell that hydrating first thing can help you stay energized, rather than groggy, in the morning. 'When we're tired, we're more likely to be dehydrated, and our cells need a little extra help so they can do all the jobs they have to do to take care of us,' dietitian Jessica Cording tells the outlet. Sipping water before your morning coffee can also help offset caffeine's diuretic effect and prevent you from feeling thirsty later on.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eat pineapple, avoid clutter creep and use this 4-word phrase to fall asleep — plus 6 more tips to improve your health
Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share this week's best health and wellness tips from around the internet. There's nothing Yahoo Life loves more than taking a walk — we've long written about the health benefits of getting your steps in, whether that's with some cozy cardio on a walking pad or a quick jaunt around the block at lunchtime. But what happens when your feet are hurting after all that walking? This week, Korin Miller explored the different reasons your dogs may be barking, and while that could include poor-fitting shoes, it may also be something else, like a posture or gait issue. If you're concerned, a podiatrist can help you assess the problem. In the meantime, with the weather warming up, now is a great time to take your strolls outdoors (buh-bye, treadmill). Spending time in nature can improve your mental health, help you sleep better and even boost your immune system. Got a coffee date with a friend planned this weekend? Take those lattes to go and catch up for a leisurely stroll. And in the meantime, look at the local weather forecast and check out your horoscope for a peek at your future. Then see what small steps you can take to make the week ahead fabulous. Summer is around the corner, and if it has you daydreaming of a tropical vacation, get into the spirit by eating pineapple. Not only is this tart yellow fruit rich in potassium, vitamin C and manganese, it's also been shown to help lower blood sugar, which can have a healthy impact on your heart. You can slice up this fruit and eat it plain, but if you're feeling creative in the kitchen, make a pineapple-based salsa with peppers and tomato. It tastes great on top of white fish like tilapia or cod. As Real Simple shared this week, 'clutter creep' is the gradual accumulation of stuff in your home — like that too-small pair of jeans you keep meaning to return, the pile of magazines you still haven't read or the holiday cards that have been collecting dust on your mantle since December. Dealing with all that stuff can take a toll on our mental health and make us feel too overwhelmed to want to tackle a cleaning project. To prevent it, try small daily habits: Set aside five minutes each day to clean up, and make sure everything you own has a designated 'home.' If it doesn't, toss it or donate it. Another helpful tip: Think twice before buying new items that will add to the clutter in your home. Sure, that candle smells nice, but do you have a place to put it, or will it just be one more thing you stash away in your cupboard? And do you really need a new shirt, or are you just looking for the extra hit of dopamine that comes with adding it to your cart? Taking a walk or pausing to do something else when you're shopping can help you snap out of that 'must buy now' mindset, experts tell Real Simple. Racing thoughts can keep you up in bed — so annoying! If you're struggling with rumination in the wee hours of the night, try this simple phrase to soothe your mind: 'This thought can wait.' Psychologists found that these words are helpful because they allow you to recognize a thought as opposed to forcing it away, which can make stewing on it worse. It also removes the urgency of repeating these thought patterns, which can exacerbate anxiety. I don't know about you, but sit-ups are my least favorite part of my gym routine. Strengthening your core, however, is vital for building stability, improving posture and preventing injury. Maddie Lymburner, who goes by MadFit on YouTube, has a core workout plan that doesn't involve sitting down at all, and it's just 10 minutes long. Pop it on next time you want your abs to burn. You know that dark chocolate has antioxidants, but did you know that it could actually be good for your gut, too? According to EatingWell, the slightly bitter treat has polyphenols, which are plant compounds that help calm inflammation in the body by neutralizing free radicals. Plus, a study published in 2022 found that healthy adults who ate one ounce of 85% dark chocolate daily for three weeks developed more diverse gut microbiomes compared to those who didn't. A healthy dessert idea: Dip strawberries or green apples in melted dark chocolate. There's a reason you might hear so much grunting at the gym. According to a new study in the Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance. Forcefully exhaling (whether or not it comes with a sound) has been shown to boost power and performance during intense moves, like a heavy lift or box jump. 'When you forcefully expire, you create abdominal pressure and maintain airflow — it's the best of both worlds,' exercise physiologist Alexander Rothstein tells Women's Health. 'You won't fatigue as quickly, and your core muscles will still be firing and stabilizing like they should.' You put quinoa in your salad and are all about oats — but have you heard of sorghum? There are plenty of reasons to eat this underrated ancient grain, which has a nutty flavor and texture similar to couscous. Not only is it high in micronutrients like iron, magnesium, B vitamins and potassium, it's also rich in plant-based protein: A half-cup serving contains 10 grams, keeping you full and satisfied while also helping you build muscle and other tissue. Try sorghum in this roasted sweet potato salad recipe, or even pop it on your stovetop — it's a great, higher-protein dupe for popcorn. The Guardian shared six conversations you should be having — including one that can enrich your relationship with an older person. The next time you talk to a friend or relative who has a couple of decades on you, ask them what they were doing at your age. Often, we only see people like our parents in one role: the one they've played in our lives, like caregiver. But by asking them about their past, we can see them from a new perspective. 