March 2014 womansday.com 109

Healthy You

Rethink the reason you work out

Women who focus on the non–weight loss benefits of exercise (such as feeling less stressed, preventing disease or having more energy) are more likely to enjoy—and stick to—their routine than those who work up a sweat simply to shift the scale.

Partner with one or more friends

People are happier about exercising when they’re with others, according to a new study. So sign up for a yoga class, ask your spouse to join you on an evening stroll or visit meetup.com to find people in your area looking to work out with others.

{New research }

Love Your Workout!Experts found that regular physical activity is not only an instant mood booster, it can also help prevent depression. Try these feel-good tips to get motivated.

A SimpLe WAY to eAt LeSSWhen you’re faced with a tempting high-calorie candy bar, boost your resolve by clenching your fist. Firming your muscles helps shore up your willpower, according to a study in the Journal of Consumer Research. Experts discovered that those who stiffened their grip

reported having greater control over their food decisions. SOURCE: 7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet. Go to 7yearsyounger.com/WDY to order.

SOURCE: Michelle Segar, PhD, associate director, Sport, Health and Activity Research and Policy Center, University of Michigan

Save on healthcare

Eight out of 10 hospital bills contain

errors, according to the Medical

Billing Advocates of America. Protect yourself by calling

your insurance company before a procedure to ask for an estimate of

what your plan will cover. If your bill still seems off the mark, contact the hospital’s patient relations office.

SOURCE: Victoria Caras, founder, Aspen Medical Billing Advocates

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110 womansday.com March 2014

he alth News

Small Swaps for a Stronger Heart

Switching your eating habits to the Mediterranean diet—based on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and nuts—may help

reduce your risk of stroke. Try these smart substitutions.

{Sleep better tonight}One second to sounder sleep

Restless snoozer? You’re not alone: Fewer than half of Americans say they get a

good night’s sleep. For better-quality rest, switch on the lights the moment your alarm goes off. the bright wakeup call keeps your body clock on cue when it’s still dark out in the a.m., helping you fall

(and stay) asleep come bedtime. SOURCE: Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor of medicine, NyU School of Medicine

{Shape-up shortcut}A tRim tummY in one move

Spine Twist with Resistance Band a) Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place the resistance band behind your shins, then wrap it up and cross the ends so it makes an X. Lift feet off the ground until your legs are at a 90-degree angle. B) Stretch out the band until your arms are out to the sides on the floor. Bring legs to the right, keeping shoulders and arms connected to the floor, then draw legs back to the center. Repeat on opposite side. Keep alternating for 8 reps. Make it easier! Place your feet on the floor as you move legs side to side, keeping knees together.

SOURCE: Lara Hudson, star of the 10 Minute Solution: Tighten & Tone Pilates with Resistance Band DVD. Move demonstrated by health editor Rachel Morris.

Thera-Band Resistance Bands are available in many strengths (yellow is easiest). From $5.99 each; performancehealth.com

INStead of a side of rice try a side of lentils or chickpeas

INStead of ice cream try fat-free fruit sorbet

INStead of white winetry a glass of red wine

INStead of butter on bread try olive oil

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