Health | 100 Tips

Get the Look: Jennifer Lopez’s Sexy Workout Style

Photo: Instagram @jlo

It’s no secret that Jennifer Lopez has a rock hard, super-impressive bod. Equally as impressive? Her workout wardrobe. Whether she’s rocking a t-shirt and leggings or an oblique-baring crop top, the actress-singer always manages to put together sleek looks that have our inner fit girls swooning. Since we can’t raid her closet, we did the next best thing and rounded up some stylish and practical workout wear that we bet the toned star would approve of. (J.Lo abs not included—sorry.)

Instagram Photo

We love the Shades of Blue star’s bright, but simple, outfit. Plus, black with a pop of color will never go out of style at the gym. Throw your hair up in a messy ponytail and you’re set to go.

Sweaty Betty Yama Padded Yoga Bra ($65; sweatybetty.com)

Photo: Sweatybetty.com

Nike Pro Classic Padded Sports Bra ($40; bloomingdales.com)

Photo: Bloomingdales.com

Forever 21 Low Impact Mesh Sports Bra ($10; forever21.com)

Photo: Forever21.com)

Splits59 Ankle Leggings ($98; nordstrom.com)

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Monreal London Cropped Booster Leggings ($250; shopbop.com)

Photo: Shopbop.com

Instagram Photo

It’s hard to appreciate her playful workout ensemble when we’re distracted by those medicine ball torso twists with David Kirsch. (We can bet she was sore the next day.) If you look closely, you can see that beneath her cute graphic tee she’s wearing a sports bra that matches her black-and-white bottoms—and her sneakers. Don’t forget her signature top knot.

I Love Me White James V- Neck Tee ($72; peaceloveworld.com)

Photo: Peaceloveworld.com

Lucy ‘Make Fit Happen’ Graphic Tee ($35; lucy.com)

Photo: Lucy.com

Zella ‘Sun Chaser’ Tee ($38; nordstrom.com)

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Nike Pro Indy Padded Sports Bra ($45; macys.com) **IN BLACK AND WHITE

Photo: Macys.com

Heroine Sport V Bra ($110; revolveclothing.com)

Photo: Revolveclothing.com

Beyond Yoga Quilted Sports Bra ($77; nordstrom.com)

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Adidas by Stella McCartney Performance 7/8 Tight ($80; bandier.com)

Photo: Bandier.com

Vimmia Arc Pant ($124; bandier.com)

Photo: Bandier.com

Lorna Jane Quickstep F/L tight ($100; lornajane.com)

Photo: Lornajane.com

Athletic Propulsion Lab ‘Ascend’ Sneakers ($185; net-a-porter.com)

Photo: Net-a-porter.com

Under Armour UA SpeedForm Fortis ($110; underarmour.com)

Photo: Underarmour.com

Instagram Photo

The singer looks out of this world in her galactic leggings, not to mention those sky-high wedge sneakers. Even if you’re not shaking it across the stage like Lopez, you can rock this hip hop-inspired look at a barre class, yoga, even on a run. Don’t worry—we found a funky shoe that will keep you a little bit closer to Earth.

Capezio Tribeca Crop Top ($27; capezio.com)

Photo: Capezio.com

Danskin Nylon Mock Turtleneck Top ($14; danskin.com)

Photo: Danskin.com

Brooks Dash 1/2 Zip ($75; zappos.com)

Photo: Zappos.com

Zara Terez Crushed Makeup Performance Capris ($78; shopbop.com)

Photo: Shopbop.com

Onzie Celeste Long Legging ($65; zappos.com)

Photo: Zappos.com

Reebok Zpump Fusion 2.0 Running Shoe ($100; nordstrom.com)

Photo: Nordstrom.com

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Why More Obituaries are Opening the Book on Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

Photo: Getty Images

If a beloved family member or friend died of mental illness, would you tell the world why?

In a recent stunning and heart-wrenching story for The Washington Post, Eleni Pinnow, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, explained her decision to reveal what led to her sister’s death in her obituary, published in the Duluth News Tribune:

“By the time I sat down to write my sister’s obituary I knew that the opening line could only be one thing: Aletha Meyer Pinnow, 31, of Duluth (Formerly of Oswego and Chicago, IL) died from depression and suicide on February 20, 2016.”

Her admission marks a sea change in the way some obituaries are being handled. People are choosing to mention mental illness, suicide, and addiction in an effort to raise awareness about the realities of mental health issues.

“I had to tell the truth,” Pinnow writes in the Post. “My sister’s depression fed on her desire to keep it a secret and hidden from everyone.”