'We get very caught up in what's different between us and other generations rather than what is the same,' family therapist and University of Exeter professor Hannah Sherbersky tells the outlet. But with this conversation, the older person is 'invited to step back into another aspect of themselves that perhaps they've lost touch with: a time they may have felt stronger or had more sense of agency in the world, or perhaps life was more complicated and they can reflect on how they feel more content now,' she says. You'll strengthen your bond and maybe learn a little about life in the process. Life is busy, but you still want a neat, tidy home. According to HuffPost, though, you can officially let yourself off the hook when it comes to tasks that are way more about busywork than the mental clarity that comes with organization. Those tasks include folding your underwear (it's not like they're ever on display!) and putting foods in different containers from their original packaging to make your kitchen cabinets look Pinterest-pretty. Instead, focus on things that will actually help you function throughout the day. Organizing your closet so you can more easily find your favorite top? Doing laundry so you have a fresh towel when you come out of the shower? That's what's going to keep you calm.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Stop making this handwashing mistake, eat shrimp and use the Pomodoro technique to clean up — plus 8 more tips to improve your health
Hello Yahoo Life readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the best health and wellness tips from around the internet. This week, Kerry Justich spoke to American track and field Olympian Gabby Thomas, who spilled her wellness routine. This includes drinking coffee, which Thomas says is 'one of the first things I do every morning.' The athlete may not be ditching coffee anytime soon, but plenty of people are, whether that's due to caffeine jitters or digestive woes. The good news? There are some excellent coffee alternatives on the market. This week, I explored whether beanless brews and coffee blends — some of which are made with mushrooms or upcycled ingredients like date pits — are a good solution for when you're craving a pick-me-up that isn't a traditional cup of joe. While experts say there's no reason to ditch coffee if your body responds well to it, you could get some perks by sipping on these beverages, such as a brain boost from adaptogens like reishi. Take a peek at the local weather forecast and, if so inclined, peruse your horoscope to see what the stars have in store. Then check out what small steps you can take to make the week ahead great. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases just released its State of Handwashing report, which revealed that 48% of Americans are not washing their hands at key times. But some may not be aware of what those times even are. For example, while most Americans sudsed up after going to the bathroom and handling food (phew!), the NFID says that we should also be washing our hands after visiting food-centric places — like a grocery store, restaurant or coffee shop — as well as the doctor's office, pharmacy or hospital. These places have the potential to be particularly germy, and those germs can go from your hands into your mouth, eyes or nose and get you sick. An easy habit to stick with? Wash your hands every time you come home, and make sure you're doing it the right way: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get under your fingernails. Don't forget to properly dry your hands too; wet hands spread germs more easily. May 10 is National Shrimp Day, but there are a lot of reasons to eat this crustacean year-round. One big benefit of shrimp is that it's very low in calories while also being high in protein — a three-ounce serving has about 20 grams of protein. Plus, it also contains minerals like potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Want to get the best-tasting shrimp? While it may make dinner take a little longer to prepare due to the de-shelling process, buying shrimp that are still in their shells will deepen that umami flavor. It's already May, and you still haven't gotten around to spring cleaning? It's time to stop procrastinating. Yes, organizing your closets and filing 6 months' worth of random paperwork can feel overwhelming, but Apartment Therapy has a handy hack: Try cleaning with the Pomodoro technique, a method in which you work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by five-minute breaks. The goal? Staying motivated while also breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Your house will get clean and you won't lose your mind in the process — a win-win! Weird … but kind of genius? A writer at Salon found that her smoothies tasted even better when she started using roasted fruit. Think roasting peaches with honey and cinnamon, or creating an apple pie-inspired smoothie by baking apples, storing them in the fridge overnight and then blending them with rolled oats in the a.m. It's a great way to make a morning smoothie way more exciting with new flavors. The latest fitness craze on social media? People doing 100 kettlebell swings a day. You don't need to do that many reps to enjoy the benefits of this exercise, however. 'Most of us spend a lot of time sitting — on our phones, at our computers, in our cars — which makes the front of our body super-tight and pulls us into that rounded, hunchback position,' personal trainer Nico Gonzalez tells Yahoo Life. 'When done correctly, kettlebell swings really activate the muscles along your spine, the backs of your arms and the backs of your legs, which helps bring your posture upright. So, it's actually a really great corrective exercise.' Research says that working out with kettlebells can improve your grip and muscle strength overall, as well as lower inflammation. This week, make your gym workout all about kettlebells with this five-move kettlebell plan. I recently hit up an infrared sauna on my longevity treatment journey and was so glad I did; there's nothing more relaxing than getting a good sweat in. But there's science behind the sweat too: Regularly using a sauna has been shown to reduce joint and muscle stiffness, improve your immune system and enhance sleep. Plus, spending time in a sauna has also been linked to a better mood. I, for one, am never happier. Try sitting in a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes, Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, a primary care physician at tells Women's Health. If you feel dizzy or sick, step out. "Sauna use should feel like a supportive ritual, not a challenge to power through,' Tolentino explains. "The key is to listen to your body — it should feel nourishing, not punishing." Gossiping has an admittedly bad reputation. But there's actually some good that can come from talking about others. 