Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

Looking for a change of pace? Or just a return to your childhood? Check out this Los Angeles Times article on fitness hoops. Apparently, Marisa Tomei is a fan. If you saw the 44-year-old actress in the “The Wrestler,” you know she’s doing something right.

An article in the most recent issue of Time caught my eye the other day—not surprisingly, with the headline blaring “How to Look Young: Eat More” (the article in the magazine, which I read initially, uses a different headline than the online version). According to the article, fat “can significantly smooth out wrinkles and give you a younger-looking face.” (more…)

I’m working on a magazine article about women and heart disease, a topic I’m posted about here before. But the article will include information on a new, hospital-supported online tool for assessing your risk of heart disease. The HeartAware risk assessment is offered by Edward Heart Hospital, located in a suburb of Chicago.

(more…)

I’ve written giddily in the past about the potential health benefits of drinking wine. Now I need to give equal time to some research that links moderate alcohol consumption with an increased risk of cancer in women. I don’t have time for a full write-up at the moment, but you can read about it in this Washington Post article.

Women’s Health suggests some “surefire ways to keep from being the clueless one in the gym locker room.”

(more…)

Here’s an unexpected benefit of running: According to two massive studies, running can reduce the risk of both cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

(more…)

The Women’s Health web site explains and illustrates 10 poses that women should do at least three times a week.

(more…)

Photo by Anne Siegel and published under CCSA 2.0.

Just in time for the Academy Awards, Fitness offers an “Oscars workout,” an “exercise routine designed to help you tone like an A-lister while watching your favorite stars on TV.”

Let me be upfront—there is absolutely no way I’ll be doing that workout. I’m much more likely to do this. The Oscars only come once a year, after all, so I say live a little. Personally, I’ll be hosting a Snackapalooza and feeling no remorse (not until Monday, anyway).

From Fitness magazine:

1)   Eat local (e.g., from farmers markets)

2)   Grow it yourself

3)   Chop it to have it ready

4)   Buy pre-washed and pre-cut veggies

5)   Keep them in front of the fridge

6)   Buy garlic and fresh herbs and spices

7)   Get inspired by healthy vegetable recipes

8)   Try some Fitness-recommended books

9)   Experiment

10) Learn how to buy quality vegetables

Just in time for the weekend, Fitness offers nine “sex positions that double as exercise.” With illustrations.

(more…)