Odds are, you know someone with mental illness, as one in five adults in the U.S. suffers from it every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That’s nearly 44 million people. Still, you might not know who they are. Stigmatizing stereotypes have traditionally kept mental illness shrouded in silence.

So why are loved ones now choosing to be so honest in obituaries? “Keeping this secret is an incredible burden for families,” says Nathaniel Wade, PhD, a professor of psychology at Iowa State University. “Being able to talk about it can start the healing process.”

Speaking openly about depression, for example, or a drug overdose is a way to deal with the tragedy, but also create hope. “These families want to redeem something good from the horrible event that occurred,” says Wade. “I can see someone who is suffering from mental illness reading an obituary like this and thinking, ‘Look at the impact this has on my family, I’m going to get treatment.’”

That was what Alex Hesse’s brother and sister had in mind when they wrote Alex’s obituary after he overdosed on heroin, Cincinnati’s WLWT reported. “In life, one little decision can make a huge impact on not just you, but also those that love and care for you,” they wrote. The siblings went on to explain their decision to reveal their brother’s addiction: “Hopefully by making more people aware of Alex’s struggle, we can shed some light on this devastating issue.”

Shining a light on mental illness in general is crucial. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in some states, as few as 35% of adults agreed that people are caring and sympathetic to those with mental illness. Those who are suffering likewise reported a lack of compassion from the general public.

RELATED: 12 Signs of Depression in Men

A revealing obituary can help chip away at fear and stigmas. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, this is a real person who had a problem, but can’t we all relate to being depressed at times, or struggling with something?” Wade explains.

The aftermath of opening up publicly can be overwhelmingly positive, and families may find additional support from their community. But there are potential ramifications too, says Wade. Sadly the loved ones left behind may be shunned, or blamed for not being a good enough parent or sister or friend, he explains.

“It all depends on the situation, but I do think in general it’s better for families to be honest because of the degree of pain that comes from keeping this a secret,” Wade says. It doesn’t have to be a public declaration in an obituary, if you’re not comfortable with that. Simply speaking freely helps. Saying something straightforward like “he was a smart, funny, caring person who unfortunately battled with depression” can be a place to start.

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7 Signs of Aging Hands—and How to Prevent Them

Photo: Getty Images

You treat your face like a work of art, slathering on the best creams, sunscreens, and anti-agers in order to preserve its youthfulness. But what about your hands? Other than the occasional manicure, the delicate skin and nails are often overworked and unprotected. “Without a targeted regimen to slow down the onset of dark spots and textural changes, the hands can age a person faster than the face,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director or cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Use these derm-recommended strategies to keep your hands looking healthy and youthful to boot.

Sun Spots

The dark spots that mark the backs of hands are caused by years of sun exposure, explains Dr. Zeichner. Prevention is key as they typically become more prominent or multiply with age. Rub on a dime-sized dab of sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher before leaving the house and reapply frequently throughout the day. Choose one that also offers defense against infrared radiation, Dr. Zeichner says, which research shows travels deeper into skin than UVA and UVB rays to further accelerate aging. Try Dermaologica Solar Defense Booster Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($48; drugstore.com)

To fade existing spots, look for a product with melanin-inhibiting ingredients, such as licorice root, kojic acid, or niacinamide. We like super-silky feel of Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream ($30; sephora.com). Darker, more stubborn spots can be treated with dermatologist-approved fractional lasers (such as Fraxel); you may need up to three treatments at about $500 each.

Crepey skin

Exposure to UV light also leads to collagen damage that thins the skin and creates that crumpled Shar-Pei-like appearance. Your first line of defense: sunscreen. In addition, the same over-the-counter retinols used to treat facial wrinkles may also be used to improve the texture of hands, says Dr. Zeichner. Smooth on a pea-sized drop before bed to stimulate the production of thickening collagen. Pro pick: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer ($16; amazon.com). For a stronger solution, talk to your doctor about a prescription-only retinoid cream, such as Retin-A.

Prominent veins

Unfortunately, it’s inevitable: “The loss of fat volume that occurs with age exposes the veins that were previously tucked away,” explains Dr. Zeichner. While there is no OTC fix, creams with hyaluronic acid will temporarily plump up the skin to make veins less obvious. Try StriVectin Volumizing Hand Treatment ($29; amazon.com). Injectable fillers, like Sculptra or Radiesse, are commonly used to repair volume in the hands and hide veins by filling in the tissue around them, he adds (expect to pay around $800 per syringe).