'Human connection through shared information and communication is core to who we are and connects us to each other,' Thea Gallagher, director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health, tells Fox News. 'We might feel closer to someone when we know they are confiding in us with information and vice versa.' And gossiping can also build empathy. For example, if you get wind that someone else is dealing with something (divorce, a sick parent, etc.) you can relate to, you may feel more connected to that person and be even more likely to open up to them in the future. The key to making sure gossip never becomes malicious or catty is to ensure it's coming from a place of curiosity, rather than to harm someone's reputation through the spread of mean-spirited comments. May 11 is National Foam Rolling Day, which should be your reminder to break out your roller after an intense exercise session. Foam rolling is a practice in which you use a foam cylinder (or sometimes even something spherical, like a hard rubber ball) to apply pressure to sore or tight muscles. This targets fascia, aka the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. It helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility, making it an excellent way to aid in recovery, not to mention prevent injury next time you work out. Need help getting started? Try these two easy exercises from Men's Fitness. And make sure to skip foam rolling your neck, joint areas or anywhere that you're already injured; you could do more harm than good. In the mood to try a new tea? Try dandelion tea — especially if you deal with digestive discomfort. Dandelion tea can help relieve bloating, which can potentially come from eating a high-sodium diet, thanks to its natural diuretic properties, helping to flush excess fluid from the body. But that's not the only reason to try this herbal tea: Dandelion tea is packed with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, in addition to being a good source of vitamin A. You may have seen the 'okra water' trend making its rounds on TikTok, with some claiming that this drink — which is made by soaking sliced raw okra pods overnight and straining out the solids — helps with blood sugar control. While there haven't been studies confirming this, there is still a good reason to eat okra, which is packed with fiber, minerals and antioxidants. It's specifically a great source of magnesium and folate, which support muscle and heart health. Try pickling it, using shorter pods and patting them dry before brining to avoid a slimy texture. Resistance training is so important for maintaining muscle mass and bone health. This week, change things up by picking up a medicine ball. Training with a medicine ball helps build 'explosive power, increases body strength, increases speed and provides more versatile movement in different planes,' fitness coach Tatiana Lampa tells Women's Health. You can slam a medicine ball, toss it or twist with it beyond what you could do with a traditional weight. Plus, the shape and feel of a medicine ball means it mimics real-world activities — like, say, lifting a toddler or carrying a bag of groceries — which helps build functional strength.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Stop making this handwashing mistake, eat shrimp and use the Pomodoro technique to clean up — plus 8 more tips to improve your health
Hello Yahoo Life readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the best health and wellness tips from around the internet. This week, Kerry Justich spoke to American track and field Olympian Gabby Thomas, who spilled her wellness routine. This includes drinking coffee, which Thomas says is 'one of the first things I do every morning.' The athlete may not be ditching coffee anytime soon, but plenty of people are, whether that's due to caffeine jitters or digestive woes. The good news? There are some excellent coffee alternatives on the market. This week, I explored whether beanless brews and coffee blends — some of which are made with mushrooms or upcycled ingredients like date pits — are a good solution for when you're craving a pick-me-up that isn't a traditional cup of joe. While experts say there's no reason to ditch coffee if your body responds well to it, you could get some perks by sipping on these beverages, such as a brain boost from adaptogens like reishi. Take a peek at the local weather forecast and, if so inclined, peruse your horoscope to see what the stars have in store. Then check out what small steps you can take to make the week ahead great. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases just released its State of Handwashing report, which revealed that 48% of Americans are not washing their hands at key times. But some may not be aware of what those times even are. For example, while most Americans sudsed up after going to the bathroom and handling food (phew!), the NFID says that we should also be washing our hands after visiting food-centric places — like a grocery store, restaurant or coffee shop — as well as the doctor's office, pharmacy or hospital. These places have the potential to be particularly germy, and those germs can go from your hands into your mouth, eyes or nose and get you sick. An easy habit to stick with? Wash your hands every time you come home, and make sure you're doing it the right way: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get under your fingernails. Don't forget to properly dry your hands too; wet hands spread germs more easily. May 10 is National Shrimp Day, but there are a lot of reasons to eat this crustacean year-round. One big benefit of shrimp is that it's very low in calories while also being high in protein — a three-ounce serving has about 20 grams of protein. Plus, it also contains minerals like potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Want to get the best-tasting shrimp? While it may make dinner take a little longer to prepare due to the de-shelling process, buying shrimp that are still in their shells will deepen that umami flavor. It's already May, and you still haven't gotten around to spring cleaning? It's time to stop procrastinating. Yes, organizing your closets and filing 6 months' worth of random paperwork can feel overwhelming, but Apartment Therapy has a handy hack: Try cleaning with the Pomodoro technique, a method in which you work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by five-minute breaks. The goal? Staying motivated while also breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Your house will get clean and you won't lose your mind in the process — a win-win! Weird … but kind of genius? A writer at Salon found that her smoothies tasted even better when she started using roasted fruit. Think roasting peaches with honey and cinnamon, or creating an apple pie-inspired smoothie by baking apples, storing them in the fridge overnight and then blending them with rolled oats in the a.m. It's a great way to make a morning smoothie way more exciting with new flavors. The latest fitness craze on social media? People doing 100 kettlebell swings a day. You don't need to do that many reps to enjoy the benefits of this exercise, however. 'Most of us spend a lot of time sitting — on our phones, at our computers, in our cars — which makes the front of our body super-tight and pulls us into that rounded, hunchback position,' personal trainer Nico Gonzalez tells Yahoo Life. 'When done correctly, kettlebell swings really activate the muscles along your spine, the backs of your arms and the backs of your legs, which helps bring your posture upright. So, it's actually a really great corrective exercise.' Research says that working out with kettlebells can improve your grip and muscle strength overall, as well as lower inflammation. This week, make your gym workout all about kettlebells with this five-move kettlebell plan. I recently hit up an infrared sauna on my longevity treatment journey and was so glad I did; there's nothing more relaxing than getting a good sweat in. But there's science behind the sweat too: Regularly using a sauna has been shown to reduce joint and muscle stiffness, improve your immune system and enhance sleep. Plus, spending time in a sauna has also been linked to a better mood. I, for one, am never happier. Try sitting in a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes, Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, a primary care physician at tells Women's Health. If you feel dizzy or sick, step out. "Sauna use should feel like a supportive ritual, not a challenge to power through,' Tolentino explains. "The key is to listen to your body — it should feel nourishing, not punishing." Gossiping has an admittedly bad reputation. But there's actually some good that can come from talking about others. 'Human connection through shared information and communication is core to who we are and connects us to each other,' Thea Gallagher, director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health, tells Fox News. 'We might feel closer to someone when we know they are confiding in us with information and vice versa.' And gossiping can also build empathy. For example, if you get wind that someone else is dealing with something (divorce, a sick parent, etc.) you can relate to, you may feel more connected to that person and be even more likely to open up to them in the future. The key to making sure gossip never becomes malicious or catty is to ensure it's coming from a place of curiosity, rather than to harm someone's reputation through the spread of mean-spirited comments. May 11 is National Foam Rolling Day, which should be your reminder to break out your roller after an intense exercise session. Foam rolling is a practice in which you use a foam cylinder (or sometimes even something spherical, like a hard rubber ball) to apply pressure to sore or tight muscles. This targets fascia, aka the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. It helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility, making it an excellent way to aid in recovery, not to mention prevent injury next time you work out. Need help getting started? Try these two easy exercises from Men's Fitness. And make sure to skip foam rolling your neck, joint areas or anywhere that you're already injured; you could do more harm than good. In the mood to try a new tea? Try dandelion tea — especially if you deal with digestive discomfort. Dandelion tea can help relieve bloating, which can potentially come from eating a high-sodium diet, thanks to its natural diuretic properties, helping to flush excess fluid from the body. But that's not the only reason to try this herbal tea: Dandelion tea is packed with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, in addition to being a good source of vitamin A. You may have seen the 'okra water' trend making its rounds on TikTok, with some claiming that this drink — which is made by soaking sliced raw okra pods overnight and straining out the solids — helps with blood sugar control. While there haven't been studies confirming this, there is still a good reason to eat okra, which is packed with fiber, minerals and antioxidants. It's specifically a great source of magnesium and folate, which support muscle and heart health. Try pickling it, using shorter pods and patting them dry before brining to avoid a slimy texture. Resistance training is so important for maintaining muscle mass and bone health. This week, change things up by picking up a medicine ball. Training with a medicine ball helps build 'explosive power, increases body strength, increases speed and provides more versatile movement in different planes,' fitness coach Tatiana Lampa tells Women's Health. You can slam a medicine ball, toss it or twist with it beyond what you could do with a traditional weight. Plus, the shape and feel of a medicine ball means it mimics real-world activities — like, say, lifting a toddler or carrying a bag of groceries — which helps build functional strength.