Dry patches

Keeping your hands hydrated is a no-brainer. However, as you age, the skin barrier function weakens and becomes more susceptible to external irritants like soap and water. The result: increased dryness, inflammation and sometimes even cracks in the outer layer of skin. For all-day moisture, Dr. Zeichner recommends slathering on an emollient-rich hand cream that contains aluminum salts. “Similar to the technology that’s used in antiperspirants to prevent wetness from leaving the skin, aluminum salts are now being added to hand creams to create a barrier that keeps water in and irritants out.” Find them, plus hydrating glycerin and soothing colloidal oatmeal, in Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream ($8; drugstore.com). Because over-washing can dry out the skin and cause inflammation, minimize prolonged contact with water and reapply lotion each time you wash your hands.

Unkempt Cuticles

Not only to ragged bits look hella haggard, but they can also lead to infection and nail damage. Follow these steps a few nights a week to keep your cuticles like new: Use a chemical cuticle remover to dissolve dead cells (try Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, $5; target.com), then gently push back the skin with a nail grooming tool. Never cut the cuticles—it’s like opening a door for bacteria. Finish by swiping on an occlusive (meaning it sits on the surface of skin) ointment, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy ($6; drugstore.com), to repair the skin around the nail.

Stained nails

Yellow nails can add years to your look. While discoloration is likely the result of polish wear and tear, it may be a sign of a more serious fungal infection, so first check in with your doctor. To remove stains caused by nail polish, rub your nail beds with a lemon wedge; the natural citric acid will lighten the yellowish cast. Then smooth the surface and restore shine with a nail buffer. Try the new electronic Amope Pedi Perfect Nail File ($50; amazon.com), which comes with three interchangeable heads.

Oldschool mani

News flash: A square nail with a thick white tip is pretty outdated. But that doesn’t mean you need crazy nail art to appear youthful. Instead, go for a trendy—and flattering—almond-shaped mani. Pointed tips are super ladylike and can make short, wrinkled fingers appear long and lean. To start the shaping process, snip the sides of nails at a diagonal angle, leaving a small flat tip to round out. Using a glass nail file—its fine grit allows for cleaner shaping than a coarse board—alternate filing both sides toward the center of the nail until the corners are blended into an almond shape, then smooth over the edges with a nail buffer. Stick to sophisticated polish shades like pastel pink or beige, and check out what’s on trend for spring.

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Mindfulness Training May Ease PTSD

FRIDAY, April 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness training can trigger brain changes that help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manage disturbing memories and thoughts, according to a new study of war veterans.

The goal of mindfulness training is to help people develop in-the-moment attention and awareness.

This study included 23 U.S. veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who all received some form of group therapy. After four months of weekly sessions, many had reductions in their PTSD symptoms.

However, some of the participants received mindfulness training, and only those veterans showed brain activity changes that could be detected on functional MRI brain scans. Before mindfulness training, when the veterans with PTSD were resting quietly, they had extra activity in brain regions involved in responding to threats or outside problems, the study authors said.

After mindfulness training, the veterans developed stronger connections between two other brain networks: one involved in inner, sometimes wandering thoughts, and another involved in shifting and directing attention.

“The brain findings suggest that mindfulness training may have helped the veterans develop more capacity to shift their attention and get themselves out of being ‘stuck’ in painful cycles of thoughts,” said study co-leader Anthony King, a researcher at the University of Michigan’s psychiatry department.

“We’re hopeful that this brain signature shows the potential of mindfulness to be helpful for managing PTSD for people who might initially decline therapy involving trauma processing,” he said in a university news release.

“We hope it may provide emotional regulation skills to help bring them to a place where they feel better able to process their traumas,” King concluded.

The study was published in the journal Depression and Anxiety on April 1, to coincide with its planned presentation at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s annual conference in Philadelphia.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on post-traumatic stress disorder.

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More of World’s People Are Now Obese Than Underweight

THURSDAY, March 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More people worldwide are obese than underweight, a new study found.

The researchers added that about one-fifth of adults could be obese by 2025.

The number of obese people in the world rose from 105 million in 1975 to 641 million in 2014, with obesity rates rising from 3 percent to 11 percent among men and from 6 percent to 15 percent among women, the study found.

Over the same time, the proportion of underweight people fell from 14 percent to 9 percent of men and from 15 percent to 10 percent of women, according to the study.

More than one-quarter of severely obese men and nearly one-fifth of severely obese women in the world live in the United States, the researchers said.

On average, people worldwide have become an average of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) heavier each decade. At the current pace, about 18 percent of men and 21 percent of women will be obese, and more than 6 percent of men and 9 percent of women will be severely obese by 2025, the study found.

The findings were released online on March 31 in The Lancet.

“Over the past 40 years, we have changed from a world in which underweight prevalence was more than double that of obesity, to one in which more people are obese than underweight,” said study senior author Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, in England.

“If present trends continue, not only will the world not meet the obesity target of halting the rise in the prevalence of obesity at its 2010 level by 2025, but more women will be severely obese than underweight by 2025,” he said in a journal news release.

“To avoid an epidemic of severe obesity, new policies that can slow down and stop the worldwide increase in body weight must be implemented quickly and rigorously evaluated, including smart food policies and improved health care training,” Ezzati said.

Despite the findings, extremely low weight remains a serious public health problem in the poorest parts of the world, the researchers noted. For example, nearly one-quarter of people in south Asia are underweight, as are 15 percent of men and 12 percent of women in central and east Africa.

The study findings reflect “a fatter, healthier but more unequal world,” wrote George Davey Smith in an accompanying journal editorial. He is a professor of clinical epidemiology at the University of Bristol, in England.

“A focus on obesity at the expense of recognition of the substantial remaining burden of undernutrition threatens to divert resources away from disorders that affect the poor to those that are more likely to affect the wealthier in low-income countries,” he noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases outlines the health risks of being overweight.

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Booze-Branded Merchandise May Spur Teen Drinking

By Don Rauf
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, April 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Teens who own caps, shirts, and other merchandise displaying alcohol logos are more likely to drink, a new study finds.

Australian researchers reviewed results from 13 studies looking at alcohol-branded merchandise and teen alcohol use. The research included more than 26,000 kids and teens, mostly from the United States.

Four studies looked specifically at young people who hadn’t started drinking alcohol. Those who owned alcohol-branded merchandise were more likely to start drinking a year later, the researchers said.

Findings from the study were published online April 1 in the journal Pediatrics.

While the study found an association between ownership of these items and teen drinking, it wasn’t able to prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

“It is possible that owning the merchandise makes young people more likely to drink, or that young people who drink are more likely to want to own the merchandise, or a combination of these effects,” explained study leader Sandra Jones. She’s director of the Centre for Health and Social Research at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.

Dr. Victor Strasburger, lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Children, Adolescents, and Advertising policy statement, said, “The studies showed that this ownership contributes to onset of drinking, not amount of drinking.

“But we know that when teenagers begin drinking, they tend to binge drink, not use good judgment, and drive when drunk or intoxicated,” he added.

Based on her research, Jones believes that promotional alcohol items encourage a culture of drinking among teens.

“As they transition through adolescence, young people are developing their sense of identity,” she said.

“The things that they wear, carry, and consume help to create and convey their desired identity. There is increasing evidence that brands facilitate this by allowing the young person to take on and project the desirable characteristics that are associated with that brand. These characteristics and brands then become a part of their sense of self, as well as the way that others see them,” Jones said.

In addition to hats, caps and T-shirts, other examples of alcohol-related products include accessories, such as bags, backpacks, belts, lighters, sunglasses, wallets and key rings. Other promotional items include drinking glasses, utensils, cooler bags, bottle openers and coffee cups, the researchers said.

Depending on the study, ownership of such items ranged from 11 percent to 59 percent of the young participants. Ownership was higher among older children and males, the researchers said.

Most of the studies didn’t find any gender differences. But two studies did find that the association between branded merchandise and drinking issues was actually stronger for girls.

Interventions to reduce the availability of these items to young people are needed, according to Jones. “A first, and very simple, step would be to restrict the sale of these items to outlets where the sale of alcohol is allowed,” she said.

She also recommended that alcohol-branded clothing not be made in children’s sizes. Alcohol-related toys and gimmicks that appeal to children should also be discontinued, she added.

Jones believes that parents can play an important role in preventing or limiting children’s ownership of these items.

“Many of these items are given away for free at promotional events or as gifts with purchase, and parents may hand them on to their children — or allow others to do so — without processing the fact that they are providing their child with extended exposure to an advertisement for an alcohol brand,” she said.

Strasburger said the media are often irresponsible when it comes to alcohol. “They depict alcohol use as normative behavior, or a solution for complex problems, or show being drunk as funny,” he said. “We spend something like $5 million on alcohol advertising every year, then we wonder why so many teenagers drink. It’s not rocket science.”

More information

Read more about children, alcohol and advertising from the RAND Corporation.

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